Martin Luther- 18 February

 On the 18th day of February 1546, Martin Luther died professing the faith he proclaimed. Luther was an Augustinian friar, a priest, a doctor of theology, a professor of Bible studies, and the great reformer of the Western Church. Although he had his human flaws, Luther was a bold and intelligent Christian preacher and teacher. He emphasized Scripture, the Creeds, Christ as Savior, divine grace, justification by faith, and the importance of the sacraments. 

In addition, despite the negative opinions of Henry VIII and some others in Anglican history, Luther's thought and reforms have greatly influenced Anglicanism from the sixteenth century to the present. Both the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles reflect his influence in theology and practice. So today, we offer a prayer of thanks for Luther and his work on behalf of the Gospel and church reform.

Martin Luther- 10 November

Among all the happenings of November, one important event is often overlooked. On November 10, 1483, Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Saxony, Germany. He was born to Hans Luder (or Ludher, later spelled Luther) and his wife Margarethe Lindemann Ludher. Martin Luther was baptized the next morning on the feast day of St. Martin of Tours.

Of course, Luther later became an Augustinian friar, a priest, a doctor of theology, a professor of Bible studies, and the great reformer of the Western Church. Despite his human flaws, Luther was a bold and intelligent Christian preacher and teacher. He emphasized Scripture, Christ as Savior, divine grace, faith, and the Sacraments. Directly and indirectly, his thoughts and his reforms influenced Anglicanism. Henry VIII did not like Luther; neither did some of the Puritans. Nevertheless, both the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles reflect Luther's influence in theology and practice. So today, let us acknowledge his birth and his work on behalf of the Gospel.