Unveiling Mormonism

In this episode, Bryan talks with Noemi about her journey leaving Mormonism and discovering a relationship with the God of the Bible.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --

In this episode, we compare the church in the book of Acts with the church Joseph Smith built—showing how the LDS ‘restoration’ actually rebuilds the hierarchy, temples, and priesthoods Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers fought to remove. It’s not a return to the New Testament but a reversal of the freedom Christ brought.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --SUMMARYLatter-day Saints teach that after the apostles died, the church fell into total apostasy—losing authority, truth, and the gospel—and that Joseph Smith “restored” the original church in 1830.But when we compare the Bible, early church history, and the medieval church, a clear pattern emerges: the LDS system doesn’t look like the church in the book of Acts. It looks like the institutional system that developed centuries later.This episode walks through that history and shows why Mormonism isn’t a restoration of the New Testament—it’s a rebuilding of the very system Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers worked to correct.1. What the Early Church Actually Looked Like (Book of Acts)No templesNo priestly hierarchyNo prophet-presidentNo exclusive priesthood lineageBelievers met in homes, prayed, broke bread, and studied ScriptureLeadership was shared among elders/pastorsEvery believer was a priest (1 Peter 2)Access to God came directly through Jesus, not through mediatorsBottom line: The early church was simple, Spirit-led, and centered entirely on Jesus.2. How the Church Drifted in the Middle AgesBy the 4th century, especially after Constantine:The church became tied to political powerBishops became rulersPriests acted as mediatorsSalvation was tied to rituals and sacramentsA single head (the Pope) claimed God-given authorityThis system dominated medieval Christianity and buried the gospel under layers of tradition and hierarchy.3. The Reformation: Returning to ScriptureLuther, Calvin, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists didn’t invent a new church.They removed the medieval layers and returned to:Scripture aloneGrace aloneChrist aloneFaith aloneReal renewal happens when ordinary believers open the Bible again.4. Joseph Smith Recreates the Medieval SystemDespite claiming to “restore” the church, Joseph Smith introduced:A layered priesthood (Aaronic & Melchizedek)A prophet-president with final authorityTemple rituals and restricted accessOrdinances required for salvationCentralized headquarters claiming exclusive truthThis mirrors the medieval Catholic model, not the church in Acts.5. The LDS Temple: The Most Striking IronyJesus ended the temple system:The veil toreJesus became the final High PriestThe church became the temple (Ephesians 2)The Spirit lives in every believerThe early church never rebuilt temples or practiced proxy work for the dead.The LDS Church brings back the very system the New Testament declares obsolete.6. The Pattern in Real Church HistoryAcross movements—the Hussites, Reformers, Moravians, Anabaptists, Puritans—renewal always happens the same way:By returning to the BibleBy preaching the gospelBy centering everything on JesusNo new prophets.No restored priesthood.No rebuilt temple.No extra books or hierarchy.Just Scripture, Christ, and the Spirit.THE MAIN POINTJesus didn’t leave His church.The gospel was never lost.The Holy Spirit never disappeared.The early church didn’t need to be restored—because Christ kept His promise to build it.The LDS restoration story isn’t a recovery of the New Testament church.It’s a reversal—a return to the very structures Jesus fulfilled and the Reformers removed.

In this episode, we trace how small movements, bold revivals, and ordinary believers shaped the explosive growth of Protestant Christianity from Europe to America—and created the denominational family tree we’re part of today.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Episode SummaryIn today’s final episode of our Church History series, we trace how Protestantism crossed the Atlantic, sparked massive revival movements, and gave rise to the denominational landscape we see today. From the Moravians and the First Great Awakening to Pentecostalism and the modern church, this episode connects the dots and shows how the global church family took shape.1. The Moravians: The Spark Behind Modern MissionsWhere we left off last time.• Descendants of John Hus (the Hussites / Unity of the Brethren)• Refugees who fled to Count Zinzendorf’s estate in Saxony (3–600 people total)Why they mattered:• Experienced a powerful renewal on Aug 13, 1727• Launched a 24/7 prayer chain that lasted 100 years• Sent more missionaries than all Protestants combined by 1760• Known for radical sacrifice—including missionaries willing to sell themselves into slavery• Mission field spread across the West Indies, Africa, Asia, and North AmericaThe John Wesley connection:• Wesley encountered Moravians during a terrifying storm at sea in 1736• Their fearless faith pushed him toward his own conversion• This eventually shaped the Methodist movement—the largest U.S. denomination by the 1850s2. The First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)A transatlantic revival that birthed the modern evangelical