Psalm 126:3 The Lord has done great things...and I will remember (Psalm 77:11-12)
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Sovereign Spirit
The church is the church of God, and essentially the same throughout the ages. There is an amazing continuity, and the principles taught in Scripture are worked out in the history of the Church. And because we are in the flesh, we are helped by examples and illustrations, hence the great value of history.
I know of nothing next to the reading of the Scriptures themselves that has been of greater value to me in my own personal life and ministry than constant reading of the history of the church.
Christianity.com "This Day in Church History"
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/
"Readings in Church History Timelines"
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1501-1600/
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/
http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/
John Piper Biographies
http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/biographies/by-title
Missionary Biographies
http://www.missionarybiographies.com/
Christian History Magazine