5 Minutes In Church History With Stephen Nichols

Though few know his name, many know his work. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces Charles Jennens, who compiled the biblical texts for Handel's Messiah to proclaim Christ's glory and defend the truth against deism. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/charles-jennens-libretto/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Amid persecution and turmoil, Cyprian of Carthage stood firm in his faith and led the church with wisdom. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on Cyprian's call for unity, repentance, and steadfast faith in times of suffering. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/cyprian-of-carthage-crisis-in-the-3rd-century/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The third century brought afflictions, instability, and opposition for Christians in the Roman Empire. Today, Stephen Nichols examines how the Lord preserved His church in the midst of these adversities. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/crisis-in-the-3rd-century/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What can archaeology teach us about the world of the Bible and the early church? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights how archeological discoveries bring historical context to the life and faith of God’s people. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/digging-deeper-5-things-about-archeology/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In AD 230, Christians in Galilee left behind a remarkable testimony to their faith in Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols examines the Megiddo Mosaic, uncovering five insights it provides into early church life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/5-things-about-the-megiddo-mosaic/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What did the earliest Christian churches look like? Today, Stephen Nichols traces their history and introduces the Megiddo Mosaic, the floor of one of the oldest church buildings ever discovered. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-earliest-church-yet/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Why did many of the Reformers identify the pope as the antichrist? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his survey of Christian views on the antichrist and interpretations of the number 666, moving from the Reformation to the present day. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/naming-the-antichrist-reformation-and-modern-views/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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 outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

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

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

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

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

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

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/podcasts

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

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

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

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

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