This Day in Christian History: July 18 July 18, 1504: Birth of Heinrich Bullinger Heinrich Bullinger was born to Heinrich Bullinger senior, a Dean of the capitular church, in Switzerland. At that time, clerical concubinage had been sanctioned by the Bishop of Constance, and Heinrich was the fifth born son from Heinrich senior and his concubine, Anna Wiederkehr. Heinrich intended to follow his father into the clergy, but it was during his college years that he came in contact with Luther's teaching. Heinrich came to the conclusion that Luther's teaching was faithful to the Bible, whereas the Catholic church order. He ceased receiving the Eucharist, which banned him from clerical posts. Bullinger began aiding later succeeding Zwingli, carrying on his work until he died in 1575.

Today in Christian History: November 19th November 19th, 1862 William (Billy) Sunday was born.  Billy Sunday is one of America's finest revivalists. He was born near Ames, IA to William Sunday and Mary Jane Corey Sunday. Billy's father, William enlisted in the 23rd volunteer infantry, and he later died of disease. Billy's mother later remarried, but her second husband abandoned the family. At age ten, likely due to her inability to provide for him, Billy's mother sent the boy to a Soldiers' Orphans Home. This is where he gained his education and first discovered his ability in sports. Sunday became a major league baseball player 1883-91, and gained popularity. While in Chicago, Sunday overheard a church service at the Pacific Garden Mission. Recognizing some of the hymns that his mother used to sing, Billy began attending services which led to his conversion. His habits of drinking, gambling and swearing vanished. The change in his behavior was noted by ...