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THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF MARTIN LUTHER (1483-1546)

Text: Hebrews 11
24 October 2010

(I) WHEN DARKNESS PREVAILED

1. When forgiveness of sin was taught as something that could be bought with money

2. When salvation was taught as something that could be earned by good deeds

3. The Church failed to bring light and salvation through the preaching of the Scriptures

(II) MARTIN LUTHER- REFORMER

1. Martin Luther’s early life

a) Well educated

b) But terrible fear of judgment from God

c) Out of fear (severe thunderstorm) devoted his life to being a monk

2. Search for Salvation

a) Monastic life

c) Praying and fasting

Pilgrimage

d) Confession and penance

e) None of the above brought peace to his soul

3. Finding salvation in the reading of the Scriptures

a) Main books: Psalms, Hebrews, Romans, Galatians

b) Doctrine of Justification: God declares sinners who believe in Christ as Righteous

4. He challenged the Roman Catholic Church and taught the following doctrines:-

a) Salvation is a free gift from God ( Romans 5:15-16 )

b) It is granted to anyone who expresses faith in Christ ( Ephesians 2:8-9 )

c) The Bible is the only source of divine revelation ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17 )

d) All believers form the priesthood ( 1 Peter 2:9 )

(III) BIRTH OF THE PROTESTANT MOVEMENT

1. Break from Papacy

2. Sola Fide (By faith alone)

3. Sola Scriptura (The Scriptures alone)

4. The Protestant Church was born

(IV) MARTIN LUTHER’S LEGACY

1. Catechisms

a) Larger Catechism (manual for pastors)

b) Small Catechism (catechumen)

2. Translation of the Bible into German

3. Prolific Hymn writer