Open Book with Stephen Nichols

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Books by R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur have had a profound impact on so many people. But which books influenced their lives and ministries? Listen each week as we hear about the books that shaped their thinking.

Ligonier Ministries


    • Apr 18, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 8m AVG DURATION
    • 40 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Open Book with Stephen Nichols podcast is a delightful and enlightening listening experience for book lovers and theology enthusiasts alike. Stephen Nichols, along with his guests, engages in warm and thoughtful conversations about their favorite books, providing insight into the authors and their works. The podcast not only introduces listeners to new books but also offers theological discussions and expands one's knowledge on various topics.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the opportunity it provides to hear from biblically minded, faithful, and respected scholars. As they discuss their favorite books, listeners gain valuable insights into the minds and hearts of these learned individuals. The conversations are engaging and offer a glimpse into the personalities of both the interviewee and the author being discussed. It's a wonderful way to be reminded of old favorites, discover new books, and learn theology along the way.

    Furthermore, this podcast serves as an excellent resource for expanding one's library. The recommendations made by these scholars are based on years of study and reflection, making them reliable sources for finding quality Christian literature. Each episode leaves listeners with a list of potential reads that promise to deepen their understanding of faith.

    On the downside, some may find that each episode moves quickly, leaving them wanting more time to delve into the topics being discussed. However, this brevity can also be seen as a positive aspect as it allows for concise yet insightful discussions without overwhelming listeners.

    In conclusion, The Open Book with Stephen Nichols podcast is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of theology through engaging conversations about influential books. Whether you are looking to expand your library or simply enjoy hearing from respected scholars passionate about their favorite reads, this podcast delivers both entertainment and education. With its warm and thoughtful dialogue, it is sure to become a regular listen in your podcast rotation.



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    Latest episodes from Open Book with Stephen Nichols

    Season Five Begins Next Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 1:31


    A new season of the Open Book podcast begins April 25. Listen to the trailer to discover which special guest is joining Stephen Nichols to share the books that have influenced their faith. Follow the podcast so you can hear each Thursday's episode.

    Derek Thomas on Sproul's Chosen by God

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 10:45


    Derek Thomas saw R.C. Sproul as a brilliant theologian. Years later, they met and became friends. Today on the Open Book podcast, Stephen Nichols and Derek Thomas share stories about the founder of Ligonier Ministries and look at one of his most cherished books. Get R.C. Sproul's book Chosen by God: https://www.ligonier.org/store/chosen-by-god-paperback Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-sprouls-chosen-by-god/

    Derek Thomas on Machen's Christianity and Liberalism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 9:07


    J. Gresham Machen's book Christianity and Liberalism may be even more urgent now than when it was published 100 years ago. Today on the Open Book podcast, Stephen Nichols and Derek Thomas discuss this 20th-century classic. Stream Stephen Nichols' 12-message teaching series on Christianity and Liberalism: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/christianity-and-liberalism Watch messages from Reformation Bible College's 2023 Winter Conference, Machen's Christianity and Liberalism: 100 Years Later: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZjnVlXGsQDA2OgTS5OtSkEK69_P7nbJu Read the February 2023 edition of Tabletalk magazine, "Christianity and Liberalism": https://tabletalkmagazine.com/print-issue/#christianity-and-liberalism Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-machens-christianity-and-liberalism/

    Derek Thomas on Calvin's Sermons on Job

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 10:15


    Preaching from the book of Job, John Calvin said, "It is a great thing to be subject to the majesty of God." Today on the Open Book podcast, Derek Thomas tells Stephen Nichols about the collection of sermons that captivated him for seven years. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-calvins-sermons-on-job/

    Derek Thomas on Murray's The Epistle to the Romans and Studies in Theology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 15:45


    John Murray was a towering figure for the advancement of Reformed theology in the 20th century. Today on the Open Book podcast, Stephen Nichols and Derek Thomas look at Murray's influential commentary on Romans and theological writings. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-murrays-the-epistle-to-the-romans-and-studies-in-theology/

    Derek Thomas on Lloyd-Jones' Preaching and Preachers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 12:52


