The Reformation and the Rise of the Modern Church

We begin our journey with an event that changed the Christian landscape immeasurably—the conversion of Constantine. This event would lead to the persecution of God's faithful believers from within the church and the beginning of a clear distinction between the two branches of Christianity that would emerge.

The Church in the Wilderness of Revelation 12:6,14 is perhaps best illustrated by the experience of the Waldenses. Visit the valleys they called home and see where they lived and died for their faith. 

John Wycliffe - Morning Star of the Reformation, lived over 600 years ago, yet his legacy lives on. Translator of the Bible, defender of national sovereignty and trainer of missionary preachers - his impact was great and paved the way for those who would come after him. 

Burned for their faith, Huss and Jerome approached the stake as if they were attending a wedding not a martyrdom. As the flames encircled their bodies they sang hymns, and The legacy of their faithful and heroic lives would prove to last much longer than their relatively short lives.

Voted as the 26th top Briton of all time on a BBC poll, William Tyndale sits comfortably amongst the most significant reformers. As a scholar and Bible translator he had a lasting impact on Britain and Europe shaping the English language and leaving a legacy lasting long past the premature end to his life.

Aside from the Bible, perhaps the single most significant document written by someone is the 95 Thesis by Martin Luther. Although initially written to address a local need, the impact mushroomed beyond what anyone could have imagined

Early in his work, Luther embarked on a trip that would change not only his life, but the face of the church during the 16th century. Luther would rediscover a core truth of the Bible that had been lost and call the established churches position on indulgences  - he was truly the man of the moment. 

Martin Luther was not left to live his life in peace but encountered repeated opposition and trial. The Church of Rome took the threat so seriously that a Papal Bull was produced but Luther was undaunted and publicly burned it under a tree in Wittenberg.

Zwingli did for Switzerland what Luther did for Germany - spearheading reform, standing for truth and calling people back to the Bible.

Aside from the Bible, perhaps the single most significant document written by someone is the 95 Thesis by Martin Luther. Although initially written to address a local need, the impact mushroomed beyond what anyone could have imagined

The name ‘Protestant’ dates back to a meeting in the town of Speyer, Germany and 8 Princes protested against the abuse of power and overreach of the authority of the church in their day. Men of principle, firm and resolute whose stand and values has been cherished by many since. #MartinLuther #ProtestOfThePrinces #GermanPrinces #KnowYourHistory #500Years

John Knox started his ministry as a two handed sword carrier to protect another reformer George Wishart.  After Wishart's death in 1546, Knox picked up the mantle and with resolute boldness and trust in God, drove the Scottish reformation forward.

Isolated from the rest of Britain and Europe lies the island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland. Yet from this small, barren and windswept island a great impact would be felt far and wide. Columba, that great missionary and trainer of missionaries made this his base and set up a school that would last for several centuries.

Though his greatest work would occur in Switzerland, John Calvin began his life near Paris. Despite his parents' wishes and his own original intentions, his life would take twists and turns before his conversion set his destiny on course.

In their desire to see the Reformation advanced in France, some decisions were made that ultimately proved extremely costly. Instead of progress the reformation lost its brightest minds to other countries at best and at worst to death and persecution.

Geneva would become almost a Protestant version of Rome. Many reformers would pass through this city in the 16th century from all over Europe which is why John Calvin is often referred to as the 'International Reformer' as his influence spread far and wide.

Today the Methodist church spans the globe, yet its birth was unintentional and its roots go back to a Bible study group at Oxford University. However some would say its roots go back even further, to the Wesley brothers’ godly upbringing in Epworth, England. 

Martin Luther’s protest 500 years ago has been debated at length. Is it still valid? Are the reasons for it still relevant? Is it now outdated or have people today simply forgotten the lessons of history