5 Minutes in Church History Episodes
Travel back in time with Stephen Nichols to look at the people, events, and places that have shaped the story of Christianity. This podcast offers an accessible glimpse into how God has worked in the church and how this can encourage us today.
What I Want for Christmas: Influential Books
Nov 20, 2024 Christian ClassicsWhat’s on your wish list this year? Today, Stephen Nichols continues sharing books that have shaped his life, suggesting five books from church history that offer a glimpse into the rich theological heritage that has shaped the church.
What I Want for Christmas: Classic Writings
Nov 13, 2024 Fiction and LiteratureWhat books have left a lasting impact on your life? Today, Stephen Nichols shares a curated list of classic literature and church history writings that have profoundly shaped him, titles we might want to add to our own libraries.
Classical Tunes for Classic Hymns
Nov 6, 2024 MusicMany of the hymns we know and love are paired with classical tunes. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how compositions from Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn, and others have shaped our beloved hymns.
Luther in 5 Sayings: Defender of Scripture
Oct 30, 2024 TheologiansAt the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther boldly affirmed Scripture’s authority over all else—including church councils and papal decrees. Today, Stephen Nichols examines this pivotal moment and Luther’s final words, “We are beggars. This is true.”
Luther in 5 Sayings: Convicted Monk
Oct 23, 2024 TheologiansMartin 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.
Zion Presbyterian Church
Oct 16, 2024 American Church HistoryZion 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.
Edwards in 5 Sayings: Key Doctrines
Oct 9, 2024 TheologiansJonathan 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.
Edwards in 5 Sayings: American Theologian
Oct 2, 2024 TheologiansJonathan 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.
Machen in 5 Sayings: Defender of Orthodoxy
Sep 25, 2024 TheologiansDuring 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.
Machen in 5 Sayings: Courageous Scholar
Sep 18, 2024 TheologiansJ. 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.
R.C. Sproul in 5 Sayings
Sep 11, 2024 TheologiansThroughout 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.
Augustine in 5 Sayings
Sep 4, 2024 TheologiansWhich 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.
The Meaning of the Apocalypse Tapestry
Aug 28, 2024 The Medieval ChurchThe 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.
The History of the Apocalypse Tapestry
Aug 21, 2024 The Medieval ChurchCommissioned 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.
August 1752
Aug 14, 2024 TheologiansJonathan 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.
August 1751
Aug 7, 2024 TheologiansWhat 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.
The Movie of 1955
Jul 31, 2024 BiographyAfter 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.
A Book and an Act of Parliament, 1649
Jul 24, 2024 The Seventeenth CenturyIn 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.
The Lausanne Congress
Jul 17, 2024 The Twentieth CenturyIn 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.
Margery Kempe’s Pilgrimage
Jul 10, 2024 BiographyMargery 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.
Controversy in Columbia
Jul 3, 2024 American Church HistoryWhat 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.
Stopping by a Wood with Spurgeon
Jun 26, 2024 TheologiansWhen 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.
The 600th Episode
Jun 19, 2024 The Medieval ChurchAccording 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.
5 Things Everyone Should Know about John Owen
Jun 12, 2024 TheologiansIn 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.