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, 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

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/machen-in-5-sayings-defender-of-orthodoxy/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/machen-in-5-sayings-defender-of-orthodoxy/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/machen-in-5-sayings-courageous-scholar/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/rc-sproul-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

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: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/augustine-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

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-meaning-of-the-apocalypse-tapestry/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-history-of-the-apocalypse-tapestry/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jonathan Edwards quickly noticed corruption in the school intended to teach Native American children in Stockbridge, MA. Today, Stephen Nichols explains the dramatic events that transpired around this conflict. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/august-1752/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What was happening in Jonathan Edwards' life in the summer of 1751? Today, Stephen Nichols describes how Edwards was a missionary to the English and Native American people in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/august-1751/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

After her husband suffered a fatal heart attack, Catherine Marshall wrote a bestselling book about his life that was later turned into a film. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts Peter Marshall's days of faithful service to the Lord. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-movie-of-1955/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In 1649, a book and an act of parliament had a significant impact on the spread of the gospel in New England. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about these two important contributions that occurred in the same year. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-book-and-an-act-of-parliament-1649/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In 1966, more than 2,500 people from 150 different countries gathered in Lausanne, Switzerland, for an international congress on global missions. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us back to this remarkable 10-day gathering. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-lausanne-congress/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Margery Kempe is known for her daring travels around the world and her writings about them. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us on the adventures of this English mystic from the Middle Ages. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/margery-kempes-pilgrimage/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What led James Woodrow to be let go from Columbia Theological Seminary in the 1880s? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about Woodrow's controversial beliefs on the theory of evolution. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/controversy-in-columbia/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

When the pressure of his busy schedule weighed on him, Charles Spurgeon would escape to the woods for rest. Today, Stephen Nichols reads from several of Spurgeon's reflections on peaceful times in nature. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/stopping-by-a-wood-with-spurgeon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-600th-episode/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-things-everyone-should-know-about-john-owen/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-books-for-summer-reading/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/owens-two-catechisms/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-cites-in-calvins-institutes/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-sites-in-calvins-geneva/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Over the course of his life, Anselm took five important journeys. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us on the road with Anselm, pointing out notable events from this medieval theologian's travels. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/travels-with-anselm/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/three-christmas-greetings/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/london-on-location-st-giles-cripplegate/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/london-on-location-the-english-reformation-in-5-acts/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/london-on-location-the-great-awakening-in-london/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

When Italian refugees arrived in Germany in 1557, some of them brought confusion around central Christian doctrines. Today, Stephen Nichols explores the Formulario, the first confession of faith written in Italian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/confessing-like-its-1559-italians-in-geneva/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The Pinczow Confession of 1559 primarily focuses on the person of Jesus Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us to Poland to tell us about this confession of faith and the main individual who drafted it. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/confessing-like-its-1559-pinczow/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In 1559, a group of pastors in Paris drafted the French Confession of Faith. Today, Stephen Nichols discusses the history of this confession and provides an overview of its first five articles. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/confessing-like-its-1559-paris/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The hymn "Be Thou My Vision" has been sung by Christians for hundreds of years. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the origins of this beloved song, rich with biblical truth, poetry, and history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/be-thou-my-vision-a-history/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

John of Damascus was an Arab Christian monk, apologist, and prolific writer. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to this significant figure in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/john-of-damascus/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Did you know that two seminaries merged to form Pittsburgh Theological Seminary? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about several faculty members who taught at these Pittsburgh seminaries through the years. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/mr-warfields-neighborhood/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Before Harold John Ockenga took his post as minister of Point Breeze Presbyterian Church, J. Gresham Machen had an important message for him. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts how Machen charged Ockenga to stand firm for the gospel. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/pittsburgh-1931/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

After the death of his son-in-law, Jonathan Edwards took office as the third president of Princeton University. Today, Stephen Nichols discusses the short yet impactful tenure that Edwards held at this institution. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/on-edwards-porch/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What does the battle for Fort Duquesne in 1758 have to do with the emergence of Protestantism in Pittsburgh? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about how Presbyterianism spread in this region. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/presbyterians-in-pittsburgh/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

William Gouge was known by many as a compassionate minister of the gospel. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the ministry, writings, and legacy of this English Puritan. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/william-gouge/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In the face of rising spiritual and political threats, Maximus of Turin charged his congregation to remain steadfast in trusting the Lord. Today, Stephen Nichols describes the legacy of this fifth-century bishop. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/maximus-of-turin/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

During the Great Awakening, Jonathan Dickinson and his colleagues made plans to found a college to train Presbyterian ministers. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to the first president of Princeton University. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/jonathan-dickinson/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The church is a family with a long and glorious story, woven together by God's grace. As we continue to celebrate ten years of 5 Minutes in Church History, today Stephen Nichols underscores the importance of knowing, remembering, and retelling our story. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/10th-anniversary-why-church-history/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Ten years ago, we set out on a journey in this podcast to witness God's faithfulness throughout the story of Christianity. To celebrate a decade of 5 Minutes in Church History, today Stephen Nichols revisits an old friend from our very first episode: Augustine of Hippo. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/10th-anniversary-augustine-again/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Reading material is essential for anyone headed to a deserted island. Today, the retired host of Renewing Your Mind, Lee Webb, continues a discussion with Stephen Nichols about which books he would bring with him to a deserted island. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-two-more-books-for-a-stranded-podcast-host/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The tides have turned, and our host is being sent to a deserted island. Today, Lee Webb swaps places with Stephen Nichols in order to ask him this question: Which five books would you bring to a deserted island? Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-a-stranded-podcast-host-and-his-books/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Have you ever read a book so compelling that it felt impossible to put down? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols invites the retired host of the Renewing Your Mind podcast, Lee Webb, to talk about several of his favorite books. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-lee-webb-a-pilgrim-a-puritan-and-a-prisoner-of-war/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

There is always time for a good book on a deserted island. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols sends special guest Lee Webb to this island, allowing him to bring only five books. Which will he choose? Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-lee-webb-bunyan-sproul-and-the-trinity-hymnal/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Where did Charles Spurgeon preach his sermons? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us on a journey through church history, arriving at the church where Spurgeon would preach until his death in 1892. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/spurgeons-church/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Charles Spurgeon's sermons have been edifying Christians for hundreds of years. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of two men who teamed up to publish these messages that still encourage believers to this day. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/spurgeons-publisher/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What important role do deacons play in the church? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to 1739 to Jonathan Edwards' church in Northampton, MA, to look at a sermon that Edwards preached on this topic. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/jonathan-edwards-on-deacons/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Did you know that 63 colleges can trace their roots back to a humble roadside college that was located in rural Pennsylvania? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about the seismic impact that Log College had on church history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/pa-highway-263/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Writings by the church fathers could offer hours of enriching study on a desert island. Today, special guest Dr. Michael Reeves shares why he would bring works by Augustine and Cyril of Alexandria to his literary oasis. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-church-fathers-edition-augustine-and-cyril-of-alexandria/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Which books written by the church fathers would you want on a deserted island? Today, Dr. Michael Reeves joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to discuss two of the books he would bring. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-church-fathers-edition-irenaeus-and-athanasius/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Who was King Edward VI? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by special guest Dr. Michael Reeves to discuss the life of this English monarch who helped advance the spread of the Protestant Reformation. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/my-favorite-british-monarch/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Throughout his ministry, Charles Spurgeon faced opposition from every side. Today, Dr. Steven Lawson joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to discuss how the Lord used the trials that Spurgeon faced to further the message of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/lets-talk-about-the-trials-in-spurgeons-life-with-steven-lawson/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Did you know that Charles Spurgeon began preaching at the young age of fifteen? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by special guest Dr. Steven Lawson to discuss the early years of Spurgeon's ministry. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/lets-talk-about-spurgeons-early-years-with-steven-lawson/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Church history is filled with biblical imagery. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers the differences in how artists through the centuries have depicted the fruit that Adam and Eve ate in the garden of Eden and the fish that swallowed Jonah. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-apple-and-the-whale/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jonathan Edwards spent many hours with a quill pen in his hand writing books, sermons, and more. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us behind the scenes to explore the writing process of this prolific theologian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/how-jonathan-edwards-wrote-books/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In 1774, Ann Lee and eight other Shakers arrived on the shores of America. Who were the Shakers? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses this community of people, walking us through their beliefs and way of life. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-shakers/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Although best known for his work as a church historian, the Venerable Bede also spent many hours of his life studying God's Word in great detail. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about Bede's contributions as a Bible commentator. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/bede-and-the-bible/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

When the Haldane brothers saw that the church in Scotland needed ministers, they funded academies to train them. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces two men who supported the work of the church with the resources that God entrusted to them. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-haldane-brothers/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

To this day, if you walk around the city of Bethlehem, PA, you will find churches and schools named after the Moravians. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about the influence that Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf had on the Moravian church. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/zinzendorf/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

With every brushstroke, Rembrandt brought biblical characters to life through his artwork. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols gives us a tour of one of his masterpieces, recounting the life of this famous Dutch painter along the way. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/rembrandt-in-the-wind/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Not too long ago, a sunken treasure was discovered off the coast of Cape Canaveral in Florida. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols invites us to sift through the sand with him to discover important relics from church history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/sunken-treasure/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Before cars were invented, you needed a strong horse to make it to your destination on time. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of a husband and wife who rode for miles to hear George Whitefield preach. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/quick-get-the-horse-mrs-cole-nathan-cole/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What does the Protestant Reformation have to do with the exploration of the New World? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses the overlap between these two pivotal moments in history and the impact that they had on the church. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/luther-and-columbus/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

