Stephen J. Nichols

Introducing the First Biography of the Life and Ministry of R. C. Sproul R. C. Sproul (1939–2017) was a pastor, a professor, an author, and the founder and president of Ligonier Ministries. His contributions in the areas of biblical studies, theology, worldview and culture, Christian living, and church history continue to be held in high regard. In this book, Stephen J. Nichols offers an in-depth look at Sproul’s life and ministry—his childhood; his formative seminary education; his marriage and partnership with his beloved wife, Vesta; his influence on broader American evangelicalism; and his many friendships with key figures such as James Montgomery Boice, John MacArthur, John Piper, J. I. Packer, and Chuck Colson. This biography details the profound impact Sproul had on the lives of many during his lifetime, and highlights the various ways his legacy continues to influence countless pastors and students worldwide.

Belief in the Bible as God's authoritative revelation tohumanity forms the bedrock of the Christian faith, laying thegroundwork for nearly everything in the practice of theology. Forthe last 150 years or so, this doctrine has been put under themicroscope of the modern age, with focused attention-andcriticism-falling on three main subject areas: the authority ofScripture, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the interpretation ofScripture.Ancient Word, Changing Worlds tells the story of thesedevelopments in the doctrine of Scripture in the modern age, combining in one volume both narrative chapters and chaptersdevoted to primary source materials. This new genre of historicaltheology will appeal to general readers, who will be drawn in bythe book's prose style, and students, who will benefit fromfeatures like timelines, charts, explanations of key terms, andintroductions and explanatory notes for the primary sourcedocuments.

Are you looking for a great overview of everything you need to know about the Bible? This book offers some Bible basics as the foundation for discipleship and doctrine. Here you will find an overview of the biblical books, places, and events. We’ll look at the big picture of the Bible by exploring the idea of the covenant. You’ll find some key biblical passages to meditate upon and memorize, as well as prayers from the Bible. You’ll also find some key ideas from the centuries of church history. Together we’ll walk through some basic doctrines in order to have a better grasp on what the Bible teaches. You’ll even find some hymns. These basics provide a foundation upon which to build a solid faith. In fact, all of us, no matter where we find ourselves in our Christian walk, need these fundamentals. We need to go back to the basics. Repeat. Repeat again. Stephen J. Nichols, President of Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Florida, covers a wide range of topics, from the different genres found in the Bible to the benefits we can glean from creeds and catechisms; the primary Christian doctrines to how to apply biblical wisdom. The Books of the BibleThe Big Picture of the BibleThe CovenantRomans and the GospelBiblical EventsBiblical PlacesBible MemorizationThe Lord’s Prayer & Biblical PrayersThe Ten Commandments & The Great CommandmentBiblical WisdomRiches from Church HistoryBasic Beliefs: An Introduction to DoctrineThe ChurchHymnsWorship Each of these short chapters contain a wealth of information. A fantastic tool for anyone looking to understand the overall picture of the Bible, and the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith.

Armed with answers: a short guide to help young Christians defend their faith. The only option is not to hope the ground will open and swallow us up… Confident that our faith can stand up to scrutiny, Stephen Nichols has written this short book to help you defend what you believe. The Bible says we should be prepared to give an account of our faith. It’s good to be prepared for hard questions. And, if you’re a Christian, hard questions are going to come. This compact yet comprehensive guide covers essential topics such as the nature of truth, the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the historical reliability of the New Testament. With academic rigor packaged in accessible language, complex ideas are made understandable and relatable for everyday conversations. Cultivating effective ambassadors for the faith, this book will equip readers to confidently engage with doubters and share the reasons for their hope with clarity and conviction. Contents: Peter, Paul, and Mary: Biblical Foundations for ApologeticsGrilled Hot Dogs Need a Hot Dog Griller: Belief in God Makes SenseOld Rocks, Ancient Scrolls, and John Ran on Ahead: You Can Trust the BibleThe Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus and His Compelling Message Put it all Together: The GospelThe Apologist and the Work of God Appendix A: What Now?Appendix B: Other Books on This TopicAppendix C: Key Biblical Passages for Apologetics Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, and the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren’t always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is. With the intention of the content being absorbed, examined and applied, each chapter includes a summary of the main point, and reflection questions that can be used individually, in 1–2–1 mentoring or in a group setting.

