🧵Fritz Erbe - The Reformation Martyr You’ve Never Heard Of… Till Now

Most people know the giants of the Reformation: Luther, Calvin, Zwingli. But few know of this Anabaptist saint who paid dearly for his convictions. This is the horrifying & inspiring story of Fritz Erbe 🧵👇 🧵 1. A Simple Farmer, A Dangerous Conviction
Fritz Erbe lived in the German town of Herda. Unlike his peadobaptist neighbors, he embraced the Anabaptist teaching that baptism should follow personal faith in Christ & therefore should not be given to infants. Fritz was in danger.

🧵 Hymn History: The Story of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

One of the most beloved hymns of all time comes from the tragic life of its author who twice lost his fiancée before marriage, yet found hope in Christ.

Here’s its beautiful story. 🧵👇🏼 🧵 1. The Author of the Hymn
Joseph Scriven was born in 1819 in Banbridge, Ireland, into a prosperous family. He studied at Trinity College Dublin, where he seemed set for a comfortable life. Yet his Christian convictions grew stronger, shaping him into a man more concerned with holiness and charity than social success.

🧵 The Story of the ESV: From Coffee Shops to Conference Stages, The Bible of a New Evangelical Era

How did a revision of a mainline “liberal” Bible turn into the flagship translation of Reformed evangelicalism?

It all starts with a controversy in 1952…
🧵 👇🏼 🧵 Origins in the RSV
The roots of the ESV trace back to the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of 1952, which was presented as the rightful heir to the King James Bible. Though it sparked intense backlash ((especially from conservatives) for choices like translating Isaiah 7:14 as “young woman” instead of “virgin,” the RSV still laid a strong foundation. It was based on updated Hebrew and Greek texts and kept the KJV’s literary cadence. But for many, the theology felt compromised.

🧵 Forgotten Facts about the 1611 King James Version (KJV) 

Everyone knows the KJV shaped western Christianity but few realize it came with a powerful preface from its translators that is now almost forgotten. Let’s uncover it together. 🧵👇🏼 🧵 In 1611, the King James Bible was released after being crafted by 50+ scholars across six committees. What most don’t know is that it came with a preface, The Translators to the Reader. Missing from most editions today, this forgotten letter reveals their true intentions and dispels common myths about the KJV.

🧵Hymn History: The Story of “In Christ Alone” by @gettymusic - Its the most beloved modern hymn of the 21st century that sparked a revival of gospel-centered hymnody, proving that deep theology can still capture the hearts of a new generation. Here’s its story🧵👇🏼 🧵 1. The Gettys & Their Mission
Keith Getty, a Northern Irish composer shaped by classical and Irish folk traditions, dreamed of reviving hymns that outlast trends. With his wife Kristyn, he aimed to unite rich theology with singable melodies. In 2000, he began working with Stuart Townend, an English songwriter known for depth and clarity. Their first project became their most famous work and helped spark a global modern hymnwriting movement.

🧵 Penal Substitutionary Atonement is a core biblical doctrine that has been believed by the church through EVERY era of church history. In case you have forgotten, below is a short 🧵on the unbroken witness of PSA through all church history.👇🏼 🧵 1. What PSA Means
Penal Substitution means that Christ bears the penalty we deserve (penal) in our place (substitution), effecting atonement with God. It doesn’t cancel other atonement motifs (victory, example, ransom); it grounds them. Without Christ taking our sin, we have no salvation. And all of the church echos this loudly as you will see below 👇🏼

🧵Hymn Histories: The Beautiful Story of “Be Thou My Vision”

Few songs are still sung after 1,200 years. “Be Thou My Vision” is one of them. I love it deeply, but so have Christians from medieval Ireland to modern churches worldwide. Here’s why and where it came from. 🧵👇🏼 🧵 1. Roots in 6th-Century Ireland

The original text began as a Gaelic poem, traditionally attributed to St. Dallán Forgaill, a 6th-century Irish monk and poet. Dallán, whose name means “little blind one,” reportedly lost his sight from intense study of Scripture. The poem was a personal prayer and an invocation to see life through God’s eyes and make Him the sole vision and treasure of the heart.

🧵How Did the 12 Apostles Die?

They preached Christ to the ends of the earth, and most paid with their lives.

Here’s how each of the 12 apostles died in historical order according to church tradition. 👇🏼 🧵 1. James (son of Zebedee) – 44 AD

The first apostle to be martyred. Beheaded in Jerusalem by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2).

🧵 “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” - How an Indian Martyr’s Dying Words Became a Global Hymn

You sang it at Church Camp, Sunday School, AWANAS, & with the whole congregation. But do you know the heart wrenching story behind it?🧵👇🏼 🧵1. An Unlikely Convert from India

The story behind ties song traces back to a man known simply as Nokseng, from the Garo tribe in northeast India (what is now Meghalaya). He lived in a deeply communal tribal society with strong ancestral ties and animistic traditions. His name doesn’t appear in formal records, but oral tradition preserved his testimony. He wasn’t a missionary, preacher, or scholar. Just a man whose faith in Christ changed history. His story would eventually birth a global hymn and inspire generations.

