If you could plan an epic trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? Some would enjoy a relaxing vacation on a tropical coast. Others would be interested in a physically exerting trip, going on hikes and exploring some of our world’s natural wonders. Tim Challies, a Pastor and author, chose a different option.
Over the course of three years, Tim traveled the world to learn about the history of the Christian church. In this journey, he tracked down 33 rare objects key to Christianity. If you have ever wondered to yourself how a small, unassuming group of Jesus-followers grew into the largest religion on earth, the EPIC series provides an engaging look at church history and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has impacted the world.
This is an incredible resource for a few reasons:
- It was made with the whole family in mind! The visuals and facts are stimulating, but not over the head of younger family members.
- The EPIC series brings the world to your living room. Some of these places are too pricey or difficult for most families to visit, but now they are readily available for your enjoyment.
- This series teaches us not only about our history, but also looks ahead to the future. This is especially true in the episodes on the Global South.
For many decades, the Western Church has been in the spotlight. They have written countless books and articles, churches have been planted, and many missionaries have been sent out.
But there are limits to how far westerners can take the Great Commission. In part that’s because many of the hardest to reach places are closed to the West. But praise the Lord for the Christians in the Global South who are stepping up to lead in these efforts.
You’ll see this as Tim Challies walks through South Korea, for example. You’ll learn about how The Pilgrim’s Progress was the first English book translated into Korean, as well as how missionaries went to great lengths to ensure Koreans could have a copy of Scripture in their own language.
As Tim walks by the gravesite of past missionaries and their families, he shares encouraging news: South Korea is now sending missionaries of their own out into the world in droves!
That’s not all. The EPIC series will also take you to Africa, to the country of Zambia. In the early 19th century, Zambia was not found on any map. But an explorer-turned-missionary by the name of David Livingstone would “discover” Zambia and report his findings for the rest of the world. He would spend much of his adult life in Zambia, where he would serve as a devout abolitionist, and medical missionary.
Today, Zambia is found on our world maps, and, more importantly, is 85% Christian. Brothers and sisters in the Lord are making a tremendous impact in that nation by establishing churches, seminaries, and orphanages.
And yet, this is just a drop in the bucket of the EPIC series. You’ll also visit the Holy Land, travel through Europe, and make a few stops in the United States. After you complete the series, you will not only come away smarter, but you’ll also be encouraged in the work of the Gospel. Most of all, this trip around the world will give you a sneak peek into what heaven will be like, when we will all be gathered with Christians from every tribe, nation, people, and tongue (Revelation 5:9).
EPIC: 10-Episode Documentary Series
Embark on an “Epic” journey around the world to find 33 objects that tell the story of Christ and His people throughout the centuries.