Sermon Central
-
Martin Luther And The Gospel
Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Jul 20, 2022 (message contributor)
Martin Luther: 1483-1546
In 2017 – the 400th anniversary of the Reformation, I had the privilege to visit Wittenberg, Germany, birthplace of the Reformation. I walked the cobblestone streets, and even toured Luther’s home.
The prodigious Martin Luther appeared headed for the legal profession but surprised everyone when he declared his intentions to become a monk. As part of his preparation, he walked in pilgrimage from his hometown of Eisleben, Germany to Rome. A distance of some 1300 kilometers.
Upon his return he completed his doctoral degree and became professor of theology at Wittenberg University.
Luther had long struggled with the question, how can a mere sinner get right with the holy and transcendent God? He knew that judgement day was unavoidable and himself unprepared to stand before his judge.
His repeated and even tedious attempts of confession in the catholic confessional wore down all priests who heard him. Finally, a spiritual mentor told him (repeatedly), look to the wounds of Christ, for there you will find a full and sufficient pardon.
But it was a verse from Romans that changed his understanding of the gospel and triggered the Reformation: “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)
It was life-changing and earth shattering: From this fresh understanding of the gospel, his theology became centered in the cross and union with Christ.
From 1521 until his death in 1546 there was a bounty on Martin Luther’s head and a financial reward for the one who killed him off.
Said Luther, “To know that the just (justified) live by faith, is to be the freest person alive.”
Luther’s impact on the church – and world history - cannot be quantified. It is likewise impossible to exaggerate the importance of justification by faith for all believers in Christ our Lord.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
The Church Is Like Noah's Ark: The Stench Inside ... PRO
Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 29, 2003
“The church is like Noah’s ark: The stench inside would be unbearable if it weren’t for the storm outside. It’s true—sometimes we stink and the world is stormy. But as imperfect as we are on this side of heaven, the miracle is that God in fact chooses to ...read more
-
Moses Spend His First Forty Years Thinking He ... PRO
Contributed by Sheldon Boyd on Nov 30, 2004
“Moses spend his first forty years thinking he was somebody. He spend his second forty years learning he was a nobody. He spent his third forty years ...read more
-
In 1829 A Man Named George Wilson Was Arrested ...
Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006
In 1829 a man named George Wilson was arrested for robbery and murder in a US mail heist. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Some friends intervened on his behalf and were able to obtain his pardon from President Andrew Jackson. But when told of this, Wilson refused it ...read more
-
Max Lucado, In His Book, "Six Hours One Friday," ... PRO
Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 3, 2004
Max Lucado, in his book, “Six Hours One Friday,” tells the story of a missionary in Brazil who discovered a tribe of Indians in a remote part of the jungle. They lived near a large river. The tribe was in need of medical attention. A contagious disease was ravaging the population. People were dying ...read more
-
I Mentioned Brian Mclaren's Book "A Generous ... PRO
Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Feb 21, 2005
I mentioned Brian McLaren’s book “A Generous Orthodoxy” last week. The chapter after “Would Jesus Be a Christian” is titled, “Jesus, Savior of What?” In this chapter he argues that while Jesus did come to save us as individuals, we in the west have placed such a strong emphasis on personal ...read more
Related Sermons
-
How To Win The Battles Of Life Series
Contributed by Tom Shepard on Feb 18, 2016
This sermon looks at seven principles to win the battles of life. 1. Identify Your ENEMY 2. Don’t Be Driven By EMOTION 3. Take Your Problems To The LORD 4. Admit You Need HELP 5. Rely On God’s POWER 6. Relax In FAITH 7. Thank God In ADVANCE
-
"How God Tests Our Faith?” (Paano Pinatatatag Ang Ating Pananampalataya?) Part_1 Series
Contributed by Ritchie Guerrero on Oct 15, 2020
James 1:3-4 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
-
God Of All Possibilities
Contributed by John Newbaker on Mar 15, 2020
I come today bringing good news. In a world full of bad news, could you use some good news?
-
Doors: Open Or Closed
Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Aug 24, 2017
The majority of the body of Christ believes that God opens doors (a "yes" answer to prayer) and closes doors (a "no" answer to prayer) in their lives. Does scripture support such a belief?
-
Faith In Every Season Of Life Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 8, 2017
The natural seasons are winter, spring, summer and autumn; there are also spiritual seasons in our lives. What spiritual season are you experiencing now? Are you trusting God to help you in the season you are in?