When Amy Carmichael heard the Great Commission for the first time, her life changed forever. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us around the world to the places where this beloved missionary labored for the sake of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/amy-carmichael/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What was it like to be part of the church nearly 2,000 years ago? Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols opens up the Didache, an ancient text that gives us a glimpse into how the early church viewed certain elements of worship and church order. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-didache/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jerusalem, sometimes called the "holy city," is the epicenter of four major world religions. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols walks us through the many centuries of religious history that have taken place in this city. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/jerusalem/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

It was from a Roman cell that the Apostle Paul wrote his prison epistles to the church. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes five unforgettable moments from church history that took place in Rome, known as the "eternal city" Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/rome/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Along the Mediterranean Sea stands a city that was central to the Apostle Paul's ministry and echoes with biblical history that dates back to the first century. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about the ancient port city of Ephesus, located in Turkey. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ephesus/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The city of Cambridge in the United Kingdom is home to several churches and academic institutions that are steeped in church history. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us on a tour of this English city. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/cambridge/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

While history is composed of accounts about specific people and events, overarching themes also emerge when we look at the big picture. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols divides American church history into five movements. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/american-church-history-in-5-movements/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Though educated by the leading theologians of his day, Julian the Apostate did not think that Rome would benefit from embracing Christianity. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes the shift toward paganism that occurred under the rule of this emperor. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/julian-the-apostate/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

When a shifting political landscape forced him to go into hiding, Stephen Charnock continued to faithfully minister to God's people. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses how this Puritan's life and work bore witness to the providence of God. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/charnock-on-providence/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Christians around the world have been singing John Newton's hymn Amazing Grace for hundreds of years. Today, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about the very first time this hymn was ever sung. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/amazing-grace-250th/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Terms like "Old and New Testament" and "Trinity" are common in modern theological discourse. Who originally coined these terms? Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols helps us get to know the early church father Tertullian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/7-t-is-for-trinity-and-tertullian/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What do Charles Spurgeon, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and R.C. Sproul have in common? Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the love for Christmas that these gifted theologians shared. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/313-theologians-who-love-christmas/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

George Frideric Handel wanted people to be not only entertained but also moved by his music. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols provides an overview of Handel's life and work. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/408-handel/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

If you were stranded on an island, you'd have a lot of time to read. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols challenges Dr. R.C. Sproul to name the five books that he would bring with him to a deserted island. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/11-deserted-island-top-5-rc-sproul/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Contrary to popular belief, the first Thanksgiving likely did not take place in New England. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us further south. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/174-fort-caroline/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The first Thanksgiving was not a family meal but three days of entertainment and feasting. In today's journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes these events from 1621. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/361-thanksgiving/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

True friends are a gift from God. In today's journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to several of Augustine's close friends and discusses his view on friendship. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/76-augustine-on-friendship/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Who were the Cappadocian Fathers? In today's journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to three ancient defenders of the doctrine of the Trinity. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/172-the-three-cappadocians/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Prayer is an unmerited privilege and a glorious gift that God gives to His people. In today's journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols outlines John Calvin's view on prayer as it appears in the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/98-calvin-on-prayer/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What did Martin Luther say to those who taught that salvation could be obtained through the merits of the saints? Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains Luther's gospel-centered response. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/252-the-95-theses-part-2/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Martin Luther revered the whole book of Psalms, but there was one psalm that the German Reformer cherished most of all. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols and Dr. W. Robert Godfrey discuss Luther's "own beloved psalm." Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/242-luther-on-psalm-118/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Where does the spiritual fruit that we bear in our Christian lives come from? Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses a noteworthy sermon that Martin Luther preached on two kinds of righteousness. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/236-two-kinds-of-righteousness/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Martin Luther didn't plan on getting married, but that changed when he met Katharina von Bora. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols offers a glimpse into the marriage of this Reformation couple--one filled with love, respect, and intentionality. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/244-martin-and-katie/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

After her missionary husband was martyred, she returned to serve the tribe that had killed him. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols recalls the extraordinary life of Elisabeth Elliot. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/344-elisabeth-elliot/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Sometimes God can use a single verse from His Word to draw us to Himself. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at a verse that transformed the life of the English bishop J.C. Ryle: Ephesians 2:8. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/332-jc-ryle/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Many ancient Greeks and Romans believed that history is subject to the arbitrary governance of fate. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers how one scholar from old Princeton responded to this idea. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/400-what-governs-history/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Monica desired only one thing before she left this world: to see her son become a Christian. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the mother of Augustine--a woman faithful in prayer. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/30-monica-a-mothers-prayer/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

While Europe was embroiled in World War II, brilliant essays flowed from the pen of C.S. Lewis. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines some of the other writings that came from the author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/384-cs-lewis-essayist/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

How did a devout monk become a Protestant on the run from the authorities because of his faith? Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the life and work of Peter Martyr Vermigli, a daring Reformer. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/102-peter-martyr-vermigli/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

We are witnessing a rise of professing atheists and practical atheism in the 21st century. Where did all this unbelief come from? Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols traces the development of atheism in the modern world. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/404-history-of-atheism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The Lutheran composer Johann Sebastian Bach often signed his compositions with the initials “JJ” and “SDG.” Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the significance of these letters. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/259-johann-sebastian-bach-jj/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Each translation of the Bible has a unique history of its own. Today on our journey back through the archives, Dr. Stephen Nichols visits the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, to take a look at the history of the English Bible. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/349-the-king-james-bible/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In this podcast, we've observed the history of God's faithfulness to His people over twenty centuries. Today, we begin a journey back through the archives as Dr. Stephen Nichols revisits our very first episode on Augustine's Confessions. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-first-episode/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The history of the Christian faith is a story for all generations. On this special 500th episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Ligonier President Chris Larson to discuss the beginnings of this podcast and the importance of knowing our family history as Christians. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-500th-episode-with-chris-larson/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

For hundreds of years, Christians have benefited from the rich theological insights of the Puritans. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols gives special guest Dr. Michael Reeves the challenging assignment of naming one favorite Puritan. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/my-favorite-puritan-with-michael-reeves/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Martin Luther's reputation as a lover of Scripture precedes him. And one of his favorite books of the Bible was Galatians. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols traces the history of Luther's writings and teachings on this book. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/luther-on-galatians/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

John Newton is famously known for writing the hymn "Amazing Grace." On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols recounts how Newton's love of both music and God's Word prompted him to preach 50 sermons on Handel's Messiah. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/newton-on-handels-messiah/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Before English textbooks were common in American higher education, many were written in Latin. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes how Charles Hodge responded to linguistic shifts at Princeton by writing a three-volume work for his students. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/hodges-systematic-theology/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Do you know the story of the only clergyman whose signature is on the Declaration of Independence? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols presents John Witherspoon: university president, esteemed preacher, and American patriot. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/john-witherspoon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

F.F. Bruce was a biblical scholar who traversed the secular academy with devotion to the truth of the gospel. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces a theologian who was marked by his love of God's Word. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ff-bruce/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In his fervent study of God's truth, Louis Berkhof spent years crafting and refining his systematic theology. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols presents this theologian's life and work. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/louis-berkhof/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Do you find it challenging to choose a favorite book? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols invites special guest Dr. Michael Reeves to share which five books he would take with him on a deserted island and why. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-michael-reeves/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What five books would you take with you on a deserted island? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols interviews special guest Dr. Harry Reeder about several books that have impacted him. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-harry-reeder/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Upon his conversion to Christianity, William Perkins devoted his life to the preaching of God's Word. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shares several of Perkins' influential writings, which later impacted many Puritan preachers. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/william-perkins/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

John Nelson Darby sacrificed a promising law career to pursue Christian ministry, but it wasn't until a horse-riding injury that his theological ideas took full shape. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces the founder of dispensationalism. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/john-nelson-darby/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Eric Liddell gave up a life of athletic prestige to serve the Lord as a missionary, joining others in his family who had committed their lives to advancing the gospel. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces the Liddells. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ the-liddell-family-of-missionaries/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

If social media had existed in the 11th century, one might have scrolled to find commentary on the Crusades called by Pope Urban II. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes several memorable people and events from the 11th century. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/trending-in-the-11th-century/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Theodore Beza began at the Geneva Academy as a Greek professor, but when John Calvin died, he assumed the responsibility of leading the school. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of how God directed Beza's life at every unexpected turn. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/beza/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

On June 5, 1559, John Calvin helped found the academy at Geneva. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the significant role that this school played in equipping young men to boldly proclaim the gospel. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/june-5-1559/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

If social media had existed in the 6th century, what topics would be trending? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols highlights noteworthy events from an age defined by lethal plagues, controversial heresy, and the spread of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/trending-in-the-6th-century/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Every day, Christians are making church history. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols interviews Rev. David Zadok, pastor of Grace and Truth Church, to learn about his ministry and the state of the Christian church in Israel. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/history-makers-david-zadok/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

During the 3rd century, the church was under constant attack from heresies and persecution. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes the darkness of this age without forgetting the faithful Christians who took a stand for truth. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/trending-in-the-3rd-century/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What better reading could you ask to have on a deserted island than a rich collection of Puritan prayers? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Derek Thomas returns to share several of his favorite books with Dr. Stephen Nichols. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-derek-thomas-part-2/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

From thick theology tomes to biographies of opera composers, what books would Dr. Derek Thomas want to have with him on a deserted island? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, he joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to share some of his selections. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-derek-thomas-part-1/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

After the Nazis invaded Holland, Corrie ten Boom hid more than 700 Jews in her home, six at a time, before helping them escape. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of this remarkable Christian woman. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/corrie-ten-boom/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

From corruption and bloodshed to the publication of important works, the year 1377 was a pivotal time in medieval Europe. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols outlines significant moments from this eventful year in the 14th century. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/1377/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Out of all the books that could help you grow in your faith and in your knowledge of God, which five would you bring with you to a deserted island? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Conrad Mbewe joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to explain his five choices. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-conrad-mbewe/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

