COACH: Church Origins and Church History courtesy of the That’s Jesus Channel

1797 AD – Wilberforce’s Manifesto: When a Parliamentarian Called Britain Back to “Real Christianity” Description: In 1797, as Britain fought revolutionary France and watched its neighbor experiment with “Temples of Reason,” a different kind of revolution quietly appeared on London bookshop counters. William Wilberforce, already known for his exhausting campaign to end the British slave trade, released a thick volume with an even thicker title: A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians… Contrasted with Real Christianity. He wrote not as a cloistered theologian, but as a sitting Member of Parliament who had been shaken years earlier by the Bible and by older Christian writers during a long European journey. Their insistence on sin, judgment, grace, and new birth forced him to reconsider everything—from his jokes about religion to his pursuit of applause in the House of Commons. Urged by John Newton to remain in politics “for God,” Wilberforce stayed in Parliament and threw himself into abolition. Yet he could not ignore what he saw among Britain’s higher and middle classes: a polished, convenient religion that kept Christian language but lost Christian reality. His book drew a sharp contrast between that “prevailing religious system” and what he called “real Christianity”—a faith centered on Jesus’ atonement, the corruption of the human heart, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. To his surprise, the book spread quickly through the very social circles he gently rebuked, running through multiple editions in Britain and abroad. Over time, it helped make serious, evangelical faith respectable among the educated classes and quietly shaped the conscience of the Victorian world. This episode traces how one layman’s manifesto pressed a nation to ask whether its Christianity was merely a habit or a living, demanding, joyful reality. Keywords (400–500 characters): William Wilberforce book, A Practical View Wilberforce, real Christianity vs nominal Christianity, 1797 Wilberforce manifesto, British evangelical revival, higher and middle classes religion, John Newton counsel, Wilberforce conversion story, slavery abolition and faith, Victorian evangelical roots, British Christianity 18th century, nominal religion critique Hashtags: #WilliamWilberforce #APracticalView #RealChristianity #NominalChristianity #EvangelicalRevival #JohnNewton #BritishHistory #ChristianHistory #FaithAndPolitics #AbolitionAndGospel #18thCenturyChristianity #VictorianRoots CTA: If this story helps you see the difference between “prevailing religion” and real Christianity, share it with a friend who might be wrestling with the same questions. Chunk 01A – Hook (150–200 words) The book did not look like a revolution. It was thick, densely titled, and written by a man who already spent his days arguing over trade, taxes, and war. London booksellers placed it on their counters in the spring of 1797, just another volume among many. Outside, Britain worried about France—about armies, debt, and the strange new festivals that were turning cathedrals into “Temples of Reason.” Inside, the man whose name appeared on the title page was quietly asking a different question: What if the real crisis was not across the Channel, but in the pews at home? William Wilberforce had already spent a decade wearing himself out against the slave trade. But this book was aimed closer to his own world—toward the drawing rooms, clubs, and polite churches of England’s higher and middle classes. It argued that the greatest danger to Britain was not open unbelief, but a comfortable Christianity that kept the language of faith and emptied it of its power. He called that comfortable version the “prevailing religious system.” He called what he found in Scripture something else entirely. He called it real Christianity. Chunk 01B – Cliffhanger (45–50 words) When a man who moves easily among the powerful turns and tells his own class, “Our religion is mostly a shell,” people have to decide whether to be offended or to listen. And sometimes, the shock of being accurately described is the very thing that finally wakes a heart up. Chunk 02: From the That's Jesus Channel — welcome to COACH — where Church origins and church history actually coach us how to walk boldly with Jesus today. I'm Bob Baulch. And on Fridays we stay between 1500 and 2000 AD. Chunk 03 – Segue Sentence Today we step into 1797 Britain, where William Wilberforce’s long, unwieldy book quietly confronted a nation with the unsettling difference between its polished religion and what he called “real Christianity.” Chunk 4 Narrative based on Episode Idea: Wilberforce’s Manifesto The spring of 1797 felt brittle in Britain, as if the whole country were holding its breath. War with revolutionary France dragged on, draining coffers and patience. Across the Channel, revolutionary leaders had, in some places, publicly denied the existence of God and turned long‑standing cathedrals into “T

