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The Trial and Testimony of the Early Church (DVD series)

Publisher: Vision Video
Review last updated: 2009
Instant KeyPublishers InfoPricing

The Trial and Testimony of the Early Church
(DVD series)

Similar in format to Vision Video's Discovering The Bible DVD course, this course has six segments rather than four. The Teacher's Guide (contained on the DVD as PDF files) has detailed lesson plans, teaching, tips, background information for presentation before viewing each segment, discussion questions (with suggested answers), biblical applications, Bible study lessons that connect with each segment, and creative activities. The activities (e.g., debate) are designed for older Sunday School type groups so they might not work well in family settings. The set also includes six copies of Glimpses (Christian History Institute papers that focus on single topics)

The six segments of this course are "Foundations," "Spread," "Accusation," "Persecution," "Testimony," and "Transition." "Foundations" begins with Jesus Christ, the apostles, Paul, and the birth of the Christian church. "Spread" examines how the Gospel was transferred throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. "Accusation" deals with the reasons for resistance to the growth of Christianity. "Persecution" investigates attempts to destroy the faith. "Testimony" focuses on two early martyrs, Polycarp and Perpetua, who were representative of so many others who died for their faith even though they could have easily avoided that fate. "Transition" examines the political and cultural ascendance of Christianity under Constantine with both good and bad consequences.

I encountered a few instances on the DVD's where I would question the slant of the presentation. For example, in Foundations we are given the impression that Paul was trying to decide how to make the gospel acceptable, an idea with little Scriptural support. You might use any such instances to do further investigation for yourself. You might use this course with your family or a group.

Pricing

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  • Trial and Testimony of the Early Church

    Trial and Testimony of the Early Church

      Instant Key

      • Learning Styles: best for visual learners and sociable learners who enjoy discussion
        Suitable for: best for groups, but okay for individual viewing without discussion
        Need for parent/teacher instruction:
        moderate if you use the guide 
        Prep time needed:
        moderate to high-you should preview the material 
        Educational Philosophy: multi-sensory
        Need for Teacher's Manual:  guide essential for leading discussion
        Religious perspective:
        Protestant

      Publisher's Info

      • Vision Video

        PO Box 540
        Worcester, PA 19490

        (800) 523-0226
        (610) 584-6644 FAX
        email: info@visionvideo.com
        www.visionvideo.com