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Christianity Today magazine is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1956 by Billy Graham, the magazine has served to unify a diverse evangelical movement. The magazine's 50th anniversary issue is both forward and backward looking, for often we learn most about ourselves when we review where we have been.

As the church, we can look back and apply to our own lives the traditions of the church, the lives of the martyrs, the reading of the Bible, and the movements that birthed denominations.

In the spirit of CT's 50th anniversary, we look back through church history for more anniversaries. Christian History & Biography's This Week in Christian History gives us several dates to remember in the year 2006.

Azusa Street Revival , February 1906: One hundred years ago, the Los Angeles Times introduced the city and the world to what would become the most explosive religious movement of the 20th century: Pentecostalism. "Breathing strange utterances and mouthing a creed which it would seem no sane mortal could understand," the article began, "the newest religious sect has started in Los Angeles."

The revival began with the help of itinerant evangelist William J. Seymour, a black man who came to Los Angeles to minister in a Holiness mission. Through newspapers, pamphlets, and word of mouth, the movement spread and spread and spread.

A recent study found that global Christianity today is largely Pentecostal, though speaking in tongues is no longer the defining characteristic. Healing is now the sign of the Spirit most widely sought after or expected among "renewalists"—the new term for Pentecostal and charismatic Christians.

CH&B's issue on Pentecostalism anticipated the study. It told readers that tongues was not the defining characteristic of the movement. "Pentecostals emphasize that God has given several gifts—not just speaking in tongues but also healing and the so-called rational gifts like organization or building a school."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer , February 1906: The German pastor and theologian who would be executed by Nazi Germany for his attempt to assassinate Hitler was born 100 years ago. Hitler ordered the death of the author of The Cost of Discipleship (1937) and Letters from Prison (1944). He was hanged in April 1945 in the concentration camp in Flossenbürg, just days before Allied armies liberated the camp.

Bonhoeffer's theology became widely known only after his death. But because of his radical action in the face of evil, the theologian's writings have taken on greater significance. Readers encounter not only Bonhoeffer's costly theology, but also a life that reinforces his words.

London Tabernacle's Non-Fire , October 1856: One hundred and fifty years ago, someone shouted "Fire!" during the Sunday evening service given by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. There was no fire, but 7 people died and 28 were hospitalized due to the stampede that followed.

Spurgeon was prone to depression, and this episode naturally crushed him. Only 22 years old at the time, the preacher was giving his first sermon at the Royal Surrey Gardens Music Hall, which was packed with more than 20,000 people, including overflow seating. Spurgeon's congregation had outgrown its former building and was using the Music Hall until larger accommodations became available.

"Perhaps never soul went so near the burning furnace of insanity, and yet came away unharmed," Spurgeon remarked. Yet the tragic evening brought fame to his work and led to his ministering to hundreds of thousands.

Thomas Cranmer , March 1556: The author of the Book of Common Prayer was burned at the stake 450 years ago. Cranmer became Henry VIII's archbishop in 1533, and he pronounced the king's marriage to Catherine of Aragon illegitimate and his secret marriage to the pregnant Anne Boleyn valid. It may be no surprise that bloody Queen Mary, Catherine's daughter (declared illegitimate by Cranmer), sentenced him to death for treason.

Though he recanted his Protestant beliefs under the Catholic Mary, at his death, Cranmer is said to have stuck his hand into the flames, declaring the hand that signed his recantation should be the first to burn.

St. Peter's Basilica , April 1506: Workers laid the foundation for a new basilica in Rome 500 years ago. The following year, Martin Luther would say his first mass, terrified by the holiness of the act. Four years later, Luther would visit Rome where he was shocked to hear priests blaspheming in public. The wickedness of the city left a deep impression on the reformer.

St. Peter's meanwhile required a fortune to build, causing a delay in its construction. It took another 120 years before its completion, funded with the help of the indulgences Luther condemned.

Christopher Columbus , May 1506: Also 500 years ago, Christopher Columbus died impoverished in Spain at age 55. The explorer saw himself as a missionary. "I hope in our Lord that it will be the greatest honor to Christianity that, unexpectedly, has ever come about," he wrote of his initial trip to the West Indies. For the next 400 years, the governments of Spain echoed Columbus's thoughts. From 1492 to 1820, Spain funded roughly 15,585 missionaries to the Americas.

Antony of Egypt , January 356: Roughly 1,650 years ago, Antony of Egypt died at age 105. Christians widely consider Antony to be the founder of Christian monasticism. The desert life was tough, and fasting was a regular discipline. (As if there was much food in the desert anyway!) Antony's practice was to eat only a little each day, rather than to completely abstain from food.

When Antony knew his death was coming, he brought two companions into the desert. He asked them to leave no marker when they buried him so his body would not be discovered and become an object of reverence.

While looking back at church history is a fascinating exercise, it is also inspiring to look back at God's work in your own and your family's life. As CT remembers the ways in which God has used and blessed the magazine, it is an opportunity to see how he has done the same for you.