Episode 17: 62 AD – The Echo of the Book of Ephesians Description: In 62 AD, the Apostle Paul was under house arrest in Rome, yet he managed to write a letter that changed the world. This episode explores the powerful story of the Book of Ephesians and how it provided a "soaring vision" for the early church. We look at the main conflict of that time, where believers faced false teachings and needed a strong voice to help them stand firm against the confusion of the Roman world. You will hear how great church leaders like Irenaeus and Tertullian used this letter to defend the truth about Jesus and keep the church united. The episode highlights how the "Armor of God" gave them courage and how the promise of grace shaped their identity. We also see how this letter was read in whispered services by candlelight, becoming a lifeline for ordinary Christians who needed to know they were part of one body. Does the echo of Ephesians still reach us today, and are we letting the Bible shape our lives the way it shaped theirs? We invite you to reflect on this question and subscribe to the COACH podcast to explore more stories from the origins of our faith. Apostle Paul, Book of Ephesians, Roman imprisonment, early church history, Irenaeus, Tertullian, spiritual warfare, Christian unity, biblical history, ancient Rome #ChurchHistory #Christianity #COACH #Ephesians #ApostlePaul #BibleStudy Links: Podcast Website: That's Jesus dot org YouTube: That's Jesus Channel

0106 - 1355 - The Tavern Brawl and Saint Scholastica Day Riot When Clerical Privilege Turned a University City Violent Chunk 00: Title, Website, YT, POD, FB, Summary, Keywords, Hashtags, CTA Title: 1355 AD - The St. Scholastica's Day Riot: When Clerical Privilege Turned a University City Violent Website/YT/POD/FB Description: On February 10, 1355, a complaint about bad wine at Oxford's Swindlestock Tavern escalated into three days of violence that left dozens dead and the city scarred. The St. Scholastica's Day riot revealed the deep resentment between Oxford's townspeople and its university scholars, who enjoyed clerical privileges that protected them from local justice. Students wore tonsures and gowns marking them as churchmen, giving them benefit of clergy—lighter punishments in church courts rather than the harsher penalties townspeople faced. When two students insulted a tavern keeper, the fight spilled into the streets, bells rang from competing towers, and armed mobs from town and countryside attacked scholars in their lodgings. Bodies were thrown into ditches, halls were burned, and books were dragged into the streets. King Edward III responded by restoring the university's charter while imprisoning Oxford's mayor and placing the town under interdict for over a year. He then expanded the university's authority over Oxford's markets and justice system, deepening the imbalance that had sparked the violence. As punishment and memorial, the mayor and town officials were required to walk to St Mary's Church every February 10th, attend mass for the slain scholars, and pay a penny for each death—a ritual of submission that continued for nearly five hundred years. The riot demonstrates how structural inequality, when mixed with legal privilege and daily friction, can ignite catastrophic violence. It reminds the church today that systems which create separate standards of justice—even when rooted in religious authority—can breed the very resentment they claim to prevent. Keywords: St Scholastica's Day riot, Oxford University history, medieval town and gown conflict, benefit of clergy, clerical privilege, King Edward III, 1355 Oxford riot, medieval university violence, church court system, medieval legal privilege, Oxford medieval history, university town conflict Hashtags: #StScholasticasDayRiot #OxfordUniversityHistory #MedievalTownAndGown #BenefitOfClergy #ClericalPrivilege #KingEdwardIII #1355OxfordRiot #MedievalUniversityViolence #ChurchCourtSystem #MedievalLegalPrivilege #OxfordMedievalHistory #UniversityTownConflict CTA: If this story challenged how you think about privilege and justice in the church, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Chunk 01A: Hook The tavern keeper wiped blood from his face. The wine cup clattered to the floor. Around him, voices rose—some in fury, some in fear. Students in long gowns pressed toward the door. Townsmen blocked the way. Outside, the streets of Oxford waited, narrow and tense, where two communities had lived side by side for generations under rules that were never equal. By morning, bells would ring from two towers, calling not to prayer but to arms. By the third day, bodies would lie in ditches and the river, halls would burn, and the smell of smoke would hang over a city already thinned by plague. The fight began over spoiled wine. But the rage underneath had been building for decades, fed by privilege that protected some and punished others, by justice that bent depending on the clothes you wore and the courts that claimed you. It was February 10, 1355. And before the week ended, Oxford would run with blood. Chunk 01B: Cliffhanger When the structure itself creates two kinds of justice—one for the powerful, one for everyone else—resentment doesn't disappear. It waits. And when it finally breaks, the cost is measured in bodies, in ashes, and in centuries of bitterness. Chunk 02: Verbatim Intro From the That's Jesus Channel—welcome to COACH, where Church origins and church history actually coach us how to walk boldly with Jesus today. I'm Bob Baulch. And on Wednesday, we stay between 500 and 1500 AD. Chunk 03: Segue Today we step into Oxford in 1355, where a tavern argument over bad wine ignited three days of violence that exposed the deadly consequences of clerical privilege and legal inequality. Chunk 04: Narrative Chunk 4 Narrative based on 1355 AD - The St. Scholastica’s Day Riot: When Clerical Privilege Turned a University City Violent The wine was bad. Walter de Springheuse and Roger de Chesterfield sat in the Swindlestock Tavern at Carfax, where Oxford’s four main streets met. It was February 10, 1355, the feast of Saint Scholastica, and the tavern was thick with noise—students in long gowns, townsmen with rough hands, travelers shaking off the winter cold. Walter lifted his cup, tasted the wine, and complained. Roger agreed. The tavern keeper, John, pushed back. Voices rose. Insults followed. Then the wine flew into John’s face, and a blow with a cup

