Picture Books We Love: Martin Luther A Man Who Changed the World

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation by nailing 95 theses to the doors of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.  These were concerns he had with teachings of the church because he found no support for them in the Scriptures.  Instead of celebrating Halloween, our family celebrates this important day, Reformation Day.  Last year, we purchased Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed The World by Paul L. Maier for our celebration.  This book is a beautifully illustrated biography of Luther's life written for children.  I love the way this book begins!  The author puts everything in context: people fall into sin and error, yet God lovingly sends messengers to purify His church.  This has happened throughout history.  Martin Luther was a man, used by God to expose sin and error in the church, so that the Gospel might be proclaimed!  Early in life, Luther did not have peace.  As a monk, he was actively engaged in a pursuit for the forgiveness of his sins. Through his study of the Bible, he found salvation to be a free gift of God, not something that could be earned or bought.  His desire to share this gift with others led to great conflict with the church.  Luther's life was in danger because he maintained his belief in the biblical teaching that salvation is a free gift of God.  He lived to please God, not man.  He longed for treasures in heaven, not on earth.  Luther wrote sermons, letters, essays, books, catechisms, even hymns.  Luther died a blessed man at peace with God, confident that his sins had been forgiven.