5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

Latest Episodes:

Isaac Watts in 5 Sayings Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

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

The Weight of Glory Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

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

Rhodes in History Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

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

Charles Hodge: What Is Saving Faith? Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

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

Charles Hodge: What Is Systematic Theology? Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

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

Athenagoras Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

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

Athens in Church History Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

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

Istanbul: The Hagia Irene Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

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

Istanbul: The Hagia Sophia Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

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

Louis IX Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

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