Author
Dr. Michael Svigel
Reviewer
Dr. Dane Egli
dane.egli@gmail.com
Review
The author presents a clear view of the creation, trinitarian, redemption narrative that sparked my desire to better understand the marks and works of the orthodox Christian church. The book—although written 12 years ago—caused me to examine the early church and clarify my own beliefs regarding God’s intended order and purpose for the body of Christ in the 21st century.
This book was assigned reading for a course on Sanctification & Ecclesiology at Dallas Seminary, and I thought it would be slow liturgical content. Rather it challenged me to think deeply not just biblically and theologically, but also historically.
Retro-Christianity helped me apply the apostolic orthodox teaching that should inform the modern church: repent and believe for salvation by grace through faith, in Christ alone (Mark 1:15); that step of faith is accompanied by indwelling of the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13); followed by baptism, as an outward expression of that internal commitment (Acts 1:8); church membership submitting to the blessing and authority of the body of Christ so we can serve (Ephesians 2:10); and observance of regular communion (Lord’s Supper).
As a surprising result of reflections and insights from this book, God convicted me to take a new step of faith and get ordained in my home church. I flew from the Middle East to our little country church in Colorado and was blessed, affirmed, and consecrated for continued service in God’s kingdom.
This little book was part of the journey that encouraged me to trust God more fully and honor God’s design for me personally within the greater body of Christ.
This book was assigned reading for a course on Sanctification & Ecclesiology at Dallas Seminary, and I thought it would be slow liturgical content. Rather it challenged me to think deeply not just biblically and theologically, but also historically.
Retro-Christianity helped me apply the apostolic orthodox teaching that should inform the modern church: repent and believe for salvation by grace through faith, in Christ alone (Mark 1:15); that step of faith is accompanied by indwelling of the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13); followed by baptism, as an outward expression of that internal commitment (Acts 1:8); church membership submitting to the blessing and authority of the body of Christ so we can serve (Ephesians 2:10); and observance of regular communion (Lord’s Supper).
As a surprising result of reflections and insights from this book, God convicted me to take a new step of faith and get ordained in my home church. I flew from the Middle East to our little country church in Colorado and was blessed, affirmed, and consecrated for continued service in God’s kingdom.
This little book was part of the journey that encouraged me to trust God more fully and honor God’s design for me personally within the greater body of Christ.