identity—people committed not only to studying Scripture but sharing the gospel.The Big ThreeJohn Wesley – The Organizer• Anglican priest, Oxford “Holy Club” leader• Had his conversion at Aldersgate (“heart strangely warmed”)• Formed Methodist societies and class meetings• Emphasized holiness, discipline, and new birth• By his death: 72k British & 57k American MethodistsGeorge Whitefield – The Preacher• Electrifying communicator; could preach to 20k–30k without amplification• Crossed the Atlantic seven times, preaching across all 13 colonies• Popularized the phrase “born again”• First international Christian “celebrity”• Outdoor, mass evangelism pioneerJonathan Edwards – The Thinker• Pastor, theologian, philosophical genius• Sparked revival in Northampton (1734–35)• Wrote Religious Affections, the defining book of revival theology• Fired for restricting communion to true believers• Later became president of what is now Princeton• Legacy includes U.S. Senators, college presidents, and even Vice President Aaron Burr3. Awakening & the American RevolutionThe First Great Awakening shaped the convictions behind independence:• Human equality before God• Freedom of conscience• Resistance to tyranny• Authority from God, not kingsMany revival-shaped pastors—known as the Black Robe Regiment—preached these themes and influenced the Revolutionary generation.4. The Second Great Awakening (1790s–1840s)As post-Revolution America drifted spiritually, God brought a fresh wave of revival.Cane Ridge Revival (1801)• Frontier Kentucky: violent, isolated, spiritually empty• Revival broke out at a simple communion meeting• 20–25k people attended—10% of Kentucky’s population• Pastors from multiple denominations preached together• Marked a shift from elite clergy to lay involvement and frontier evangelismBirth of the Restoration MovementKey leaders: Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell• Sought to recover New Testament Christianity• Produced Churches of Christ, Christian Churches, and Disciples of Christ• Influenced future independent & non-denominational churches5. The Holiness Movement (Mid-1800s)Rooted in Wesley’s teaching on sanctification.Emphasized:• Heart purity• Holy living• Spirit-empowered transformationThis movement produced:• Salvation Army (1865)• Church of the Nazarene (1908)• The Wesleyan Church• Free Methodist ChurchMost importantly: it laid the groundwork for Pentecostalism.6. The Rise of Pentecostalism (1901–1914)Charles Parham (Topeka, 1901):• Interpreted speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism• Laid the foundation for classical Pentecostal doctrineAzusa Street Revival (1906) – William J. Seymour• Multiracial worship• Tongues, healing, prophecy• Thousands came from around the world• Sparked global Pentecostal missionsToday:• Over 600 million Pentecostals worldwide• Includes Assemblies of God, COGIC, Foursquare, Pentecostal Holiness, Vineyard, Calvary Chapel, and more7. The Protestant Family Tree — Four RootsHere are the four major roots from which almost all denominations grow.Root 1: The Free (Radical) Reformation• Waldensians, Wycliffe, Huss• Direct descendants: Mennonites, Amish, Moravians• Influenced later groups: Baptists, Restoration Movement, modern non-denominational churchesRoot 2: The Lutheran Tradition• German & Scandinavian Lutherans• Pietism• Later movements: Evangelical Free Church, charismatic LutheransRoot 3: The Reformed Tradition• Calvin, Zwingli• Reformed churches & Presbyterians• Later movements: Reformed Baptists, modern Reformed resurgenceRoot 4: The Anglican / English ReformationThe most influential root.Direct and indirect descendants include:• Episcopalians• Puritans• Congregationalists• Baptists• Methodists• Pentecostal & charismatic churches• Many modern denominations• Much of evangelicalism today8. Final ChallengeJesus promised:“I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”Across 2,000 years—revivals, failures, institutions, reforms—Jesus has been faithful to build His people.This series wasn’t just about studying history.It was about rediscovering what a biblical church looks like:• Rooted in the gospel• Led by the Spirit• Faithful to God’s Word• Devoted to making disciplesPick up your Bible. Plug into a local church. Stay awake spiritually. And keep building the kind of church Jesus envisioned.

Discover how the church transitioned from state-controlled religion to voluntary communities governed by Scripture. Delve into Henry VIII's political maneuvers that birthed the Church of England, and witness the fluctuating religious landscape under different monarchs. Learn about the emergence of Baptists, Congregationalists, and Separatists as they sought accountability to Scripture. Uncover the influence of the Moravian movement on Methodism and the unique role of Pietism in shaping Free Churches in America.

Explore the dramatic journey of the Reformation, where ordinary individuals reclaimed the gospel from the clutches of institutional corruption. Discover Martin Luther's transformative confrontation with the church over indulgences and his powerful 95 Theses. Uncover diverse reformers like Zwingli and Calvin, and how their teachings sparked a theological revolution across Europe. Delve into the radical Anabaptists' ideas of believer's baptism and conscience freedom, and witness the birth of numerous Protestant denominations reshaping religious landscapes.

