Discover5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols
5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

Author: Ligonier Ministries

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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.
618 Episodes
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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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/istanbul-the-hagia-irene/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/istanbul-the-hagia-sophia/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Louis IX

Louis IX

2025-01-2904:59

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/louis-ix/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/american-christian-publishing-20th-century-contributions/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/american-christian-publishing-19th-century-roots/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Christian Radio

Christian Radio

2025-01-0805:00

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/christian-radio/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Happy New Year?

Happy New Year?

2025-01-0105:00

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/happy-new-year/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/christmas-with-bonhoeffer/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Bible Camps

Bible Camps

2024-12-1805:00

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/bible-camps/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/bonhoeffer-in-5-sayings/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/another-thanksgiving-sermon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/thanksgiving-day-sermons/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/what-i-want-for-christmas-influential-books/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/what-i-want-for-christmas-classic-writings/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/classical-tunes-for-classic-hymns/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/luther-in-5-sayings-defender-of-scripture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/luther-in-5-sayings-convicted-monk/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Zion Presbyterian Church

Zion Presbyterian Church

2024-10-1605:001

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/zion-presbyterian-church/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/edwards-in-5-sayings-key-doctrines/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/edwards-in-5-sayings-american-theologian/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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Comments (17)

Valley Scharping

Bonhoeffer was an utter heretic.

Dec 18th
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Mario Mcclinton

amazing podcast one of my very very favorites. I think He should have Andrew David Naselli on as one of the history makers

Dec 4th
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Angela Dyson

The more I listen to this podcast the more I want to hear. Listening to the history about our brothers and sisters gone before us and the places that they hailed from gives me a sense of knowing them a little and stirs up interest to visit the places they came from or visited. I live in Shropshire, England and am blessed enough to not be far from Bridgenorth, where Richard Baxter once lived.

Jul 16th
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Bruce Hawkins

I love the history about so many faithful people that paved the way for us. Church Heroes, if it weren't for them where would we be now?

Sep 18th
Reply (1)

Elisabeth Hewlett

Love this podcast!! It's kindling a new love for church history in me. 😁

Apr 22nd
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Scott Mericle

If you enjoy history, you should check this one out for a quick shot each week.

Apr 20th
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Jonathan Clemens

Important and encouraging reminders of those who trod this path of faith before us.

Jan 13th
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Nancy Gillard

Just found your show. Love it. The Grimke episode is really uplifting. Also, thanks for the reminder "The Holy Spirit inform the theologians today and the church theologians from history."

Sep 26th
Reply

francis kirari

really appreciate this info on Boice,just got lost on if cities mentioned are in same country maybe coz im not in the west.

Jul 8th
Reply

Jeremy Cartwright

One of the best podcast out there!

Sep 13th
Reply

Justin Whelchel

very practical, thumbs up :)

Sep 7th
Reply

Joe Kelley

Have you considered doing an episode on Primož Trubar and Juri Dalmatin, reformers in Slonenia?

Mar 16th
Reply

Dan Felker

I think any Baptist Sunday school boy would tell you that you are pronouncing Judson's first name wrong. The first 3 syllables are pronounced like Adonai.

May 16th
Reply (1)

Ivy

what is the song that plays at the beginning of each podcast?

Feb 24th
Reply (1)