Present Perfect: An Applied Church History Podcast Don Congdon

Welcome to Season 2! In this new series, we'll take a deep look at the church of the first century (AD 1 to AD 100). We'll examine its history and especially the theology of this crucial time period. More significantly, we'll explore the idea that this century contained an inflection point--a moment of critical decision, which is best explained dispensationally.

We continue our introduction to this season by looking at time and its role in historical study. We also explore the idea of reading our Bibles chronologically rather than from cover to cover. Finally, we develop an incentive for taking the time to dig into our Bibles more deeply. It goes back to such diverse biblical figures as Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar II, and the Apostle John.

In this podcast, we spend some time looking at two key presuppositions that underlie this series. First, we examine the literal-historical-grammatical method of Bible interpretation. Then, we develop the key principles of the theological model known as Dispensationalism. Finally, we identify the four dispensations of human history.

Today, we develop the idea that much of the first century was a time of transition between two dispensations (Israel and the Church). We also explore the parallel idea that Israel stood at an inflection point during this same time period. We then examine the advantages that this dual perspective gives us in developing a clear and harmonious New Testament interpretation.

The path to the Kingdom began right at the start of time. Through various historical events and prophecies, God orchestrated the coming of the Messiah, even going so far as to specify exactly when He would ride into Jerusalem and offer Himself as King. This podcast explores those prophecies and events as we get ready to study the history of this crucial century. 

While Israel at the beginning of the first century was spiritually pretty bleak, there were a number of faithful "watchful waiters" who eagerly desired the coming of the Messiah. In this podcast, we'll take a look at several of them, including a group of very unusual men.