The increase in terrorism, the push for gender fluidity, the eradicating of Christianity from schools – During these worrying times, Earl Blackburn shows that learning about our history can be one of the best tools for encouraging us in our faith. Hearing stories of the perseverance of Christian heroes such as John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, and William Wilberforce is inspirational for everyday struggles; while seeing how God has grown His church through times of hardship and persecution helps us to have courage about the church of today.
From the foreword:
“Throughout these chapters, Blackburn explains why he considers each of the chosen events as a part of necessary knowledge for today’s Christian. He shows why the issue developed, what is positive about the event or movement, what dangers exist, and what kind of contemporary significance it has. He gives us sketches of true godliness in which grace often grew to heroic proportions. He gives terse and accurate insights into church councils and the theological impact that has emerged from them. He shows why confessions have developed, how they embody vital elements of gospel witness, the vibrancy that can be manifest in confessional Christianity, and the deadness and nominalism that comes from a Christianity that is merely confessional.
Time well-spent in a church’s life would include classes using this book as a guide to understanding many vital aspects of Christian truth. Broken into very readable portions and written with engagingly clear diction, Fifty World-Changing Events neither
intimidates the novice nor insults the initiated. This treatment of historical high points in the church will help arm the entire spectrum of believers against the ever-overflowing pool of religious error. Such study will increase Christian faithfulness and serve as an encouraging witness to God’s faithfulness.”
About the Author
Earl M. Blackburn started ministry in Utah, carrying the gospel to the Mormons. He then pastored at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, California for 22 years. He has traveled extensively preaching in the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Endorsements
“… As a professor of Church History, one of the most frequent questions I am asked is for a recommendation of a simple survey of the life of the church over the last 2,000 years. Now I have the answer to that question.”
James M. Renihan, Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies, Escondido, California
“This book is a blessing because of the author’s extensive research, careful thought, wise humility, and her desire to be biblical and God-honoring. May it be used to glorify God in all who read it!”
Kent Keller, Associate Pastor of Faith Bible Church
This delightful and worthy book attempts to encapsulate 2,000 years of church history into 50 key events in a way that is accessible to the general reader. The writer describes it as ‘an entry-level book on church history’.
Evangelicals Now
Earl Blackburn has written a helpful and unusual book. It is well researched and written with the average Christian in mind. In just over 300 pages, he covers church history from the end of the New Testament to the present day.
Evangelical Times
This really is a fine piece of work and should be very popular and highly useful in the church.
Tom Nettles, Senior Professor of Historical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
… As a professor of Church History, one of the most frequent questions I am asked is for a recommendation of a simple survey of the life of the church over the last 2,000 years. Now I have the answer to that question…
James M. Renihan, Dean and Professor of Historical Theology, Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies, Escondido, California
… 50 World-Changing Events in Christian History is a helpful overview of church history written from an evangelical and reformed perspective. I hope it will help many believers understand how their own lives and local churches fit into the ongoing story of God’s new covenant people from every tribe, language, and nation.
Nathan A. Finn, Dean of the School of Theology and Missions and Professor of Christian Thought and Tradition, Union University, Jackson, Tennessee
