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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.

The 600th Episode

Jun 19 2024 | 00:05:00

According to the early church historian Bede, Caedmon was an illiterate herdsman at a monastery who was miraculously gifted with a poet's hand. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the poem on Genesis attributed to Caedmon. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/899701400/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

5 Things Everyone Should Know about John Owen

Jun 12 2024 | 00:05:00

In his lifetime, John Owen wrote more than eight million words. Today, special guest John Tweeddale joins Stephen Nichols to discuss the life of this prolific writer and renowned Puritan theologian. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/899337599/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

5 Books for Summer Reading

Jun 05 2024 | 00:05:00

The summer months can be a great time to catch up on reading. Today, John Tweeddale, vice president of academics at Reformation Bible College, joins Stephen Nichols to share several book recommendations. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/898927610/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Owen’s Two Catechisms

May 29 2024 | 00:05:00

When political unrest drove John Owen to a small English village, he began ministering at the local church. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the two catechisms that Owen wrote to serve Christians of all ages in his congregation. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/897892397/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

5 Cites in Calvin’s Institutes

May 22 2024 | 00:05:00

John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion have been cherished by students of theology for centuries. Today, Stephen Nichols opens the Institutes and points us to five portions of this influential book. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/897253739/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

5 Sites in Calvin’s Geneva

May 15 2024 | 00:05:00

What sites should you visit if you were to take a trip to Geneva, Switzerland? Today, Stephen Nichols points out five landmarks from this city filled with a treasury of history from John Calvin's life. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/896615339/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Calvin at College

May 01 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/887932151/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

W.H. Griffith Thomas

Apr 24 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/882292706/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

John Murray

Apr 17 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/881660393/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Billy Graham

Apr 10 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/875932415/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Carl Henry

Apr 03 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/874923473/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The French and a Doctrine of Scripture

Mar 27 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/874517510/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The 95 Theses in a Sermon

Mar 20 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/874014371/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Calvin and the Psalter

Mar 13 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/873541430/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

5 Enlightenment Figures

Mar 06 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/873112313/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Robert Moffat

Feb 28 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/872541950/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Luther’s Confession of Faith

Feb 21 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/871834016/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Luther on Medieval Piety

Feb 14 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/869812139/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Bonhoeffer on Fear

Feb 07 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/869136500/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

5 Pieces of Art from Chicago

Jan 31 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/866866553/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Asahel Nettleton

Jan 10 2024 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/860034620/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

5 New Year’s Resolutions

Dec 27 2023 | 00:05:00

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: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/854516306/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Three Christmas Greetings

Dec 20 2023 | 00:05:00

The message of Christmas is rich with the good news of Jesus Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols brings us Christmas greetings from three individuals in church history: Augustine, Martin Luther, and D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/852289976/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

London on Location: St. Giles Cripplegate

Dec 13 2023 | 00:05:00

St. Giles Cripplegate church is home to more than 1,000 years of church history. Today, Stephen Nichols is on location in London, discussing the many notable figures who ministered at or attended this historic church. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/850646114/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

London on Location: The English Reformation in 5 Acts

Dec 06 2023 | 00:05:00

Iconic sites from church history can be found around many corners of the city of London. Today, Stephen Nichols is on location to discuss five acts of legislation that shaped the English Reformation. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/844790714/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

London on Location: The Great Awakening in London

Nov 29 2023 | 00:05:00

During the Great Awakening in England, God used faithful preachers to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to several prominent figures from this period of church history. Read the transcript: http://feeds.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/~/842977700/0/5churchhistory/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts