Through the Lens of Today

Taking a look at questions, trends, and challenges of modern culture and holding them up to the rich legacy of historic Christianity. Drawing from the writings, practices, and theological insights of the early church and the centuries that followed, we seek to understand today’s issues with clarity, depth, and faithfulness.

Some topics will be more grounded in nature, while others will be substantially more explorative and imaginative in theme, while attempting to stay grounded theologically.

Illuminated Christian manuscripts, ancient church setting, warm candlelight, apostolic atmosphere

A Church History Series: Through the Lens of Today - Apostolic Church

Discover why the early Church saw apostolic succession as the true test of Christian authenticity and the foundation of Christ’s one, apostolic Church.

Zack Riley

Dec 15, 202523 min read

Chalice and bread representing the ancient Christian belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist.

A Church History Series: Through the Lens of Today - Eucharist

From the earliest days of Christianity, the Eucharist has stood at the very center of Christian worship. Far from being merely symbolic, the historic Christian faith has consistently affirmed the Real Presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper—that Christ is truly and substantially present in the bread and wine. This is not metaphor, not poetry, and not psychological symbolism. It is sacrament: God acting through created means to give His people sanctifying grace.

Zack Riley

Dec 12, 20259 min read

Christian church baptism imagery symbolizing covenant, grace, and apostolic faith

A Church History Series: Through the Lens of Today - Baptism

Among the earliest and most universal doctrines of the Christian Church is the confession of “one baptism for the remission of sins.” So foundational was this belief that the early Church embedded it directly into the Nicene Creed—a testament to its central role in Christian identity and salvation. Historically, the apostolic and early Christian witness was unanimous: baptism is a sacred act in which God Himself grants new life, forgiveness, and the indwelling of the Holy Sp

Zack Riley

Dec 10, 202522 min read

Bible on an altar symbolizing early Christian interpretation of Scripture.

A Church History Series: Through the Lens of Today - Reading Scripture Faithfully

Essential interpretive principles for reading scripture faithfully, in order to understand scripture the way Christ's apostles, and the early church fathers, did.

Zack Riley

Dec 8, 20257 min read

"A serene nativity scene showing baby Jesus sleeping in a wooden manger under the Star of Bethlehem, with the town in the distance. Beside Him are elements of Holy Communion—a golden chalice of wine, wheat stalks, a round communion wafer, and a loaf of bread—symbolizing Jesus as the Bread from Heaven."

A Church History Series: Through the Lens of Today – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: The Bread from Heaven

An Advent meditation on O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, the Bread from Heaven, Holy Communion, and preparing our hearts for Christ’s return.

Zack Riley

Dec 2, 20256 min read