In this episode, we explore the courageous men who paved the way for Martin Luther—followers of Jesus who, long before the Reformation, risked everything to return the church to the authority of Scripture.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Big Idea:Long before Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, God was already stirring reform in the hearts of ordinary believers. From Peter Waldo to John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and William Tyndale, the spark of reformation began not in cathedrals but in the conviction that the Bible—not the pope—was the true authority of the church.Episode OverviewFormation → Conformation → Deformation → ReformationThe first-century church was formed as a grassroots gospel movement led by the apostles (Acts 2).The following centuries saw conformation through creeds and councils that clarified core doctrine.After the fall of Rome, the church experienced deformation—institutional corruption, superstition, indulgences, and a Bible out of reach for the common person.Yet even in the “Dark Ages,” God raised reformers who called His people back to the Word.Key ReformersPeter Waldo (1170 AD)A wealthy merchant who gave up his riches after reading Matthew 19:21.Funded the first vernacular translation of Scripture into French.His followers—the Waldensians—preached repentance, memorized Scripture, and survived centuries of persecution.John Wycliffe (1320s–1384)Oxford scholar who rediscovered the gospel of grace through Scripture.Declared that “Scripture alone, not popes or councils, is the final authority.”Produced the first complete English Bible (translated from the Latin Vulgate).His followers, the Lollards, secretly spread handwritten English Bibles and published the Twelve Conclusions (1395)—early “theses” against corruption, indulgences, and unbiblical traditions.Jan Hus (1369–1415)Czech priest inspired by Wycliffe’s writings.Preached the gospel in Czech so people could understand the Bible.Wrote On the Church, teaching that Christ alone—not the pope—is head of the church.Burned at the stake for refusing to recant, proclaiming, “You may roast this goose, but in a hundred years a swan will arise whose song you will not silence.”A century later, Martin Luther would see himself as that “swan.”His followers, the Hussites, became the Moravians, who later influenced John Wesley and the Methodist Revival.William Tyndale (1494–1536)Scholar fluent in seven languages, determined to make Scripture accessible to every English speaker.Translated the Bible directly from Greek and Hebrew—the first of its kind in English.Famous vow: “If God spare my life, I will cause a boy that driveth the plow to know more of the Scripture than thou dost.”Printed Bibles were smuggled into England and widely read despite persecution.Martyred for his work; his dying prayer: “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.”Within three years, King Henry VIII authorized the Great Bible, largely based on Tyndale’s translation.TakeawayThe Reformation didn’t start with Luther’s hammer—it began in hidden rooms, candlelit homes, and underground movements of faithful men and women who believed every believer should have access to God’s Word.The true reform of the church has always been about returning to the Bible, rediscovering grace, and declaring Christ alone as head of His church.

In this episode, we trace how one global faith became divided between East and West — from the councils of Nicaea, Chalcedon, and Constantinople to the final break in 1054 — and discover what it means to return to the unified, Spirit-led Church Jesus originally envisioned.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Last week, we ended with a coronation that changed history.In 800 A.D., Pope Leo III placed a crown on the head of Charlemagne, declaring him “Emperor of the Romans.” It was the rebirth of a Christian Rome — what we now call the Holy Roman Empire.It seemed like a moment of triumph for the Church, but it came with a cost.That act blurred the line between heaven and earth — between spiritual authority and political control. The pope gained protection. Charlemagne gained divine legitimacy. But the partnership that promised unity in the West sent shockwaves through the East.In Constantinople, Christian leaders looked on in disbelief. The Eastern emperor was already the rightful heir of Rome — so who gave a Western pope the right to crown another? It was more than a political power play; it was the outworking of deeper cracks that had been forming for centuries.So before we move forward to the Great Schism of 1054, we’re going to back up — to the early councils of the Church, when East and West still sat at the same table.We’ll see how questions about who Jesus is, who leads the Church, and how truth is defined began to pull believers in different directions long before anyone realized the family was breaking apart.From One Empire to Two WorldsWhen Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Constantinople in 330 A.D., the center of gravity in the Christian world began to shift. Rome was still revered as the old seat of power, but Constantinople — “New Rome” — quickly became the heart of a thriving, educated, and deeply spiritual East.In the West, life revolved around survival. As the empire crumbled under invasions and chaos, the Church became the glue that held society together. Latin was the common language, law and order were prized, and the bishop of Rome — later known as the pope — grew in influence as emperors disappeared. By the time Rome finally fell in 476 A.D., it was the Church, not the state, that provided leadership and stability.In the East, the story looked very different. The Byzantine Empire remained strong and sophisticated, speaking Greek, preserving classical learning, and weaving theology into every part of public life. The emperor saw himself not just as a ruler, but as a protector of the faith, working hand in hand with church leaders in Constantinople.This wasn’t a rivalry at first — just two cultures expressing the same faith in different ways. But over time, those differences deepened.In the West, Christianity took on a more legal and institutional shape. The Church developed systems, laws, and hierarchies, with the pope eventually claiming to stand in Peter’s place as the “Vicar of Christ.”When Did the Bishop of Rome Become “the Pope”?The title pope (from the Latin papa, meaning “father”) was originally