One Who Plants: Recent Episodes
Jeremy Winter
Pastor Jeremy Winter leads you through the annuals of Christian history to show how the stories of our past can still impact our lives today. Hear about the inspirational lives of the men and women who God worked through to plant the seeds of the gospel throughout history. Let their stories inspire you as you live out your own!
In the 14th century a young woman rises from poverty and obscurity to become one of the most important voices in Christianity. Through her acts of service and amazing visions of Christ she becomes respected many of the leading powers of her day, including the Pope himself. This is the story of Catherine of Siena.
In a time when interior China was closed off to foreigners, this man learned and embraced their language and beliefs in an effort to bring Christ. His efforts were rewarded as he was welcomed in by the Chinese people taking the Christian message to places it had never been before. This is the story of Matteo Ricci.
Prone to wander as a youth he lived a reckless life with no thought of God. Yet, Jesus sought him and brought him home. He devotes the rest of his life to sharing the good news and declaring God's praises. In doing so he leaves behind one of the greatest hymns ever written. This is the story of Robert Robinson.
Throughout his life he faced more than his share of grief and sorrow. In the midst of his hurt he clung to Christ as a source of comfort. His trust in God lives on through the words of a poem he wrote. A poem turned into a hymn that still inspires many to this day. This is the story of Joseph Scriven.
Blind her entire she refused to let her disability define her. Instead she used her amazing talent with words to inspire millions with her songs and poetry. This is the story of America's most prolific hymn writer. This is the story of Fanny Crosby.
Amazing Grace is one of the most beloved hymns in Christian history. The man behind the song was a living testament to God's grace and forgiveness. He went from a life of sin out on the seas to becoming a humble preacher obsesses with sharing the gospel. He was lost but Christ found him. This is the story of John Newton.
It Is Well With My Soul has become a favorite hymn for many Christians. A hymn written in the midst of immense pain and hurt from a man facing unimaginable sorrow. This is the story of its author, Horatio Spafford.
His day is known for love and romance. Yet, who was the real man behind the day and why do we connect him with love? This is the story of St. Valentine.
In the early 1800's American Lutheranism was almost entirely white. This man strove to change that. He became the first African-American Lutheran pastor and worked tirelessly to establish black Lutheran churches in America. This is the story of Jehu Jones Jr.
In an age where being a black woman gave you little voice, she refused to be silenced. Her message of equality for both blacks and women became a rallying cry for many. A message centered in her belief in Christ and the freedom he brings. This is the story of Sojourner Truth.
In 1492 Columbus discovers a new world and new people who have not heard of Jesus. As Spain brings civilization and Christ to these people through conquest one man stands up to speak against the wrongs he has seen. In the midst of grave injustices he fights for the rights of the native peoples he has come love. This is the story of Bartolome de Las Casas.
Jan Hus has been labeled a heretic and killed. His ideas live on though through people now called the Hussites. Their refusal to back down leads to all out war. The Hussites are outmanned and under armed, yet they have a secret weapon. A former mercenary who has been hardened by battle and is loyal to the Hussite cause. His tactical brilliance gives their reform movement a chance. This is the story of Jan Zizka.
100 years before the Reformation a man stood up in Prague and openly defied the Church and the Pope as he called for a return to scripture and true Christianity. For his efforts he was labeled a heretic and killed. His ideas lived on though as his teachings inspired others to also stand up and call for reform of the church. This is the story of Jan Hus.
Although living an all too short life one man left us with some of the most brilliant philosophical and theological writings the world has ever seen. Writings which came from places of pain and hurt as he was filled with anguish caused by the world around him. Writings which strove to bring meaning and change to a world and a religion he saw as broken. Writings which still inspire and speak to us today. This is the story of Soren Kierkegaard.
Christ called his followers to be willing to lose this life in order to gain the one to come. This involves service to others and self sacrifice. One girl in the middle ages takes this to the extreme. She lives a life of service and suffering that she believes would bring her closer to the God whom she dearly loved. This is the story of Elizabeth of Hungary.
In a time when slavery was simply an accepted part of life, one man dared to speak out. In radical and often outlandish ways he challenged the powers that be and stood up for the plight of African slaves. His refusal to be silenced inspired others and helped begin the abolitionist movement. This is the story of Benjamin Lay.
Growth of Christianity into barbarian Germany was difficult and dangerous. The churches that emerged were filled with Jeremy and corruption. They needed a leader to step in and solidify the church. That leader came from the shores of England. A monk who was as relentless as he was fearless. This is the story of Boniface, the patron Saint of Germany.
In the early 200's a young mother comes to believe in Christ. Forced to choose whether to give up that belief for the sake of her family or face death. Like many others she readily embraced death for Christ and becomes a martyr. This is the story of Perpetua.
The quest for the historical Jesus has captivated historians for hundreds of years. Who was the man behind the mythology? The Jewish Rabbi who ended up changing the world. This is the story of Jesus of Nazareth.
You may have read some of his amazing pieces of literature, but do you know the story of the man behind the books? The man who faced much sadness and lost his faith that went on to become one of the greatest Christian voices in modern times. This is the story of C.S. Lewis
As Nazi Germany raged across Europe committing unspeakable atrocities a number of people stood up and opposed it. One of them was a young theologian and pastor who refused to be silenced. There was a cost to this fight against evil; his very life. This is the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
St. Patrick's Day has taken on many traditions and legends over the years, but who was the real man it is based on? Today we look at the history of Patrick, the Christian missionary who worked relentlessly to bring Christ to a people who once hurt him. It is a story of forgiveness, love, and passion for sharing Christ with others. This is the story of St. Patrick
In the earliest days of the Church one of the most adamant defenders of the faith is killed for refusing to turn away from his belief in Christ. Before this tragic event, he leaves us with some of the greatest writings from the early church. This is the story of Justin Martyr.
Stolen from his home as a child by slave traders he goes on to become the 1st black Bishop in the Anglican church and a hugely important figure for the growth of Christianity in Africa. This is the story of Samuel Ajayi Crowther.
A true rags-to-riches story. Hear how one woman goes from nothing to becoming one of the most powerful people in the world. Along the way, she finds Christ and is able to share his love as her influence grows. This is the story of Empress Theodora.
Nicholas Bishop of Myra's story is steeped in legend has captivated the imagination of people for generations. Who was really though? This is the story of the real man behind the jolly old St. Nicholas figure we all know and love.
In only 7 years Christianity went from being heavily persecuted to becoming the religion of the Emperor. The conversion of Constantine was an act that not only changed the world dramatically at the time but is one that still has an impact on the lives of Christians today. This is the story of how one man embracing Christ shook up the powers of the world. This is the story of Constantine the Great.
Over 1,600 years ago a rebellious young man finds God in the middle of a garden. The impact of this moment brings about some of the most important and longest-lasting theological writings outside of the Bible itself. This is the story of Augustine of Hippo. The saint and theologian whose thought formed the core of the Church as we know it today.
One man, armed with the word of God, takes on the powers of the world. Refusing to be silenced he ends up changing the church, and the world, forever. This is the story of Martin Luther.