5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

This weekly podcast provides an informal and informative look at church history. Join us each week as we take a brief break from the present to go exploring the past. Travel back in time as we look at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity. Each episode offers an easily digestible glimpse of how the eternal, unchangeable God has worked in the church over prior generations and how this can encourage us today. This is our story—our family history.

Episodes

September 10, 2025 5 mins
In addition to being our Redeemer, Jesus is our perfect example for the Christian life. Today, Stephen Nichols considers a stirring sermon that B.B. Warfield preached on the humble, self-sacrificial life that Christ modeled for us.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/warfield-on-imitating-the-incarnation/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https...

Mark as Played
What can sermons from over a century ago teach us today? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces The Savior of the World by B.B. Warfield, a collection of Christ-centered sermons that invite us to marvel at the good news of the gospel.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/some-sermons-of-warfield/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligon...

Mark as Played
August 27, 2025 5 mins
What is sin, and why must we take it seriously? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be by Cornelius Plantinga Jr., a book that explores the biblical view of sin and our deep need for God’s redeeming grace.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-good-book-on-a-bad-subject/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donat...

Mark as Played
August 20, 2025 5 mins

What does it mean to live in community with other Christians? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the wisdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together, offering insights into how believers grow together in grace under God’s Word.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/life-together-2025/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/

Expl...

Mark as Played
August 13, 2025 5 mins

Why study church history? Today, Stephen Nichols celebrates the twelfth anniversary of 5 Minutes in Church History by reflecting on twelve ways church history has enriched his faith and deepened his understanding of God’s work through the ages.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/happy-12th-anniversary/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https:/...

Mark as Played
August 6, 2025 5 mins
What’s on your reading list? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces On the Incarnation by Athanasius, a timeless book defending the deity of Christ and the hope of the resurrection.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/ancient-wisdom/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/

Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/...

Mark as Played
July 30, 2025 5 mins
What can a map teach us about the Bible? Today, Stephen Nichols explains how understanding Scripture’s geography can deepen our grasp of redemptive history.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-good-atlas/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/

Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Mark as Played
July 23, 2025 5 mins
Jonathan Edwards’ writings reveal profound insights into theology, philosophy, and the human condition. Today, Stephen Nichols explores the rich content of Edwards’ works and explains why his writings are still relevant to the church today.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-works-of-edwards-in-2-volumes/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: ...

Mark as Played
July 16, 2025 5 mins
In his first published sermon, Jonathan Edwards emphasized the glory of God in redemption. Today, Stephen Nichols revisits this early message to reflect on our need for dependence on Christ and the grace that secures our salvation.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/edwards-first-published-sermon/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://dona...

Mark as Played
What books have most shaped your faith? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his conversation with Joel Kim as he adds more titles to his deserted island library, each offering timeless encouragement for the Christian life.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/deserted-island-with-joel-kim-theology-and-pastoral-wisdom/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Dona...

Mark as Played
If you could take only five books to a deserted island, which would you choose? Today, Joel Kim joins Stephen Nichols to share titles he’d bring, and what they reveal about leadership, perseverance, and history.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/deserted-island-with-joel-kim-history-and-leadership/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://do...

Mark as Played
June 25, 2025 5 mins
What makes a great preacher? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to reflect on the life and legacy of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a medical-doctor-turned-pastor whose powerful preaching marked the church in the 20th century.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/derek-thomas-on-the-doctor/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.lig...

Mark as Played
June 18, 2025 5 mins
What impact did the 1904 Welsh Revival have on the church and on culture? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to reflect on this remarkable season of gospel awakening in Wales and how its legacy endures today.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/derek-thomas-on-the-welsh-revival/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.lig...

Mark as Played
June 11, 2025 5 mins
Augustine’s legacy is well known, but what about his closest friend? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to Alypius, a faithful companion who walked alongside Augustine from their days as students to bishops in neighboring towns.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/augustines-friend/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.or...

Mark as Played
June 4, 2025 5 mins
Behind several well-known names in church history stand faithful brothers whose stories are often untold. Today, Stephen Nichols shares how these men, though less recognized, played meaningful roles in the life of the church.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/brothers-in-church-history/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonie...

Mark as Played
May 28, 2025 5 mins
What was it like to grow up in a missionary home on the edge of the American frontier? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Esther and Jonathan Edwards Jr., two of Jonathan Edwards’ children, and their unforgettable years in Stockbridge.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/missionary-kids-in-stockbridge/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: h...

Mark as Played
May 21, 2025 5 mins
What was trending in the 18th century? Today, Stephen Nichols walks through five key developments that shaped the church, including revival, hymnody, and the early sparks of global missions.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/trending-in-the-18th-century/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/

Explore all of our podcast...

Mark as Played
John Witherspoon was an integral figure in American Presbyterianism. Today, Stephen Nichols and Kevin DeYoung explore this Scottish pastor’s legacy as a theologian, patriot, and president of Princeton University.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/what-everyone-needs-to-know-about-john-witherspoon/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://don...

Mark as Played
What would you read on a deserted island? Today, Stephen Nichols is joined by Dr. Kevin DeYoung to discuss five of his most treasured books—each reflecting his love for theology, church history, and pastoral ministry.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/deserted-island-with-kevin-deyoung/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonie...

Mark as Played
April 30, 2025 5 mins
Raymond Lull devoted his life to proclaiming the gospel to Muslims and Jews. Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of this medieval missionary whose love for Christ led him to a ministry of study, debate, and bold witness.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/raymund-lull-medieval-missionary/

A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.lig...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Charlie Kirk Show

    Charlie is America's hardest working grassroots activist who has your inside scoop on the biggest news of the day and what's really going on behind the headlines. The founder of Turning Point USA and one of social media's most engaged personalities, Charlie is on the front lines of America’s culture war, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of students on over 3,500 college and high school campuses across the country, bringing you your daily dose of clarity in a sea of chaos all from his signature no-holds-barred, unapologetically conservative, freedom-loving point of view. You can also watch Charlie Kirk on Salem News Channel

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.