The Story of God’s Promises from A to Z For kids to understand the Bible, they need to see it as one story—God’s story of keeping his promises throughout history. This book for kids ages 3–6 follows the timeline of the Bible from A to Z—beginning with Adam, the first man God created, and ending with Zion, the new creation city. Each letter briefly introduces an important concept from the story of the Bible, and is accompanied by corresponding Scripture passages, whimsical illustrations, and images of classical fine art from church history—all to help children see how their lives are part of the bigger story God is telling through the Bible.

Reformation ABCs is a fun way for kids to learn about the places, things, events, people, books, and ideas that shaped this pivotal time in church history. Through whimsical illustrations and engaging storytelling, this book teaches kids that even though the Reformation occurred five hundred years ago, it isn't just about people and places in the past. The Reformers' fight to reclaim the gospel is still relevant today.

Den 31 oktober 2017 är det 500 år sedan Martin Luther spikade upp sina 95 teser om avlaten på Slottskyrkans port i Wittenberg. Knappt tre år senare var han bannlyst av både påve och kejsare, men hade också gett upphov till en reformation som nu påverkar kyrka och samhälle under 500 år. Vem var denne munk som hade en sådan slagkraft? I Martin Luther – hans liv, lära och inflytande ger Stephen J Nichols både en skildring av de viktiga händelser som alla borde känna till från Luthers liv och en inspirerande beskrivning av hans teologi och social-etik. Dessutom beskrivs hur mycket av det vi i dag tar för givet i kyrkans liv beror på just Martin Luther. Stephen J Nichols är doktor i kyrkohistoria, rektor vid Reformation Bible College i Kalifornien och författare till ett stort antal böcker, däribland flera historiska biografier. ”En utmärkt lättillgänglig och samtidigt mycket informativ bok om Martin Luther. Rekommenderas varmt!” Tomas Nygren, lektor och forskare med inriktning på luthersk teologi ”En gedigen teologisk översikt. Ett färgstarkt porträtt. Rekommenderas varmt!” Markus Hector, teolog och redaktör "Vid studiet av vår västerländska historia framträder några personer i särskilt skimmer. En av dessa är Martin Luther. I denna bok får vi en till Luther och reformationen mycket positivt hållen, bred och intresseväckande introduktion, som omfattar viktiga händelser i Luthers liv, centrala uppfattningar i hans åskådning och inblickar i hans liv som reformatorisk kyrkoman. Vidare har lutherskt tänkande lagt en omistlig grund för utvecklingen av de nordiska välfärdsstaterna. Sammantaget finns det därför såväl person- och allmänhistoriska som teologiska och ideologiska skäl att läsa denna bok." Kjell O Lejon högskolerektor vid JTH, professor religionsvetenskap Linköpings universitet

Dietrich Bonhoeffer died a martyr’s death at the age of 39 but remains one of the most influential and challenging theologians of our time. His writings teach us the value of cross-centered theology, and his courageous actions against the Nazi regime compel us to consider the cost of discipleship. From Bonhoeffer we learn that the Christian life is lived both alone and together, and that there is a stark difference between cheap and costly grace. With insight, clarity, and wisdom, Stephen Nichols guides us through the words and deeds of this humble yet heroic pastor, whose example shows us that the Christian’s life flows from the cross, for the world. Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.

We may be diligent readers of the Bible and sincere in our desire to relate to its stories, but somewhere between our resolve and reality, we find a disconnect. Could it be that we often miss the forest for the trees? Could it be that we inadvertently try to make the narrative, the story, about us?In one sense, the story is about us. It is about our creation, our fall into sin, our redemption, and our restoration. We are indeed part of the story, and God has given us each a role.But, more than that, the Bible is a fascinating story about God—his work, his character, his plan, and his fame. It’s evocative, compelling, meaningful, and of greatest importance. It’s full of flawed characters, grand schemes of redemption, heartache, compassion, toil, and love. And we—all of us—are invited to take up and read the very Word of God.Stephen Nichols helps us to experience the story and get more out of God’s Word. Here is a book that invites you to enter in, to participate, and to truly appreciate the very story of God.