BONUS DAY 25: Modern Fasting – Recovery or Distortion? Description: Is the modern church recovering biblical fasting, or are we just baptizing diet culture? In this final bonus episode, Bob Baulch tackles the biggest controversies surrounding the modern fasting movement. We ask the hard questions: Is "Intermittent Fasting" (16:8) a spiritual discipline or just a weight-loss trend? Is a "Technology Fast" actually fasting, or just a digital break? We explore why giving up food must always be paired with prayer to be spiritual, otherwise, it is simply dieting [Source 8: 544-545]. We also confront the commercialization of the "Daniel Fast," exposing how companies exploit the desire to be faithful by selling expensive meal kits for a fast that is supposed to be about simplicity and self-denial [Source 8: 554]. Furthermore, we address a critical safety issue: the danger of religious fasting masking eating disorders within the church. We discuss how spiritual language can sometimes be used to justify destructive behavior and why God wants your heart, not your harm [Source 8: 556]. This finale challenges us to navigate these modern trends with discernment. We conclude with a final charge to make fasting a regular, secret, and humble part of your walk with God—ensuring that the fast remains the tool, and God remains the treasure [Source 8: 561-562]. Keywords: Modern fasting controversies, Christian intermittent fasting, social media fast, juice fast biblical, Daniel Fast commercialization, fasting and eating disorders, spiritual vs diet, 16:8 fasting Christian, technology detox.

Title: Deep Dive: 410 AD – Augustine and the Sack of Rome (Revisiting Ep 16) Description: In 410 AD, the invincible city of Rome was sacked by the Visigoths, shocking the ancient world and causing a massive crisis of faith. This episode explores how Augustine of Hippo responded to the panic when pagan leaders began blaming Christians for the disaster. We discuss the terror of the invasion after 800 years of safety and the pagan accusation that the old gods were angry. The story highlights Augustine’s masterpiece, The City of God, and his famous teaching on the "Two Cities"—the City of Man and the City of God. We also look at why he urged believers to live as pilgrims who anchor their hope in heaven rather than in earthly empires. If you feel anxious about the chaos in the world today, this episode offers a timeless reminder of where true security is found. We invite you to subscribe to COACH for more weekly stories from early church history. Augustine of Hippo, Sack of Rome, Alaric, Visigoths, City of God, fall of Rome, Christian history, early church, Bob Baulch, two cities theology #ChurchHistory #Christianity #COACH #DeepDive #Augustine #CityOfGod #Rome #Faith https://www.thatsjesus.org

BONUS DAY 24: Inside the Monastery – Monastic Fasting Through the Ages Description: For 1,500 years, monks have been the "special forces" of Christian fasting. In Bonus Day 24, we go inside the monastery to examine the detailed fasting rules of the Benedictines, Cistercians, and the ultra-strict Carthusians (who eat one meal a day and maintain near-total silence). We explore why men and women throughout history have chosen to live under such strict discipline to seek God [Source 8: 521-522, 529]. We look at the Rule of St. Benedict, which mandated vegetarianism for monks but allowed wine in moderation, and the Trappist tradition of silence during meals. We also revisit the Desert Fathers, who viewed extreme fasting as direct warfare against demons, and contrast them with St. Francis, who ate meat to avoid the sin of pride [Source 8: 523, 527, 533]. What can modern laypeople learn from these radical lifestyles? We discuss the concepts of "Rhythm and Rule," community accountability, and the danger of pride that even the Desert Fathers struggled with. Discover how structure can create freedom for the soul [Source 8: 539-540]. Keywords: Monastic fasting, Rule of St Benedict, Trappist monks, Carthusian order, Christian monasticism, Desert Fathers, silence and fasting, spiritual formation, St Francis fasting, Cistercian monks.

