Part 6 of our teaching on church history. This week we look at Patrick, the Apostle of Ulster.The Life of the Church - Learning our Church History is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. For videos and handouts visit www.annalongpc.org/midweek.

Part 5 of our teaching on church history. This week we look at Emperor Constantine.The Life of the Church - Learning our Church History is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. For videos and handouts visit www.annalongpc.org/midweek.

Throughout the history of God's people place has been important. The gospel is grounded in history and as such it not only works in the lives of people, but uses places to bring about the circumstances for gospel growth. One such place is Caesarea Maritima. It is from this Roman port city that Pontius Pilate ruled Judea. It was to this city that Paul fled in safety before heading on to Tarsus. And it was in this city that the Roman ruler Diocletian persecuted the church and the library of Christian teaching it was building.Place continues to matter to us. The gospel works in where we find ourselves today, as well as providing opportunity for gospel growth in the future. Learning from Caesarea Maritima demonstrates God's continued gospel initiative in brining people to himself through time and place.The Life of the Church - Learning our Church History is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. For videos and handouts visit www.annalongpc.org/midweek.The podcast was recorded using Ecamm Live. Start your free trial at https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=david97.

In part 3 of our series we return to Rome and see how the early Christians survived persecution. Looking at how the church responded to the arrest of Peter in Acts 12, we that the early church continued the practice of gathering together when persecution came and encouraging one another in prayer and the Word of God. Not being able to meet in public places or in private homes, the believers met in the one place the citizens of Rome would never go, the Catacombs.Under Rome lies a network of catacombs into which the Romans buried their dead. But the Romans hated death and so they outsourced this work to slaves. No upstanding Roman would be found in the catacombs, so the Christians could meet freely. When Christianity became the faith of the Empire under Emperor Constantine the Christians then were buried also in the Catacombs. Their gravestones tell of their faith and strong belief. One doctrine that was important to them was that of the Trinity.This doctrine had been one of great controversy through the first centuries of the church and wasn't settled until 325 and the Council of Nicaea. But in the first century it was Pope Clement I who began the development of the Trinity and how it works. Being the Bishop of Rome it then makes sense why this was so important to the early believers and a doctrine developed for our benefit today.The Life of the Church - Learning our Church History is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. For videos and handouts visit www.annalongpc.org/midweek.The podcast was recorded using Ecamm Live. Start your free trial at https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=david97.Video and Handout

In part 2 of The Life of the Church we travel to the French city of Lyon. Throughout the 2nd Century the officials in Lyon persecuted the church. Christians would be taken and imprisoned. This official persecution led the populous of Lyon taking matters into their own hands and go after their neighbours who were Christians. The problem for Lyon was that this was against the current practice of the Empire. By AD170 persecution was limited to small pockets and wasn't sustained for any length of time. But in Lyon the Roman official went after the church in what can be described as severe persecution.The Christians stood firm, but a total of 48 were martyred for their faith. The church historian Eusebius records this in his book The History of the Church. In his record he speaks of a young man named Irenaeus who was from Smyrna. He was a disciple of Polycarp and Polycarp ordained him an elder. He took the plight of the persecuted Christians to Rome in the hope of appealing directly to Caesar. We don't know if he was successful in this hope, but when he returned to Lyon he discovered the 48 Christians had already been martyred.But Irenaeus wasn't going to stop. He was appointed Bishop of Lyon and led the church until his martyrdom in AD202. During his ministry he stood firm against gnosticism, those who believed that there was a secret knowledge to becoming a Christian. Irenaeus refuted this and held to the truths of the gospel, that salvation was for everyone. For us today, we stand on this truth knowing the full truth of the gospel and the freedom it brings to everyone.The Life of the Church - Learning our Church History is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. For videos and handouts visit www.annalongpc.org/midweek.The podcast was recorded using Ecamm Live. Start your free trial at https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=david97.Video and Handout

As the Acts of the Apostles draws to a close we can be left asking what happens next. Our studies in early church history begin with two disciples of the Apostle John. From the Revelation we know that John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos. But the ministry of the gospel continues in Antioch and Smyrna with Ignatius and Polycarp, two church leaders who had been discipled by John.Ignatius came from Ephesus and became the bishop of Antioch. He led the church to take its stand against those who questioned the deity of Christ. There were those who were teaching that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were figurative than actual. This questioned the gospel message. Ignatius took his stand and defended the truth of the gospel, a truth we stand on today.Polycarp lived in Smyrna and led the church there into his 80s. Polycarp stands out in church history as the first Christmas to have their persecution documented. He showed grace to the end and would not recant his faith. He was burned at the stake, but his strong defence of the gospel has comforted and strengthen Christmas martyrs throughout the generations.The Life of the Church - Learning our Church History is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. For videos and handouts visit www.annalongpc.org/midweek.The podcast was recorded using Ecamm Live. Start your free trial at https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=david97.Video and Handout

