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.

Jonathan Edwards' Favorite Word

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols asks the question, "What is Jonathan Edwards' favorite word?" The answer is not what many would expect.

05-01
05:30

Calvin at College

Where did John Calvin go to college? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about Calvin's time at the College de Montaigu and how his educational experiences helped shape him into the prominent Reformer that we know today. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/calvin-at-college/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

05-01
05:30

W.H. Griffith Thomas

Before he died, W.H. Griffith Thomas helped found Evangelical Theological Seminary, known today as Dallas Theological Seminary. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the life and career of this dedicated Anglican theologian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/w-h-griffith-thomas/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

04-24
05:30

John Murray

During his time at Westminster Theological Seminary, John Murray skillfully trained many pastors and theologians in the truth of God. In this episode, Stephen Nichols tells us highlights from the life of this gifted theologian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/john-murray/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

04-17
05:30

Billy Graham

The evangelist Billy Graham remains one of the most well-known figures of the 20th century. In this episode, Stephen Nichols walks us through his life, from humble beginnings on a dairy farm to preaching to millions of people. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/billy-graham/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

04-10
05:30

Carl Henry

Who was Carl Henry? What part did he play in shaping modern evangelicalism? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the tremendous influence that Henry had in his roles as an academic, apologist, author, theologian, and more. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/carl-henry/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

04-03
05:30

The French and a Doctrine of Scripture

The fifth article of the 1559 French Confession of Faith contains rich descriptions of the doctrine of Scripture. Today, Stephen Nichols draws out five points from this article that help us understand this key doctrine. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-french-and-a-doctrine-of-scripture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

03-27
05:30

The 95 Theses in a Sermon

In his 95 Theses, Martin Luther addressed many unbiblical practices that the Roman Catholic Church endorsed. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts a sermon that Luther preached based upon this famous historical document. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-95-theses-in-a-sermon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

03-20
05:30

Calvin and the Psalter

When John Calvin set out to produce a French psalter, he knew he couldn't do it alone. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the many people who contributed to creating French editions of the Psalms for singing. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/calvin-and-the-psalter/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

03-13
05:30

5 Enlightenment Figures

What were the hallmarks of the Enlightenment? What impact did it have on the church? Today, Stephen Nichols provides an overview of this philosophical movement and introduces us to five major Enlightenment thinkers. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-enlightenment-figures/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

03-06
05:30

Robert Moffat

Even in the face of many dangers, Robert Moffat was dedicated to obeying the Lord's call on his life. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts the life and adventures of this Scottish missionary and Bible translator. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/robert-moffat/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

02-28
05:30

Luther’s Confession of Faith

Martin Luther wanted to ensure that no one would misuse his Reformation writings as an excuse for creating divisions in the church. Today, Stephen Nichols examines a confession of faith that Luther wrote to defend essential Christian truths. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/luthers-confession-of-faith/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

02-21
05:30

Luther on Medieval Piety

Many people in the medieval church believed their works could earn God's favor. Today, Stephen Nichols looks at a sermon that Martin Luther preached against this false idea, expounding the true riches of God's grace in salvation. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/luther-on-medieval-piety/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

02-14
05:30

Bonhoeffer on Fear

Only weeks before the Nazi party gained power over Germany in the 20th century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer preached a sermon titled "Overcoming Fear." Today, Stephen Nichols takes us back to this poignant moment in church history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/bonhoeffer-on-fear/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

02-07
05:30

5 Pieces of Art from Chicago

Throughout history, many painters have chosen biblical themes as the subject for their artwork. Today, Stephen Nichols describes five paintings that are housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-pieces-of-art-from-chicago/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

01-31
05:30

Francis Scott Key

Francis Scott Key is famously remembered as the man who penned "The Star-Spangled Banner." Did you know that he wrote hymns as well? Today, Stephen Nichols discusses several of these hymns. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/francis-scott-key/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

01-24
05:30

The Second Great Awakening Overlook

What took place during the Second Great Awakening? Today, Stephen Nichols offers a bird's-eye view of this significant movement in 19th-century America. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-second-great-awakening-overlook/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

01-17
05:30

Asahel Nettleton

When health challenges stopped Asahel Nettleton from becoming an overseas missionary, he took his ministry local. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts the life of a lesser-known yet influential 1800s evangelist. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/asahel-nettleton/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

01-10
05:30

1827

When Charles Finney introduced his "New Measures" for practicing Christianity, a group of ministers met to discuss their concerns. Today, Stephen Nichols sets the scene for the New Lebanon Conference of 1827. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/1827/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

01-03
05:30

5 New Year’s Resolutions

At the start of a new year, many people like to set goals for the year ahead. Today, Stephen Nichols shares several of Jonathan Edwards' life resolutions, made when he was a young man far from home. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-new-years-resolutions/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

12-27
05:30

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?

09-18 Reply

Elisabeth Hewlett

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

04-22 Reply

Scott Mericle

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

04-20 Reply

Jonathan Clemens

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

01-13 Reply

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."

09-26 Reply

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