5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

This weekly podcast provides an informal and informative look at church history. Join us each week as we take a brief break from the present to go exploring the past. Travel back in time as we look at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity. Each episode offers an easily digestible glimpse of how the eternal, unchangeable God has worked in the church over prior generations and how this can encourage us today. This is our story—our family history.

Charles Hodge: What Is Saving Faith? 03/12/2025

Charles Hodge: What Is Saving Faith? What is saving faith? Today, Stephen Nichols looks to Charles Hodge’s teaching on Galatians 2:20, exploring how true faith rests in Christ alone, trusts in His love, and clings to His atoning work for our salvation. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/35575440

Charles Hodge: What Is Systematic Theology? 03/05/2025

Charles Hodge: What Is Systematic Theology? What is systematic theology? Today, Stephen Nichols delves into Charles Hodge’s definition of theology as a science, reflecting on how Hodge arranged biblical truths in a harmonious system while emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/35441260

Athenagoras 02/26/2025

Athenagoras In the second century, Athenagoras of Athens defended the Christian faith before Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Today, Stephen Nichols explains how his treatise, A Plea for the Christians, reflects the early church's responses to persecution. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/35334485

Athens in Church History 02/19/2025

Athens in Church History Athens stands as a cornerstone of Western civilization, philosophy, and church history. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us to this ancient city, exploring its legacy as the home of democracy, Socratic thought, and Paul’s famous sermon on Mars Hill. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/35334130

Istanbul: The Hagia Irene 02/12/2025

Istanbul: The Hagia Irene Constantine's first church in Constantinople, the Hagia Irene, played a significant role in the development of the Nicene Creed. Today, Stephen Nichols explores this church's rich history and its transformation through the centuries. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/35099400

Istanbul: The Hagia Sophia 02/05/2025

Istanbul: The Hagia Sophia Emperor Justinian transformed the city of Constantinople by commissioning a magnificent church: the Hagia Sophia. Today, Stephen Nichols explores five key moments in the church's history. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/35099155

Louis IX 01/29/2025

Louis IX Who was Louis IX? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the remarkable life of this medieval French king, renowned for his piety, moral leadership, and role in the Crusades. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/35034610

American Christian Publishing: 20th-Century Contributions 01/22/2025

American Christian Publishing: 20th-Century Contributions Christian literature has played a vital role in spreading the gospel and shaping evangelical thought. Today, Stephen Nichols continues to trace the history of Christian publishing in America, highlighting key figures in the 20th century. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/34948290

American Christian Publishing: 19th-Century Roots 01/15/2025

American Christian Publishing: 19th-Century Roots How did Christian publishing take root in America? Today, Stephen Nichols traces the development of Christian literature, highlighting the innovative ways the gospel has been spread through the printed word. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/34853005

Christian Radio 01/08/2025

Christian Radio Christian radio transformed how the gospel reached the masses in the 20th century. Today, Stephen Nichols explores the history of this powerful medium, highlighting figures whose programs brought God's Word into homes around the world. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/34761950

Happy New Year? 01/01/2025

Happy New Year? When did January 1 become New Year's Day? Today, listen as Stephen Nichols traces the history of the calendar, exploring how church traditions and historical events shaped the observance of the new year. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/34670725

Christmas with Bonhoeffer 12/25/2024

Christmas with Bonhoeffer What makes Christmas truly meaningful? Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's 1939 Christmas sermon, uncovering timeless insights on the miracle of the incarnation, the sacred mystery of God becoming man. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/34485760

Bible Camps 12/18/2024

Bible Camps Bible camps and conference centers have played a significant role in shaping the spiritual lives of countless Christians. Today, Stephen Nichols traces the history of these retreats, reflecting on their unique contribution to the life of the church throughout the 20th century. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/34485685

Bonhoeffer in 5 Sayings 12/11/2024

Bonhoeffer in 5 Sayings Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life of faith and adversity offers profound lessons for Christians in our day. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on five powerful sayings from Bonhoeffer, illuminating his steadfast commitment to Christ, even in the face of immense trials. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/34264425

Another Thanksgiving Sermon 12/04/2024

Another Thanksgiving Sermon In 1836, Tryon Edwards, Jonathan Edwards’ great-grandson, delivered a Thanksgiving sermon celebrating the Puritans’ perseverance and faith. Today, Stephen Nichols explores their strong belief in God's providence and their dedication to pure worship. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/34264435

Thanksgiving Day Sermons 11/27/2024

Thanksgiving Day Sermons What Thanksgiving traditions do you cherish? Today, Stephen Nichols explores Thanksgiving’s roots in church history, highlighting how the holiday has helped Christians focus on the biblical theme of gratitude throughout the years. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33895362