used broadly for bishops across the Christian world.By the 4th century, it became increasingly associated with the bishop of Rome.Under Gregory the Great (590–604 A.D.), the office gained immense influence during times of crisis, and from then on, pope became an exclusive title for the bishop of Rome.By the time of the Great Schism (1054 A.D.), the pope’s title symbolized Rome’s claim to universal jurisdiction — something the Eastern Church could not accept.In the East, Christianity retained a mystical and communal spirit. Authority was shared among several patriarchs — in Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem — each overseeing their own region while recognizing one another as equals.Even as East and West developed distinct personalities, they still saw themselves as one Church — united by their faith in Christ and their commitment to guard the truth. But as Christianity spread across languages, cultures, and continents, new questions began to surface: Who is Jesus, really? How does His divinity relate to His humanity? Who has the final say when the Church disagrees?To answer those questions, Church leaders from every corner of the empire gathered in a series of monumental meetings known as the ecumenical councils. These councils would clarify essential truths about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit — and at the same time, begin to expose the tensions that would one day divide the family of faith.The Early Councils: Defining Christian OrthodoxyThe Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.)Called by Emperor Constantine in the city of Nicaea (modern-day Turkey), this was the first worldwide gathering of Church leaders — bishops from both East and West. They met to confront the teaching of Arius, who denied that Jesus was fully divine. The council affirmed that Jesus is “of one substance (homoousios) with the Father,” and produced the Nicene Creed — the first official statement of Christian orthodoxy. This was a rare moment of unity: East and West stood together in defense of the truth about Christ.✝ The Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.)Half a century later, Emperor Theodosius I called a second council — this time in Constantinople, the new imperial capital. Only Eastern bishops attended, since travel from the West was difficult and the Roman Church was preoccupied with internal struggles. This council expanded the Nicene Creed to include a fuller statement about the Holy Spirit — affirming His divinity and role in the Trinity. While the council’s conclusions were later accepted by the West, the lack of Western participation began to show early cracks in Church unity.The Council of Chalcedon (451 A.D.) — The First Great Split70 years after Constantinople, Church leaders gathered again at nearby Chalcedon to settle lingering questions about Christ’s nature. The result was another milestone — and another fracture.The Council of Chalcedon declared that Jesus Christ is one person in two natures, fully God and fully man, “without confusion, change, division, or separation.” This balanced statement — called the Chalcedonian Definition — became the cornerstone of orthodox Christology for both East and West.However, not everyone agreed. Christians in Egypt, Syria, and Armenia rejected the Chalcedonian formula, believing it overstated the distinction between Christ’s natures. They preferred the language of “one united nature” (miaphysis) — a view they believed best preserved the mystery of the Incarnation.The result was the first enduring break in the Christian world:The Coptic Orthodox Church (Egypt),The Ethiopian Orthodox Church,The Syriac Orthodox Church (Syria), andThe Armenian Apostolic Churchall separated from the imperial (Chalcedonian) Church. These are known today as the Oriental Orthodox Churches.This split, happening centuries before 1054, revealed a recurring pattern: theological disagreements expressed in different languages, shaped by culture and politics, could tear the Church apart. Chalcedon was the first precursor to the Great Schism, proving that even sincere pursuit of truth can divide when humility and communication break down.The point: By the time the Roman Empire finally fell in the West (476), the seeds of future division — linguistic, cultural, and theological — had already been planted. The Filioque Controversy (pronounced “FEE-lee-oh-kway”)One of the most famous theological flashpoints that illustrated the tension centered on a single Latin word — filioque, meaning “and from the Son.”Originally, the Nicene Creed (325 A.D.), reaffirmed at Constantinople (381 A.D.), declared that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father.” Both East and West agreed on that wording for centuries.But in the late 6th century, bishops in Spain added the phrase filioque to the Creed, teaching that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. They did this to defend the full divinity of Christ against lingering Arian heresies in the West. The change spread slowly through the Latin-speaking world and gained traction during the Carolingian era (8th–9th centuries) under Charlemagne’s influence.The Eastern Church, however, was never consulted. To them, the addition broke the rules of unity — a universal creed could not be changed without a universal council. Theologically, they also worried the phrase confused the distinct roles of the Father and the Son within the Trinity.By the time Rome officially adopted the phrase in 1014 A.D. under Pope Benedict VIII, the damage was done. For the West, the filioque was a necessary clarification — an expression of Christ’s equality with the Father. For the East, it was an act of theological arrogance — a symbol of the West’s growing independence and disregard for shared authority.What began as a single word in a creed became a defining fault line between two visions of the Church: one emphasizing doctrinal precision and papal authority, the other emphasizing mystery and conciliar unity.Political Tension — Two Empires, One FaithThe political divide between East and West came to a breaking point in 800 A.D., when Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne, king of the Franks, as “Emperor of the Romans.” To believers in the West, it was a moment of renewal — the Church and the empire united once again under Christian leadership. But to the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople, it looked like open rebellion. The East already had