Audio by Dr Nick Needham

Augustine and the City of God

The fall of Rome in 410 saw the world many people thought was unshakable, collapse. In light of this, Augustine of Hippo wrote about the city that would never be destroyed – the City of God. In outlining human history as a conflict between the City of God and the City of the World, Augustine presents the true church of Christ as being independent from any place or state. Civic peace in the earthly city can help to further the City of God. But even those who dwelt within the City of God would still face trials and tribulations, until the return of Christ.

Pray for the city

In this lecture Nick Needham focuses on Jeremiah 29:7: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Dr Needham helpfully draws out the parallels between the exiled Jews in Babylon and Christians today.

The early church

Series: Church history

In this lecture Dr Nick Needham explores the relevance of the early Christian church to us today. To this end he highlights a number of key figures and events in the first 500 years of the church.

The middle ages

Series: Church history

Continuing his mini-series in church history Dr Nick Needham turns his attention to the middle ages. He uncovers the inspiring lives of church leaders many of whom are little known today.

The Reformation

Series: Church history

In the third instalment of his series on church history Dr Nick Needham speaks on the momentous events of the Reformation. His talk is structured around the two ‘outstanding principles’ of the Reformation: the authority of Scripture and justification by faith.

John Nevin

Series: Great Christian thinkers – part 2

John Nevin was one of the most significant American theologians of the 19th century. The favourite student of Charles Hodge at Princeton University, he went on to become a professor of theology at the German Reformed Seminary at Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He argued against the prevailing revivalist theology of Charles Finney and the individualism of his day. He helped Protestants nurture a high view of the Lord’s Supper. He also worked alongside his close friend and colleague Philip Schaff to promote the vital importance of church history.