Lesson Outline for Jul 16, 2026
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Goal – Introduce “Advance Men!” to Christian Church history, the development of the Bible and origin of Christian denominations
- Can we know if God’s word is true?
- What do you know about how the Christian Church was established?
- Who established the Christian church?
Hebrew and Greek Terms / Definitions
- arianism – a branch of Christian theology rejecting the traditional Trinity doctrine of Jesus Christ, as the Son of God always existing and separate. Arianism believes Father God created Jesus before time, and is separate from Father God
- canon #G2583 “kanon” a Greek word meaning – a rod, a cane, or reed used as a measuring standard, a rule, standard to summarize orthodox Christian doctrine in early church.
- Septuagint – a Greek translation of the Old Testament and holy scriptures including the Apochrapha[1]
- apostle #G652 “apostolos” a delegate, a messenger, one sent forth with orders
- early church – describes Christianity up to Council of Nicaea (Nicea) 325 AD
For the next three sessions you will be introduced to Christian Church history. These sessions are meant to introduce you to the church history, confirm God’s word and love for us, look at the codifying of the Bible, and lastly show the origins of the Christian faiths / religions. Part 1 is from Jesus Christ’s ministry to Council of Nicaea (325 AD); Part Two Council of Nicaea – 1700; Part 3 1700 to present
The green is the author’s notations in the verses below. Bold text added for emphasis
The Old Testament
Confirmed by numerous sources and archeological records
Matt 5:17-18 ESV – “17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
The Protestant and Jewish books of the Old Testament are the same. The difference is how both divide them in their canon. Protestants divide OT scripture into 39 books, while the Jews use 24 books. The Hebrew OT combined both books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles; 12 minor prophets combined into 1 book. And attach Ruth to Judges and Lamentations to Jeremiah.[2]
- Confirmed by the Dead Sea Scrolls – found in 1947, 1956 and 2017-2021 = 970 scrolls[3]
- Scrolls include all copies of OT canon, except Esther. Isaiah almost in entirety is 1000 yrs older than any Hebrew copy. Languages: Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Nabetaean; other books found: Enoch, Jubilees, Tobit, Wisdom of Sirach, War Scroll, Rule of Blessing, Community Rules[4]
- Confirmed by Jewish historians such as Josephus; and archeological records and Jesus Christ
We can trust God’s word
But we need to know how we got here
2 Tim 3:16-17 ESV – “16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
- Christianity began as Jewish movement; passed on by testimony and writings
- First carried by Jesus Christ’s apostles 12 (11 original + Matthias) + others – Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, James and Jude (Jesus’ brothers), Andronicus and Junia
- “Apostolic Age” made by men; not consistent with God’s word
- Early “Church Fathers” 50-750 AD; Apostolic, Greek and Latin – approximately 31 men[5]
- Six Christian Creeds – circa 180 AD to 710 AD[6]
- Spreading the gospel and evangelizing – the word was heard before it was read in most cases. The Septuagint was used amplified by teachings from Jesus Christ’s apostles until NT canonized
The Council of Nicaea May – July 325 AD
The council did not codify or choose books of the New Testament
Matt 16:18 ESV – “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
After the Roman Emperor Constantine I defeated the Emperor Licinius, the Western Roman ruler in 324 AD and gained total control of the Roman Empire. Constantine did NOT make Christianity the “state religion.” He did support Christianity across the empire during his reign. Christianity became the state religion 27 Feb 380 AD by the “Edict of Thessalonica,” establishing Nicene Christianity as a state religion.
Constantine sought to bring uniformity and “one mind” to varying teaching/doctrine and gain consensus among Christian leaders.
- 1st Ecumenical Council and held in Bithynia, Nicaea / current Iznik, Turkey
- First in many efforts to gain consensus – thru assembly representing all Christendom
- Conflicting account of bishops, records show between 250-300 bishops attended, recorded record has 318 bishops, plus their presbyters/deacons = total personnel ~ 1200-1900
- Three accomplishments of the council
- Settle Arian controversy “Trinity” dispute between Archbishops Alexander and Arius
- Gave 20 new “church laws”[7]
- Standardize “Easter” date w/ two criteria: 1) move it from Jewish calendar, lunar based; 2) Set a worldwide uniform date for “Easter” celebration
- The celebration was moved from the Passover / Feast of Unleavened Bread and Feast of First Fruits – remember last week regarding the enemy changing “times and laws”
- Moving the date of Jesus Christ crucifixion from Passover is a defiling of God’s timeline by the enemy
Discussion topics for you this week at home regarding standing on God’s word: 1) How did the early Christians receive God’s word without books?; 2) Why should we always make sure preaching and teaching align with God’s word? 3) Discuss spiritual markers in your life confirming God in your life.
Last thoughts and considerations
- We can be confident in God’s word as truth
- We must always be wary of false teachers – read God’s word, and ask Holy Spirit
- Never compromise on the essentials of the gospel – don’t add too, or take away from what Christ accomplished on the cross
- “A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority” Booker T. Washington
Additional verses for self-study
Psa 119:160 ESV – “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
Matt 24:4-5 ESV – “4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.”
2 Tim 4:3-4 ESV – “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
[1] Easton, M. “Version – Easton’s Bible Dictionary.” Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 24 Jun, 1996.
[2] “The Canon of Scripture – Study Resources.” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 14 Jul, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/canon.cfm
[3] https://www.wesleyhuff.com/infographics accessed July 14, 2026
[4] ibid
[5] ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Some of the laws were: clergy prohibited from self-castration, minimum time criteria for studying for clergy role, mandate on church doctrine meetings, rules for elders not recognized w/out paper examination, proper penance, and more