After receiving a diagnosis of advanced-stage liver cancer, Dr. James Boyce wrote hymns of praise to God in the final months of his life. On this episode of 5 Minute in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the verses penned by this gifted minister and longtime friend of Dr. R.C. Sproul. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-hymns-of-james-m-boice/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In 1754, Eleazar Wheelock founded a school to train Native American Christians to become missionaries among their own tribes. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols talks about Wheelock's involvement in the Great Awakening in colonial New England. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/eleazer-wheelock/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In 451, leaders in the early church gathered at the city of Chalcedon to defend the Bible's teaching about the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Derek Thomas joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to discuss the Chalcedonian Creed. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-most-intriguing-event-with-derek-thomas/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Every time we look down and see shoes on our feet, we should be reminded of our Father's care for us. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers the wonderful ways in which Martin Luther taught children about God in his Small Catechism. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/thankful-for-shoes/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Who were the English and American Puritans? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the keen minds and passionate hearts of those who sought to apply the biblical truths of the Reformation to all of life. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-puritans-101/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

When Jonathan Edwards wrote 70 resolutions for life, he was careful to remind himself of his reliance on God's grace to live for His glory. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols draws principles from Edwards to help us begin the new year with intentionality. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/resolutions-with-edwards/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Exactly 166 years ago this week, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon about the child who was born a King. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the rich insights of Spurgeon's Christmas sermon. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/christmas-with-spurgeon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Why were three elected popes active at the same time in the early 1400s? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols sketches the Roman Catholic corruption and intrigue surrounding the city of Avignon in the 14th and 15th centuries. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/avignon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In Genesis 6:16, God instructs Noah to build the roof of the ark over its three decks. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols records from the roof of the full-scale Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, a testament to the truth and authority of the Bible. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/genesis-616/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In the 19th century, Scottish theologian James Buchanan wrote, “Nothing could well be more new than the old theology of the Reformation.” What did he mean? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols opens Buchanan’s classic book on justification. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/buchanans-book/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

When hundreds of ministers broke away from the Church of Scotland in the Disruption of 1843, a pastor named James Buchanan became the first moderator of the Free Church. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to this noteworthy theologian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/james-buchanan/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The church of Jesus Christ is growing by leaps and bounds on the continent of Africa. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Conrad Mbewe returns to tell Dr. Stephen Nichols what hopes, concerns, and prayers he has for the African church. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/history-makers-conrad-mbewe/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The ministry of C.H. Spurgeon has much to teach the church today, not only in the West but also in Africa and around the world. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Conrad Mbewe joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to discuss the influence of Spurgeon's doctrinally rich preaching. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/spurgeon-in-africa/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jonathan Edwards was a prolific letter writer, and his surviving letters give a fascinating glimpse into life in colonial America. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the earliest letter we have from Edwards, written to his sister Mary when he was 12 years old. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/edwards-first-letter/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The preaching of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones had an enormous impact on evangelical Christians in the 20th-century English-speaking world. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Derek Thomas joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to describe the influence Dr. Lloyd-Jones had on his life. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-most-intriguing-figure-with-derek-thomas/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Soon after he was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne oversaw the completion of an impressive church at his royal residence. On this episode of 5 Minutes of Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols guides us through the Palatine Chapel, where emperors would be crowned for centuries to come. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/charlemagnes-chapel/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

By God's grace, biblical preaching and theological book publishing are on the rise in the African continent. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Rev. Ken Mbugua joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to share why he is hopeful about the future of the church in Africa. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/church-history-makers-with-ken-mbugua/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

God did not give us His Word so it would be known only by elite scholars. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Rev. Ken Mbugua joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to remember the foundational efforts made during the Reformation to translate the Bible into the languages of everyday people. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-most-intriguing-event-with-ken-mbugua/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Good, gospel-saturated books help us better understand our own hearts, our relationships, and the life of the local church. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Rev. Ken Mbugua joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to discuss five books he would want with him on a deserted island. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-ken-mbugua/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

From his deathbed, John Knox told his wife Margaret, "Go where I cast my first anchor." She immediately opened her Bible to John 17. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys the life and death of the great Scottish Reformer. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/my-first-anchor/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

When we recall the Christians who have suffered for translating God's Word into the language of ordinary people, we should cherish our Bibles all the more. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. John MacArthur joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to speak about the Reformation translator William Tyndale. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-most-intriguing-event-with-john-macarthur/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What five books would you take with you to a deserted island? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. John MacArthur as he reminds us of important books from the church's past and present. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-with-john-macarthur/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

One hundred years before Martin Luther’s time, Jan Hus began paving the road to church reformation. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. John MacArthur to discuss this often overlooked figure from church history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-most-intriguing-figure-with-john-macarthur/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The final volume of Right Now Counts Forever features several themes that were central to Dr. R.C. Sproul's life and enduring legacy. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols concludes his study of books we should bring to the beach. Throughout the month of August 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of Right Now Counts Forever, a 4-volume book collection containing more than 40 years of R.C. Sproul's columns from Tabletalk magazine. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/rc-at-the-beach-volume-4/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

From Edgar Allen Poe to John Bunyan, the written word has been a powerful tool used to chisel the forms of our civilization. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols offers us a glimpse into R.C. Sproul's thoughts on art and literature from the third volume of Right Now Counts Forever. Throughout the month of August 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of Right Now Counts Forever, a 4-volume book collection containing more than 40 years of R.C. Sproul's columns from Tabletalk magazine. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/rc-at-the-beach-volume-3/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What is the "big idea" of the Christian life? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explores several of Dr. R.C. Sproul's columns from the second volume of the new Right Now Counts Forever collection. Throughout the month of August 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of Right Now Counts Forever, a 4-volume book collection containing more than 40 years of R.C. Sproul's columns from Tabletalk magazine. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/rc-at-the-beach-volume-2/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Through the years, Dr. R.C. Sproul helped us give careful thought to topics ranging from the birth of Jesus to professional football. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols canvasses the first volume of Right Now Counts Forever, a collection of 40 years of theological reflection from Dr. Sproul. Throughout the month of August 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of Right Now Counts Forever, a 4-volume book collection containing more than 40 years of R.C. Sproul's columns from Tabletalk magazine. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/rc-at-the-beach-volume-1/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

As Dr. R.C. Sproul said, "What we do today counts forever." On this special episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Chris Larson to celebrate Ligonier's 50th anniversary and discuss Right Now Counts Forever, a new landmark resource featuring 40 years of Dr. Sproul's trusted teaching. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/rc-at-the-beach-right-now-counts-forever-with-chris-larson/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

As we were once dead in our trespasses and sin, we needed to be brought from death to life. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shows how this truth is outlined in John Owen's book The Holy Spirit. Throughout the month of July 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Treasures of John Owen Box Set, a 5-volume book collection that contains some of John Owen's most cherished writings. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-holy-spirit-at-the-beach/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

At the end of his life, John Owen penned his final book, The Glory of Christ. What were the last words this towering figure of the faith wanted to tell us? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explores Owen's writings on one of the greatest privileges we have as believers, both in this world and for eternity. Throughout the month of July 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Treasures of John Owen Box Set, a 5-volume book collection that contains some of John Owen's most cherished writings. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-glory-of-christ-at-the-beach/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Why should we mortify, or "put to death," our sin? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols highlights John Owen's book on the new birth and our three-front battle against sin. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/mortification-of-sin-at-the-beach/ Throughout the month of July 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Puritan Classics Box Set, a 10-volume collection of cherished Christian books by 17th-century pastors and theologians. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

At John Owen's funeral, it was said that "the great burden of his life was to see people grow in holiness." On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols speaks with Dr. Sinclair Ferguson on this 17th-century theologian, a man of letters and a man of action. Throughout the month of July 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Treasures of John Owen Box Set, a 5-volume book collection that contains some of John Owen's most cherished writings. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/owen-at-the-beach-with-sinclair-ferguson/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Our God is a merciful God, extending His grace freely to poor, downcast sinners in need. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses A Lifting Up for the Downcast by William Bridge. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/william-bridge-at-the-beach/ Throughout the month of June 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Puritan Classics Box Set, a 10-volume collection of cherished Christian books by 17th-century pastors and theologians. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

After he began preaching, Thomas Brooks wrote a book to remind us of the devices of Satan--and the "precious remedies" God has given us to combat them. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes a look at the next Puritan book we should bring to the beach. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/thomas-brooks-at-the-beach/ Throughout the month of June 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Puritan Classics Box Set, a 10-volume collection of cherished Christian books by 17th-century pastors and theologians. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In his book All Things for Good, Thomas Watson calls us to love and trust in the Lord whose ways are above our ways. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the final parts of Watson's book and the important doctrines they uncover. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/watson-again/ Throughout the month of June 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Puritan Classics Box Set, a 10-volume collection of cherished Christian books by 17th-century pastors and theologians. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The Puritans were a people committed to the deep study of the Word of God. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to All Things for Good, Thomas Watson's meditation and application of Romans 8:28. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/thomas-watson-at-the-beach/ Throughout the month of June 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Puritan Classics Box Set, a 10-volume collection of cherished Christian books by 17th-century pastors and theologians. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Why read the Puritans--and why read them "again and again, as old friends"? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols speaks with Dr. Sinclair Ferguson on the richness and nourishment he gleans from the old Puritan writers. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/puritans-at-the-beach-with-sinclair-ferguson/ Throughout the month of June 2021, you can enter to win a free copy of the Puritan Classics Box Set, a 10-volume collection of cherished Christian books by 17th-century pastors and theologians. Enter the giveaway: https://giveaway.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Just three years before Anne Bradstreet's death, this weary Puritan penned verses describing a longing for eternity and escape from the cares of this world. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reads from his wife's book on Bradstreet, America's first published poet. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-puritan-poet/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Jerome of Prague, like the Reformers who would come a century later, believed that the teachings of the Bible should be directly studied and obeyed by every Christian. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at this 15th-century martyr. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/jerome-of-prague/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Does Jesus have one will since He is one person? Or does He have two wills because He is truly God and truly man? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes an ancient heresy that was a challenge to Christ's humanity. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/monothelitism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