0104 – 65 BC - Honi the Circle Maker - Bold Prayer, Ancient Jewish Legend, and Christian Discernment Who was Honi the Circle Maker, and why does his story still divide believers today? In this episode, we explore the ancient Jewish figure known for praying rain into a drought, drawing a circle in the dust, and boldly confronting God with persistent prayer. Using the Mishnah, the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds, and the historian Josephus, we separate historical fact from rabbinic legend and trace how different Jewish groups struggled to understand Honi’s unusual authority. The episode then turns to modern controversy. In 2011, pastor Mark Batterson popularized Honi’s story in The Circle Maker, launching a global prayer movement and igniting intense theological debate. Critics accused the book of prosperity theology and misuse of extra-biblical sources. Defenders argued it simply illustrated biblical principles of persistent prayer. This is not a takedown or an endorsement. It is a careful examination of history, Scripture, and discernment. We ask a deeper question Christians have faced since the apostles: Can believers learn from non-biblical sources without compromising biblical authority? You will learn: What the ancient sources actually say about Honi How rabbinic tradition reshaped charismatic figures Why Josephus’ account matters historically What went wrong and right in the modern Circle Maker debate How to use extra-biblical material responsibly under Scripture Why bold prayer and humble submission must remain together This episode challenges shallow controversy and invites mature faith, grounded prayer, and biblical discernment. KEYWORDS (Podcast Platforms) Honi the Circle Maker Circle Maker controversy Mark Batterson Circle Maker Jewish miracle workers Talmud and Christianity Josephus Antiquities Honi Bold prayer Bible Persistent prayer Luke 18 Extra-biblical sources Christianity Charismatic authority Judaism Prosperity gospel critique Christian discernment Prayer theology Ancient Jewish history Church history podcast YOUTUBE TAGS (Comma-separated) Honi the Circle Maker, Circle Maker book, Mark Batterson, bold prayer, persistent prayer, Jewish legends, Talmud explained, Josephus history, prayer controversy, prosperity theology debate, Christian discernment, church history, ancient Judaism, extra biblical sources, theology podcast HASHTAGS #HoniTheCircleMaker #BoldPrayer #ChurchHistory #ChristianDiscernment #Talmud #Josephus #PrayerTheology #CircleMaker #BibleAndHistory Honi the Circle Maker: Bold Prayer, Ancient Legend, and Modern Controversy HOOK The drought had lasted so long that even memory seemed to dry up. Across Judea in the first century before Christ, cisterns cracked open. Wells turned to dust. Animals collapsed in the fields. Children cried from thirst. The religious leaders had tried everything—organized fasts, communal prayers, trumpet blasts from the Temple. The sky remained empty. Nothing but relentless, mocking blue. In desperation, the people turned to a man who held no official position, who had studied under no famous rabbis, who possessed no priestly credentials. His name was Honi. What made him different was simple and undeniable: when Honi prayed, God answered. What he did next would scandalize every religious authority in Judea, get him killed during a civil war, and two thousand years later spark one of the fiercest controversies in modern evangelical Christianity. In 2011, a pastor in Washington D.C. discovered Honi's story in a collection of ancient Jewish legends. He built a bestselling book around it, urging millions of Christians to "pray circles" around their biggest dreams. The book sold over a million copies and generated an entire industry of prayer journals, devotionals, church campaigns, and small group studies. It also ignited a theological firestorm. Critics erupted in fury, charging the author with heresy, Talmudic syncretism, and thinly veiled prosperity theology. Defenders pushed back just as hard, insisting the book simply illustrated biblical principles with a compelling historical example. Church leaders took sides. Friendships fractured. At stake was more than one book or one prayer technique. The debate forced the church to wrestle with an ancient question it thought it had already answered: Can Christians learn from sources outside the Bible? Should a pastor build a teaching on a story from the Talmud? And if so, how do we do it without compromising Scripture's unique authority? Before we can answer those questions, we need to meet the man who started it all—and understand why his story has never stopped dividing people. CHUNK 2 From the Thats Jesus Channel welcome to COACH - where Church origins and church history actually coach us how to walk boldly with Jesus today. Im Bob Baulch. And on Mondays, we stay between 0 and 500 AD. CHUNK 3 Today we move to about sixty years before Jesus was born, in the land of Judea, to look into a man remembered for bot

