(Yep, Luther livin large.)
In Church History, we are now (finally!) focusing our study on the Protestant Reformation. THIS is what I've been waiting for! While the early church fathers are interesting, and the early issues the church faced are incredibly important, I cannot keep Athanasius from blending into Ambrose... or Cyril and Clement and Irenaeus and Ignatius... from Antioch, Alexandria, Rome ROME ROME. So HOORAY for Luther, Zwingli and Calvin!
Interesting about Luther, though. Sure I watched the movie with Joe Fiennes... but in studying Luther as himself: his personality in contrast with his theology, his spirit in concord with his protest, he is perhaps not the quintessential Christian model of righteous living. He made mistakes. He spoke controversially, and often lived controversially. He is, though, a characteristic, outspoken, totally unreserved Christian - going through the typical highs and lows of the faith. Something we neglect to remember sometimes: Christians suffer. Christians struggle with faith, with trust. The supposed "Health and Wealth Gospel" cannot answer for that. Some gospel. REAL hope and REAL truth is found in Christ alone. Solo Christo.
We may struggle against Him, in our fallen human state - thinking we hold the answers, are capable of holding the answers, though the secret things belong to God (Deut 29:29). Real hope and REAL truth is found in the Person of Jesus Christ. And if we, like Luther, find our foundation in this truth, the joy is ours.
Consider with me the lyrics to Luther's famous hymn. Treasure these truths!
A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our shelter He, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow'r are great, And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth is His name, From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And tho' this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim -- We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly pow'rs -- No thanks to them -- abideth:
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Thro' Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