C.H. Spurgeon once said of a man, ";He cannot speak without quoting a text, for his very soul is full of the Word of God." On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at this man whose "blood is bibline." Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/bibline/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

During World War II, C.S. Lewis addressed the student body at Oxford University to answer the question, "Should we learn in wartime?" On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at how learning in the midst of crisis can be a way to remind us of the divine reality of heaven. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/lewis-on-learning-in-war-time/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, one non-conformist, exiled Puritan drew up an important Reformation text, instructing ministers to lead their congregation through the entire Word of God. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the history of Thomas Cartwright and his Middleburg Liturgy. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/middleburg/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Unlike the Great Awakening of the 18th century, the revivalist preaching of the so-called "Second Great Awakening" left many people disillusioned with Christianity. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to a region in New York that still bears scars from the 19th century. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/burned-over-district/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Nearly fifty years ago, R.C. Sproul penned The Symbol, expositing phrases from the Apostles' Creed to articulate truths about our holy God and His work in our lives. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys the purpose, contents, and even humor embedded in Dr. Sproul's first published book. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-symbol/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Founder of a newspaper, a radio program, and several Christian organizations, Carl McIntire was incredibly influential in the 20th-century fundamentalist movement. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of this colorful figure. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-christian-admiral/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

If we study the Bible without ever considering the collective wisdom of Christians who came before us, we are impoverishing ourselves of a wealth of insight. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines J. Gresham Machen's thoughts on reading Scripture in light of church history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/collective-wisdom/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Although the seminary at Finkenwalde was shut down by the Nazis in 1937, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued to work and write in order to help Christians understand the life and ministry of the church in this world. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols analyzes Bonhoeffer's classic book Life Together. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/life-together/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

After the national church in Germany endorsed the Nazi party, Dietrich Bonhoeffer began an underground seminary to train ministers to defend the truth of God's Word. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes the challenges that this small school faced under Nazi suppression. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/an-underground-seminary/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

As his body grew frail and the great city of Rome burned, Augustine laid his hope in "the city that has foundations" (Heb. 11:10). On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines Augustine's written masterpiece The City of God. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-kingdom-without-end/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Augustine fervently defended the truth of God's grace against distortions. In fact, his whole life was a testimony to the triumph of grace. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers Augustine's famous controversy with Pelagius. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-the-triumph-of-grace/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

As a bishop, Augustine counseled people from all walks of life, including the Roman general Boniface. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers how their correspondence gives us great insight into the way Augustine cared for souls. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-the-bishop-and-the-general/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Augustine was installed as bishop of Hippo Regius when he was 41 years old, and he held this position until his dying day. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols offers a glimpse into what comprised Augustine's service and ministry. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-bishop/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Augustine had published books before his conversion. But in AD 386, he began a whole new writing career. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines several of these early, influential works. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-teacher/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

At first, Augustine had no real interest in Christianity. Then he heard the preaching of Ambrose. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines how the Lord brought about the conversion of this influential figure. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-a-garden-in-milan/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Augustine the brilliant student went on to become Augustine the teacher, and his fame was on the rise. But something was missing. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reveals what Augustine was searching for that ultimately led him to Rome. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-voyage-to-rome/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Where did the famous church father Augustine come from? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols paints a picture of Augustine's early life in the North African village of Thagaste. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-africa/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The writings of Augustine overflow with God's grace and power in the lives of His people. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols begins to closely examine the life of Augustine of Hippo. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustine-why/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

King James I was opposed to religious dissenters, fearing they would divide the Church of England. Consequently, the Puritans advocated for a total, 3,000-mile separation. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes the tumultuous journey of the Mayflower from England to the New World. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/mayflower-400/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

On Christmas Day AD 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as the Holy Roman Emperor. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains how this crucial moment directed the shape of Christian civilization for the next 700 years. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/christmas-800/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

A key witness of the First Great Awakening, Aaron Burr Sr. made a lasting impact on the American colonies in the 18th century. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols traces the life of this notable minister, author, educator, and Princeton University co-founder. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/aaron-burr-sr/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In his younger years, Jonathan Edwards objected to the sovereignty of God as a "horrible doctrine." On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shows how that all changed at Edwards' conversion. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-conversion-of-jonathan-edwards/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

History is being made in Central America as the Lord builds up His church in the biblical doctrines of the historic Christian faith. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Pastor Sugel Michelén joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to discuss the encouraging future of the Spanish-speaking church. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/equipping-the-spanish-speaking-church/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

How should we contend for the truth claims of Christianity? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols continues his discussion of apologetic methods in the 20th century. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/20th-century-apologetics-presuppositions-and-evidence/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

At the start of the 20th century, the church began to face new challenges to Christianity. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains several of the methods Christians used to defend their faith in a changing world. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/20th-century-apologetics-addressing-modernism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Though European colonies appeared throughout the New World in the 16th century, the Reformation did not take hold in Latin America for centuries. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Pastor Sugel Michelén joins Dr. Stephen Nichols again to consider how the Spanish Bible finally crossed the Atlantic. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/history-of-the-spanish-bible-latin-america/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Despite fearsome opposition during the Spanish Inquisition, Protestants worked diligently to translate God's Word for Spanish readers. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Pastor Sugel Michelén joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to outline the history of the Spanish Bible. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/history-of-the-spanish-bible-europe/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In the 16th century, a German-made printing press was shipped across the sea to Iceland, and the first book printed on it was an Icelandic New Testament. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains how the Reformation reached this North Atlantic nation. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-icelandic-reformation/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

From the prophecies of the coming Christ to the day of judgment when He comes in glory, Handel's Messiah reflects on the promises and person of Jesus. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols offers a synopsis of what might be considered Handel's magnum opus. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/handel/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Meet "Troublechurch" Browne, the man who was arrested for his views 32 times over the course of his ministry. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys the life and work of this English separatist. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/troublechurch-browne/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Who was Martin Micronius, and why was he important? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols offers a brief synopsis of this sixteenth-century Dutch Reformer who was intent on carefully ministering the Word of God. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/martin-micronius/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

From his beginnings in a remote English valley, Alexander of Hales went on to field theological questions for three straight days at the University of Paris. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys the history of the medieval scholar who would become known as "The Irrefutable Teacher." Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/alexander-of-hales/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

We are witnessing a rise of professing atheists and practical atheism in the 21st century. Where did all this unbelief come from? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols outlines the development of atheistic thinking in the modern world. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/history-of-atheism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In 1524, German peasants began a massive revolt against the lords and princes of the land, and the Roman Catholic Church blamed Martin Luther. How did he respond? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the gripping story. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/luther-and-difficult-times/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In the first half the 20th century, no tent revival meeting was complete without an invitation to "hit the sawdust trail." On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols paints a vivid picture of this memorable era. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/sawdust/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What was the most important book of the 12th century? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reveals his answer: a collection of annotations and commentaries that became the standard text in biblical studies for 600 years. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/glossa-ordinaria/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What guides the direction of history? Fate? Random chance? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols evaluates how one Princetonian scholar went about answering this age-old question. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/what-governs-history/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Early in the 20th century, 1,200 Protestants gathered in Scotland to discuss the global need of evangelism and missions. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols probes into five important features of this 10-day conference. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/1910-edinburgh-missionary-conference/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

As he sought to bring back the glory days of the Roman Empire through conquest, lawmaking, and building projects, Justinian I was faced with the first pandemic of recorded history. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks into the life of an emperor who survived the bubonic plague. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-plague-of-justinian-i/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Augustine's beloved son, Adeodatus, died as a teenager. A year earlier, they worked together on a book. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines their insightful volume and the relationship Augustine shared with his son. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustines-teenage-coauthor/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Writing of God's redeeming grace, Christina Rossetti described herself as a "broken bowl" that had been remolded into "a royal cup for Him, my King." On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the works of this Victorian-era poet. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/christina-rossetti/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Second only to Rome within the empire, the city of Carthage was the site of many significant and foundational events in ancient church history. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols provides an overview of this Mediterranean harbor city and its influence. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/carthage/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The Reformation was characterized by a desire to deliver the truth of God's Word out of the hands of a privileged few and into the minds of everyday people. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols examines how Martin Luther embodied this principle by using the printing press to publish his writings in German. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/to-the-people/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

From the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology to the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy, James Montgomery Boice partnered with R.C. Sproul and others to defend the gospel and build up the church. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes a look at the life and legacy of Dr. Boice. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/james-montgomery-boice/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Some people are surprised to discover the rich theological reflections that appear in Herman Melville's classic novel Moby Dick. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the vivid description of a pulpit in an early chapter of the book. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/moby-dick-chapter-eight/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Some ministers preach from pulpits, others speak from lecterns, and some stand beside a table. Does it really make any difference? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols observes the significant role of the pulpit from the earliest centuries of the church. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-pulpit/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Can we have certainty in what we know? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols revisits David Hume, the father of philosophical skepticism. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/david-hume-the-philosopher/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Today, David Hume is known primarily for his skeptical philosophy. But in his own day, Hume received more recognition for his historical writings. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines Hume's account of the Westminster Assembly. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/david-hume-the-historian/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