BONUS DAY 23: Fasting Around the World – Orthodox & Coptic Traditions Description: While Western Christianity largely abandoned fasting after the Reformation, Eastern Christianity never did. In Bonus Day 23, we explore the rigorous, ancient traditions of the Eastern Orthodox and Coptic churches. Did you know Coptic Christians in Egypt fast for over 210 days a year? Or that "fasting" for them means a strict vegan diet—no meat, dairy, eggs, or even oil? [Source 8: 501, 507-508]. We look at the major fasting seasons that have remained unbroken for nearly 2,000 years: "Great Lent," the "Apostles' Fast," the "Nativity Fast," and the weekly rhythm of fasting every Wednesday and Friday to remember Judas's betrayal and Jesus's crucifixion [Source 8: 503-505]. We also examine why Eastern Christians view fasting not as a gloomy duty, but as a joyful preparation for the feast and a vital discipline for the soul [Source 8: 517]. This episode challenges our modern comfort and asks what we can learn from brothers and sisters who view fasting not as a crisis intervention, but as a lifestyle. Join us to discover how a communal culture of fasting can transform a church [Source 8: 516]. Keywords: Eastern Orthodox fasting, Coptic fasting, Great Lent, vegan fasting Christian, Apostles Fast, Christian traditions, global Christianity, spiritual discipline, Wednesday and Friday fast, Nativity Fast.

BONUS DAY 22: The Complete Fasting Recap + What We Missed Description: You made it through the 21 days! But we aren't done yet. In this special bonus episode, Bob Baulch provides a rapid-fire recap of the entire journey—from the shocking truth that God only commanded one fast (Day 1) to the hilarious medieval loopholes of beaver tails and barnacle geese (Day 14). We consolidate 2,000 years of history into one comprehensive session, reviewing the biblical patterns, the warnings against spiritual pride, and the practical safety protocols every faster needs [Source 8: 474-486]. But we don't just look back; we also open the "Lost Files" to explore topics we didn't have time to cover. We dive into the rigorous fasting traditions of the Eastern Orthodox and Coptic churches (who fast over 200 days a year!), explain the medieval "Ember Days," and tell the surprising story of how a Catholic fasting rule led to the invention of the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish [Source 8: 488-492]. We also tackle modern controversies like Intermittent Fasting and the commercialization of the "Daniel Fast." This episode is your ultimate study guide and send-off. Whether you missed a day or just need to synthesize what you've learned, Day 22 brings it all together. Join us to solidify your understanding of fasting as a tool to seek the true treasure: God Himself [Source 8: 473, 500]. Keywords: Fasting series recap, history of fasting summary, Ember Days, Filet-O-Fish history, Coptic fasting, biblical fasting review, Christian history overview, Rogation Days, modern fasting controversies.

FASTING DAY 21: Fasting Today – Bringing Ancient Wisdom into Modern Practice Description: You have made it. After 21 days of denying your flesh and seeking God, how do you carry this discipline forward? In this season finale, Bob Baulch synthesizes 2,000 years of fasting history into a practical roadmap for the future. We revisit the "Real Rule" of Isaiah 58—that true fasting must result in compassion, generosity, and justice [Source 8: 73, 463]. We explore the "Three-Fold Cord" of Matthew 6, where Jesus links giving, praying, and fasting as the engine of Christian life. Jesus assumes His followers will do all three, and they work together; fasting without prayer is just dieting, and fasting without generosity is self-focused [Source 8: 73, 462]. We also warn against the danger of pride: if you finish this fast feeling superior to others, you have become the Pharisee God rejected [Source 8: 75, 470]. This episode challenges you to make fasting a regular rhythm—perhaps weekly or monthly—not just a once-a-year event. We remind you that the fast is merely the tool; God Himself is the treasure. Join us to celebrate the end of the journey and the beginning of a deeper walk with God [Source 8: 75, 471]. Keywords: Fasting application, Isaiah 58, Matthew 6 giving praying fasting, spiritual disciplines, ending a fast, Christian living, humility, Redemption Church series finale, biblical fasting guide.

FASTING DAY 20: How to Fast Safely – Avoiding the Hospital Description: Fasting can be spiritually powerful, but it can also be medically dangerous if done incorrectly. As we approach the end of the 21 days, we must talk about safety. In Day 20, Bob Baulch covers the critical medical wisdom every faster needs. We discuss who should NEVER fast—including children, pregnant women, diabetics, and those with a history of eating disorders—and why God does not require us to harm our health to prove our devotion [Source 8: 67-68, 440-442]. We also tackle the life-threatening danger of "Refeeding Syndrome" for those breaking extended fasts. We explain why you cannot eat a cheeseburger on Day 22 without risking hospitalization and provide a specific protocol for breaking your fast gently. You will learn to start with bone broth and steamed vegetables while avoiding high carbs and sugars that can shock your system [Source 8: 69-70, 446-448]. This episode reminds us that God designed your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Harming your body isn't holiness; it's foolishness. Join us for the practical safety briefing the church often forgets to give [Source 8: 70, 450]. Keywords: Fasting safety, refeeding syndrome, breaking a fast safely, who should not fast, fasting and diabetes, eating disorders and fasting, breaking a water fast, Christian fasting guide, medical risks of fasting.

