God's Prophetic People - A People of Passion, Purpose And Power

God's Prophetic People

B. HISTORICAL (2 Peter 1:12) 1. Martin Luther Many people think of Martin Luther only as the one who nailed the ninety-five theses on a church door in Germany in the sixteenth century. Many only think of Martin Luther as a theologian, a man deep into the Word of God. Thankfully this was not the only thing Martin Luther did. Yes, Martin Luther was a significant player in the reforming of Christianity during his time. He wrote many books and expounded upon many different books of the Bible. He clarified the Protestant theology, printed the Bible in the language of the people, and was known for being the person who restored the singing of the Psalms back to the church. In John Calvin: The Strasbourg Years (1538-1541), Matthieu Arnold noted a bystander’s comment on the influence Martin Luther had during his time: “Everyone sings, men, and women. It is a lovely sight. Each has a music book in his hand . . . As I looked on this little company of exiles, I wept, not for sadness but for joy to hear them all singing so heartily, as they sang giving thanks to God that He had led them to a place where His name is glorified.” 8 reformation throughout the Body of Christ. He was a brilliant theologian, writing numerous books on theology and church practices. Yet at the heart of this great theologian was a worshiper. He saw the connection of worship to theology. He stated: “We know by experience that singing has vigor to move and inflame the hearts of men to invoke the praise of God with a more element of ardent zeal.” 9 2. John Calvin John Calvin was also a main player in bringing 3. John Wesley John Wesley, a man known for bringing about a great revival through the lands, saw the great importance of worship and the Word to bring about a true revival in the hearts of

89

A People of Passion, Purpose, and Power / © Brian Daehn