Martin Luther In His Own Words

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  Standing at the center of it all was Martin Luther, the Catholic monk who wanted to bring reform the the Roman Church.  As it turned out, God's plans for Luther were much greater.

Through Luther, the Bible was unchained and translated so that the common man and woman could read God's Word for themselves.  Through Luther the great doctrine of the church - Justification by Grace through Faith - brought God's love, forgiveness and salvation to a people enslaved by the notion that God's favor had to be earned rather than received as a gift.  Through Luther, catechisms which taught the meaning of the 10 Commandments, The Apostles' Creed, The Lord's Supper, The Office of the Keys, and The Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper could be learned, enabling people to grow in faith and in their new life in Christ Jesus.

The biographies written about Luther number in the thousands.  The question for those who want to know more about Luther is this: "Where to start?"

Jack D. Kilcrease and Erwin W. Lutzer have complied a book that will introduce you to Martin Luther.

"Martin Luther In His Own Words" offers key writings from Luther that will give you an idea of the condition of the church and how the reformer sought to bring God's Law and Gospel to his readers. In this small volume you'll find Luther holding forth on the three articles of the Creed; writings referencing the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians; a short snippet from his classic, "The Bondage of the Will," and more.

Admire the hope that Luther offers when he writes: "The Holy Spirit assures us that we are God's children no matter how furiously sin may rage within us, so long as we follow the Spirit and struggle against sin in order to kill it." (page 65)

Whether you are a Luther scholar or simply want to know about the reformer, this is a volume that should be on your bookshelf.

Our prayerful Jesus

Awaking early to pray (Mark 1:35)

Dismissing people to pray (Matthew 14:23)

Ascending a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28)

Crafting a model prayer to teach us to pray (Matthew 6:9-13)

Cleansing the temple so others could pray (Matthew 21:12-13)

Stepping into a garden to pray (Luke 22:39-46)

Jesus immersed His words and work in prayer. Powerful things happen when we do the same.

Max Lucado, "God Is With You Every Day" page 154

Remember, merciful Jesus

Remember, merciful Jesu, that I am the cause of Your journey.

From Mozart's "Requiem," as quoted in Philip Yancey's "What's So Amazing About Grace"

A need to worship

It's been a tough week for us.  My dear, sweet wife was struck down with a bad virus that ultimately led to her hospitalization.  A serious staph infection left her with pain in both shoulders.  Through this week she underwent two surgeries to deal with abscesses that had developed.  She is not bouncing back from all of this and we continue to be very concerned.

We have been encouraged by the prayers of family, friends and church family.  We are pleading with God to use any means at his disposal to bring healing and health to Sherri.  Having the opportunity to turn to God in worship, to receive His gifts of grace and to pour out our concerns at His throne of grace couldn't come at a better time.

On this Memorial Day weekend we will worship today at 5 pm and tomorrow at 8 and 11 am. I'm am speaking at all three services and the title to my message is, "The Problem with Waiting." Please come and join us this weekend at Life in Christ.

Say that again???

Our pastor was winding down. In the back of the church the fellowship committee stood to go to the church hall and prepare snacks for the congregation. Seeing them get up, Pastor Michel singled them out for praise. "Before they all slip out," he urged, "let's give these ladies a big hand in the rear."

Unwanted Houseguests

There were certainly times when fear and doubt and anxiety came knocking at my door. I would simply say, "You can come in but you're gonna have to hang out with faith, hope and trust - and they're not gonna let you stay here long.

Ernie Johnson Jr, "Unscripted," page 153

God's friendly heart

First, do not look at Christ's sufferings any longer; for they have already done their work and terrified you; but press through all difficulties and look to His friendly heart, how full of love it is toward you, which love constrained Him to bear the heavy load of your conscience and your sin.

Martin Luther, "Martin Luther in His Own Words," pages 122-123