Dramatically converted on the stormy seas, a slave-trader-turned-abolitionist penned the best-loved hymn of the Christian faith. A church father was arrested and martyred for teaching the truth about Christ’s incarnation. Captured by pirates and shipped off to Ireland, a priest baptized thousands of pagans, from paupers to princes. Now who ever said church history was boring? The Church History ABCs is a fun way for kids to learn about great figures in Christian history. Twenty-six heroes of the faith march through the alphabet, boldly telling their stories in language children can understand. This wide range of characters—men and women from across the centuries, from all over the globe—reflects the breadth of church history and reminds children that these great figures of the past were living, breathing people who lived and died for the glory of God.

In Getting the Blues, Stephen Nichols shows how blues music offers powerful insight into the biblical narrative and the life of Jesus. Weaving Bible stories together with intriguing details of the lives of blues musicians, he leads readers in a vivid exploration of how blues music teaches about sin, suffering, alienation, and worship. Nichols unpacks the Psalms, portions of the prophets, and Paul's writings in this unique way, revealing new facets of Scripture.Getting the Blues will resonate with all readers interested in Christianity and culture. In the end they will emerge with a greater understanding of the value of "theology in a minor key"--a theology that embraces suffering as well as joy.EXCERPTThis book attempts a theology in a minor key, a theology that lingers, however uncomfortably, over Good Friday. It takes its cue from the blues, harmonizing narratives of Scripture with narratives of the Mississippi Delta, the land of cotton fields and Cyprus swamps and the moaning slide guitar. This is not a book by a musician, however, but by a theologian. And so I offer a theological interpretation of the blues. Cambridge theologian Jeremy Begbie has argued for music's intrinsic ability to teach theology. As an improvisation on Begbie's thesis, I take the blues to be intrinsically suited to teach a particular theology, a theology in a minor key. This is not to suggest that a theology in a minor key, or the blues for that matter, utterly sounds out despair like the torrents of a spinning hurricane. A theology in a minor key is no mere existential scream. In fact, a theology in a minor key sounds a rather hopeful melody. Good Friday yearns for Easter, and eventually Easter comes. Blues singers, even when groaning of the worst of times, know to cry out for mercy because they know that, despite appearances, Sunday's coming. . . . The blues, like the writings of Flannery O'Connor, need not mention him [Christ] in every line, or in every song, but he haunts the music just the same. At the end of the day, he serves as the resolution to the conflict churning throughout the blues, the conflict that keeps the music surging like the floodwaters of the Mississippi River.

Jesus is as American as baseball and apple pie. But how this came to be is a complex story--one that Stephen Nichols tells with care and ease. Beginning with the Puritans, he leads readers through the various cultural epochs of American history, showing at each stage how American notions of Jesus were shaped by the cultural sensibilities of the times, often with unfortunate results. Always fascinating and often humorous, Jesus Made in America offers a frank assessment of the story of Christianity in America, including the present. For those interested in the cultural implications of that story, this book is a must-read.

The belief that Christ is the God-man is definitive of Christian orthodoxy and imperative to a right understanding of the gospel. By the middle of the fifth century, the church had wrestled with many challenges to the biblical portrayal of Christ and, in response to those challenges, had formulated the doctrine of Christ that remains the standard to this day. This look to the past helps as Christians contend with present-day challenges and seek to answer Christ's question-"Who do people say that I am?"-for those living in the twenty-first century. For Us and for Our Salvation tells the very human story of the formation of the doctrine of Christ in those early centuries of the church. A glossary, numerous charts and timelines, and some helpful appendices make the book accessible and user-friendly. Primary source materials from key theologians and councils complement the engaging narrative.

Mention history and some might struggle to stifle a yawn. But when presented as a narrative it can often be compelling reading. Stephen J. Nichols takes a key period in time, the Reformation, and presents its major players in a fresh way. From Martin Luther, a simple monk who wielded the mallet, to kings and queens, this book goes behind the scenes to uncover the human side of these larger-than-life Reformers. Along the way readers meet Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Kings Henry VIII and Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, Anne Bradstreet, and many others. For those wanting to see history in its context, Nichols also provides a sampling of primary source materials. It is an engaging read that will remind readers of the foundational truths that can never be taken for granted by the church in any age. Includes numerous illustrations.