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The history of the church is filled with stories. Stories of triumph, stories of defeat, stories of joy, and stories of sorrow. In this book, Dr. Stephen J. Nichols provides snapshots of the church through the centuries. You’ll meet fascinating saints, travel to curious places, examine precious artifacts, and watch as surprising turns of events unfold.
This lively and informative journey not only captures the richness of Christian history, but also reveals a record of God’s providence and faithfulness to His people. It’s a story to encourage, challenge, and even entertain. This is our story—our family history.
Recent Episodes
Augustine: The Triumph of Grace
Augustine: The Bishop and the General
Augustine: Bishop
Augustine: Teacher
Augustine: A Garden in Milan
About
Travel back in time as we look at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity. Each episode of 5 Minutes in Church History 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.

Dr. Stephen Nichols combines a passion for church history with a love for the Reformed tradition, and he brings his expertise to our podcast 5 Minutes in Church History.
A specialist in American Christianity and historical theology, Dr. Nichols is President of Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Fla., Chief Academic Officer of Ligonier Ministries, and a Ligonier teaching fellow. He formerly served as research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pa. He has served as a lecturer and adjunct professor at Reformed Theological Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.
Dr. Nichols has master’s degrees in theology and philosophy, and he received his Ph.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.
A prolific writer, Dr. Nichols has written, contributed to, or edited more than twenty books on church history, biblical doctrine, and practical theology, including volumes in the Guided Tour series on Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, and J. Gresham Machen. His recent books include A Time for Confidence, Reformation ABCs, and The Legacy of Luther, coedited with R. C. Sproul. He has also contributed many articles to publications such as Tabletalk magazine. He is coeditor for the Theologians on the Christian Life series from Crossway.
Dr. Nichols has traveled extensively for teaching and speaking engagements, including the prestigious Gheens Lectures for the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to 5 Minutes in Church History, he also hosts the Open Book podcast.
Dr. Nichols lives with his wife, Heidi, and three children in Sanford, Florida.
Augustine: The Triumph of Grace
Augustine fervently defended the truth of God’s grace against distortions. In fact, his whole life was a testimony to the triumph of grace. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols considers Augustine’s famous controversy with Pelagius.
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