a Christian emperor; the pope had no right to crown another.That single act created two competing centers of power — two “Roman Empires,” each claiming divine authority to rule in Christ’s name. The Western Church tied itself ever more closely to political power, while the Eastern Church remained intertwined with imperial authority in Constantinople. What had once been one faith under one empire was now a rivalry between two worlds — each convinced it was defending the true kingdom of God.Worship and Practice — One Faith, Different ExpressionsThe split between East and West wasn’t just political or theological — it was cultural. Even the way believers worshiped began to reflect their distinct worlds.In the East, Communion was celebrated with leavened bread, symbolizing the risen Christ. In the West, it was unleavened bread, following the Jewish Passover tradition.Eastern priests could marry, while the Western Church required clerical celibacy as a sign of full devotion to God.The Eastern liturgy was poetic and mystical, filled with incense, chant, and sacred icons meant to draw the heart toward heaven. The Western liturgy was structured and formal, emphasizing order, logic, and Latin precision.None of these differences, on their own, were heresies. But over time, they became symbols of suspicion. Each side began to view the other as drifting from “true faith” — not because of what they believed about Christ, but because of how they expressed that belief. Cultural diversity, once a strength, had become another source of mistrust.Transition: From Division to DisasterBy the time the eleventh century arrived, the divide between East and West was more than theological — it was personal, political, and deeply human. Centuries of miscommunication and mistrust had hardened into arrogance on both sides. In Rome, popes saw themselves as guardians of order and truth — but too often mixed spiritual authority with political ambition, using faith to strengthen their influence over kings and emperors. In Constantinople, the patriarchs were no saints either. Many had become entangled in imperial politics, defending their own prestige just as fiercely as the truth of the gospel. The result was a Church led by men who often claimed to represent Christ — yet acted more like rivals defending territory than brothers pursuing unity.Each side spoke a different language, followed different customs, and operated under different assumptions about leadership, worship, and power. What began as diversity within one family of faith had become a cold distance between estranged relatives.All it would take was a spark — a clash of egos and empires — to turn that tension into a permanent break. That spark came in 1054 A.D., when envoys from Rome arrived in Constantinople, and the long-simmering differences between two churches, two empires, and two visions of Christianity finally exploded into open division.The Breaking Point — 1054 A.D.The split that had been centuries in the making finally erupted in 1054 A.D., and it wasn’t over a single issue — it was over everything that had been festering for generations. Language barriers, theological disputes, political rivalry, and personal pride all collided in one combustible moment.When Pope Leo IX sent Cardinal Humbert to Constantinople, it was supposed to be a diplomatic mission — a chance to repair strained relations and reaffirm unity. But by the time Humbert arrived, tensions were already boiling. The Patriarch of Constantinople, Michael Cerularius, was outspoken, defiant, and fiercely protective of Eastern traditions. He had publicly condemned Latin practices, even closing Western-style churches in the city.Humbert, for his part, was no diplomat. Known for his arrogance and quick temper, he arrived with letters from Rome that accused the Eastern Church of heresy and rebellion. He and Cerularius clashed almost immediately — two proud men representing two proud institutions, both convinced they alone were defending the faith.On July 16, 1054, in a moment that would define the next thousand years of Christian history, Humbert marched into Hagia Sophia, the great cathedral of Constantinople, and placed a bull of excommunication on the altar during worship. The document denounced Cerularius and the entire Eastern Church.Cerularius responded in kind. He convened his own council, denouncing Humbert and excommunicating the pope’s envoys. The two sides effectively excommunicated each other, each claiming to speak for the one true Church — and neither willing to back down.The rift was now official. The Church that had once stood united under persecution was permanently divided:The Roman Catholic Church in the West, centered in Rome and led by the pope.The Eastern Orthodox Church in the East, centered in Constantinople and governed by councils of patriarchs.And while later attempts would be made to heal the wound, the bitterness of 1054 would never fully fade. What began as a family dispute over theology and leadership ended as a tragic story of pride, politics, and lost unity — a reminder that even those who claim to represent Christ can forget to act like Him.After the DivideThe Great Schism of 1054 was only the beginning of separation. Over the next several centuries, events cemented the divide.10th–11th Centuries — Seeds of SeparationEven before the split, Saints Cyril and Methodius (9th century) had brought the gospel to the Slavs, creating the Cyrillic alphabet and translating Scripture. Their work led to Prince Vladimir of Kiev’s conversion in 988, establishing Orthodox Christianity among the Slavs — the foundation for the future Russian Orthodox Church.12th–13th Centuries — Deepening the DivideRelations worsened during the Crusades. The most devastating moment came in 1204, when Western Crusaders sacked Constantinople, looting churches and desecrating holy sites. To the Orthodox world, this betrayal by fellow Christians sealed the wound.14th–15th Centuries — New Centers of OrthodoxyAs the Byzantine Empire declined, leadership in Eastern Christianity shifted northward. In 1448, the Russian Orthodox Church declared independence from Constantinople. When Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, the ancient Christian capital came under Islamic rule. Moscow soon saw itself as the new guardian of Orthodoxy — the “Third Rome.”The Family of Eastern ChurchesBy the late Middle Ages, Eastern Orthodoxy was a communion of autocephalous (self-governing) yet...

