Martin Luther

Mea e 'ai e tatau ma le aso

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God"  (Ephesians 2:8)

Yesterday, As we celebrated the memorial day of Martin Luther King Jr. and the non-violent civil rights movement he had help inspire.  Let us visit another Martin Luther before him, whose work kicked off the reformation movement that impacted world events, including the start of religious liberty throughout the world.  This blog will highlight a few reminders of these historical figures, men who has shaped the moral conscious of our country which affectedly changed society, that gave us the freedoms we enjoy today.

In a speech aired yesterday to commemorate the holiday recognizing one of America's greatest visionary leaders.  President Barack Obama was quoted "On Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, we commemorate, and we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King." said Obama.  "Dr. King guided us toward a mountaintop on which all Americans -- regardless of skin color -- could live together in mutual respect and brotherhood. His bold leadership and prophetic eloquence united people of all backgrounds in a noble quest for freedom and basic civil rights," 

"Inspired by Dr. King's legacy, brave souls have marched fearlessly, said Obama,  organized relentlessly, and devoted their lives to the unending task of perfecting our Union," ,"Their courage and dedication have carried us even closer to the Promised Land Dr. King envisioned, but we must recognize their achievements as milestones on the long path to true equal opportunity and equal rights." 

In the mid 1500’s, another Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546) was a Christian theologian and Augustinian monk whose teachings 95 theses helped inspire the Protestant Reformation and deeply influenced and revolutionized formation of new traditions within Christianity and the Counter-Reformation in the Roman Catholic Church, culminating at the Council of Trent.  His stand against the corrupt indulgence of Papacy Pope Leo X,  brought the Bible light into more common society, with the invention of the printing press, despite persecution from the church.

Some of his more famous quotes:  "There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right...." "We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone."   When brought to trial, Luther quoted  "I cannot choose but adhere to the word of God, which has possession of my conscience; nor can I possibly, nor will I even make any recantation, since it is neither safe nor honest to act contrary to conscience! Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God! Amen."

In every generation, God moves certain individuals to great achievement to accomplish His will, despite the challenges of the vast majority.  God called these men, to shape our world, according to His will.  Is there a Martin Luther in your future?

(Romans 8:30,31)  “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.  ^...What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Ia manuia,

failauga p. anoa'i