    Generations of preachers have been influenced by the ministry of Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Today on the Open Book podcast, Derek Thomas discusses his favorite book on preaching with Stephen Nichols. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-lloyd-jones-preaching-and-preachers/

    Derek Thomas on Marcel, Murray, and Infant Baptism

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 13:29


    Presbyterians and Baptists both have the same Bible, but at times they reach different conclusions. Today on the Open Book podcast, Stephen Nichols is joined by Derek Thomas to discuss several writings that led to his becoming a paedobaptist. The books addressed in this episode include Baptism: Sacrament of the Covenant of Grace by Pierre-Charles Marcel and Christian Baptism by John Murray. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-marcel-murray-and-infant-baptism/

    Derek Thomas on Owen's The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 11:22


    As a young man, Derek Thomas would meet with his mentor early in the morning to read the writings of John Owen. Today on the Open Book podcast, Stephen Nichols and Derek Thomas reflect on this intellectual giant of the 17th century. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-owens-the-grace-and-duty-of-being-spiritually-minded/

    Derek Thomas on Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 9:25


    Through all the hardships of life, we must always remember our unshaken identity in Christ. Today on the Open Book podcast, Stephen Nichols and Derek Thomas discuss a cherished Christian classic and its emphasis on the assurance of salvation. Learn more about Derek Thomas' 19-message teaching series, The Pilgrim's Progress: A Guided Tour: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/pilgrims-progress-guided-tour Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-bunyans-the-pilgrims-progress/

    Derek Thomas on Packer's Knowing God

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 11:08


    God is immeasurably more majestic than our minds can imagine. Today on the Open Book podcast, Derek Thomas tells Stephen Nichols about a book that greatly influenced him as a student preparing for ministry. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-packers-knowing-god/

    Derek Thomas on Stott's Basic Christianity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 8:58


    During a difficult time of life, a young Welshman received an unexpected book in the mail. Within three days, he was converted to Christ. To begin season four of the Open Book podcast, today Stephen Nichols visits the library of Derek Thomas to hear his story. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/derek-thomas-on-stotts-basic-christianity/

    Coming Soon: Season Four

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 1:24


    The Open Book podcast returns with a new season starting April 27. Whose library will Stephen Nichols visit in season four? Hear the trailer today to find out, and subscribe to the podcast to stay up to date on each week's episode. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/coming-soon-season-four/

    Joel Beeke on William Perkins

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 9:04


    What can we learn from the father of the English Puritans? Bringing the third season of Open Book to a close, Joel Beeke and Stephen Nichols discuss William Perkins, whose writings have helped generations of Christians apply the truth of God to their everyday lives. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/joel-beeke-on-william-perkins/

    Joel Beeke on Thomas Goodwin

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 9:07


    What is one of the most precious yet underestimated doctrines in Reformed theology? In this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and Joel Beeke speak on the strength and comfort we receive from Jesus' heavenly intercession for His people. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/joel-beeke-on-thomas-goodwin/

    Joel Beeke on Teellinck's The Path of True Godliness

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2022 7:34


    Christians want to dedicate their lives to the glory of God. But how do we do that? In this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols is joined by Joel Beeke, who introduces the best book he has ever read on sanctification. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/joel-beeke-on-teellincks-the-path-of-true-godliness/

    Joel Beeke on à Brakel's The Christian's Reasonable Service

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 8:44


    More than mere head knowledge, theology transforms the way we live in this world. In this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and Joel Beeke consider the richly devotional theology that Wilhelmus à Brakel wrote to encourage Christian families. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/joel-beeke-on-a-brakels-the-christians-reasonable-service/

    Joel Beeke on Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2022 8:46


    Christians are not meant to be lone rangers traveling to eternity. We have fellow believers as our companions and the Scriptures as our map. To begin season three of Open Book, Stephen Nichols enters the library of Joel Beeke to discuss John Bunyan's beloved classic on the Christian life. Read the transcript: https://openbookpodcast.com/joel-beeke-on-bunyans-the-pilgrims-progress/

    Coming Soon: Season Three

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 1:36


    Open Book is returning for a third season. Whose library is Stephen Nichols visiting this time? Listen to the trailer to find out today, and subscribe to the podcast so you can hear the first episode of season three on April 28.

