He was the most influential man of his day. The movement that began with his posting of the Ninety-Five Theses reshaped Europe, redirected Christian history, and recovered the truth of God's Word. Five hundred years later, what is Luther's legacy? In this volume, Dr. R.C. Sproul, Dr. Stephen J. Nichols, and thirteen other scholars and pastors examine his life, teaching, and enduring influence. Meet Martin Luther, the audacious Reformer who, out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, set the world ablaze.

In a day when many people believe that the gospel is simply a message about how we can have a better life, a clear proclamation of the cross and what it accomplished is among our most pressing needs. The Apostle Paul tells us that he decided to know nothing among the people of God "except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). People need a consistent explanation of the cross of Christ and what it accomplished. Christ's atoning work is the centerpiece of the gospel and the only solution for humanity's estrangement from our Creator. On October 3-4, we hosted our 2014 Regional Conference in Philadelphia and addressed the theme, "The Truth of the Cross." Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul reflected on the atoning work of Christ, as they considered topics such as the necessity of the atonement, the reason for the incarnation, the two natures of Christ, and several others.

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. Dr. 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 Bible The Big Picture of the Bible The Covenant Romans and the Gospel Biblical Events Biblical Places Bible Memorization The Lord’s Prayer & Biblical Prayers The Ten Commandments & the Great Commandment Biblical Wisdom Riches from Church History Basic Beliefs: An Introduction to Doctrine The Church Hymns Worship 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.

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. Dr. 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.

A short guide to help young Christians defend their faith. It’s good to be prepared for hard questions. And if you’re a Christian, hard questions are going to come. The Bible says we should be prepared to give an account of our faith, and so Dr. Stephen Nichols has written this short book to help you defend what you believe. Read, and make sure you’re ready. About the Track SeriesTrack is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, & the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren’t always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is.

Do Christians have to change their message to meet the needs of today’s world? This question is as pressing for us as it was for J. Gresham Machen in 1923. With all the modern advancements of the early twentieth century, people wondered about the relevance of the church. Many church leaders set aside foundational Christian truths to create a more socially acceptable faith. This crisis drove Machen to draw a line in the sand with his classic book Christianity and Liberalism. In this teaching series, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells Machen’s story and the timeless message of his book. There is only one true, uncompromising Christian faith, and it alone provides the ultimate answers to our world’s problems.

A choice confronts Christians in every generation: Will we stray from the truth to gain the world’s approval or stay the course at all costs? Here, the story of the American church can help us. In this teaching series, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys the history of American Christianity, examining the lives of figures who accommodated to the spirit of the age and others who maintained their commitment to God’s Word. By relying on the Lord and learning from the tragedies and triumphs of those who have gone before, we can be better prepared to be faithful disciples wherever we are.

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was a pastor, theologian, and trusted teacher. Most fundamentally, he was a man in awe of the holiness of God.In R.C. Sproul: A Life, Dr. Stephen Nichols provides a close look at the beloved founder of Ligonier Ministries. These pages detail Dr. Sproul’s childhood and formative education, his marriage and partnership with his cherished wife, Vesta, his friendships with key Christian figures, and the enduring impact of his teaching on the global church. Meet the man used by God to awaken generations to the majesty of His character, the truth of His Word, and the glory of His gospel.

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. Endorsements “One of the great dangers the church faces is moving into the future without being firmly anchored in the past. It is essential that as we look forward we also look back, and for this reason I’m especially thankful for Stephen Nichols. He has deep knowledge, a skilled pen, and a contagious enthusiasm. I highly recommend his book and the podcast from which it originated.” —Tim Challies “The history of the church needs to be taught in various ways, and the form of this book—pithy stories and their lessons, what Stephen Nichols calls ‘postcards’—is ideal for many who find themselves too busy to read larger chunks of text. Dr. Nichols is a master of this method, having honed his skill in composing these pieces for his podcast. Ideal for all who love church history—busy and not so busy.” —Dr. Michael A.G. Haykin

For kids to understand the Bible, they need to understand its entire story from beginning to end. Following up The Church History ABCs and Reformation ABCs, this one-of-a-kind book for ages 2-7 follows the timeline of the Bible from A to Z-beginning with Adam, the tower of Babel, and the covenant, and ending with Zion, the new creation city. Each letter also includes corresponding Scripture passages, descriptions, and classical fine art accompanied by whimsical illustrations that correspond with each letter.