🧵The Song That Changed the World

It’s the most famous Christian song in the world… and you probably sang it this week at church. But the story behind the song is unbelievable. This is the miraculous story of John Newton & “Amazing Grace.” 🧵👇🏼 🧵1. The “Wretch” of the Song

John Newton was born in 1725 to a harsh sea captain and a devout Christian mother. She died when he was 7. By his teens, he was drinking, swearing, and mocking religion. He joined the Royal Navy, deserted, was flogged, and ended up serving on slave ships. Newton began as a crewman, and later became a captain. He was once enslaved by African locals in Sierra Leone, rescued only when his father sent a ship for him. He was sinking…literally and spiritually.

🧵The Bishop of Liverpool: J.C. Ryle’s Life, Legacy, & Eternal Impact

In an age of compromise, he preached with clarity. His writings still stir hearts today. Here’s the story of one of evangelical Anglicanism’s boldest voices.👇 🧵 1. Origins and Family Life

John Charles Ryle was born in 1816 to a wealthy English banking family. Raised in affluence, he seemed destined for a life of privilege, not the pulpit.

But in 1841, his father’s bankruptcy destroyed their fortune and changed Ryle’s trajectory forever. The fall from wealth humbled him deeply, making him more reliant on the grace of God and less on the status of man.

That early prosperity, followed by sharp financial ruin, would shape his future theology and convictions about the fleeting nature of earthly security.

🧵 A Short History of the Southern Baptist Convention (#SBC)

200 years ago, the SBC didn’t exist.

Today, it is America’s largest Protestant denomination.

How did it start, and what’s next for the SBC? Scroll down to uncover the fascinating story… (🧵below👇🏼) 🧵 1. Disclaimer about this Thread on the SBC ⚠️

This thread you are about to read is just a brief overview of the SBC. There is no way to cover every event or perspective in a short history like this. I have my sources listed below for further reading on this topic.

Please read with an open mind and a desire to learn more about the SBC.

If you see something missing or needing revision, drop your thoughts in the comments!

Here we go!

[the beginnings of the SBC] 🧵 👇🏼

🧵 The Rise & Fall of the “Elephant Room”

In 2011, seven high-profile pastors gathered for an unscripted roundtable called Elephant Room.

It promised raw dialogue on church, theology, & ministry.

But instead, sparked a controversy that reshaped the future of evangelicalism. 🧵 1. What Was the Elephant Room?

In early 2011, an influential Pastor named James MacDonald launched “The Elephant Room”, a roundtable-style event where well-known evangelical pastors tackled controversial topics in ministry.

Framed as an honest, unscripted space for gospel-centered dialogue, it promised clarity through conversation. “Gospel men having gospel conversations,” as MacDonald put it.

But beneath the surface, it stirred deep concerns: could public unity be maintained without theological clarity? Could platform personalities confront error without falling into it?

🧵 The Life & Legacy of R.C. Sproul

He is one of the most influential theologians of the last century.

But how did a young skeptic become a global voice for gospel clarity & Reformed truth?

This 🧵 traces how Sproul rose & became dominant influence for generations to come 👇 🧵 1. The Childhood of Sproul (1939–1957)

Robert Charles (R.C.) Sproul was born in Pittsburgh on February 13, 1939 into a working-class family with Presbyterian roots but little spiritual depth.

His father, a World War II veteran, suffered multiple strokes after returning home. As a teenager, R.C. gave up sports to help care for him. When his father lay dying, he quoted Scripture, but R.C. (unfamiliar with the Bible) responded harshly. It was the last thing he ever said to him.

That moment of regret would leave a permanent mark on his soul.

🧵 The Life & Legacy of Pastor John MacArthur

John MacArthur will likely go down as the most influential pastor /theologian of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Now in the sunset of his ministry, his legacy is clear. Below is a 🧵 on how he became “Pastor John.” 👇🏼 🧵 1. Born Into a Preacher’s Home (1939)

John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. was born June 19, 1939, in Los Angeles, CA. His father, Jack MacArthur, was a Baptist pastor, radio preacher, and conference speaker.

John grew up steeped in Scripture, Christian radio, and ministry life. But his first love wasn’t the pulpit. It was the football field.

In fact, MacArthur dreamed of playing professionally. Friends called him tough, athletic, and competitive. He once said, “I wanted to hit people, not help them.”

But God had other plans.

🧵 10 Pivotal Events in Church History
(Part 1: AD 33–500)

Church history is a deep, rich, & complex topic. Many wiser minds have written entire volumes on it.

But this thread is a simple, concise overview for those new to church history or those wanting a quick “snapshot”👇🏼 🧵 1. The Resurrection of Jesus (c. AD 33)

📍 What Happened:
Jesus of Nazareth, crucified by Roman authorities, rose bodily from the dead on the third day and appeared to over 500 eyewitnesses over a span of 40 days. This confirmed.

