Forerunners of the Faith: 13 Lessons to Understand and Appreciate the Basics of Church History

Enter God’s Story of Faithfulness to His People

The Christian faith extends beyond our personal experiences, our individual churches, and far beyond our present age. This, for the Christian, is great news. When we become acquainted with the legacy of our Christian heritage, we connect our stories to those of the faithful believers who have come before us.

This connection is precisely what Nathan Busenitz, Dean of Faculty and professor of church history at The Master's Seminary, seeks to provide. Based on the bestselling Fundamentals of the Faith, Forerunners of the Faith outlines the biblical orthodoxy that characterizes the true church. Busenitz then succinctly identifies thirteen key lessons that capture the trials and triumphs of the historical Church, providing insights for how the ancient Christians responded to the problems of their day to become the pillars of faith we now consider them to be. Learn how your faith stands on the shoulders of giants like Athanasius, Augustine, and Wycliffe. As more than a didactic resource, Forerunners of the Faith serves as spiritual encouragement as we remember the legacy of God’s faithfulness to his people.

Using this teaching guide, become empowered and equipped to lead your group through Forerunners of the Faith. Find answers to every lesson and insightful teaching notes.

NATHAN BUSENITZ, (M.Div., Th.M., Ph.D., The Master's Seminary) is the Dean of Faculty and Assistant Professor of Theology at The Master's Seminary. He holds a doctorate in church history, with a specific focus on patristic theology. He has served as a full-time member of the pastoral staff at Grace Community Church, director of the Shepherd's Fellowship, managing editor of Pulpit magazine, and as the personal assistant to John MacArthur.

JOHN MACARTHUR is the late pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California; president of The Master's College and Seminary; and featured teacher for the Grace to You media ministry. Weekly telecasts and daily radio broadcasts of "Grace to You" are seen and heard by millions worldwide. John had also written several bestselling books, including The MacArthur Study Bible, The Gospel According to Jesus, The New Testament Commentary series, Twelve Ordinary Men, and The Truth War.