Stephen Nichols

  • A Minister of the Gospel by

    At a young age—no later than nineteen—Jonathan Edwards sat down to write his resolutions. He would eventually produce seventy resolutions, a large number, to be sure. Yet, the penning of resolutions was not anomalous in Edwards’ era. Benjamin …

  • A Rekindled Flame: The Reformation’s Rediscovery of God by

    This formal address by Stephen Nichols during convocation ceremony at Reformation Bible College will consider how Rome’s self promotion to the place of mediator between God and man led to the manipulation of God. The medieval church thought His …

  • God in a Book by

    Reformed people are often accused of putting “God in a box.” This session explores how the Bible doesn’t limit our view of God but expands it, and how sundry methodologies such as Eastern prayer practices, Charismatic extremes, and others …

  • His Big Idea by

    Jonathan Edwards is often portrayed as a disgruntled, unhappy figure concerned only about judgment and doom. With titles for his works such as Original Sin and “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” what more should we expect? As …

  • His Early Life by

    Human beings tend to romanticize and idealize the lives of those individuals we admire, particularly those that lived in an era far removed from ourselves. We smooth out a wrinkle here, turn a blind eye to an episode there, and …

  • Questions & Answers by

    More than a history lesson, Dr. Nichols helps believers understand why the Reformation mattered then and matters now. Questions covered in this section are: If the Reformers profiled in this series could speak to us, what would be their most …

  • Sola Fide: Lady Jane Grey & the Rediscovery of Justification by Faith by

    After witnessing the remarkable deliverance of Paul and Silas from his prison, the Philippian jailer cried out to Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). They responded, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be …

  • Sola Gratia: Ulrich Zwingli & the Rediscovery of Grace by

    Most religious convictions in popular culture boil down to some activity or practice on the part of the individual to better their circumstances or perspective on life. Regardless of the manifestation of the principle, it all simmers down to this …

  • Sola Scriptura: Martin Luther & The Rediscovery of the Authority of Scripture by

    In the early sixteenth century, illiteracy was the norm across Europe, and this condition existed even amongst the clergy, teachers of God’s Word. Yet, despite the enormity of this problem, a deeper dilemma remained: the place of the Word …

  • Soli Deo Gloria: Glorifying God in Everything by

    In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul says, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Do you find yourself divorcing your “religious life” from your “normal life”? Paul’s exhortation makes this condition impossible, for every thought, word …

  • Solus Christus: John Calvin & the Blessing of Christ Alone by

    In the United States and many other affluent countries, people avoid facing mortality, anesthetizing themselves in a multitude of ways. In the sixteenth century, this option generally did not exist, and John Calvin stood as no exception. He and his …

  • The Conflict at Northampton by

    Jonathan Edwards was no stranger to controversy. Although admired and cherished around the globe for his preaching and contribution to the Great Awakening, his own congregation in Northampton, Massachusetts, opposed and removed him from the pulpit unjustly. Many men would …

  • The Great Awakening by

    The Puritans are encumbered by a caricature of strictness and dourness in our day and age. Their mention calls forth images of judgment, wrath, and superstition, and almost without doubt people look to Jonathan Edwards’ sermon “Sinners in the Hands …

  • The Missionary by

    Jonathan Edwards died at the age of fifty-five. Although not young, relative to our era it seems premature. What might his mind have produced if he possessed even a few more years on this earth? Edwards would probably have never …

  • Why the Reformation Matters by

    The church today faces problems similar to the church of yesteryear, albeit packaged and branded in different forms. A careful study of the history of the church prepares and equips its members to face the difficulties of its own day …