For 35 years, James Strong labored to catalog more than 14,000 Hebrew and Greek words into the exhaustive concordance that bears his name. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines Strong's influence on biblical studies and Bible translation. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/who-is-strong/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Is the Jesus of the Gospels different from the Christ taught by the Apostle Paul? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols outlines the controversy that drove J. Gresham Machen to write his monumental book on the origin of Christianity. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/pauls-religion/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The more Isaac Newton studied God’s universe, the more he was led to worship the Creator. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the father of modern science. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/isaac-newton/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

The great cathedrals of Europe have witnessed centuries of church history, and each has stories of its own to tell. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us on a journey to five of these iconic structures. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-cathedrals/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

While Europe was embroiled in World War II, brilliant essays flowed from the pen of C.S. Lewis. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines some of the other writings that came from the author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/c-s-lewis-essayist/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

When we hear the word "dispensational," our thoughts might turn to discussions of prophecy and the rapture. But there's far more to this theological movement. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols defines four major features of dispensationalism. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/dispensationalism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

When a health crisis ravages the land, God's people are presented with a unique opportunity to take inventory of their spiritual lives. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols observes how Francis Grimke guided his congregation through the Spanish flu of 1918. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/faith-in-times-of-plague-grimke/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Ours is not the first age in which Christians have faced the danger of viruses and infectious disease. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols assesses how Martin Luther advised his church to trust in God during a deadly outbreak of the bubonic plague. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/faith-in-times-of-plague-luther/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In a time of crisis, will we give up all hope? Or will we trust that God is orchestrating all things to accomplish His good purposes in the world? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols turns to Augustine of Hippo as an example of steadfast faith amid challenging circumstances. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-church-in-times-of-crisis/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

How good is your Latin? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols defines five Latin terms that have been used by Christians through the ages to describe key theological truths. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-latin-words/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Every one of the Psalms is about Christ, so every psalm has something to say to the church. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols highlights five Protestant Reformers who wrote commentaries on the book of Psalms. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-reformers-on-the-psalms/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In 1932, a report was issued declaring that the church needed a new mission that represented the realities of the 20th century. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains why J. Gresham Machen's commitment to the gospel required him to part ways with a changing denomination. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/re-thinking-missions/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Can you explain the difference between Augustinianism, Pelagianism, and Semi-Pelagianism? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols outlines three overarching views in church history of the relationship between sin and grace. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/3-types-of-theology/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Just as the existence of a wristwatch requires a watchmaker, so the cosmos necessitates the existence of God. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols walks through William Paley's teleological argument for God's existence. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-watchmaker/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What is disestablishmentarianism? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys the relationship between church and state throughout the centuries. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-very-long-word/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

As a brand-new pastor just out of college, Augustus Toplady wrote those memorable words, "Nothing in my hand I bring; simply to Thy cross I cling." On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols retells the short life of this London pastor and poet. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/augustus-toplady/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

"Pascal," the name of a programming language and a unit for measuring internal pressure, were both named after Blaise Pascal. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses this French mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and theologian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/blaise-pascal/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

In 1885, seven British aristocrats committed themselves to delivering the gospel to the ends of the earth. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols presents the men who have been called the Dream Team of Missions. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-cambridge-seven/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Through his study of Scripture and archeology, Sir William Ramsay stunned his liberal colleagues by concluding that the New Testament is reliable. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces this biblical scholar from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/sir-william-ramsay/ A donor supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

What are some of your favorite moments from 5 Minutes in Church History? On this special bonus episode, Dr. Nichols, Lee Webb, and Nathan W. Bingham reflect on the past six years of this podcast. For a limited time, you can download Dr. Nichols' ebook 5 Minutes in Church History for free. Visit https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/freeoffer to receive your copy.

At the end of the fourth century, the church father Jerome led a team of translators to produce a Latin edition of the Bible. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the Vulgate. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-vulgate/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://gift.ligonier.org/1041/5-minutes-in-church-history

In 1550, Robertus Stephanus published what has come to be known as the Textus Receptus, the edition of the Greek New Testament that would form the basis of Bible translations for centuries. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols conveys the importance of this giant in Bible printing history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/robertus-stephanus A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

From the birth of Christian rock to the rise of the Christian bookstore industry, American evangelicalism was significantly shaped by the Jesus People in the 1970s. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols discusses this unique and influential movement. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-jesus-people/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/donate/

Prior to his twentieth birthday, Jonathan Edwards wrote 70 resolutions to guide and guard the direction of his life. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols analyzes some of Edwards' resolutions related to time management, Bible reading, and growing in self-control. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

Christmas comes with the reminiscent sound of carols and hymns. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols explores the intriguing history behind three classic Christmas hymns. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

Just as the Lord promised, the people of God have suffered greatly for His name throughout history. Recorded at the Scriptorium in Orlando, Florida, Stephen Nichols examines books by John Bunyan and John Foxe on the topic of suffering and martyrdom on this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

The revolutionary advent of the printing press made it possible to get the Bible into more hands more easily. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks through the Van Kampen Collection of Bibles and Bible memorabilia at the Scriptorium in Orlando, Florida. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

You can gain interesting glimpses into someone’s life by reading the mail he sends out. On location at the Scriptorium in Orlando, Florida, Stephen Nichols pages through the letters of C.H. Spurgeon on this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

What was it like on the first Thanksgiving? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reads from Edward Winslow’s letter describing the festivities. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

From Beowulf to Boniface III, the seventh century was a period of rich literary history and significant theological controversy. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols grants us an overview of seventh-century people and events. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

Have you ever heard of elenctic theology? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols addresses the definition and history of this theological method. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

What is the difference between dogmatic theology and systematic theology? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols defines several major strands of theological study that have been prominent throughout church history. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

The Reformers did not stand alone in the cause of biblical truth. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces several of the patrons who generously supported the Reformers in their cause. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

The life of Anne Locke spanned the crucial decades of the English Reformation. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes this sixteenth-century poet and translator. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

What is Dyothelitism? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces Maximus the Confessor, one of the early champions of this doctrine. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols teaches on several books in church history that have proven fatal to their authors and printers. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

On June 17, 1765, seventeen men petitioned the court of Williamsburg to establish a Presbyterian church in the Anglican colony of Virginia. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols goes on location to tell their story. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Steven Lawson joins Dr. Stephen Nichols in Williamsburg, Virginia, the place where George Whitefield began his first American evangelistic tour. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is on location in Virginia to remember the pastor and educator who influenced Thomas Jefferson in his appeals for religious liberty. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

We sometimes have a vision of men like Martin Luther standing alone against the world. But even Luther needed a pastor. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History recorded live at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, Dr. Stephen Nichols acquaints us with Johannes Bugenhagen. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols visits the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC to take a look at one of the most renowned translations of Scripture in the English language. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

For a church to become healthy and grow, sometimes it simply requires the right resources in the right hands. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Ken Mbugua and Dr. Stephen Nichols consider the present challenges and hopeful future of Christianity in Africa. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

Ken Mbugua, Managing Director of Ekklesia Africa, joins Dr. Stephen Nichols on this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History to discuss the history of missions in Africa. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the oldest city in Georgia, where both George Whitefield and John Wesley preached. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

Charles Simeon wanted a church that took the gospel seriously. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to an Anglican minister with an intense passion for preaching, missions, and church reform. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

After her missionary husband was martyred, she returned to serve the tribe that had killed him. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols recalls the extraordinary life of Elisabeth Elliot. Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Swiss theologian Pierre Viret and explains how he got the nickname “the angel of the Reformation.” Read the transcript. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols asks Pepe Mendoza to share five books he would want on a deserted island. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-top-5-pepe-mendoza>/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Pepe Mendoza joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to introduce the pioneers who brought the gospel to Latin America. Read the transcript:https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/latin-american-pioneers/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Drs. Stephen Nichols and W. Robert Godfrey discuss a key moment that helped shape Martin Luther's understanding of the authority of Scripture. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-leipzig-disputation/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is on location at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, to discuss its founding and history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/fuller-seminary/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to one of the most colorful yet overlooked figures in church history: Aimee Semple McPherson. Read the transcript:https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/sister-aimee/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to 312 Azusa Street, the warehouse-turned-church in Los Angeles where William Seymour led his famous revival meetings. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/azusa-street/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the Royal Road, a 600-mile trail that connects 21 missionary outposts in California. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/california-missions-trail

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, special guest Pastor Sugel Michelén joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to share how the Lord is awakening His people in Latin America. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/history-makers-sugel-michelen/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols asks Sugel Michelén to share five books he would want on a deserted island. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/deserted-island-top-5-sugel-michelen/

How does theology relate to the economy? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the life and thought of Adam Smith, Scottish Presbyterian and founder of modern economics. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/adam-smith/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the Bible verse that God used to convert J.C. Ryle. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/j-c-ryle/

Rowland Taylor never wrote any books. He never published a sermon. Yet he faithfully preached the gospel and gave his life as a martyr. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at Taylor’s legacy. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/rowland-taylor/

Jesus gives us the strength to endure through suffering. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols and Jeremy Vuolo recount the story of two bold martyrs. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/perpetua-and-felicitas/

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols and Jeremy Vuolo discuss the remarkable influence of Martyn Lloyd-Jones and George Whitefield. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the writer C.S. Lewis regarded as his “master.” Read the transcript.

Church history is still being made in our day. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, special guest Dr. John MacArthur joins Dr. Stephen Nichols to share insights from his almost fifty years of pastoral ministry. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains what a joke from George Whitefield has to do with modern-day evangelicalism. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols visits the campus of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and gives us a tour of its rich history. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the man who brought the Reformation to Transylvania. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to a farmer from Finland who gained the respect of Martin Luther. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to an unlikely place where the Reformation took hold: Seville, Spain. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to A.T. Robertson and one of his monumental achievements: a 1500-page grammar of the Greek New Testament. Read the transcript.

