Church History Lorelee Siemens

Join us on a captivating journey through the life of Billy Sunday, a man who transitioned from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential evangelists in American history. Born William Ashley Sunday in 1862 to a German immigrant family, he faced hardship and adversity from an early age. Abandoned by his father shortly after birth and left to the care of his widowed mother, Billy's childhood was marked by poverty and instability.

Despite the challenges, Billy's tenacity and determination shone through. From working as a stable hand on a farm to playing professional baseball, he carved his path with resilience and grit. But a chance encounter with the gospel would change his life forever.

Discover how Billy Sunday's journey took a dramatic turn when he encountered the transformative power of faith. From his conversion experience to his decision to leave behind a lucrative baseball career to pursue ministry, his story is one of courage, conviction, and unwavering faith.

As Billy embraced his calling as an evangelist, he captivated audiences with his dynamic preaching style and unapologetic message. He challenged societal norms with a unique blend of humor, passion, and sincerity and called people to repentance and faith.

Follow Billy's rise to prominence as a household name, drawing massive crowds to his evangelistic campaigns across America. From the bustling streets of New York City to the heartland of the Midwest, his message resonated with people from all walks of life.

But Billy's impact extended beyond the pulpit. As America entered World War I, he rallied support for the war effort and championed causes like temperance and social reform. His influence was felt far and wide, shaping the moral fabric of society and leaving a lasting legacy that endures to this day.

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• My book “The church is born” is available!
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Canadian Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Links:
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Today, we pick up the narrative as Spurgeon faces a severe trial: being unjustly blamed for a tragic incident during one of his sermons. Despite grappling with deep depression, Spurgeon found solace in Isaiah 40:31 and returned to preaching with renewed vigor, leading to the remarkable growth of his congregation.

On March 18th, 1861, the iconic Metropolitan Tabernacle was completed, becoming a beacon of hope for thousands in London. Spurgeon's sermons were printed and distributed widely, and mission work was funded across England. His innovative preaching style, including his famous "Wordless Book" sermon, left an indelible mark on Christian evangelism worldwide.

Spurgeon's philanthropic efforts extended to establishing orphanages, supported by annual fundraisers that became must-attend events in South London. Despite facing personal danger and societal challenges, including the terror of Jack the Ripper's reign of terror, Spurgeon remained steadfast in his convictions, speaking out against social injustices such as slavery and theological deviations from Scripture.
In 1887, Spurgeon controversially decided to leave the Baptist denomination due to theological drift, sparking intense backlash but refusing to compromise on core beliefs. Throughout his life, Spurgeon battled chronic illness, including gout, yet continued to preach and write prolifically until his passing in January 1892.

Episode Sponsor:

• Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

• Etsy Mug Store https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChurchHistory

• My book “The church is born” is available!
Order the book today!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Canadian Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

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Join us as we share part one of the remarkable life of Charles Spurgeon, from his humble beginnings in Essex, England, to becoming one of the most renowned preachers of his time. Born into a family of Puritan preachers, young Charles faced challenges and hardships, but his unwavering faith and determination propelled him forward.

Spurgeon's story is one of faith, resilience, and perseverance, from his transformative encounter with God in a snowstorm to his unexpected invitation to preach at the New Park Street Chapel in London. Follow along as we uncover the pivotal moments that shaped the life of this extraordinary preacher, from his early struggles to the tragic events at the Surrey Gardens music hall. Through it all, Spurgeon's unwavering commitment to his faith and passion for spreading the Gospel continued to inspire and uplift millions worldwide.

Episode Sponsor:
• Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

• Etsy Mug Store https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChurchHistory

• My book “The church is born” is available!
Order the book today!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1
Canadian Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

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In this episode of the Church History Podcast, host Lorelee Siemens delves into the remarkable life of Samuel Schereschewsky, a Jewish man whose journey traversed Russia, Germany, America, China, and Japan, leaving an indelible mark on Church history.

Born in 1831 into a devout Jewish family in Russian Lithuania, Samuel's early life was marked by exceptional intelligence and a deep connection to his Jewish roots.

Despite facing poverty and loss at a young age, Samuel's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue studies in rabbinical school. However, a chance encounter with the New Testament in Hebrew sparked a profound spiritual awakening, leading him to embrace Jesus as the Messiah.

Episode Sponsor:
• Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

• Etsy Mug Store https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChurchHistory

• My book “The church is born” is available!
Order the book today!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1
Canadian Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

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In this episode, we are covering three more influential Christian Zionists to end our miniseries on the Christian Zionist movement of the late 1800s. George Gawler, Moses Montefiore, and Charles Churchill were three men born in different countries and different nationalities but used by God to Create the Jaffa settlement in what is today Israel.

Episode Sponsor:
• Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

• Etsy Mug Store https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChurchHistory

• My book “The church is born” is available!
Order the book today!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1
Canadian Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

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In the bustling days of Victorian England, one man stood out not for political power but for his profound influence on social legislation and a genuine commitment to Christian ideals. Anthony Ashley Cooper, later known as Lord Shaftesbury, earned a reputation as the "Evangelical of Evangelicals."

His childhood shaped his life in parliament. We look at his social work in the asylums, mines, factories, and ragged schools that helped shape England. And his advocacy for the restoration of the Jews to the Holy Land.

Episode Sponsor:

• Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

• Etsy Mug Store https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChurchHistory

• My book “The church is born” is available!
Order the book today!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1
Canadian Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

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