This is our 14th, now-annual, Weekend in the Word. Jesse Jost will be presenting his third installment of Church History, bringing us up to the present day. Read on to get all the details … and if those aren’t enough send us an email.
Dates: April 3 – 5, 2015
Location: Foremost Community Hall, Foremost AB
Topic: Church History, part 3, 1800 – Present
Speaker: Jesse Jost
Cost: $60.00 per person
Audience: recommended for 15 years and older, with parents always welcome
How to Register or Register Online
Register by: March 27, 2015
Topic Details
Church History: Part 3, 1800 – Present
Two hundred years ago life was drastically different. Nothing, including information, traveled faster than a horse. Most of the world was held by a few powerful empires ruled by age-old monarchies. Fights for independence and stunning breakthroughs in technology led to dramatic upheaval and transformation. In the past two hundred years we earthlings have experimented with just about every type of government possible, from radical democracy to communist tyranny. Some of the results have been catastrophic as tens of millions of people starved to death in the 1900s alone. WW2 led to the premature death of almost 70 million people and resulted in mounds of rubble, shattered economic structures, and the ominous descending cloud of a godless and ruthless government.
For the church, this period included a incredible worldwide dispersion of selfless, passionate missionaries and saw Christianity take root in almost every corner of the globe. There have been countless revivals that revitalized communities and reformed governments. Sadly, we have also seen the church fall deeper into disunity and schism as the number of denominations grows almost yearly. The church has gone toe to toe with communist dictators, alcohol, godless science, and rampant immorality. It has won some major victories, but has also faced colossal embarrassment.
Two hundred years of religious freedom and prosperity have given groups of people time to philosophize and experiment with new ideas and church constructs. From communal utopias, to seeker-friendly mega churches, to non-denominational house churches, the church has taken many colourful forms, all in an attempt to reach the radically changing young people.
Traditional churches and denominations are losing people at an alarming rate. Our pluralistic culture and instant internet communications have given people and un-paralleled opportunity to learn about and experience other worldviews and religions. The sexual revolution, among other factors, has led to the demise of the family worldwide, leaving young people feeling lost and hungry for a spiritual connection. They don’t want to be a part of bigoted religion that they feel is behind so much of world strife, but they are searching. The foundations of western civilization and freedom are crumbling. We in the church need a wake-up call to reclaim what we had before it is lost.
While the scene in the West looks bleak, there is an incredible work of God’s Spirit in places like South America, China, and Africa. Until Jesus returns, God cares about this planet and the 7 billion people who are currently on its stage. What is the role God is calling you to in the advancing of His Kingdom? What can you learn from the mistakes and successes of those who have faithfully gone before you? These are exciting times full of opportunity. Hopefully this study of the recent past will inspire you to action and guide your vision as you put your trust in King Jesus who rules supreme over every inch of this universe.
Listen to Part 1 & 2 of this series
Speaker Details:
Jesse Jost enjoyed 12 years of home education, following them up with several years of study in apologetics and church history. He works as a handyman with his brother, speaks at various venues, and writes on the side. He and his wife have a website of books and articles: www.purityandtruth.com.