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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.
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During 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. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/machen-in-5-s…
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J. 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. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/machen-in-5-saying…
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Throughout 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. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/rc-sproul-in-5-sayings/ A …
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Which 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. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/augustine-in-5-sayings/ A donor-supported outr…
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The 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-meaning-of-the-apocalypse-tapestry/ A donor-…
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Commissioned 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-history-of-…
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Jonathan 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/august-1752/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https:…
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What 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/august-1751/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.li…
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After 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-movie-of-1955/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier M…
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In 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/a-book-and-an-act-of-parliament-1649/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonie…
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In 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-lausanne-congress/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministr…
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Margery 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/margery-kempes-pilgrimage/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligo…
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What 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/controversy-in-columbia/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.o…
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When 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/stopping-by-a-wood-with-spurgeon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries.…
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According 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-600th-episode/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Minist…
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In 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. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-things-everyone-should-know-about-john-owen/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Mini…
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The summer months can be a great time to catch up on reading. Today, John Tweeddale, vice president of academics at Reformation Bible College, joins Stephen Nichols to share several book recommendations. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-books-for-summer-reading/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate…
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When political unrest drove John Owen to a small English village, he began ministering at the local church. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the two catechisms that Owen wrote to serve Christians of all ages in his congregation. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/owens-two-catechisms/ A donor-supported outreach of Lig…
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John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion have been cherished by students of theology for centuries. Today, Stephen Nichols opens the Institutes and points us to five portions of this influential book. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-cites-in-calvins-institutes/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministri…
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What sites should you visit if you were to take a trip to Geneva, Switzerland? Today, Stephen Nichols points out five landmarks from this city filled with a treasury of history from John Calvin's life. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-sites-in-calvins-geneva/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: h…
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Over the course of his life, Anselm took five important journeys. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us on the road with Anselm, pointing out notable events from this medieval theologian's travels. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/travels-with-anselm/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligon…
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Where did John Calvin go to college? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about Calvin's time at the College de Montaigu and how his educational experiences helped shape him into the prominent Reformer that we know today. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/calvin-at-college/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Do…
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Before he died, W.H. Griffith Thomas helped found Evangelical Theological Seminary, known today as Dallas Theological Seminary. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the life and career of this dedicated Anglican theologian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/w-h-griffith-thomas/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Mini…
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During his time at Westminster Theological Seminary, John Murray skillfully trained many pastors and theologians in the truth of God. In this episode, Stephen Nichols tells us highlights from the life of this gifted theologian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/john-murray/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministrie…
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The evangelist Billy Graham remains one of the most well-known figures of the 20th century. In this episode, Stephen Nichols walks us through his life, from humble beginnings on a dairy farm to preaching to millions of people. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/billy-graham/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministrie…
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Who was Carl Henry? What part did he play in shaping modern evangelicalism? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the tremendous influence that Henry had in his roles as an academic, apologist, author, theologian, and more. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/carl-henry/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Do…
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The fifth article of the 1559 French Confession of Faith contains rich descriptions of the doctrine of Scripture. Today, Stephen Nichols draws out five points from this article that help us understand this key doctrine. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-french-and-a-doctrine-of-scripture/ A donor-supported outreach of…
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In his 95 Theses, Martin Luther addressed many unbiblical practices that the Roman Catholic Church endorsed. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts a sermon that Luther preached based upon this famous historical document. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-95-theses-in-a-sermon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministri…
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When John Calvin set out to produce a French psalter, he knew he couldn't do it alone. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the many people who contributed to creating French editions of the Psalms for singing. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/calvin-and-the-psalter/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Do…
