Emmaus Essentials – Church History I – The Ancient Church

Hello Emmaus,

After spending 6 weeks studying the Reformation many have expressed a desire to understand more about church history. Some have asked, “so what happened in the church in the days after the Apostles were alive?” That’s a very important question, and one that will be thoroughly answered in this course.

Join us online or in class (Sunday’s at 8:30am in the DVMS library) from November 9th through February 14th as we study ancient church history. Our instructor will be Dr. Robert Godfrey. The study will take us from approximately AD 100-600.

Each lesson consists of a 23 minute video (or audio), a brief quiz, and an opportunity to interact online via discussion board (optional).

If you wish to read a good book on this subject (not required) I would recommend “The Early Church” by Henry Chadwick, which is available in the Emmaus Bookstore.

I trust that we will be better equipped to understand and respond to the issues of our day after learning from those who have gone before us. Remember, history has a tendency to repeat itself!

Please register for Church History I by going to emmauscf.org/essentials.

God Bless,

Pastor Joe

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GCG for Sermon on 10/19/14

Text: John 1:29-34

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. In light of the sermons content, how are you doing in your battle with sin? Do you make confession of your sins a regular habit? Share with your group.

2. What does john mean when he uses term “world”? Share and support with other scriptures.

3. What has stuck out to you most thus far in the first chapter of John? Why? Share.

Family Application: What methods have you (will you) use to teach your children the concept of sin? Share.

Evangelism Application: Our church contributes to heart cry ministries. What is this ministry and what is their model for missions? What do you think about this model? Share.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Posted by Russell. No Comments

GCG Questions for Sermon on 09/21/14

Text: John 1:6-13

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. What did Jesus come to accomplish in His coming to earth? (note: there are multiple answers to this question) discuss.

2. Who are the “seven witnesses” that bare witness to who Christ is? List and discuss. See sermon notes.

3. Is Christ central to your life? If yes, share how you keep your self focused and humbled. If not, share why not.

Family Application: Are you being faithful and diligent in your family devotions? Share.

Evangelism Application: How can the words and information given in John 1 be useful in your personal evangelism? Share.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Posted by Russell. No Comments

GCG Questions for Sermon on 09/14/14

Text: John 1:1-5

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. What does John want his readers to know and understand about Christ in the first verses of chapter 1? (The sermon listed 8 points…see sermon notes) List each point and discuss each. Also, share which point stood out to you the most and explain why.

Family Application: Teaching one’s children about the person and divine nature of Christ can be difficult (to say the least). What advice could you give to other current (or future) parents on how to teach children about who Jesus is?

Evangelism Application: How has contemporary culture distorted the true person and work of Christ? What other religions are founded on a distortion of the person and work of Christ? Discuss and explain.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Posted by Russell. No Comments

GCG Questions for Sermon on 09/07/14

Text: John 20:30-31

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. What is the benefit of looking at the big picture of a book of the Bible before studying the details?

2. Who do you think wrote the Fourth Gospel? Does knowing the author of a book of the Bible matter, ultimately?

3. Why was this gospel written?

4. If the emphasis of the Gospel of John important today? Is it important for new believers? Is it important for seasoned believers? Why?

5. Have you read through John from beginning to end? If so, what insights were gained from that experience?

Posted in Study Guides, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. No Comments

GCG Questions for Sermon on 08/31/14

Text: Acts 2:42-47

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. What is the danger of believers continually looking for God to work the extraordinary in their lives? Have you even been guilty of wanting God to do the extraordinary, when in fact God was working in the ordinary? Explain. Share.

2. What are the “means of grace” mentioned in this portion of scripture? Are you devoted to these means of grace in your own life? Share.

3. What are the names of the 12 apostles? 🙂 It would serve you well to have these memorized, as we are to devote ourselves to their teaching.

Family Application: How are you doing in your family devotions? Share with your group.

Evangelism Application: Staying true to the theme of the sermon, what ordinary and plain things can you do in your life to evangelize to the people around you on a regular basis? Share.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Posted by Russell. No Comments

GCG Questions for Sermon on 08/24/14

Text: James 5:19-20

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. Are you allowing others to help you in your Christian walk, or have you been more prone to try to do things on your own strength and wisdom? Give examples.

2. Is there a Christian you know who has been living or acting in intentional sin or who has wandered from the truth? Do you believe that God is calling you to be involved in confronting or exposing their sin in some way? Share.

3. Are you living with intentional affection for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ around you? Are you living with a love for those who are lost? Share.

Family Application: How is sin be addressed in your household? How are you keeping your family engaged in the Christian faith, so that they do not fall into sin?

Evangelism Application: As Christians, it is our job to be the light of the world, not to convict the world. What can you do (or what have you been doing) to try and reach out to worldly and sinful individuals. Share.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Posted by Russell. No Comments

GCG Questions for Sermon on 08/17/14

Text: James 5:13-18

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. How has this potion of scripture been taken out of context and improperly applied throughout church history? Explain.

2. Does God still heal today? How? Share.

3. Do you run to God or away from God when difficulties take place in your life. Explain. Share.

4. Do you have any sins that need to be confessed to your group? Confess, share, and pray.

5. Spend time as a group paying expectantly for prominent issues and topics in your group.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Posted by Russell. No Comments


"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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