5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

Latest Episodes:

The Story of 5 Sermons Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

What prompted Jonathan Edwards to publish a collection of sermons during a period of spiritual decline? Today, Stephen Nichols looks at Edwards' Discourses on Various Important Subjects and the pastoral concerns that shaped this influential book.

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

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

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

Church History Resolutions for the New Year Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

Looking for a meaningful way to start the new year? Today, Stephen Nichols offers five practical suggestions for diving deeper into church history in 2026.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/church-history-resolutions-for-the-new-year/

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

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

Christmas in New England Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Why is the incarnation at the center of our hope as Christians? Today, Stephen Nichols looks to Jonathan Edwards' sermon on Revelation 5, reflecting on the humility and majesty of Jesus' birth.

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

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

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

A Little Church History of a Middle Colony: The First Great Awakening Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

In the 1700s, Delaware witnessed powerful movements that shaped American Christianity. Today, Stephen Nichols continues exploring this colony's church history, from George Whitefield's Great Awakening preaching to the rise of Methodism.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-little-church-history-of-a-middle-colony-the-first-great-awakening/

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

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

A Little Church History of a Middle Colony: Early Influences Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Though Delaware is small, its church history is rich. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how this middle colony was shaped by William Penn's vision of religious freedom, Anglican and Swedish influences, and enduring places of worship that still tell the story of faith in early America.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-little-church-history-of-a-middle-colony-early-influences/

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

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

Gunpowder and a Proclamation Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

On November 5, 1605, a plot to destroy England's Parliament was foiled. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on how this event has reminded generations to give glory to God for His providential deliverance.

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

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

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

Thanksgiving in Church History Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

What shaped the Thanksgiving holiday as we know it? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the holiday's roots in colonial America, significant presidential proclamations, and enduring reflections on gratitude drawn from great figures in church history.

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

3 Sermons on the Hallelujah Chorus Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

John Newton preached three sermons on the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how Newton used these sermons to remind believers that Christ reigns as King of kings and calls all people to repent and believe the gospel.

Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/3-sermons-on-the-hallelujah-chorus/

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

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

Charles Jennens' Libretto Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

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

Cyprian of Carthage: Crisis in the 3rd Century Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

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

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