In this episode, we're kicking off a new series walking through the story of the Church — from the apostles to the modern day — to uncover where things went right, where things went wrong, and what it means to stay faithful to Jesus’ design.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Drive through any city and you’ll see it — church signs everywhere.Catholic. Baptist. Methodist. Presbyterian. Pentecostal. Non-Denominational.How did we get here? And more importantly… have we lost something along the way?In this series, we’re walking through the story of the Church — from the apostles to the modern day — to uncover where things went right, where things went wrong, and what it means to stay faithful to Jesus’ design.Here’s where we’re going: From the Apostles to the Catholic Church (The Church Takes Shape)The Great Schism – East and West DividePre-Reformation Movements – Wycliffe, Hus, and the AnabaptistsThe Protestant Reformation – Truth RediscoveredThe Denominational Explosion – 1600s – 1800sModern Movements – Pentecostals, Evangelicals, and Non-DenomsWhen Jesus said, “I will build my church,” He wasn’t talking about buildings, politics, or denominations. He was launching a movement — a family of believers united by truth, transformed by the Spirit, and commissioned to make disciples of all nations.Over the next two thousand years, that movement grew, spread, divided, and institutionalized. Some of it was faithful. Some of it wasn’t.Our goal isn’t just to study history. It’s to recover the essence of a biblical church — one rooted in the gospel, led by the Spirit, and faithful to God’s Word. What does it mean to be the kind of church Jesus actually envisioned?The Church Jesus FoundedJesus made an unshakable promise:“I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” — Matthew 16:18 (NLT)At Pentecost (Acts 2), that promise became reality. The Holy Spirit filled believers, Peter preached, and thousands came to faith.“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (NLT)The Church began as a grassroots movement of ordinary people empowered by an extraordinary Spirit. There were no buildings, no denominations, and no political power — just a message of forgiveness and hope in Jesus Christ.The Structure of the New Testament ChurchAs the gospel spread, the apostles appointed elders (presbyteroi), also called pastors (poimēn) or overseers/bishops (episkopoi), to shepherd local congregations. These terms describe different aspects of one office — mature, Spirit-led shepherds guiding God’s people.Paul told the Ephesian elders:“Guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.” — Acts 20:28 (NLT)Church leadership was plural and local, not centralized. Deacons served practical needs (Acts 6:1–6), and every believer was equipped for ministry (1 Corinthians 12).Christ Himself was the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). Authority rested not in hierarchy, but in the apostles’ teaching — the inspired Word of God.The Foundation of the ApostlesPaul described the Church as:“Built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” — Ephesians 2:20 (NLT)This “foundation” refers to the original eyewitness apostles, personally chosen and commissioned by Jesus (Luke 6:13). Their authority was unique and unrepeatable.When James the Apostle was martyred in Acts 12, no one replaced him. Unlike Judas — whose betrayal required another to complete the Twelve — James’s death marked the close of that foundational era.There are no “capital-A Apostles” today. Their teaching, recorded in the New Testament, remains the lasting foundation.The Church stands on the apostolic Word, not an apostolic office.Scripture, not succession, is our authority.How the Early Church Made Decisions — Acts 15When Gentile believers began following Christ, some argued they must also follow the Mosaic Law. The issue threatened to divide the Church.The apostles and elders met in Jerusalem to seek God’s will.“So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue.” — Acts 15:6 (NLT)After prayer and testimony, James concluded:“We should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” — Acts 15:19 (NLT) “We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” — Acts 15:11 (NLT)The result was a letter affirming salvation by grace through faith and urging unity among believers. The process was biblical, Spirit-led, and communal — a model for decision-making in every age of the Church.From Persecution to PowerThe Era of Persecution (A.D. 64–313)For nearly three centuries, Christianity was illegal in the Roman Empire.Nero (64 A.D.) blamed Christians for Rome’s fire and executed them publicly.Domitian (81–96) demanded emperor worship; John was exiled to Patmos.Decius (249–251) required sacrifices to Roman gods; refusal meant death.Diocletian (303–311) launched the Great Persecution, destroying Scriptures and imprisoning believers.Yet persecution purified the Church. Martyrs like Polycarp, who prayed for his captors, and Perpetua and Felicity, who sang hymns before death, inspired courage. The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the Church.The Turning Point — Constantine and the Edict of Milan (313 A.D.)In 312 A.D., Emperor Constantine claimed to see a cross in the sky with the words “In this sign, conquer.” After victory, he legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan.For the first time, Christians could worship openly. Property was restored, persecution ceased, and bishops gained influence. Constantine later convened the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.), where church leaders affirmed that Jesus is “of one substance with the Father.” The