People love to hear about the latest trends. But what was trending in the 1200s? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the people, places, and events of this momentous century. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to King Louis XIV of France and explains why he was called the Sun King. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Francis Schaeffer—the pastor, the missionary, and the political activist. Read the transcript.

When Columba traveled from Ireland to Scotland, he brought the gospel with him. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to this missionary, scribe, and hymn writer. Read the transcript. 

Many “Johns” helped spread the gospel in colonial New England. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to John Eliot, John Davenport, John Tennent, John Brainerd, and John Wauwaumpequunnaunt. Read the transcript.

When Susannah Thompson first heard Charles Spurgeon preach, she wasn’t that impressed. But eventually he won her over. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Mrs. Spurgeon. Read the transcript.

What do you think are the most significant events in history? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us through the emergence of Christendom, the rise of Islam, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and more. Read the transcript.

Jesus Christ came into this world for the purpose of redemption. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains why Charles Spurgeon, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and R.C. Sproul loved Christmas. Read the transcript.

Medieval manuscripts were often highly ornate—decorated with jewels and gold leaf—and prayer books were no exception. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the famous “books of hours.” Read the transcript.

Who are your heroes? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to nine larger-than-life figures and the medieval tapestries that celebrate them. Read the transcript.

Toward the end of his life, Charles Spurgeon found himself having to defend biblical truth against the onslaught of unbelief. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History recorded live at Ligonier’s 2018 West Coast Conference, Drs. Stephen Nichols and Steven Lawson continue their discussion on Spurgeon’s life and legacy. Read the transcript.

Who was the “prince of preachers”? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History recorded live at Ligonier’s 2018 West Coast Conference, Drs. Stephen Nichols and Steven Lawson look at the life and legacy of Charles Spurgeon. Read the transcript.

Jacobus Arminius challenged the bedrock doctrines of the Reformation—but the Reformed churches pushed back. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols interviews Dr. W. Robert Godfrey on the Synod of Dort and why we still celebrate its anniversary 400 years later. Read the transcript.

Where did the five points of Calvinism come from? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back 400 years to the Synod of Dort. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Philip Schaff and explains why a library is named after him. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols interviews Dr. Jonathan Gibson on the riches of studying Scripture in its original languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Read the transcript.

What is “the anxious bench,” and why was John Williamson Nevin so critical of it? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the life and legacy of this 19th-century theologian. Read the transcript.

Stained glass windows are not just beautiful works of art; they also teach us about our past. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the windows inside Santee Chapel at Lancaster Theological Seminary. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at a variety of paintings in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols returns to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and walks us through a series of tapestries depicting Constantine’s life. Read the transcript.

The story of how the gospel came to Scotland is shrouded in mystery. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Drs. Stephen Nichols and Sinclair Ferguson introduce us to two “monk-evangelists” who took the gospel from town to town. Read the transcript.

We can learn a great deal from our Christian friends and family members. But we can also learn by studying the lives of the saints who came before us. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols interviews Dr. Sinclair Ferguson on his book In the Year of Our Lord. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols walks us through the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its collection of medieval paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. Read the transcript.

Who was the “Slovenian Martin Luther”? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to 1508 and introduces us to Primoz Trubar. Read the transcript.

The subject of awakening has a rich history in the American church. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History recorded live at Ligonier’s 2018 National Conference, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers how Jonathan Edwards’ sermons laid the groundwork for revival. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History recorded live at Ligonier’s 2018 National Conference, Dr. Stephen Nichols asks Dr. Sinclair Ferguson to share his favorite figure from Scottish church history. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History recorded live at Ligonier’s 2018 National Conference, Dr. Stephen Nichols asks Dr. Kevin DeYoung to share what five books he would want on a deserted island. Read the transcript. 

What is a “communion token”? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains why church members in Scotland had to present these little metal coins to take the Lord’s Supper. Read the transcript.

John Newton wrote hundreds of pastoral letters. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at Newton’s letters to his adopted daughter Betsy. Read the transcript.

Amazing Grace is perhaps one of the most famous hymns. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to its author: John Newton. Read the transcript.

Being the wife of King Henry VIII was no simple task. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Catherine Parr, Henry’s sixth and final wife. Read the transcript.

When we think of John Bunyan, we usually think of The Pilgrim’s Progress. But he actually wrote many books. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the life of this tinkerer, pastor, and author. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. James Dolezal joins Dr. Stephen Nichols in the studio to discuss the breadth and depth of Thomas Aquinas’ writings. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to William Cowper, a man whose sensitive spirit and familiarity with suffering led him to create some of the most beautiful hymns. Read the transcript.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to one of the first church historians: the Venerable Bede. Read the transcript.

Church history is being written today as the gospel advances in hard-to-reach places. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Tim Keesee joins Dr. Stephen Nichols in the studio to discuss the 25th anniversary of Frontline Missions International. Read the transcript.

God is simple but not simplistic. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. James Dolezal joins Dr. Stephen Nichols in the studio to discuss the simplicity of God. Read the transcript.

God is infinite, transcendent, and unfathomable. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. James Dolezal joins Dr. Stephen Nichols in the studio to discuss the greatness of God.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers why early Christians graffitied a statue of Augustus Caesar.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us from Calcutta to Burma as he chronicles the five journeys of Adoniram Judson, America’s pioneer Baptist missionary.

During the years surrounding the Civil War, Daniel Payne devoted his life to educating African-American ministers. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to 1830 when Payne founded his first school.

Worship should be God-centered and Word-centered. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols continues his discussion with Jonathan Gibson and Mark Earngey, coauthors of Reformation Worship.

What is the role of liturgy in worship? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined in the studio by Jonathan Gibson and Mark Earngey, coauthors of Reformation Worship.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers the life and ministry of William Farel, the man who brought the Reformation to Geneva.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to 1700 when an obscure book ignited a controversy in the Scottish church.

What is the only question a church should ask its pastor? Dr. Stephen Nichols considers Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s answer on today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Church History.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers the life and work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian who was martyred as a direct order by Hitler himself.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about a commentary not for the faint of heart—weighing 60 pounds and almost 12 inches thick.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Tacitus, a first-century Roman historian and one of the first references to Christ outside of the New Testament.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers the life of Francis Grimké, a former slave who became a faithful minister.

What is the moral argument for the existence of God? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses Immanuel Kant’s apologetic.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to 1812 and introduces us to the men who founded Princeton Theological Seminary.

Who was Macrina the Younger? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols returns to the early church to introduce this significant woman of the faith.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Medieval theologian Peter Lombard and his magnum opus, the Four Books of Sentences.

The Abbey of St. Victor was frequented by a number of very famous medieval people. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to three fascinating people who spent time there.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces the early Romantic poet William Blake and two of his significant poems.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses five ways the church has responded to modernism.

How should Christians think about war? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses how Augustine helps us to approach this question from a Christian perspective.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces Esther Edwards Burr: daughter of Jonathan Edwards, wife to a Princeton President, and mother of a US vice president.

Only one of William Tyndale's letters has survived throughout the years. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses what Tyndale wrote when he was a prisoner at Vilvoorde Castle in Belgium.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reflects on the life and ministry of Dr. R.C. Sproul.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses the Lutheran composer behind the initials JSB, JJ, and SDG.

There are 37 million local congregations in the world. Every one has a history. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at some of the interesting histories of local churches.

If there had been a social media buzz in the 14th century, what would have been “trending”? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the big events of this important century.

The Bible is all through Shakespeare. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at Shakespeare’s use of the Bible, the versions he used, and the books he quoted most often.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Burk Parsons. He asks Dr. Parsons to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses the mysterious origin and the doctrinal content of the Baptist Confession of 1693.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes time to reflect on the legacy of the Reformation and how it shapes the task of the church today.

500 years ago today, it all started at the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. Recorded on location, Dr. Stephen Nichols concludes his discussion on the significance of the Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses.

On today's episode, recorded on location at the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses Martin Luther's Theses against indulgences.

The Ninety-Five Theses were a call to debate. Recorded on location in Wittenberg, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses Martin Luther's first thesis.

On this special Reformation month episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. R.C. Sproul. Listen as they discuss Martin Luther and anticipate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

There’s more to Martin Luther’s legacy than the act of posting the Ninety-Five Theses. Recorded on location in Germany, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines five points of Luther’s legacy.

Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, and it was there that he died on February 18th, 1546. Recorded on location, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers how Luther clung to the Bible as his comfort in his death.

Martin Luther preached his final four sermons at St. Andreas Church in Eisleben. Recorded on location, listen as Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses the history and significance of this church.

What would Martin Luther have wanted us to know? Recorded on location in Wittenberg, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses what we can learn from Luther’s final month.

One of the most important people in Martin Luther’s life was his wife, Katie. Recorded on location at the Luther’s Wittenberg home, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses how a former monk and a former nun helped redeem marriage.

When it comes to the Reformation, one of the most important topics to discuss is Martin Luther on Scripture. Recorded on location in Germany, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at Luther’s teaching on Scripture and his three steps for reading and studying the Bible.

On today’s episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. W. Robert Godfrey on location in Wittenberg, Germany. Together they discuss Martin Luther’s commentary on what he called "his own beloved psalm."

Martin Luther considered his treatise The Bondage of the Will “the centerpiece of the Reformation.” Recorded on location in Wittenberg, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses Luther’s magnum opus.

Many conversations took place around Martin Luther's dinner table. These were later collected as a unique piece of literature known as Table Talk. Recorded on location in Wittenberg, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses how these dinner table conversations give us insight into Luther as a theologian of the people.

Martin Luther believed that the church not only needed to reform its theology, it also needed to reform its music. Recorded on location in Germany, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces the hymns of Luther.