FASTING DAY 19: Fasting from SEX and the 4 Biblical Types of Fasting – Which Are You Doing? Description: Not all fasts are created equal. The Bible describes at least four different types of fasting, and understanding the difference is key to finishing your 21 days strong. In Day 19, we break down the "taxonomy" of fasting so you can identify which one fits your spiritual season and physical needs. We explain why there isn't just one "right" way to fast, but rather different methods for different purposes [Source 8: 63, 423]. We explore the Absolute Fast (Esther’s 3 days without food or water) and the strict medical warnings that come with it. We look at the Normal Fast (Jesus’s water-only fast), the Partial Fast (commonly known as the Daniel Fast, based on Daniel 1 and 10), and the Intermittent Fast (the ancient Jewish practice of fasting until sunset) [Source 8: 63-65, 424-431]. We also discuss why an absolute fast should never exceed three days without medical supervision and how the Daniel Fast allows for long-term spiritual discipline without compromising work performance. This episode helps you choose the right fast for your situation. Whether you are drinking only water or eating only vegetables, the goal is the same: denying the flesh to seek God. Join us to learn the biblical history and practical application of each type. Keywords: Types of fasting, Absolute fast, Normal fast, Daniel Fast, Intermittent fasting Christian, Esther fast, biblical fasting guide, how to fast properly, spiritual disciplines, water fast vs dry fast.

FASTING DAY 18: Does Fasting Cast Out Demons? (The Truth About Mark 9:29) Description: Does fasting give you special power over demons? Many Christians quote Mark 9:29—"This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting"—as proof. But did you know the words "and fasting" don't appear in the earliest biblical manuscripts? In Day 18, we tackle the controversy of fasting and spiritual warfare. We examine the textual variants and ask if later scribes added the phrase to emphasize a practice that Jesus didn't originally command in that context [Source 8: 59, 409]. We also look at the undeniable biblical connection between fasting and spiritual battles found elsewhere in Scripture. We explore Daniel 10, where Daniel fasted for 21 days during a conflict with the "Prince of Persia," and Acts 13, where the church fasted before sending missionaries into pagan territories [Source 8: 60-61, 412, 414]. We explain that fasting isn't a magic spell that binds Satan; rather, it is a tool that humbles the believer and aligns them with God's power. This episode challenges us to stop trying to manipulate spiritual forces and start positioning ourselves to receive God's breakthrough. Learn the difference between fasting for magical power and fasting for spiritual alignment [Source 8: 62, 421]. Join us to understand how Jesus used fasting not to avoid temptation, but to prepare for victory over it. Keywords: Mark 9:29 textual variant, fasting and prayer, spiritual warfare, casting out demons, Daniel 10, Acts 13, biblical authority, deliverance ministry, power of fasting, Prince of Persia.

Deep Dive: 304 AD – Crispina Defies Persecution – A North African Mother Stands Against Rome and Seals Her Faith With Martyrdom (Revisiting Ep 15) Description: In 304 AD, a wealthy noblewoman named Crispina faced a terrifying choice during the harsh persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Living in the North African city of Thagora, she was arrested and ordered to offer incense to the Roman gods. The main conflict of this episode centers on her brave refusal to save her own life by denying her faith, even when she had wealth, status, and children to protect. The story follows her trial before the Roman proconsul Annius Anullinus, who tried to force her to compromise. Key moments include the judge’s attempt to shame her by ordering her head to be shaved and her powerful response that she feared God more than men. The episode concludes with her sentencing and execution by the sword, showing how her quiet strength inspired the early church in Africa to remain faithful during its darkest days. Crispina’s story forces us to ask if we would have the courage to stand for Jesus when our culture pressures us to just fit in. Her example teaches us that true faith is often proven under pressure, and we invite you to subscribe and join us as we explore more powerful stories from the first 500 years of church history on the COACH podcast. Church history, Roman Empire, Christian martyrs, Diocletian persecution, North African Christianity, St. Crispina, early church, Christian courage, faith under pressure, Roman trial #ChurchHistory #Christianity #COACH #DeepDive #Martyrs #RomanEmpire #Faith #NorthAfrica Links: Podcast Website: That's Jesus YouTube Channel: That's Jesus Channel

