Reformation Day

I learned today that Martin Luther's 95 theses were posted to
start an academic discussion. He had no idea that
God would use those statements against indulgences to reform the church. I bought a book about Luther's hymns at the Film Conference this past weekend in Franklin, Tenn. Luther gave the German people the Bible in vernacular
language and Hymn books
Both gave life to the churches and to the nation of Germany.

The hymn which he composed on his way to Worms,
and which he and his companion
chanted as they entered that city,
is a regular war-song. The old cathedral
trembled when it heard these novel
sounds.
The very rooks flew from their
nests in the towers. That hymn,
the Marseillaise of the Reformation, has
 preserved to this day its potent spell
over German hearts."

Have you thought about a cathedral trembling from hymns!

Luther wrote in his first preface to the hymnal:

 These songs have been set in four parts, for no other
reason than because I wished to provide our young people
(who
both will and ought to be instructed in music and other
sciences) with something whereby they might rid
themselves of
amorous and carnal songs, and in their stead learn
something
wholesome, and so apply themselves to what is good with
pleasure, as becometh the young.

AND a taste of some of the theses:

Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.

In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.

66. The treasures of the indulgences are nets with which they now fish for the riches of men.

94. Christians are to be exhorted that they be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hell;

95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven rather through many tribulations, than through the assurance of peace.