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What were the hallmarks of the Enlightenment? What impact did it have on the church? Today, Stephen Nichols provides an overview of this philosophical movement and introduces us to five major Enlightenment thinkers. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-enlightenment-figures/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministrie…
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Even in the face of many dangers, Robert Moffat was dedicated to obeying the Lord's call on his life. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts the life and adventures of this Scottish missionary and Bible translator. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/robert-moffat/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https:/…
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Martin Luther wanted to ensure that no one would misuse his Reformation writings as an excuse for creating divisions in the church. Today, Stephen Nichols examines a confession of faith that Luther wrote to defend essential Christian truths. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/luthers-confession-of-faith/ A donor-supported …
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Many people in the medieval church believed their works could earn God's favor. Today, Stephen Nichols looks at a sermon that Martin Luther preached against this false idea, expounding the true riches of God's grace in salvation. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/luther-on-medieval-piety/ A donor-supported outreach of Lig…
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Only weeks before the Nazi party gained power over Germany in the 20th century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer preached a sermon titled "Overcoming Fear." Today, Stephen Nichols takes us back to this poignant moment in church history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/bonhoeffer-on-fear/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Minist…
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Throughout history, many painters have chosen biblical themes as the subject for their artwork. Today, Stephen Nichols describes five paintings that are housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-pieces-of-art-from-chicago/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https:/…
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Francis Scott Key is famously remembered as the man who penned "The Star-Spangled Banner." Did you know that he wrote hymns as well? Today, Stephen Nichols discusses several of these hymns. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/francis-scott-key/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.…
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What took place during the Second Great Awakening? Today, Stephen Nichols offers a bird's-eye view of this significant movement in 19th-century America. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-second-great-awakening-overlook/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore…
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When health challenges stopped Asahel Nettleton from becoming an overseas missionary, he took his ministry local. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts the life of a lesser-known yet influential 1800s evangelist. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/asahel-nettleton/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https…
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When Charles Finney introduced his "New Measures" for practicing Christianity, a group of ministers met to discuss their concerns. Today, Stephen Nichols sets the scene for the New Lebanon Conference of 1827. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/1827/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.lig…
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At the start of a new year, many people like to set goals for the year ahead. Today, Stephen Nichols shares several of Jonathan Edwards' life resolutions, made when he was a young man far from home. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-new-years-resolutions/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https:…
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The message of Christmas is rich with the good news of Jesus Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols brings us Christmas greetings from three individuals in church history: Augustine, Martin Luther, and D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/three-christmas-greetings/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Minist…
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St. Giles Cripplegate church is home to more than 1,000 years of church history. Today, Stephen Nichols is on location in London, discussing the many notable figures who ministered at or attended this historic church. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/london-on-location-st-giles-cripplegate/ A donor-supported outreach of …
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Iconic sites from church history can be found around many corners of the city of London. Today, Stephen Nichols is on location to discuss five acts of legislation that shaped the English Reformation. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/london-on-location-the-english-reformation-in-5-acts/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligon…
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During the Great Awakening in England, God used faithful preachers to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to several prominent figures from this period of church history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/london-on-location-the-great-awakening-in-london/ A donor-supported outreach of…
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When Italian refugees arrived in Germany in 1557, some of them brought confusion around central Christian doctrines. Today, Stephen Nichols explores the Formulario, the first confession of faith written in Italian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/confessing-like-its-1559-italians-in-geneva/ A donor-supported outreach of…
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The Pinczow Confession of 1559 primarily focuses on the person of Jesus Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us to Poland to tell us about this confession of faith and the main individual who drafted it. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/confessing-like-its-1559-pinczow/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. …
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In 1559, a group of pastors in Paris drafted the French Confession of Faith. Today, Stephen Nichols discusses the history of this confession and provides an overview of its first five articles. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/confessing-like-its-1559-paris/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: http…
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The hymn "Be Thou My Vision" has been sung by Christians for hundreds of years. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the origins of this beloved song, rich with biblical truth, poetry, and history. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/be-thou-my-vision-a-history/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: ht…
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John of Damascus was an Arab Christian monk, apologist, and prolific writer. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces us to this significant figure in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/john-of-damascus/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Exp…
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Did you know that two seminaries merged to form Pittsburgh Theological Seminary? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about several faculty members who taught at these Pittsburgh seminaries through the years. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/mr-warfields-neighborhood/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate:…
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