This is a book of the writings of Martin Luther. This made me think. It was kind of hard to understand because it was written so long ago. His words did bring about the change in the church. Although this caused the Protestant Revolution it also helped the Catholic Church to learn that they also needed to clean up their act also. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

My dad was a baptist preacher and I was raised very strict. I don’t remember once hearing about Martin Luther being mentioned once in the church. As I’ve gotten older, I have heard a bit about this man, but not enough to carry a conversation about. I found the book to be quite intriguing but hard to follow at times. I contribute that to my lack of knowledge of this man. I admire him for standing up for his faith and acknowledging that there was some unsavory things going on in the church. I wonder how many of us would be as bold as him? I have always been taught that if it can’t be backed up by the Bible, it is not true. Over the years I have been cautious as to what pastors say. I may not always agree with them, but if I can find scripture that backs up what they are saying, then I know it is from God.

Martin Luther was the type that would not stand for deceit and corruption he felt was going on in the church in the 1500s. In this book is his thoughts of where the church should be and what the Word said. I read the book and wanted to mention a few things he said that caught my attention. In “Theses “ 43 he talks about how we need to remind ourselves “ that our sins are forgiven , that we have the Spirit of Christ, that we are beloved children of God, we should be ever so happy and grateful to God.” Where we fail is when we walk in fear and doubt and forget that God loves us unconditionally. I need to remind myself of that daily.

In “Theses “53 I found it to be very powerful. As we sit in church and listen to the pastor, are we remembering that God ordained him to speak the Words that God ? “Therefore we must not separate or part God and man, according to our natural reason and understanding .” When the pastor speaks I want to soak in His Word and hear His voice. I think we get wrapped up in the man behind the pulpit and forget that he is a messenger for God. We sometimes put pastors on a pedestal and start to worship him instead of God.

I really enjoyed the book and found there to be many nuggets of truth through out the book. Readers may not agree on everything Martin Luther wrote , but I think it is worth reading with open ears and a open heart to see where his faith was. He doesn’t mince words and speaks with authority and truth. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about a man who “dared to question a practice of the Roman Catholic Church .”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Friday, November 24, 2017
95: The Ideas That Birthed the Reformation by Martin Luther, 1517

Small substitutions have been made to aid in continuity, style, and readability, but for the most part, what you will find on these pages is the original text from the indicated translations.
95: The Ideas That Birthed the Reformation, 6

Dr. Martin Luther delivered his "95 Theses" to the Catholic Church on October 31, 1517, containing essential that the Bible be the ultimate authority and salvation by faith alone and not by human works. The theses are referenced with Scripture. The Protestant Reformation has its beginning. The Bible to be translated and available to people to read in their own language.

44. Because, by a work of charity, charity increases, and the man becomes better; while, by means of pardons, he does not become better, but only freer from punishment.
There are three sorts of people: the first, the common sort, who live secure without remorse of conscience, acknowledging not their corrupt manners and natures, insensible of God's wrath, against their sins, and careless thereof. The second, those who through the law are scared, feel God's anger, and strive and wrestle with despair. The third, those that acknowledge their sins and God's merited wrath, feel themselves conceived and born in sin, and therefore deserving of perdition, but, notwithstanding, attentively hearken to the gospel, and believe that God, out of grace, for the sake of Jesus Christ, forgives sins, and so are justified before God, and afterward show the fruits of their faith by all manner of good works.
From Table Talk.
Ibid., 94

Five hundred years ago. Well worth reading.

***Thank you to Celebrate Lit for the invitation to join this book tour and to Whitaker House Publishing for sending a print copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.** ( )