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.
654 Episodes
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In AD 230, Christians in Galilee left behind a remarkable testimony to their faith in Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols examines the Megiddo Mosaic, uncovering five insights it provides into early church life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/5-things-about-the-megiddo-mosaic/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
What did the earliest Christian churches look like? Today, Stephen Nichols traces their history and introduces the Megiddo Mosaic, the floor of one of the oldest church buildings ever discovered. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-earliest-church-yet/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Why did many of the Reformers identify the pope as the antichrist? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his survey of Christian views on the antichrist and interpretations of the number 666, moving from the Reformation to the present day. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/naming-the-antichrist-reformation-and-modern-views/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Who is the antichrist? The beast? The man of lawlessness? Today on episode 666 of the podcast, Stephen Nichols explores how several church fathers and medieval theologians wrestled with these questions—and whom they named as the antichrist. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/naming-the-antichrist-ancient-and-medieval-views/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers

2025-09-1704:59

Have you read My Utmost for His Highest? And did you know it was published 10 years after its author died? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Oswald Chambers and his wife Biddy, whose copious notes from Oswald’s sermons turned into more than 50 books. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/oswald-chambers/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
In addition to being our Redeemer, Jesus is our perfect example for the Christian life. Today, Stephen Nichols considers a stirring sermon that B.B. Warfield preached on the humble, self-sacrificial life that Christ modeled for us. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/warfield-on-imitating-the-incarnation/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
What can sermons from over a century ago teach us today? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces The Savior of the World by B.B. Warfield, a collection of Christ-centered sermons that invite us to marvel at the good news of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/some-sermons-of-warfield/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
What is sin, and why must we take it seriously? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be by Cornelius Plantinga Jr., a book that explores the biblical view of sin and our deep need for God’s redeeming grace. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-good-book-on-a-bad-subject/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Life Together

Life Together

2025-08-2005:001

What does it mean to live in community with other Christians? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the wisdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together, offering insights into how believers grow together in grace under God’s Word. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/life-together-2025/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Happy 12th Anniversary

Happy 12th Anniversary

2025-08-1305:00

Why study church history? Today, Stephen Nichols celebrates the twelfth anniversary of 5 Minutes in Church History by reflecting on twelve ways church history has enriched his faith and deepened his understanding of God’s work through the ages. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/happy-12th-anniversary/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Ancient Wisdom

Ancient Wisdom

2025-08-0605:001

What’s on your reading list? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces On the Incarnation by Athanasius, a timeless book defending the deity of Christ and the hope of the resurrection. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/ancient-wisdom/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
A Good Atlas

A Good Atlas

2025-07-3005:001

What can a map teach us about the Bible? Today, Stephen Nichols explains how understanding Scripture’s geography can deepen our grasp of redemptive history. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-good-atlas/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Jonathan Edwards’ writings reveal profound insights into theology, philosophy, and the human condition. Today, Stephen Nichols explores the rich content of Edwards’ works and explains why his writings are still relevant to the church today. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-works-of-edwards-in-2-volumes/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
In his first published sermon, Jonathan Edwards emphasized the glory of God in redemption. Today, Stephen Nichols revisits this early message to reflect on our need for dependence on Christ and the grace that secures our salvation. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/edwards-first-published-sermon/ 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 most shaped your faith? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his conversation with Joel Kim as he adds more titles to his deserted island library, each offering timeless encouragement for the Christian life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/deserted-island-with-joel-kim-theology-and-pastoral-wisdom/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
If you could take only five books to a deserted island, which would you choose? Today, Joel Kim joins Stephen Nichols to share titles he’d bring, and what they reveal about leadership, perseverance, and history. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/deserted-island-with-joel-kim-history-and-leadership/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
What makes a great preacher? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to reflect on the life and legacy of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a medical-doctor-turned-pastor whose powerful preaching marked the church in the 20th century. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/derek-thomas-on-the-doctor/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
What impact did the 1904 Welsh Revival have on the church and on culture? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to reflect on this remarkable season of gospel awakening in Wales and how its legacy endures today. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/derek-thomas-on-the-welsh-revival/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Augustine’s Friend

Augustine’s Friend

2025-06-1105:00

Augustine’s legacy is well known, but what about his closest friend? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to Alypius, a faithful companion who walked alongside Augustine from their days as students to bishops in neighboring towns. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/augustines-friend/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Behind several well-known names in church history stand faithful brothers whose stories are often untold. Today, Stephen Nichols shares how these men, though less recognized, played meaningful roles in the life of the church. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/brothers-in-church-history/ 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 (18)

Trevor Watson

A whole lot of useless history on Witherspoon!

Sep 28th
Reply

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)