Nicene Creed became a foundational statement of faith.The shift from persecution to privilege changed everything. The once-oppressed Church became favored by the state — and power began to shape its structure.The Rise of Imperial ChristianityUnder Theodosius I (380 A.D.), Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Churches grew wealthy, clergy gained social status, and faith became cultural rather than personal.The empire’s five key cities — Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem — became centers of church authority. The bishop of Rome, claiming Peter’s legacy, gradually asserted supremacy over others.When the Western Empire fell in 476 A.D., the bishop of Rome filled the leadership vacuum. Over time, that role evolved into the papacy, and the Roman Catholic Church emerged as both a spiritual and political power.By the Middle Ages:The Pope was seen as Christ’s representative on earth.Salvation was mediated through church sacraments.Worship was conducted in Latin, inaccessible to the common believer.Tradition often outweighed Scripture.The Church gained stability — but drifted far from the simplicity of Acts 2.Voices That Shaped the EraEven as the Church developed structure and faced persecution, God raised up theological thinkers whose writings would shape doctrine for centuries.Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–108 A.D.) – A disciple of the Apostle John, Ignatius wrote letters urging believers to stay united in truth and avoid false teachers. On his way to martyrdom in Rome, he declared, “It is better to die for Christ Jesus than to reign over all the ends of the earth.” His letters show how early Christians viewed Christ’s divinity and the Church’s unity.Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 A.D.) – A philosopher-turned-Christian, Justin defended the faith before Roman officials, arguing that Christianity fulfilled the deepest longings of philosophy. His Apologies and Dialogue with Trypho helped bridge faith and reason, introducing the idea that all truth ultimately points to Christ.Augustine of Hippo (354–430 A.D.) – Living after Constantine, Augustine’s writings defined Western theology. In Confessions, he showed how grace transforms the human heart; in The City of God, he contrasted the kingdom of God with the kingdom of man. Augustine taught that salvation is by grace through faith — ideas that would deeply influence the Reformers a thousand years later.Each of these men reminds us that ideas matter — and that truth must be defended in every generation.The Fall of Rome and the Rise of the Holy Roman EmpireBy the 400s, the Western Roman Empire was collapsing under internal corruption, economic decline, and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes (Visigoths, Vandals, Ostrogoths). In 476 A.D., a Germanic general named Odoacer deposed the last Western emperor, Romulus Augustulus, and declared himself ruler of Italy.That moment marked the symbolic end of the Western Roman Empire.The Eastern Roman Empire (later called the Byzantine Empire) survived for nearly a thousand more years, with its capital in Constantinople.After 476, the Roman Church — especially the bishop (pope) of Rome — became the only unifying institution left in the West. The popes, monks, and bishops preserved learning, provided leadership, and filled the political vacuum left by Rome’s collapse.The “Christian Rome” DreamIn the centuries after the fall, Europe was a patchwork of tribal kingdoms — Franks, Goths, Lombards, and others. Most people looked to the Church for order and moral authority.The popes began to see themselves as successors not only to the apostles, but also as heirs to the moral leadership once held by the emperors. The ideal of a Christian empire — where church and state worked together under God’s authority — began to take shape.This idea would culminate in a new empire — one that claimed to be “holy” (under God), “Roman” (the successor to ancient Rome), and an “empire” (uniting Europe under a single Christian ruler).The Rise of the Holy Roman Empire (800 A.D.)In 800 A.D., nearly 300 years after the fall of Rome, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne, king of the Franks, as “Emperor of the Romans.” This act symbolized the rebirth of a Christian Rome in Western Europe — what we now call the Holy Roman Empire.It was an alliance:The pope gained protection and political backing.Charlemagne gained divine legitimacy for his rule.The empire united much of Western Europe under a Christian identity, but it also blurred the line between spiritual authority and political control.As historian Voltaire famously quipped centuries later, “The Holy Roman Empire was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.” But in its time, it became the central stage for the medieval Church’s growing power — setting up centuries of conflict between popes and emperors over who truly ruled in Christ’s name.Next week, we’ll see how East and West finally broke apart — how theology, culture, and authority collided in the event known as the Great Schism — and what it reveals about the Church’s ongoing struggle between truth and control.What We LearnThe early church began as a Spirit-led movement built on Christ and the apostles’ teaching. Over time, it became an institution shaped by empire and hierarchy.But Jesus never stopped building His Church. Through persecution, philosophy, and politics, He continued to preserve the truth of the gospel.The lesson for us is clear:A biblical church is not defined by power or popularity, but by truth, humility, and dependence on Christ.When we drift from those essentials, history repeats itself.

