by Rebecca Kocsis
Speaker at the upcoming Building Your Family’s Spiritual Heritage Symposium November 16, 2013
Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Wikipedia image
OK, history buffs. What extremely important, momentously pivotal event took place on October 31, 1517? Does Wittenberg, Germany ring any bells?
On this date nearly 500 years ago, a little known but very brave monk posted 95 grievances against the church of Rome on the north door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The monk’s name was Martin Luther, and that was the beginning of the Reformation.
From this era in history came many biblical distinctions.
- Sola scriptura – scripture alone, as opposed to the traditions of men, should rule our lives.
- Christ alone is the mediator between God and man.
- God’s grace alone is responsible for our salvation.
- Justification by faith alone brings us favor with God. We cannot earn God’s favor.
To God Alone Be the Glory!
As Halloween approaches, rather than cringe at the costumes and the candy, read to your children about the heroic life of Martin Luther. Did you know there are more books written about this man than any other figure in history except Christ? Learn the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, which was penned by Luther himself. Memorize part of Luther’s statement at the Diet of Worms (printed below) when he was called upon by the emperor to recant his theses. Whatever you do, don’t let the devil have this day. It’s not Halloween. It’s Reformation Day!
“Your Imperial Majesty,and your lordships demand a simple answer. Here it is, plain and unvarnished. Unless I am convicted of error by the testimony of scripture or (since I put no trust in the unsupported authority of popes or councils, since it is plain they have often erred and often contradicted themselves) by manifest reasoning I stand convicted by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God’s Word. I cannot and I will not recant anything. For to act against our conscience is neither safe, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.” Martin Luther
Rebecca has been married to her beloved Ed for 35 years. They homeschooled their five children for 22 years. All of them graduated from their homeschool. They are now the proud grandparents of four boys and a girl. Rebecca, a former PSP administrator, currently serves as CHEA’s Support Network director and on the CHEA Board of Directors. She is the author of Let Not Your Feathers Be Ruffled. Rebecca is a speaker at the upcoming Building Your Family’s Spiritual Heritage Symposium November 16, 2013 at Calvary Chapel Rancho Cucamonga. Online registration is available through November 7.