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

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 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.

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

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

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 13: A Weapon for the Valiant – Fasting as Spiritual Warfare Description: While yesterday we looked at fasting as internal cleansing, today we look at fasting as external combat. The early church did not view fasting as a passive activity; they saw it as aggressive spiritual warfare. In Day 13 of our history series, we explore why early leaders like St. Basil called fasting ”a weapon for the valiant” and a ”gymnasium for athletes.” We see how they viewed fasting as essential training to strengthen the spirit against the attacks of the devil. We examine the teachings of St. Leo the Great, who declared that fasting ”gives strength against sin” and ”repels temptation.” We connect this ancient wisdom to the biblical examples of Jesus in the wilderness and the church in Acts 13, where fasting was the preparation for spiritual battle. We discuss how treating fasting like a ”gymnasium” trains your will to resist the enemy, just as an athlete trains their body for a contest. For modern Christians, this episode changes the way you view your hunger. You aren’t just suffering through a diet; you are reloading a weapon. We challenge you to stop thinking of your fast as passive self-denial and start using it as active spiritual combat to protect your soul and your family. Keywords: Spiritual warfare, fasting for breakthrough, St. Basil, St. Leo the Great, spiritual discipline, armor of God, resisting temptation, Christian history, gymnasium for athletes, Acts 13.

Deep Dive: 144 AD – Marcion’s Dangerous Version of the Bible (Revisiting Ep 13) Description: In 144 AD, a wealthy shipowner named Marcion of Sinope challenged the early church by rejecting the Old Testament and creating his own edited version of the Bible. This COACH Deep Dive is an AI-generated discussion that revisits the research behind Episode 13 to explore Marcion’s ”dangerous edit” and the crisis that forced Christians to officially define the New Testament canon. We analyze the historical facts behind his attempt to separate the Creator God of the Jews from the Father of Jesus. We go beyond the main story to look at the ”grades” of historical accuracy regarding Marcion’s massive donation of gold and the specific Roman laws that forced the church leaders to return it. The discussion covers fascinating details that didn’t make the original script, such as the ”Water Eucharist,” the strict ban on marriage within Marcion’s sect, and the surprising fact that some of Marcion’s introductions to Paul’s letters may have survived in the orthodox Bible for centuries. We also examine the ”fractionation” of the Roman church, looking at how a loose network of house churches struggled to handle such a well-organized heresy. Marcion’s story reminds us of the vital importance of the whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in understanding the true identity of Jesus. If you enjoy digging into the research behind the history and seeing how the early church defended the faith, be sure to subscribe to COACH and visit the That’s Jesus Channel for more episodes. Keywords: Marcion of Sinope, early church history, New Testament canon, biblical theology, Roman Empire, heresy, Apostle Paul, Bob Baulch, Christian history, church fathers

0098 - 1377 AD - Pope Gregory XI Returns to Rome from Avignon - Choosing Spiritual Maturity Over Comfort Description: For nearly seventy years, the popes lived in Avignon, France, leaving Rome to fall into ruin and neglect. This period, known to some as the Babylonian Captivity, disconnected the leadership of the church from its historic roots. Pope Gregory XI, a scholar who preferred peace to conflict, faced immense pressure to remain in the safety of France. However, a young laywoman named Catherine of Siena began writing him urgent letters calling for courage. She insisted that his duty was to the bride of Christ rather than his own political security or personal comfort. Despite the dangers of Italian politics and his own failing health, Gregory decided to listen to this call for restoration. He traveled back to Rome in 1377, entering a city filled with rubble and unrest to begin the hard work of rebuilding. His return did not solve every problem immediately, and the church soon faced the Western Schism after his death. Yet his decision marked a crucial turning point where a leader chose difficult obedience over convenient exile. This story challenges modern believers to distinguish between mere activity and true spiritual maturity. Real growth often requires returning to places of brokenness rather than seeking easier paths of comfort. We are invited to let Jesus shape our character through endurance instead of just counting our numbers. Keywords: 1377 AD, Pope Gregory XI, Catherine of Siena, Avignon Papacy, return to Rome, church history podcast, Christian history, medieval church, Western Schism, spiritual maturity, Christian courage, obedience to God, papal history, Saint Catherine, Babylonian Captivity of the church, history of the papacy, Catholic history, Protestant reflection, pastoral theology, spiritual formation, Christian leadership, brokenness and restoration, duty over comfort, faith and politics, church renewal, Christian podcast for men, Christian podcast for women, discipleship resources, history of Rome, Italian church history Hashtags: #1377AD #PopeGregoryXI #CatherineofSiena #AvignonPapacy #returntoRome #churchhistorypodcast #Christianhistory #medievalchurch #WesternSchism #spiritualmaturity #Christiancourage #obediencetoGod #papalhistory #SaintCatherine #BabylonianCaptivityofthechurch #historyofthepapacy #Catholichistory #Protestantreflection #pastoraltheology #spiritualformation #Christianleadership #brokennessandrestoration #dutyovercomfort #faithandpolitics #churchrenewal #Christianpodcastformen #Christianpodcastforwomen #discipleshipresources #historyofRome #Italianchurchhistory Make sure you go to ThatsJesus.org for other COACH episodes and resources. Dont forget to follow, like, comment, rate, review, subscribe, share, favorite, repost, heart, star, ring the bell, tag a friend, or whisper kind words to your device. In short, do whatever you can to trick the algorithm into thinking you care about this series. But most of all, don’t forget to TUNE IN for more COACH episodes every week. Series Description: Every episode dives into a different corner of church history. On Mondays we stay between 0-500 AD. On Wednesdays we stay between 500-1500 AD. On Friday we stay between 1500-2000 AD. Thanks for listening to COACH, where Church origins and church history actually coach us how to walk boldly with Jesus today.