Many people coming out of Mormonism ask, “So now that I’m free to choose, how do I pick a church?” In this episode, we explore what it really means to find a healthy, biblical Christian church — one that’s Jesus-centered, Bible-based, and grace-driven.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Leaving Mormonism can feel like losing your spiritual “home base.” In LDS culture, wards are assigned by address. In biblical Christianity, you’re free to choose a local church family. But freedom raises a wise question: How do you pick a healthy, Bible-teaching, Jesus-centered church?Start with Scripture, Not a SystemMany former Latter-day Saints have heard 1 Timothy 3:15 used to imply that the “true church” must be a single organization with one earthly headquarters and priesthood keys: “This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (NLT) Paul isn’t describing a corporate institution; he’s describing a community of believers built on Christ with qualified local leaders (read all of 1 Timothy 3). The foundation is Jesus himself—not a modern hierarchy. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11, NLT) “Together, we are his house… built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” (Ephesians 2:20, NLT)In other words, the “pillar and foundation of the truth” is the global family of men and women who belong to Jesus and uphold his Word in local congregations.Three Non-NegotiablesHealthy churches are:Jesus-centered (the person and work of Christ are central),Bible-based (Scripture is the final authority),Grace-proclaiming (the gospel is good news, not good advice).“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT)“There is salvation in no one else!” (Acts 4:12, NLT)“For everyone has sinned… Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight.” (Romans 3:23-24, NLT)A Loving but Discerning Warning about the Prosperity GospelSome churches teach that God guarantees health, wealth, and constant success if you have enough faith. That’s not the New Testament gospel; it’s motivational religion with Bible words. Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, NLT) The Bible prepares us for valleys as well as victories: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” (Psalm 23:4, NLT) Don’t swap LDS performance religion for a health-and-wealth counterfeit.Look for Real CommunityJesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT) In a healthy church you’ll find people who speak the truth in love, carry one another’s burdens, pray honestly, confess sins, and extend grace. “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NLT)A 10-Question Church-Evaluation ChecklistUse these questions as you explore websites, listen to sermons, and visit services or small groups:What do they believe about the Bible? Is Scripture the final authority—without “new revelation” that replaces or overrides it? (2 Timothy 3:16)Who do they say Jesus is? Fully God, fully man, the only Savior and Lord? (Acts 4:12)What is their gospel? Salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ alone—not Jesus plus baptism, rituals, or rule-keeping? (Romans 3:23-24)How do they handle money and suffering? Do they teach generosity without promising guaranteed prosperity? Do they prepare people to trust God in trials? (Luke 9:23; Psalm 23:4)Is politics in its proper place? Do they preach biblical truth about moral issues without turning the pulpit into a campaign rally?What’s the community like? Do you see truth and love in action, and pathways into groups and serving? (John 13:35; Galatians 6:2)How do they teach about the Holy Spirit? Biblical, Christ-exalting, orderly—avoiding unbiblical extremes or sensationalism.How is leadership structured? Qualified elders/pastors, shared accountability, no cult of personality. (See 1 Timothy 3; 1 Peter 5:3)How do they respond to questions and doubts? Are honest, Bible-anchored questions welcomed rather than shamed?Do you sense freedom in Christ? “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, NLT) Is grace the air they breathe?Final EncouragementYou’re not trading one organization for another—you’re entering a living family built on Christ’s finished work. Jesus promised, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (Matthew 16:18, NLT) Find a church that is Jesus-centered, Bible-based, and grace-proclaiming—and plug in.

In this episode we reveal how the infamous Kinderhook Plates—once hailed by Joseph Smith as an ancient record—turned out to be a deliberate 19th-century hoax that exposes the cracks in Mormonism’s prophetic claims.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --In 1843, Joseph Smith—the founder of Mormonism—was handed what looked like an ancient discovery: six mysterious brass plates unearthed in Illinois. But the “Kinderhook Plates” weren’t ancient at all; they were a deliberately crafted hoax designed to test Smith’s prophetic gift. In this episode, we uncover the full story—how the plates were forged, why they were presented to Smith, what he claimed about them, and how the LDS Church eventually admitted they were fake. More than a quirky historical footnote, the Kinderhook Plates pose a serious question about the foundation of Mormonism and the claims of its prophet. We’ll also point you back to the solid ground of Scripture and the simple gospel of Jesus Christ.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The backstory of the Kinderhook Plates and why they were createdHow Joseph Smith responded and what he claimed they revealedEvidence from eyewitnesses, later confessions, and modern scientific testing proving the plates were man-madeHow the LDS Church’s position on the plates has shifted over timeWhat the Bible says about testing prophets and why Jesus—not any modern prophet—is God’s final revelationWhy This Matters:This isn’t just an old scandal. It’s a living test case for Joseph Smith’s credibility and for the LDS Church’s truth claims today. If a prophet can’t discern a man-made fraud, what does that say about his revelations?Scripture Highlight:Deuteronomy 18:21-22 – God’s own test for identifying false prophets.