What I Want for Christmas: Influential Books 11/20/2024

What I Want for Christmas: Influential Books What’s on your wish list this year? Today, Stephen Nichols continues sharing books that have shaped his life, suggesting five books from church history that offer a glimpse into the rich theological heritage that has shaped the church. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33895367

What I Want for Christmas: Classic Writings 11/13/2024

What I Want for Christmas: Classic Writings What books have left a lasting impact on your life? Today, Stephen Nichols shares a curated list of classic literature and church history writings that have profoundly shaped him, titles we might want to add to our own libraries. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33895372

Classical Tunes for Classic Hymns 11/06/2024

Classical Tunes for Classic Hymns Many of the hymns we know and love are paired with classical tunes. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how compositions from Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn, and others have shaped our beloved hymns. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33646707

Luther in 5 Sayings: Defender of Scripture 10/30/2024

Luther in 5 Sayings: Defender of Scripture At the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther boldly affirmed Scripture’s authority over all else—including church councils and papal decrees. Today, Stephen Nichols examines this pivotal moment and Luther’s final words, “We are beggars. This is true.” Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33566082

Luther in 5 Sayings: Convicted Monk 10/23/2024

Luther in 5 Sayings: Convicted Monk Martin Luther’s journey from monk to Reformer was shaped by a spiritual transformation. Today, Stephen Nichols explores Luther’s early life, including a vow made during a storm and his realization that salvation comes through Christ alone. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33566067

Zion Presbyterian Church 10/16/2024

Zion Presbyterian Church Zion Presbyterian Church, founded by John Lafayette Girardeau in 1858, was one of the first integrated congregations in the American South. Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of a historic church in "The Holy City," Charleston, South Carolina. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33364272

Edwards in 5 Sayings: Key Doctrines 10/09/2024

Edwards in 5 Sayings: Key Doctrines Jonathan Edwards was known for his deep reflections on God’s mercy, sovereignty, and providence. Today, Stephen Nichols examines Edwards’ sermons and writings on these key doctrines. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33201757

Edwards in 5 Sayings: American Theologian 10/02/2024

Edwards in 5 Sayings: American Theologian Jonathan Edwards was a prominent figure in American theology. Today, Stephen Nichols examines Edwards’ reflections on God’s creation, his exaltation of God’s sovereignty, and his heart for sinners in need of Christ’s mercy. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33201762

Machen in 5 Sayings: Defender of Orthodoxy 09/25/2024

Machen in 5 Sayings: Defender of Orthodoxy During a period of theological upheaval, J. Gresham Machen firmly defended Christian orthodoxy. Today, Stephen Nichols highlights Machen’s commitment to doctrine, his awe at God’s majesty, and his hope in the active obedience of Christ. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33202347

Machen in 5 Sayings: Courageous Scholar 09/18/2024

Machen in 5 Sayings: Courageous Scholar J. Gresham Machen stood as a stalwart defender of Christian orthodoxy in the early 20th century. Today, Stephen Nichols explores key quotes that reveal the courage and scholarship that defined Machen’s lasting impact on the church. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/33023277

R.C. Sproul in 5 Sayings 09/11/2024

R.C. Sproul in 5 Sayings Throughout his ministry, R.C. Sproul made theology accessible by applying the deep truths of the Christian faith to everyday life. Today, Stephen Nichols attempts to summarize Dr. Sproul’s major ideas into five key phrases. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/32878262

Augustine in 5 Sayings 09/04/2024

Augustine in 5 Sayings Which of Augustine’s teachings and ideas have had a lasting impact on the church? Today, Stephen Nichols explores Augustine’s theological thought through five key sayings from his most influential works. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/32878258

The Meaning of the Apocalypse Tapestry 08/28/2024

The Meaning of the Apocalypse Tapestry The Apocalypse Tapestry was created to teach a mostly illiterate audience about the book of Revelation. Today, Stephen Nichols highlights how biblical storytelling and medieval artistry are combined in this tapestry to instruct and inspire. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/32658012

The History of the Apocalypse Tapestry 08/21/2024

The History of the Apocalypse Tapestry Commissioned by Louis I and completed in 1382, the massive Apocalypse Tapestry is a visual representation of the book of Revelation. Today, Stephen Nichols discusses the creation of this masterpiece and its eventual restoration after surviving damage during the French War. Read the transcript: A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: Explore all of our podcasts: /episode/index/show/5minutesinchurchhistory/id/32656972

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

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