Title: FASTING DAY 17: The Reformers – Why Luther Hated Mandatory Fasting Description: By the 1500s, the Catholic Church taught that fasting was required to avoid sin and earn merit, a claiming Martin Luther rejected as "godless" and "tyrannical." In Day 17 of our history series, we trace the Protestant Reformation's complex battle over fasting. We see how leaders like Luther and Calvin fought to shift the practice from a mandatory law for salvation to a voluntary discipline for prayer and repentance [Source 8: 55-56]. The story takes a surprising turn with John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who swung the pendulum back toward strict discipline. We examine why Wesley refused to ordain any minister who didn't fast every Wednesday and Friday, believing it was essential for spiritual power [Source 8: 57]. We also look at the "Via Media" (middle way) of the Anglican Church, which kept fasting days but removed the idea that they earned God's favor [Source 8: 57]. This episode helps you understand why your 21-day fast is voluntary and why that distinction matters for your soul. It challenges us to check our motives: are we trying to earn God's love through hunger, or are we simply clearing the way to seek His face? Join us to learn the freedom of biblical fasting [Source 8: 58]. Keywords: Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Protestant Reformation, mandatory fasting, works righteousness, spiritual disciplines, history of fasting, voluntary fasting, Methodist history. Hashtags: #ChurchHistory #Christianity #COACH #DeepDive #Reformation #MartinLuther #JohnWesley #FastingHistory

FASTING DAY 16: Extreme Fasters – When Devotion Becomes Dangerous Description: Simeon Stylites lived on top of a 50-foot pillar for 47 years. Every Lent, he reportedly fasted 40 days without food or water. Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, eventually ate nothing but the daily Eucharist until she died of starvation at age 33. In Day 16, we explore the dark side of fasting history: "anorexia mirabilis" (miraculous anorexia) and the moment when spiritual devotion crosses the line into self-harm [Source 8: 52-53, 376, 380]. We examine the stories of the Desert Fathers who ate only lentils and the medieval mystics who measured holiness by how much they could punish their bodies [Source 8: 53, 382]. We discuss why these extreme examples were held up as models of holiness for centuries, creating a dangerous standard where "more is better" [Source 8: 54, 383]. We also look at the biblical correction in 1 Timothy 4, which reminds us that God created food to be received with thanksgiving [Source 8: 386]. This episode is a necessary warning for modern believers. It challenges us to check our motives: is our fasting driven by a desire for God, or a need for control and pride? [Source 8: 384]. Join us to learn the warning signs of unhealthy fasting and why God wants your heart, not your destruction [Source 8: 54]. Keywords: Simeon Stylites, Catherine of Siena, anorexia mirabilis, extreme fasting, Desert Fathers, religious eating disorders, asceticism, history of fasting, fasting dangers, 1 Timothy 4.

COACH Ep 0102: Clement's Letter to Corinth: How to Destroy a Church (96 AD) Description: In 96 AD, the church at Corinth removed its own elders from leadership—not because of heresy or moral failure, but due to pride and internal division. This episode explores the crisis that prompted Clement of Rome to write one of the earliest documents outside the New Testament, addressing a congregation that was destroying itself from the inside out. We examine how the same church Paul had planted decades earlier fell back into patterns of envy and factionalism. The narrative focuses on Clement's response, which bypassed accusations to focus on the breakdown of order and humility. You will hear how he challenged the rebels to voluntarily step aside for the sake of the flock, establishing a precedent for leadership that prioritizes the body of Christ over personal ambition. This story challenges us to rethink modern assumptions about church democracy and leadership, asking if we are willing to submit our certainty to God's order. It serves as a reminder that faithfulness is often revealed in patience and restraint rather than bold action. Subscribe to COACH to discover how early church history actually helps us walk boldly with Jesus today. Keywords: 1 Clement, Church of Corinth, early church history, church leadership, Clement of Rome, spiritual pride, first century Christianity, presbyters, apostolic fathers, church conflict Hashtags: #ChurchHistory #Christianity #COACH #EarlyChurch #1Clement #Corinth #ChurchLeadership #ApostolicFathers Links: For other COACH episodes and resources, visit: https://thatsjesus.org Studio Gear & Tools: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2JVFYS5WRTUVX?ref=wlshare&tag=thatsjesuscha-20 Early Church Sources: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19YTUD4IK87DZ?ref=wlshare&tag=thatsjesuscha-20