At the end of his life, Martin Luther said, “You can burn all of my books except for two, The Bondage of the Will and the Small Catechism.” Recorded on location in Germany, listen as Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses Luther's Small Catechism.

By 1520, Martin Luther wanted to reform the nation, the church, and the individual. Recorded on location, listen as Dr. Stephen Nichols explains how three treatises address each of these groups.

Martin Luther preached at St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg, Germany, from 1512 to 1546. Recorded on location, listen as Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses Luther's significant sermon on "Two Kinds of Righteousness.”

Luther & Germany Today

A scholar, theologian, and friend of the Reformation, Philip Melanchthon went almost anywhere Martin Luther went. Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses Master Philip’s life and works on location in Wittenberg.

Luther had several friends from both the university and monastery that helped his reformation efforts. Recorded on location in Germany, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces these important colleagues.

To protect himself from the possibility of arrest or murder, Martin Luther disguised himself as Junker Jorg. Listen as Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story on location at the Wartburg Castle.

Recorded on location in Germany, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the four figures at the four corners of the Reformation monument in Worms.

We know about the Ninety-Five Theses, but what about the Twenty-Eight Theses? Recorded on location in Germany, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to this less familiar text of the Reformation.

Two churches were very important to the life of Martin Luther. Recorded on location in Wittenberg, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains what’s important is not just the buildings themselves but what happened inside these buildings.

Two politicians from Saxony played significant roles in the life of Martin Luther. Recorded on location in Germany, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes the influence of Frederick the Wise and John the Steadfast on Martin Luther.

Eisenach was the city in which J.S. Bach was born. Recorded on location, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses the significance of this city, not only for Bach, but also for Martin Luther and the Reformation.

Martin Luther described his conversion as feeling "altogether born again” and that “the very gates of paradise opened up before [him].” Recorded on location in Wittenberg, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses this crucial event in Luther's life.

“Today you burn a goose, but in one hundred years a swan will arise which you will prove unable to boil or roast.” Recorded on location at the burial place of Johannes Zacharias, the bishop of Erfurt, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of the Goose and the Swan.

Recorded on location in Erfurt, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines five important facts about Luther and the city where he joined the Augustinian order.

Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483. Recorded on location in Eisleben, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to Luther's childhood.

October 2017 marks the five-hundredth anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and the beginning of our 31 day celebration. In this first Reformation month episode recorded on location throughout Europe, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces the five major divisions of Martin Luther's life.

On today's episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at the adventurous life of the bodyguard turned Socttish Reformer, John Knox.

On today's episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains why in 1668 Thomas Watson thought it timely to write about repentance.

We're all familiar with the Reformation in Germany. But what about the Reformation in Spain? On today's episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at two Spanish Reformers.

On today's episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols continues his examination of the life of Robert Murray M’Cheyne and all he accomplished in his brief 29 years.

On today's episode of 5 Minutes of Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces Robert Murray M’Cheyne, a pastor who lived only 29 years.

On today's episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Burk Parsons to discuss John Calvin's "A Little Book on the Christian Life."

B.B. Warfield's wife required constant attention and care during her married life. On today's episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols recounts the tragic love story of B.B. and his wife Annie.

On today's episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Michael Horton to discuss Martin Luther's recovery of the doctrine of vocation.

On today's episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces the founder of Unitarianism, William Ellery Channing.

On today’s episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines what really happened to the New England Puritans.

On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Michael Kruger to discuss how the canon was recognized in the early church.

On today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Church History , Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Michael Haykin to discuss John Calvin’s view of missions.

On today's episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols sits down with Dr. Michael Haykin to discuss 8 women you should know.

It's the 100th anniversary of 1917. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the significant events of that year that cast their shadow over the twentieth century.

A $14 million book? On today's episode of 5 MInutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of Europe’s oldest intact book.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Michael Horton. He asks Dr. Horton to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

Why do the Welsh sometimes sing hymns at football matches? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us of Evan Roberts and the Welsh Revival.

What Luther Expects

Leo Tolstoy had an interesting but very false idea about the kingdom of God. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses the idea that would gain a lot of traction in the twentieth century.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about the time the pope and the Great Khan were unsuccessful pen pals.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about Albrecht Dürer, the engraver who used his gifts to advance the message of the Reformation.

In this 200th-anniversery episode, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by a special guest to celebrate 5 Minutes in Church History.

Who was "Master Philip" and what did he contribute to the Reformation? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about the life of Philip Melanchthon.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the intriguing story of the life and death of Joan of Arc.

If there were bumper stickers in the Middle Ages, the phrase "Cruce, libro, et atro" may well have been a popular one. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us about this monastic ideal.

What did Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor, John Milton, Ben Johnson, and George Herbert have in common? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to several 17th century poets.

Why should we care about the discovery of John Knox's Bible? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains.

What is a "triptych" and "polyptych"? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols takes us to the Ghent Altarpiece.

Who did Polycarp call "firstborn son of the devil”? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols tells the tale of Marcion and Polycarp's first meeting.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols tells the story of the dishonest clerk who became a martyr.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Cambridge-educated bishop who was burned at the stake in 1555.

He wasn’t a celebrity, but he was a martyr of the faith. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols begins a 3-part series by telling the story of Dr. Rowland Taylor.

Who were the 16th-century Calvinist missionaries of Brazil? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols tells the fascinating history of the Guanabara Confession of Faith.

What was wrong with Ralph Waldo Emerson's Christology? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the legacy of Emerson.

What is a "feathery Christian"? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the significance of the great Puritan pastor Thomas Watson.

What were the Ten Theses of Berne? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the fascinating story of the Reformation's effect on the city of Berne.

Did you know that Augustine wrote a catechism for a Roman tribune living in Africa? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses Augustine's 420 A.D. book, the Enchiridion.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses the lesser known pastoral side of John Calvin.

How does Christianity relate to culture? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reviews H. Richard Niebuhr's five models for understanding this relationship.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Irish Bishop who helped continue the Reformation in the 17th century.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the Puritan pastor who is also one America’s forgotten founding fathers.

Next year we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his Ninety-Five Theses. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers the 500th anniversary of 1516.

The medieval era was the era of epic poems. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to The Song of Roland.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the 37th of Martin Luther's 95 Theses.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Augustine's "Explanations of the Psalms," a long book that took him more than 20 years to complete.

Cane Ridge, Kentucky, was the site of one of the most important events in American religious history. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to 1801.

Friday is Veterans Day. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to World War I and J. Gresham Machen's work with the YMCA.

Where was the first Thanksgiving on American soil? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to Fort Caroline.

What is Reformation Day? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the significance of October 31, 1517 and why Christians celebrate Reformation Day.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to the early church and introduces us to the Three Cappadocians.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Tim Challies to discuss his book Visual Theology.

October 5 is Jonathan Edwards’ birthday. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, in honor of what would have been Edwards' 313rd birthday, Dr. Stephen Nichols revisits this man and what life was like in the 1700s.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Tim Challies. He asks Tim to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

John Calvin ends the Institutes of the Christian Religion with a discussion of civil government. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers what Calvin wrote.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols returns to Clement in the first century to hear what he has to say about the church as the body of Christ.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to the first century to introduce us to a man named Clement and his affirmation of the doctrine of justification by faith.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. W. Robert Godfrey to share what Dr. Godfrey calls one of the world's "great neglected secrets."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined again by Dr. Miguel Núñez to finish discussing what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Miguel Núñez. He asks Dr. Núñez to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

The culture is concerned with what's trending today. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to what was trending in the 12th century.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells how Dr. J. Gresham Machen responded to the 1932 report, "Re-Thinking Missions."

The culture is concerned with what's trending today. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to what was trending in the 10th century.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Ambrose of Milan and the role he played in the life of Augustine.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Pastor Miguel Núñez, a pastor and ministry leader in Latin America.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols concludes his brief introduction to the life and legacy of Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

The Doctor: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Part 1

Billy Sunday was born William Ashley Sunday Jr. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the "baseball evangelist."

Who were the sixty-seven Walloons? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of Wallonia and its Reformation confession.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shares the story of a yacht named The Evangel.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is again joined by Dr. Mark Dever. This week, Dr. Dever shares his 5 favorite Baptists.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Mark Dever. He asks Dr. Dever to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is again joined by Dr. Guy Richard. Together, they travel back to the 17th century and introduce us to Samuel Rutherford.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Guy Richard. He asks Dr. Richard to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Noah Webster, the man behind the American dictionary.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the German city of Leipzig and shares Martin Luther's influence there.

What was so significant about the first century? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Guy Waters to discuss why the first century was so important.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. John MacArthur to discuss the Lordship Salvation Controversy and MacArthur's book The Gospel According to Jesus.

What advice would Jonathan Edwards give a young Christian? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shares a portion of a letter Edwards wrote to a young lady named Deborah.

What does conversion look like? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the fascinating story of four-year-old Phoebe Bartlett.

What would be your final words if you were condemned to death for your faith? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols teaches us about the life and martyrdom of Bishop Hugh Latimer.

As Tertullian wrote, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the Martyr's Memorial in Oxford, England, which was erected to commemorate the martyrs of the English Reformation.

Apollinarianism is a very long name for an early Christian heresy. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains what it is and how the early church dealt with it.

There were many forerunners of the Reformation of the sixteenth century. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to John Colet.

Thomas Boston wrote the book "The Fourfold State." In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols briefly explains the four states of man: the state of innocence, the state of nature, the state of grace, and the state of eternity.

Martin Luther wasn't the only Augustianian monk involved in the Reformation. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses the life and ministry of Martin Bucer.