In 2017, as Protestant Christians commemorate the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation, many parents will be looking for resources to help teach their children about the lasting significance of this influential period. A follow-up to his popular The Church History ABCs, this engaging and informative book by historian Dr. Stephen J. Nichols offers kids ages three to six an engaging way to learn about this pivotal era in church history as they learn their ABCs. Featuring charming illustrations by Ned Bustard, this book introduces families to a host of important figures, locations, concepts, and events, including John Calvin, justification by faith alone, Heidelberg, Westminster, and more. Families will be able to see God's hand in the Reformation, and how he used it to shape his people's understanding of his Word. Note: This book contains classic Renaissance artwork that includes artistic depictions of nudity.

Five hundred years ago, a stubborn and towering thinker named Martin Luther lodged his complaints against the church and launched a religious revolution that is still felt today. Luther's leadership enabled him to stand strong, despite being labeled a heretic and excommunicated. This volume in the Life-Changing Classics series outlines five leadership tenants of Luther, the man whose theological trajectory allowed millions to find a personal relationship with God. Learn how this seminal figure stood up for his beliefs and saw that truth was dispensed to the masses. Leadership is costly, lonely, and wearisome, yet Luther stayed true to his convictions and changed the course of history! Read what made this theologian a hero whose impact is still celebrated centuries later.

As members of a society that is quickly abandoning its Christian past, followers of Christ often feel disoriented or even frightened. When human leaders and political advocates fail us, doubts arise and the road to compromise beckons. In this book, Dr. Stephen J. Nichols points to the almighty God as the source and ground of our confidence. Though the whole world may shake around us, His kingdom is unshakable. This is a time for confidence. Endorsements “A Time for Confidence has all the hallmarks we have come to expect from its author: an enviable grasp of history, shrewdness in analyzing our culture, and a deep sense that God’s Word has lost nothing of its ancient power. Amid what may feel like the shifting of tectonic plates under Western society, and facing the danger of discouragement, we want Steve Nichols near at hand to point us to a safe place to stand. But he does more than that in these pages. Far from letting us lose heart, he shows us that the gospel gives us many more reasons for confidence than for despair. A Time for Confidence is both a tract and a tonic for our times.” —Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson “Christians are living in one of the most complex times in human history. Our culture is in the midst of a moral and intellectual revolution, the pace of which is unprecedented in human history. The moral reasoning that has stood as the foundation of Western civilization is being upended, and those who once stood out as voices of moral clarity are now ostracized as intellectual outlaws on the wrong side of history. But, as Stephen Nichols makes clear in this book, this is no time for panic. A Time for Confidence is a needed reminder that in the midst of the cultural revolution, Christians can be confident that our sovereign God still reigns over human history. Indeed, Christians can also be confident that the church militant will one day be the church triumphant. If you find yourself wavering in the face of cultural opposition, let this book spur you on to greater faithfulness and confidence in the reigning and risen Christ.” —Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. See also the companion teaching series DVD, A Time for Confidence.

As members of a society that is quickly abandoning its Christian past, followers of Christ often feel disoriented or even frightened. When human leaders and political advocates fail us, doubts arise and the road to compromise beckons.In this series, Dr. Stephen Nichols points to the almighty God as the source and ground of our confidence. Though the whole world may shake around us, His kingdom is unshakable. This is a time for confidence.See also the companion book, A Time for Confidence.

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, Dr. 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.

