5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols
Religion & Spirituality Podcas
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.
Location:
Sanford, FL
Description:
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.
Twitter:
@5ChurchHistory
Language:
English
Contact:
1-800-435-4343
Email:
service@ligonier.org
Episodes
Meet Dr. Paul Brand
4/23/2025
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: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
The Zwickau Prophets
4/16/2025
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 outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
The Flushing Remonstrance
4/8/2025
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 Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Isaac Watts in 5 Sayings
4/1/2025
Isaac Watts’ influence extends far beyond the hymns he penned. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on five powerful sayings from Watts, revealing his deep theological insight and enduring impact on Christian worship.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/isaac-watts-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
Duration:00:05:00
The Weight of Glory
3/25/2025
What does it mean to seek true glory? Today, Stephen Nichols explores C.S. Lewis’ The Weight of Glory, reflecting on our deepest longings, the promise of eternity, and how the gospel shapes our view of others.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-weight-of-glory
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Rhodes in History
3/18/2025
If you visit the Island of Rhodes, you’ll experience centuries of history. Today, Stephen Nichols explores this island’s rich past—from the towering Colossus of Rhodes to the influence of the Knights of St. John—and its connections to biblical and church history.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/rhodes-in-history/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Charles Hodge: What Is Saving Faith?
3/11/2025
What is saving faith? Today, Stephen Nichols looks to Charles Hodge’s teaching on Galatians 2:20, exploring how true faith rests in Christ alone, trusts in His love, and clings to His atoning work for our salvation.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/charles-hodge-what-is-saving-faith/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Charles Hodge: What Is Systematic Theology?
3/4/2025
What is systematic theology? Today, Stephen Nichols delves into Charles Hodge’s definition of theology as a science, reflecting on how Hodge arranged biblical truths in a harmonious system while emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/charles-hodge-what-is-systematic-theology/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Athenagoras
2/25/2025
In the second century, Athenagoras of Athens defended the Christian faith before Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Today, Stephen Nichols explains how his treatise, A Plea for the Christians, reflects the early church's responses to persecution.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/athenagoras/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Athens in Church History
2/18/2025
Athens stands as a cornerstone of Western civilization, philosophy, and church history. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us to this ancient city, exploring its legacy as the home of democracy, Socratic thought, and Paul’s famous sermon on Mars Hill.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/athens-in-church-history/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Istanbul: The Hagia Irene
2/11/2025
Constantine's first church in Constantinople, the Hagia Irene, played a significant role in the development of the Nicene Creed. Today, Stephen Nichols explores this church's rich history and its transformation through the centuries.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/istanbul-the-hagia-irene/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Istanbul: The Hagia Sophia
2/4/2025
Emperor Justinian transformed the city of Constantinople by commissioning a magnificent church: the Hagia Sophia. Today, Stephen Nichols explores five key moments in the church's history.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/istanbul-the-hagia-sophia/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Louis IX
1/28/2025
Who was Louis IX? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the remarkable life of this medieval French king, renowned for his piety, moral leadership, and role in the Crusades.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/louis-ix/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
American Christian Publishing: 20th-Century Contributions
1/21/2025
Christian literature has played a vital role in spreading the gospel and shaping evangelical thought. Today, Stephen Nichols continues to trace the history of Christian publishing in America, highlighting key figures in the 20th century.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/american-christian-publishing-20th-century-contributions/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
American Christian Publishing: 19th-Century Roots
1/14/2025
How did Christian publishing take root in America? Today, Stephen Nichols traces the development of Christian literature, highlighting the innovative ways the gospel has been spread through the printed word.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/american-christian-publishing-19th-century-roots/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Christian Radio
1/7/2025
Christian radio transformed how the gospel reached the masses in the 20th century. Today, Stephen Nichols explores the history of this powerful medium, highlighting figures whose programs brought God's Word into homes around the world.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/christian-radio/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Happy New Year?
12/31/2024
When did January 1 become New Year's Day? Today, listen as Stephen Nichols traces the history of the calendar, exploring how church traditions and historical events shaped the observance of the new year.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/happy-new-year/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Christmas with Bonhoeffer
12/24/2024
What makes Christmas truly meaningful? Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's 1939 Christmas sermon, uncovering timeless insights on the miracle of the incarnation, the sacred mystery of God becoming man.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/christmas-with-bonhoeffer/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Bible Camps
12/17/2024
Bible camps and conference centers have played a significant role in shaping the spiritual lives of countless Christians. Today, Stephen Nichols traces the history of these retreats, reflecting on their unique contribution to the life of the church throughout the 20th century.
Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/bible-camps/
A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/
Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Duration:00:05:00
Bonhoeffer in 5 Sayings
12/10/2024
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life of faith and adversity offers profound lessons for Christians in our day. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on five powerful sayings from Bonhoeffer, illuminating his steadfast commitment to Christ, even in the face of immense trials. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/bonhoeffer-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
Duration:00:05:00