Thursday, December 3, 2009

Luther

This evening's Bible class was regarding Roman Catholic teaching and how it is contrary to God's word. It was very eye-opening to see how the Roman Catholic church teaches dependence on works to reach salvation-- not rest in Christ's finished work on the Cross. This lesson and the notes for this lesson should be downloaded on Orwell Bible Church's website in a couple days so you can listen to it if you wish!

In the course of the lesson, Pastor Greenfield mentioned Martin Luther several times, as Luther was one of the people who broke through the darkness of the Church and helped people to search the Scriptures for themselves. All that talk about Martin Luther made me itching to see this again (that's the trailer for it actually; I want to see the movie ;-) )!! (even though I saw it only a month ago) :-P

I love the film Luther as it brings to life the man who "revolutionized" the world. To see his inner struggle, his realization that the Church and works cannot save a person, the darkness of the people and the Light that the Gospel brings is just amazing. Of course, like any movie put out by Hollywood, there are some aspects of Luther's life and of the Bible that they could have emphasized better, but it is almost like an embellishment to a biography-- helps you envision it-- helps you think. I love this movie!!

Plugged In (a Christian site for movie reviews, I believe from Focus on the Family) has a good review on it to give you an idea of whether it is something you want to watch and will make you aware of a couple spots that may not be suitable for younger viewers. (We usually fast forward the peasant revolts scenes because they are, I guess, pretty graphic (I haven't seen those parts actually) .) In any case, if you want a stirring movie and a greater appreciation for the Word of God that you can read and study for yourself, watch Luther! :-)

Some quotes by Luther (some in real life, some from the movie):

(at the Diet of Worms)-- "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason and not by Popes and councils who have so often contradicted themselves, my conscience is captive to the word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I cannot and I will not recant. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me."

(in a sermon)--"So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: 'I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!' "

(to the priest that sent him to Wittenberg to study the Bible)-- "That day when you sent me out so boldly to change the world, did you really think there wouldn't be a cost?"


Bible verses on the Word of God--

"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." (Psalm 119:130)

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." (Isaiah 40:8)

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5)

3 comments:

Amanda said...

Amen! That was a great lesson, and that's a great movie.

Lilly said...

I watched it too. I thought it was very well done. There were only two things I wish were different.

(1) I wish he would have had a little more passionate volume at the Diet of Worms. I don’t think he would have been that soft spoken.

(2) Although I am glad they mention his wife I REALLY wish they would have portrayed their life together and their children.

His family really had a big effect on his life and I truly believe he couldn’t have been half the man he was with out Katie.
Other than that I really liked it!

Margaret Dashwood said...

That is such a neat movie, I love it!!