5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

Who is the antichrist? The beast? The man of lawlessness? Today on episode 666 of the podcast, Stephen Nichols explores how several church fathers and medieval theologians wrestled with these questions—and whom they named as the antichrist. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/naming-the-antichrist-ancient-and-medieval-views/ A donor-s...

Have you read My Utmost for His Highest? And did you know it was published 10 years after its author died? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Oswald Chambers and his wife Biddy, whose copious notes from Oswald's sermons turned into more than 50 books. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/oswald-chambers/ A donor-supported outrea...

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...

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 Minis...

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 Ligonie...

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...

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 L...

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...

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....

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 outrea...

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 Ligoni...

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 ou...

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 Ligo...

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 Min...

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 Min...

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....

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 Ministr...

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 outreac...

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.ligon...

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 Ligon...

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 Ministr...

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 Min...

Raised in India and trained in London, Dr. Paul Brand combined medical skill with gentle compassion. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how this missionary doctor's care for leprosy patients reflected the heart of Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/meet-dr-paul-brand/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: ht...

In the early days of the Reformation, not all voices were united. Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of the Zwickau Prophets, a group of radical preachers whose mystical and apocalyptic teachings clashed with Martin Luther's commitment to Scripture alone. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-zwickau-prophets/ A donor-supported...

On December 27, 1657, a group of Dutch colonists in New Netherland took a stand for religious liberty. Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of the Flushing Remonstrance, one of the earliest American documents to defend religious freedom. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-flushing-remonstrance A donor-supported outreach of Ligo...