Meet one of America's greatest theologians. We often romanticize the lives of former saints, considering their lives "charmed." The life of Jonathan Edwards, perhaps America's greatest theologian, challenges this tendency. Despite enduring poverty, conflict, rejection, illness, and the death of loved ones, Edwards never failed to trust God's redemptive purposes for His people. Edwards marveled at the beauty of God's work in creation and among His people, and no hardship could stop him from expounding it.

The celebration of Christmas in the twenty-first century is wrapped in nostalgia and infused with hopes and dreams. The sweetest of these dreams is peace-peace between nations, peace between family members, and peace with ourselves. But Christmas is often a time of disappointment, as hopes and dreams go unfulfilled. The gap between our hopes and the reality has led to a quest for the real meaning of Christmas and the peace we all hope to know."There is only one way to turn the dream of peace into reality," says Dr. Stephen J. Nichols. "If we are looking for permanent and ultimate good will, love, and peace, we must look beyond our gift-giving, get-togethers, and office parties. We must look to no other place than to a manger." It was Jesus Christ, the baby who was laid in that manger, who conquered sin and misery, establishing peace between God and man for all who trust in Him.In Peace: Classic Readings for Christmas, Dr. Nichols reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and the earth-shaking implications of Christ's appearance.

God's revelation: where would we be without it? In this series, Dr. Stephen Nichols explains that we would be lost if not for God's Word, trapped in the darkness of sin forever. Rather than forsake us, God sent His Son, Jesus, revealing and recording His redemptive purposes in an inspired, inerrant, and authoritative source: the Bible. Sufficient for all of life, a crucial question arises: will we accept its authority?

Weaving Bible stories together with intriguing details of the lives of blues musicians such as Robert Johnson and McKinley “Muddy Waters” Morganfield, Nichols reveals what blues music teaches about sin, suffering, alienation, and worship. He delves into how the blues can intensify our understanding of bondage to sin and redemption and how the blues encourage us to strive for justice and righteousness.

Belief in the Bible as God's authoritative revelation to humanity forms the bedrock of the Christian faith, laying the groundwork for nearly everything in the practice of theology. For the last 150 years or so, this doctrine has been put under the microscope of the modern age, with focused attention-and criticism-falling on three main subject areas: the authority of Scripture, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the interpretation of Scripture.Ancient Word, Changing Worlds tells the story of these developments in the doctrine of Scripture in the modern age, combining in one volume both narrative chapters and chapters devoted to primary source materials. This new genre of historical theology will appeal to general readers, who will be drawn in by the book's prose style, and students, who will benefit from features like timelines, charts, explanations of key terms, and introductions and explanatory notes for the primary source documents.

People new to Reformed theology may wonder just what it was about a five-hundred-year-old historical movement that affects our thinking so much today. So join Dr. Stephen Nichols for an inviting, approachable take on "Reformation 101," as he explores the events of the Protestant Reformation from the perspective of important figures from each of four key countries in this seven-part teaching series. More than a history lesson, Dr. Nichols helps believers understand why the Reformation mattered then and matters now.

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.

Mention history and some might struggle to stifle a yawn. But when presented as a narrative it can often be compelling reading. Dr. 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, Dr. 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.

Dr. Stephen Nichols opens with a brief introduction to Edwards' historical context, the events of his life, and a brief note on the two texts themselves. "Resolutions" paints a picture of a young minister whose strength and trust lie in his God, not in the piece of paper documenting his graduation from seminary. He desires not just the 'good' in life, but the 'best,' which he roots in happiness found only in God.The final document in this little booklet is the oft-printed "Advice to Young Converts," a response to a letter from a young woman in a nearby parish. Judging from Edwards' opening comments, she has inquired about Christian conduct, and in true form Edwards responds by speaking to her heart. He begins by warning her against her religion growing cold (this letter was written in the midst of the first Great Awakening of 1740-7142) and cautions her to seek the same grace from God that she sought during conversion. Edwards includes large swaths of Scripture in his letter, rendering the tone of the letter pastoral rather than moralistic. No wonder Miss Hatheway treasured this letter, ensuring its survival to this day.