Title: FASTING DAY 15: Does Chocolate Break a Fast? (The 100-Year Debate) Description: When chocolate arrived in Europe from the Americas in the 1500s, it caused a massive theological crisis for the Catholic Church that lasted over a century. At the time, Christians faced over 100 mandatory fast days a year where solid food was forbidden, but liquids were allowed [Source 8: 48, 361]. This led to a fierce debate that divided popes and theologians: Was this thick, rich cocoa beverage a food that broke the fast, or a drink that was permitted? In Day 15 of our history series, we explore how a delicious new discovery forced the church to decide if drinking chocolate was a sin or a sacrament. We uncover the strange twists of the "Chocolate Controversy," starting with the Dominican friar who asked Pope Gregory XIII for a ruling in 1577, only to have the pope laugh because he had never seen chocolate before [Source 8: 49, 362]. We examine the influence of the Jesuits, who owned cacao plantations and lobbied hard to keep chocolate "legal" during Lent to protect their financial interests [Source 8: 50, 364]. We also discuss the final ruling by Pope Alexander VII in 1666, who tasted the bitter drink and famously declared, "Liquidum non frangit jejunum"—"Liquids do not break the fast" [Source 8: 50, 366]. This historical absurdity forces us to ask a tough question about our own fasting habits today. Are we playing the same game when we drink high-calorie protein shakes and claim we are still fasting because "technically it’s a liquid" [Source 8: 50, 369]? This episode challenges us to stop looking for technical loopholes and start focusing on the spirit of self-denial. Join us to learn why God cares more about the posture of your heart than the definitions in your diet plan. Subscribe to the COACH channel for more deep dives into the fascinating history of our faith. Keywords: History of chocolate, Catholic fasting rules, Pope Alexander VII, liquidum non frangit jejunum, Jesuits, Lenten loopholes, breaking a fast, Christian history, Antonio de León Pinelo, theological debates. Hashtags: #ChurchHistory #Christianity #COACH #DeepDive #ChocolateHistory #CatholicFasting #Lent #FastingLoopholes

Deep Dive: Susanna and Purity and Defiance (Revisiting Ep 14) Description: This COACH Deep Dive explores the fascinating backstory of Episode 14, where early Christians in 190 AD painted the story of Susanna on their catacomb walls. While the original episode focused on Susanna’s defiant refusal to sin, this discussion uncovers the complex and often ironic reality of the church during the reign of Emperor Commodus. We look at how a community dedicated to moral purity actually survived because of the political influence of Marcia, a Christian concubine living in the Emperor's palace. We dig into the "Marcia Paradox," showing how God used an unlikely protector to save the church. We also introduce Callistus, a former slave and convicted embezzler who became the administrator of the very catacombs where Susanna was painted. The discussion explains the risky practice of "spiritual marriage"—where virgins lived with men—and suggests that Susanna’s "walled garden" was painted as a warning to keep clear boundaries. Finally, we correct the common myth that catacombs were secret hideouts, revealing they were actually public places where Christians boldly claimed space. This deep dive challenges us to see how God works through broken people and messy situations to preserve His church. It reminds us that the ideal of purity and the reality of grace often go hand in hand. If you enjoy uncovering the hidden layers of church history, be sure to subscribe to COACH for more episodes. early church history, Roman Empire, Emperor Commodus, Marcia the Concubine, Callistus, Christian purity, Susanna and the Elders, Catacomb of Priscilla, spiritual marriage, biblical archaeology

FASTING DAY 14: Beaver Tails & Barnacle Geese – The Medieval Art of Loopholes Description: By the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church mandated fasting for over 100 days a year. Meat was forbidden during these times, but fish was allowed. This led to some of the most creative (and ridiculous) biology in history as people tried to find loopholes in the rules [Source 8: 44, 343-345]. In Day 14 of our history series, we take a humorous look at how desperation for food led theologians to classify beavers, geese, and giant rodents as "fish." We explore the medieval belief that "Barnacle Geese" hatched from driftwood barnacles (making them seafood) and the 17th-century ruling by the Sorbonne that allowed beaver tails to be eaten during Lent because they were scaly and aquatic [Source 8: 45-46, 346-349]. We also look at how the Vatican classified the South American Capybara as a fish for fasting purposes [Source 8: 46, 350-351]. This episode connects these historical oddities to Jesus's warning against nullifying God's word for the sake of human tradition [Source 8: 47, 353]. This history forces modern Christians to ask a serious question: Are we doing the same thing today? If you are fasting from food but drinking high-calorie milkshakes because "technically it's a liquid," you might be eating a spiritual beaver tail [Source 8: 355-357]. Join us to learn why God cares more about the spirit of your sacrifice than the technicalities of your rules. Keywords: Medieval fasting, Lenten loopholes, Barnacle Geese, eating beaver during Lent, Capybara fish, Catholic history, religious loopholes, hypocrisy, history of fasting, fasting rules.