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“Here I Stand. So Help Me God.” A Lesson In Bravery
In 1521, one man feared God more than he feared men. He changed the church and all of history for you and I. April 18th is the anniversary for the day in which Martin Luther stood before a council of both church and government, and declared, “Here I stand.” We can learn much from his boldness.
We would all be better men (and women) to listen to the message attached to this post, read the words, and know the story of a man who was called by God to be bold enough to defy everything he knew for the conviction of God’s word in his life. Plus I’ll tell you how you can get a free ebook and other resources.
An Example Of Courage, Even When Scared
On The Majesty’s Men here, we try to be very clear that we are open to conversation and input from everyone, from any denomination set of beliefs. However, we also have a fairly general, yet firmly planted, conviction of beliefs ourselves.
One of these, is that scripture, the Bible, is God’s word to us in written form. We believe that it does have the power and authority in our lives to direct our lives and thinking, decide our lives and thinking, and thus change our lives and thinking.
We believe it is infallible, without error in it’s teachings, and so we stand on it above all authorities of man. For myself, it is easy to take this thinking for granted, but it actually hasn’t always been this way.
It took the bravery of one man who read the scriptures for himself, prayed like a mad man, sought out God for his strength, and decided that he would do God’s will (as he understood through scripture, prayer and circumstances), and he would face the hatred and life threatening backlash of the men and the church he would stand against.
Many of us have heard some about the Reformation, but before the reformation started, Martin Luther stood on this day and said,
“Unless I am convinced by Scripture or by clear reasoning that I am in error – for popes and councils have often erred and contradicted themselves – I cannot recant, for I am subject to the Scriptures I have quoted; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. It is unsafe and dangerous to do anything against ones conscience. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. So help me God. Amen.”
I hope and pray to have the courage it would take to be a man like this. I have admired Martin Luther’s words for most of my life, but I want to know more about his actions as well. It’s easy for us to hear words and get all excited, but the power is when we take actions that stand for the words we believe.
I want to be that kind of man, and I want to know those kind of men.
May we be men of courage! Take stands for the truth! It has nothing to do with not being scared; it has everything to do with being obedient!
Get A Free EBook And Other Resources On Martin Luther’s Life
I have many books on Martin Luther’s life. There is much to learn from the man. Here are a couple top-notch free resources to start:
- Martin Luther: Lessons From His Life and Labor by John Piper – A free and concise ebook resource from Desiring God ministries.
- An audio message of a biographical sketch of his life with the same title as above from a Desiring God conference.
Another great book is The Heroic Boldness Of Martin Luther (ePub) at Ligonier Ministries.
An excellent documentary has come out in recent years as well, which you can rent or purchase here: Luther: The Life and Legacy of the Germon Reformer
There are dozens of other excellent biographies, books, videos, documentaries from this great man of faith and courage. These are just a few that can get you started.
Any other resources you’d recommend? I’d love to hear if any of you grab these resources and then what you think of them! Let’s hear it in the comments below!
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