Sermon Central
-
To Martin Luther's Shame
Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jun 21, 2012 (message contributor)
TO MARTIN LUTHER'S SHAME
One of the blots on the career of the great German Reformer, Martin Luther, was his acquiescence to the bigamous marriage of Philip of Hess.
In 1530, at the height of the Reformation in Germany and where the Protestant cause was at its most vulnerable, Philip of Hesse organised the secular Protestant forces of the Reformation into what was known as the Schmal’ kaldic League.
On 11th December 1523, Philip married his first wife, Christine of Saxony, the daughter of an important ally George Duke of Saxony.
However Christine has been described by contempory sources as sickly and unattractive and was reputed to have a drinking probem.
So very soon after the marriage, Philip committed adultery with the daugther of one of his sister's ladies-in-waiting, Margarethe von der Saale.
And with time, he decided he wanted to marry her.
So he asked the Church for their blessing and the matter was discussed with the three great German Reformers, Luther, Methancthon and Bucer.
It was clearly something that was not Scriptural and Luther was unwilling to go along with it.
However, when Philip threatened to side with the Holy Roman Emperor against the Protestants, the Reformers gave in.
Instead of following the lead of Henry VIII and have a divorce, they decided that it would be better to sanction a bigamous marriage.
This took place on 4th December 1540, between Philip and Margarethe, to the eternal shame of the Reformation.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
I Remember When I Worked At The Post Office. A ... PRO
Contributed by Bruce Ball on Aug 10, 2005
I remember when I worked at the Post Office. A promotion came up and I was more than qualified for it. I put my paperwork in and did all the things necessary to get it. When the results of the promotion were listed, I never got it. I got very upset and even told my supervisor how very upset I ...read more
-
An Eiderly Widow, Restricted In Her Activities, ... PRO
Contributed by Tim Zingale on Aug 22, 2005
An eIderly widow, restricted in her activities, was eager to serve Christ. After praying about the matter, she decided that although she might not be capable of walking from house to house to invite others to Church, she was still able to play the piano. The next day she placed this small ad in ...read more
-
A Pastor Was Going Through A Crisis. His Little ... PRO
Contributed by Arulselvam Rayappan on Mar 1, 2005
A pastor was going through a crisis. His little daughter who was paralyzed was sitting in her chair as he entered the house with a package for his wife. Giving his daughter a big kiss he asked, "where is Mother?" "Upstairs," She replied. " Well, I have something for her" "Let me carry it to ...read more
-
There Is The Story Of A Young Man Who Was ...
Contributed by Bruce Ball on Aug 10, 2005
There is the story of a young man who was kayaking off the coast of New England, in some very treacherous waters. He capsized and was being swept out to ocean. He did not have the power to do fight the current, but he was able to pull his cell phone out of his pocket and call his father for ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Easter - The Journey To The Cross Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 19, 2019
A journey back through time nearly 2000 years to what some people call Holy Week or Passion Week. The days between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, days packed with real historical events of meaning and power.
-
The Pain Of Betrayal
Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Aug 13, 2017
The story of Joseph is a story of betrayal by those closest to you. But it is also a story of how God will see you through, no matter what you face, and how God can bring good out of the worst possible situation.
-
Anatomy Of Betrayal
Contributed by John Oscar on Apr 3, 2017
In teaching about Judas' betrayal of Jesus, we learn about how to handle it ourselves
-
Betrayed But Not Bitter
Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Aug 7, 2021
How to follow God even though you have been betrayed.
-
Crossing The Kidron Valley
Contributed by Bright Adeyeye on Sep 7, 2020
David’s heart was broken as a result betrayal. As he ran out of Jerusalem, he walked across the Kidron valley. Have you been betrayed? How do you move forward after a betrayal?