The Lord’s Supper has been the subject of much controversy over the centuries. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys some of these controversies.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us along the Rhine River to tell the history of the Reformation.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. John MacArthur. He asks Dr. MacArthur to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

What does the Roman Catholic Church believe about Scripture, justification, and imputation? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the Council of Trent.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols goes back and tells the story of John Eliot, the "apostle to the Indians."

When was the first Bible printed in America? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains why you could give any of 3 answers and still be right.

Do you have a slippery forgetfulness of God? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols turns to John Calvin's Institutes as he considers this question.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to a modern-day martyr as he tells the story of Wang Zhiming.

Is the New Perspective on Paul really all that new? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Guy Waters to discuss this crucial departure from the orthodox understanding of the gospel.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to John Murray and several of his books.

What must it have been like for Adam and Eve after the fall? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the life and work of John Milton, the British poet who penned "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Regained."

The "Father of the Delta Blues" wanted above all to be a preacher. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Charley Patton.

Who were the Huguenots? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to these French Protestants as he provides an overview of the Thirty Years' War.

Who was Martin Luther's wife? What was so significant about their marriage? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Katharina von Bora.

Last week, we heard about Martin Luther's 95 Theses. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses his top 5 of the 95 theses.

What is Reformation Day? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the significance of October 31, 1517 and why Christians celebrate Reformation Day.

B.B. Warfield loved books. And he wrote many book reviews. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols gives us a glimpse into one of those reviews.

What doctrine did Jonathan Edwards preach on March 28, 1754? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to the sermon Edwards preached at the installation service of Edward Billing.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Guy Waters to introduce us to Luke the historian.

Fanny Crosby wrote more than 9,000 hymns. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells her story.

The Christian faith is grounded in history. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to Caesarea Maritima and its connection with biblical history.

Who was Jerome and why was he significant? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the translator of the Latin Vulgate.

On June 22, 1750, Jonathan Edwards was dismissed from his church. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the fascinating story of what happened next.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols recounts the time Jonathan Edwards preached the gospel to some Mohawk tribesmen at the signing of a treaty.

Have you read Robinson Crusoe? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us the fascinating tale of Crusoe's conversion.

Under the city of Rome lies a vast system of catacombs. In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to these catacombs and explains how they bear witness to the lives and beliefs of early Christians.

How did the Roman empire view Christianity? In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Pliny the Younger and his persecution of the church.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Muratorian fragment and how it revealed some of the reasoning that went into the church’s process of recognizing the canon.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols discusses John Calvin's "5 rules for praying right."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of "Little Wolf's Bible" and the contested legacy of an early church figure named Wulfila.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to 1527 and the first confession written during the Reformation.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shares the story and legacy of William Whiting Borden.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the history of the English city of Canterbury.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the story of how Thomas Reid earned the title, "The Pastor in the River."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reminds us of some of the great "middle stanzas" from church hymnody.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Olympic star Eric Liddell and his role as a missionary in China.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Francis Makemie and his work in the founding of American Presbyterianism.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Edwardian Homilies—a collection of sermons from 1547 that served to provide a clear and concise introduction to the art for preaching.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols continues his look at Christian philanthropy. He introduces us to two brothers, Lyman and Milton Stewart, and tells the story of their stand against liberalism.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to John Wanamaker, his department store, his organ, and his hymnal.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the poetry of Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American woman to be published.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Paul Crawar, a medical missionary to Scotland, and tells the story of his eventual martyrdom.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Steven Lawson to discuss the fiery preacher John Knox.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Steven Lawson. He asks Dr. Lawson to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Sean Lucas to discuss the birth and growth of the Presbyterian Church in America.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Sean Lucas. He asks Dr. Lucas to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to St. Pierre's Cathedral in Geneva, Switzerland, the cathedral where John Calvin served as pastor in the 16th century.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the St. John Lateran church in Rome and introduces us to several of the objects there and its connection to Martin Luther.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to James Joule, the scientist that demonstrated the validity of the First Law of Thermodynamics.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers Augustine and his "theology of friendship."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Charles Hodge and the story of his 3 volume Systematic Theology.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to First Presbyterian Church in Newburyport, Mass., a church founded during the First Great Awakening.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols continues his stay in Germany by introducing us to The Bethel Confession of 1933.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to Germany in the year 1934 and introduces us to The Barmen Declaration.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Carl Trueman to discuss Martin Luther's crucial text The Heidelberg Theses.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols continues his celebration of Reformation Day by introducing us to Wibrandis Rosenblatt, the "bride of the Reformation."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. R.C. Sproul to celebrate Reformation Day.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to an early church figure known as Pelagius and his teaching on man's morality.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Carl Trueman. He asks Dr. Trueman to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the important truth contained in the famous Old English poem Beowulf.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Augustine's classic work, The City of God.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols speaks with Dr. R.C. Sproul to discuss his significant involvement in the development of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and explains the significance of this landmark treatise on the doctrine of Scripture.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Raphael and his painting "Stanza Della Segnatura."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Derek Thomas to discuss John Calvin's 159-part sermon series on the book of Job.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Derek Thomas. He asks Dr. Thomas to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reminds us of the importance of reading books.

In this final anniversary week episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to 1923 when the Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy came to a head and J. Gresham Machen published his classic text, "Christianity and Liberalism."

In this special anniversary week episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols highlights a sermon by Jonathan Edwards as he takes us to the Great Awakening in 1740.

In this special anniversary week episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the moment that began the Protestant Reformation, October 31, 1517.

In this special anniversary week episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks to the year 1245 as he shares another of his top 5 favorite moments in church history.

In this special anniversary week episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to 325 and begins a week long series on his top 5 favorite moments in church history.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to William Wilberforce and tells the story of his conversion to Christ.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reminds us of the importance of the "old books" as he discusses C.S. Lewis' preface to Athanasius’ On The Incarnation.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Michael Reeves. He asks Dr. Reeves to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains the debate throughout church history regarding when Easter should be celebrated.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Girolamo Savonarola and his book "The Triumph of the Cross."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shares with us his 5 favorite church historians.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to AD 177 and tells the story of the Christian martyrs at Lyon.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Martin Luther's Heidelberg Disputation and shares what may be the most beautiful sentence Luther ever wrote.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells us the story of the difficult "great escape" of Charles II.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols gives us an overview of Thomas Aquinas' "5 ways" for arguing the existence of God.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the "golden mouth" of the early church, John Chrysostom.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols describes the friendship of Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers why Jesus came and why He died on the cross as explained by Anselm in his book Cur Deus Homo.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the ontological argument for the existence of God as outlined by Anselm in his book Proslogion.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to the "Roaring 20s," a decade in which the 20th century church faced many battles.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols concludes a series on the fundamental doctrines of orthodox Christianity that were expressed in the Five Point Deliverance.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols starts a 2-part series looking at the Five Point Deliverance and the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy at the beginning of the twentieth century.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. W. Robert Godfrey. He asks Dr. Godfrey to share what five books he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains why J. Gresham Machen wrote, "I do love the mountains, and I have loved them ever since I can remember anything at all."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to "The God of Abraham Praise," a hymn written by a man converted under the preaching of George Whitefield.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols continues his look at John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" to conclude his answer to this very important question.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks at John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" as he begins to answer a very important question.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Augustine's prayerful mother.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the trial of Charles Augustus Briggs to remind us of the importance of the inerrancy of Scripture.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us back to the year 1799 and the beginnings of modern liberalism.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols encourages us to be courageous as he shares the five character traits of a pastor as written by Lemuel Haynes.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols finishes his 3 part series on the Scottish Reformation with the story of Jenny Geddes and what she threw at her minister.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols continues his introduction to the Scottish Reformation with the story of an 82 year old martyr, Walter Milne.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Patrick Hamilton and the beginning of the Scottish Reformation.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks to Paul's words in 2 Timothy 2:2 to help us think about "tradition" in a healthy way .

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols returns to the subject of "tradition" as he shares a cautionary tale from the legend of Saint Sebastian.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shares what he believes is one of the most interesting events in all of church history: the famous sausage supper of 1522.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the great Christmas hymn, "Joy to the World," and its author, Isaac Watts.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the library at Princeton University to tell the story of a man who owned a book bound in otter skin.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to another disciple of the Apostle John, the church father Polycarp.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Ignatius, the first of two church fathers we'll consider in the coming weeks who were disciples of the Apostle John.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols concludes his series on "Westminster" by introducing us to 5 members of the Westminster Assembly everyone should know.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to the Westminster Standards, a collection of documents that have been described as "the fullest and ripest expression of the Reformation and Reformation thought."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols spends another week in Martin Luther's "95 Theses" to remind us of our weakness and constant need to cling to the cross of Christ.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols celebrates Reformation Day by taking us back to 1517 and sharing his "Top 5" from Martin Luther's "95 Theses".

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. R.C. Sproul. He asks Dr. Sproul to share what five books from church history he would want if on a deserted island.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols gives us reasons to be thankful as he takes us back to 1066, a crucial year for William the Conqueror, the history of England, and the life of one monk.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to William Ames and reminds us that theology isn't dry academic study, rather it's the pursuit of the good life—the Godward life.

In this bonus episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shares 5 reasons to celebrate Jonathan Edwards' 310th birthday.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers two opposing views of mankind as he tells the tale of two Genevans, John Calvin and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols introduces us to Tertullian, the theologian known for coining the terms "Old and New Testament" and "Trinity."

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reminds us that Christ is the center, the beginning and the end, as he describes an ancient mosaic.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers a well-known quote from Charles Spurgeon as he pauses to reflect on the importance of Christians studying church history.

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.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes us to the grave of John Bunyan to tell the story of a man with a book in his hand.

In this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols shares an intriguing story from the life of John Calvin and offers us encouragement during times of worry.