The Tabernacle, the tent of meeting, is a key part of the story of the Children of Israel.  God designed it to be a visible sign of his presence with his people and as a focus for worship.  Every detail was significant and looks beyond the Children of Israel to Jesus Christ, the more perfect tent (Hebrews 9:11).In part 8 we conclude this series by looking at the final piece of furniture, the Altar of Incense.  The altar provided a sweet fragrance to the Lord and assured the people that their prayers would always be received by the Him.  We also think of the overall meaning and importance of the Tabernacle in our worship today.  Because of Jesus we have access to the Father as await the day he brings us into His eternal glory.  The Tabernacle points to this through Jesus Christ.  You can download the hand out for part 8 at https://annalongpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23-05-10-The-Tabernacle-Part-8-Handout.pdf.An audio podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms by searching for Annalong Presbyterian Church:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsFind out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/midweek.Recorded using Ecamm Live. Find out more at ecamm.com - https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=david97

The Tabernacle, the tent of meeting, is a key part of the story of the Children of Israel.  God designed it to be a visible sign of his presence with his people and as a focus for worship.  Every detail was significant and looks beyond the Children of Israel to Jesus Christ, the more perfect tent (Hebrews 9:11).In part 7 we move to the priests and the garments they had to wear in their service of God.  Just as the design of the Tabernacle was intricate and had significant meaning, so to with the ephod, robes, breast-rice and turban the high priest had to wear.  As you look at the design the High Priest was a mini Tabernacle, walking among the people.  Once again we see echoes of Eden, but more importantly we see the fulfilment of the Tabernacle in Jesus Christ.  You can download the hand out for part 7 at https://annalongpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23-05-03-The-Tabernacle-Part-7-Handout.pdf.An audio podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms by searching for Annalong Presbyterian Church:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsFind out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/midweek.Recorded using Ecamm Live. Find out more at ecamm.com.

The Tabernacle, the tent of meeting, is a key part of the story of the Children of Israel. God designed it to be a visible sign of his presence with his people and as a focus for worship. Every detail was significant and looks beyond the Children of Israel to Jesus Christ, the more perfect tent (Hebrews 9:11).In part 6 we go beyond the Tabernacle tent and look at the pictures in the Tabernacle court. From the design of the permitter fence to the altar and the basin for washing, each communicate that worship is by God’s design. When we approach God in worship we come on His terms. Today we still need to make appropriate preparations for our public worship of God. As the psalmist tells us in Psalm 24 we must have clean hands and a pure heart. You can download the hand out for part 6 of this series at https://annalongpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/23-04-26-The-Tabernacle-Part-6-Handout.pdf.An audio podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms by searching for Annalong Presbyterian Church:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsFind out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/midweek.Recorded using Ecamm Live. Find out more at ecamm.com.

The Tabernacle, the tent of meeting, is a key part of the story of the Children of Israel. God designed it to be a visible sign of his presence with his people and as a focus for worship. Every detail was significant and looks beyond the Children of Israel to Jesus Christ, the more perfect tent (Hebrews 9:11).In part 5 we pick up in Exodus 26 and explore the frame of the Tabernacle and the curtains that would cover the frame and the veil that would divide the Most Holy Place, where the ark of the Lord sat, with the Holy Place and the furniture used by the priests. The design takes the people back to the garden of Eden where God dwelt with Adam and Eve. The Tabernacle’s design was to remind the people of what it meant to worship God and how his design of the Tabernacle taught them his design for worship. You can download the hand out for part 4 of this series at https://annalongpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/23-03-29-The-Tabernacle-Part-5-Handout.pdf.An audio podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms by searching for Annalong Presbyterian Church:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsFind out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/midweek.Recorded using Ecamm Live. Find out more at ecamm.com.

The Tabernacle, the tent of meeting, is a key part of the story of the Children of Israel. God designed it to be a visible sign of his presence with his people and as a focus for worship. Every detail was significant and looks beyond the Children of Israel to Jesus Christ, the more perfect tent (Hebrews 9:11).In part 4 we continue our look at Exodus 25 and think about the importance of the furniture in the Holy Place. This part of the Tabernacle house the table for bread, the golden lampstand and the alter of incense. These items had significance for the worship of God by Israel, but also point us to God’s provision of a Saviour in Jesus Christ. You can download the hand out for part 4 of this series at https://annalongpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/23-03-22-The-Tabernacle-Part-4-Handout.pdf.An audio podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms by searching for Annalong Presbyterian Church:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsFind out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/midweek.Recorded using Ecamm Live. Find out more at ecamm.com.