👤 Key Figures:
Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, the apostles, over 500 witnesses (1 Cor. 15:6)

🔎 The Effect:
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It confirmed Jesus’ divinity, proved His power over death, and turned fearful disciples into bold witnesses who launched a global movement.

🧵 A Short History on Charles Spurgeon: The Prince of Preachers

How did a teen convert with no degree become the most printed preacher in history?

Why do millions still read his sermons over a century later?

Let’s follow the fascinating story of Charles H. Spurgeon. 🧵👇 🧵 1. A Young Soul Set on Fire

Born in 1834 in Kelvedon, Essex, Charles Haddon Spurgeon was raised in a devout home surrounded by Puritan books and old Baptist theology. His grandfather was a pastor, and young Charles often spent hours in his study, devouring the writings of Bunyan, Owen, Baxter, and Flavel. He was intellectually sharp, morally serious, and spiritually hungry from an early age.

But it wasn’t until the age of 15 that the gospel pierced his heart. Lost in a snowstorm, he ducked into a Primitive Methodist chapel, where a lay preacher called out from Isaiah 45:22: “Look unto me, and be ye saved.”

That single verse changed his life. Within a year, he was preaching. Without formal education, titles, or connections, he began to stir hearts with passion and clarity that would define him for the rest of his life.

🧵 IFB 2.0: Exploring Its Modern Groups and Subcultures

This post is an addendum to my previous thread on the history of the IFB, looking beyond the legacy stream (and mainstream connotation) to explore the many distinct circles that make up the fragmented IFB world today. 🧵👇🏼 🧵 Introduction and Disclaimer

Yesterday, my thread on the history of the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement absolutely blew up! … and I’m deeply grateful for the thoughtful discussions it sparked.

One theme I consistently heard (both from former IFB members and those still in it) is that the article was fair, accurate, and balanced in how it addressed the broader culture and trajectory of the movement.

That means a lot to me.

That said, many also noted (rightly) that the IFB world isn’t monolithic. There are many circles, camps, and subcultures within the IFB label. some harsher than others, some more refined, and some actively reforming.

My original thread primarily focused on the mainstream connotation of “IFB” which is what most people think of when they hear the term. That includes the revivalist, authoritarian, King James Only stream most closely shaped by Jack Hyles, The Sword of the Lord, and their institutional legacy. This is still the most dominant and influential expression of the movement today.

But in fairness to the diversity within the IFB world, I’ve put together this short addendum highlighting other groups that exist within or adjacent to the IFB. Each with their own tone, emphasis, and theological posture.

Below is a concise overview of several of these distinct IFB-aligned branches. I hope you enjoy this, and let me know in the comments at the end if you are part of (or were part of ) any of these IFB circles. 👇🏼

🧵 The Evolution of the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) Movement: A Historical Overview

No matter what denomination you’re in, the IFB has shaped your world…whether you realize it or not.

Its legacy is messy, massive, & often misunderstood.

This is the IFB story🧵👇🏼 🧵 Introduction and Disclaimer

The Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement has left a unique and complex mark on American religious life over the past century. Known for its strict theological conservatism, separatist mindset, and cultural traditionalism, the IFB movement emerged out of early 20th-century fundamentalism and has since splintered into numerous subgroups.

This 🧵 walks through the history of the IFB (from its late 19th-century roots to its present-day factions) highlighting key figures, institutions, doctrines, controversies, and cultural impacts along the way.

As someone who spent many years in various IFB circles, my goal is to offer an honest and objective look at this movement with its strengths, flaws, and influence.

🚨 DISCLAIMER: You may find points you disagree with or think need more nuance. I’ve done my best to condense a century of history into a readable format while remaining as historically objective as possible. This is not a hit piece. Just a concise historical overview.

Let’s dive in 👇🏼

🧵 A Visual History of Christian Symbols

From crosses to cryptic marks, believers through the ages have used emblems to express their faith.

I learned a ton researching this, & I’m excited to share the origin stories behind Christianity’s most iconic symbols.

[a thread 🧵👇] 🧵/1 The Latin Cross

The most recognizable Christian symbol wasnt actually widely used until after Constantine’s Edict of Milan.

Its adoption came in the 4th century as the Church emerged from persecution & embraced the cross as a symbol of salvation.

🧵How did such a recent Bible translation EXPLODE in popularity with pastors, theologians, and everyday readers alike?

Here’s the origin story and impact of the Christian Standard Bible.

[A thread 🧵 on the #CSB👇🏼 ] 🧵 1. The Origin Story: Seeds of a New Translation

The CSB didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Its roots go back to the late 1990s when the Southern Baptist Convention (concerned about accuracy and doctrinal fidelity in mainstream Bibles) set out to create a trustworthy, readable translation for its churches.

Thus, the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) was born.