    John MacArthur on Bennett’s The Valley of Vision

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2019 9:48


    On this final episode of season two of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and John MacArthur discuss a collection of Puritan prayers that reflects true, pure, elevated worship. Read the transcript.  

    John MacArthur on Biblical Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2019 8:53


    There’s no book more precious to us than the Bible. On this episode of Open Book, John MacArthur joins Stephen Nichols to share his favorite Old and New Testament books. Read the transcript.

    John MacArthur and Murray’s The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2019 9:39


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and John MacArthur discuss ministry role models, including a man so faithful to his pulpit that not even a Nazi air strike could prevent him from preaching. Read the transcript.

    John MacArthur and Torrey’s Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2019 8:52


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and John MacArthur discuss a near-blind secretary, a foiled fortune-teller, and how to interpret the Bible with the Bible. Read the transcript.

    John MacArthur and Lloyd-Jones’ Studies in the Sermon on the Mount

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2019 8:32


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and John MacArthur discuss the Sermon on the Mount, misinterpreted parables, and a pastor known as “the Doctor.” Read the transcript.

    John MacArthur and Stott’s The Preacher's Portrait

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2019 9:46


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols asks John MacArthur to share his favorite word to describe a preacher. Read the transcript.

    John MacArthur and Pink’s Spiritual Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2019 8:55


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and John MacArthur discuss spiritual growth, burnout, and a pastor who struggled to make ends meet. Read the transcript.

    John MacArthur and Watson’s A Body of Divinity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2019 6:38


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and John MacArthur discuss the rich analogies and spiritual charm of the Puritans. Read the transcript.

    John MacArthur and Charnock’s The Existence and Attributes of God

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2019 8:48


    How would you describe God? On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and John MacArthur discuss the vast, unfathomable, transcendent nature of God. Read the transcript.

    John MacArthur and Hay’s The New Testament Order for Church and Missionary

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2019 9:55


    For season two of Open Book, special guest John MacArthur joins Stephen Nichols to discuss the books that have had the greatest impact on his life and ministry. On this first episode, they discuss a book like a jigsaw puzzle and a church with 900 ministers. Read the transcript.

    Season Two Coming Soon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2019 1:57


    Who will be our guest on the next season of Open Book? Listen to a sneak preview today. Please encourage your family and friends to subscribe so they don’t miss an episode. Season two is coming soon.

    R.C. Sproul and Bainton's Here I Stand

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2018 9:48


    On this final episode of season one of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss Martin Luther’s “monkery,” sacred stairs, and a biography R.C. Sproul read over and over again. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Turretin’s Institutes of Elenctic Theology

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2018 9:36


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss Princeton’s theology textbook, “elenctic” theology, and the precise logic of the scholastics. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Melville’s Moby Dick

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2018 7:23


    Moby Dick is rich in theology. On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss shark attacks, the whiteness of the whale, and our shallow view of God. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Watson's A Body of Divinity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2018 8:19


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss Puritan theology, “feathery” Christians, and what it means to worship the true, living God. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Warfield’s Perfectionism

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2018 7:20


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss a book peddler, the “second gift,” and two people who claimed they never sinned. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Dolezal’s All That Is in God

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2018 9:52


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss classical Christian theism, a crisis in theology, and the word that gives R.C. Sproul goosebumps. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Calvin’s Galatians and Ephesians Sermons

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2018 8:24


    On this episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss a collection of 42 masterful sermons that resulted in at least one burst blood vessel. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Aquinas’ Nature and Grace

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2018 8:59


    Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss the apologetics of Thomas Aquinas, including single truth and the five ways. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Berkouwer’s Dogmatische Studien

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2018 8:12


    Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss the person of Christ, Dutch pronunciation, and a page that took 12 hours to translate. Read the transcript

    R.C. Sproul and Schroeder’s The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2018 8:44


    On this first episode of Open Book, Stephen Nichols and R.C. Sproul discuss a tattered book, the Council of Trent, and an unlikely pair of roommates. Read the transcript

    Coming Soon: Open Book

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2018 3:07


    Learn about Stephen Nichols’ new podcast, and preview season one which features never-before-heard moments with R.C. Sproul in his home library.

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