Church History for Chumps

In the 12th Century, Saladin is steadily gathering the infinity stones of Islamic territories. 
Mosul, Aleppo, Damascus. The threat of a united Islamic front appears plausible, and this is a terrifying reality for the Crusader States.
Because they know that their foes have their eyes fixed on Jerusalem. 
And in 1187, the city that had been a Christian stronghold for nearly a century, falls to the Ayyubids.
Is the siege as brutal as the one in 1099? Is Saladin the pious leader that he's often made out to be? Are John and Taylor EVER going to do a watch party so we can all experience Kingdom of God together??? 
Soon you'll have the answers to all these questions and more. 
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It's pretty fascinating to look at the idea of 'church membership' through a historical lens. 
It's fair to assume that the early church probably wasn't having people fill out visitor cards or handing out coffee mugs with the church logo on it. 
So that leaves us in a tricky position: what does it look like to truly 'belong' to a church in this day and age? And what should be required of someone who does choose to commit to their church?
Join us as we esteemed podcasters provide answers that you should honestly just talk to your pastor about. But hey, thanks for listening to us anyway! You ROCK!

Note from John: "Hey, I realized after recording this that I forgot that ELDERS exist! Really embarrassing on my end. I don't believe that pastors should have supreme control, elders are great and biblical assets for checks and balances. Pls don't beat me up in the comments."

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The Second Crusade was, for all intents and purposes, filler content. Not much land traded hands, the Franks kind of embarrassed themselves, not many crazy battles. Boring, am I right?
The Third Crusade though? That's where things get poppin.
In the decades between the two holy skirmishes, the Islamic world finds itself in a state of renewal under a newly unifying Kurdish Dynasty. Soon, the eyes of Islam would set its gaze on the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Join us as we discuss the rise of two of the most distinct figures of the Third Crusade, Salah al-Din and Baldwin IV of Jerusalem.
Also, Taylor tries fruitlessly to defend his addiction to Monster energy drinks, and the guys speak for about 45 seconds about the SBC conference.
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This one goes out to all our pals in California. And anyone who really likes gold.
The early half of the 19th century was a massive time of western expansion in the United States. One of the most fascinating movements among this era was the explosive migration of young men flooding into California, hoping to make it rich off of gold.
But what was the church doing during this time? Well, sending missionaries of course! Join us (as we are joined by special guest Dr. Taylor Mendoza) as we discuss a scintillating time in American history coupled by a unique glimpse into how churches approached evangelism in new frontiers.
Also let us know if you'll be joining the annual Taylor Convention this year. Word is that Taylor Treadway will be a keynote speaker doing his speech, "I'm not a girl, but my name is Taylor." Don't miss it! 
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Who wants to go on a trip?!
Our journey through the Crusades have brought up an interesting topic: what's the deal with Christians traveling far and wide to visit so-called holy sites? 
Well join us today as we dig deeper into the historical idea of going on pilgrimage within different eras of the faith, and what it means for us today.
And why maybe, just maybe, you should talk to your pastor before getting re-baptized in the Jordan River on your tour through the Holy Land.
Just saying.

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