The Tabernacle, the tent of meeting, is a key part of the story of the Children of Israel. God designed it to be a visible sign of his presence with his people and as a focus for worship. Every detail was significant and looks beyond the Children of Israel to Jesus Christ, the more perfect tent (Hebrews 9:11).In part 3 we look at Exodus 25 and see the instructions for building the first piece of furniture, the Ark of the Covenant. The significance of the ark not only tells us something of the worship of God for the Children of Israel, but also for how we worship him today and into eternity. You can download the hand out for part 3 of this series at https://annalongpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/23-02-08-The-Tabernacle-Part-3-Handout.pdf.An audio podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms by searching for Annalong Presbyterian Church:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsFind out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/midweek.Recorded using Ecamm Live. Find out more at ecamm.com.

The Tabernacle, the tent of meeting, is a key part of the story of the Children of Israel. God designed it to be a visible sign of his presence with his people and as a focus for worship. Every detail was significant and looks beyond the Children of Israel to Jesus Christ, the more perfect tent (Hebrews 9:11).In part 2 we look at Exodus 35 and learn what God required from his people to build the Tabernacle. He invited the people to contribute their precious items and their skills. But most of all he wanted their hearts to be focused on him. You can download the hand out for part 2 of this series at https://annalongpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/23-02-01-The-Tabernacle-Part-2-Handout.pdf.An audio podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms by searching for Annalong Presbyterian Church:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsFind out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/midweek.Recorded using Ecamm Live. Find out more at ecamm.com.

The Tabernacle, the tent of meeting, is a key part of the story of the Children of Israel. God designed it to be a visible sign of his presence with his people and as a focus for worship. Every detail was significant and looks beyond the Children of Israel to Jesus Christ, the more perfect tent (Hebrews 9:11).In episode 1 we are introduced to the Tabernacle, its specific design and why it was needed. You can download the handout for part 1 of this series at https://annalongpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/23-01-25-The-Tabernacle-Part-1-Handout.pdf.Make sure you subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app by searching for Annalong Presbyterian Church:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsFind out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/midweek.Recorded using Ecamm Live. Find out more at ecamm.com.

The stillness of the night was broken with a baby’s cry and a heavenly choir announcing the brith of the Saviour of the World. The carol ‘Silent night’ or ‘Still the night’ allows us to see the grace with which Christ came into the world so that we can know him as our Prince of Peace.The Prince of Peace podcast is brought to you by Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/christmas.A video version is available on the YouTube channel for Annalong Presbyterian Church. New episodes will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays up to, and including, Christmas Eve.Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.This podcast was recorded with Ecamm Live. Start your free trial today! Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

The focus of the Christmas story is on the town of Bethlehem, the city of David. Throughout Scripture we are told about Bethlehem being the brith place of the Messiah. But when he was born his birth went unnoticed, yet it had eternal impact for humanity.The Prince of Peace podcast is brought to you by Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/christmas.A video version is available on the YouTube channel for Annalong Presbyterian Church. New episodes will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays up to, and including, Christmas Eve.Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.This podcast was recorded with Ecamm Live. Start your free trial today! Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

The coming of Christ to earth should make us respond in complete awe! The action of God, coming to dwell among us, is demonstration of his desire for us to know his salvation. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us so that we would know adoption into God’s family. As such we know security, stability and a family name through Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace.The Prince of Peace podcast is brought to you by Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/christmas.A video version is available on the YouTube channel for Annalong Presbyterian Church. New episodes will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays up to, and including, Christmas Eve.Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.This podcast was recorded with Ecamm Live. Start your free trial today!

When Jesus came to earth he came for everyone. No one would be excluded from the invitation to know his salvation. That invitation is still issued today, to find salvation, joy and peace for our weary souls. Join us today as we learn about this wonderful invitation from Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace.The Prince of Peace podcast is brought to you by Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/christmas.A video version is available on the YouTube channel for Annalong Presbyterian Church. New episodes will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays up to, and including, Christmas Eve.Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.This podcast was recorded with Ecamm Live. Start your free trial today!

Advent is the time of waiting and expectation! As we saw in episode 1 the coming of the Messiah was promised by Isaiah. There was great expectation by God’s people of what the Messiah would do to free and save them. Join us today as we learn about expectant hope in Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace.The Prince of Peace podcast is brought to you by Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/christmas.A video version is available on the YouTube channel for Annalong Presbyterian Church. New episodes will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays up to, and including, Christmas Eve.Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.This podcast was recorded with Ecamm Live. Start your free trial today!

The prophet Isaiah had difficult news to deliver to God's people. It was news of exile from the Promised Land because of their breaking of covenant promise. But God would provide a Saviour for his people and that person would be Immanuel (God with us). Join us today as we learn more about what it means to know Christ's peace in our troubled hearts.The Prince of Peace podcast is brought to you by Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at http://www.annalongpc.org/christmas.A video version is available on the YouTube channel for Annalong Presbyterian Church. New episodes will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays up to, and including, Christmas Eve.Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.This podcast was recorded with Ecamm Live. Start your free trial today!