Today marks the 500th anniversary of the Ninety-Five Theses, or specifically them being sent by Martin Luther to the Archbishop of Mainz. On this date 500 years ago, one of the most significant events in history, particularly western history, was taking place. This event ranks right there with events like invasion of Poland in 1939, the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in 1914, the reign of Henry VIII, the Declaration of Independence, and the crossing of the Rubicon. These events all marked a turning point, where western civilization spiraled in a new direction.
The many protestant denominations that exists today are here because of this event and the protestant reformation that followed. Martin Luther, an Augustinian Priest and Professor began to question practices and beliefs in the Catholic Church and the more he read scripture, the more he questioned. Until on October 31, 1517 he sent his 95 Theses and ultimately nailed them to the door of the church.
Luther changed the shape of the world and the church. But none of this happens if he doesn’t personally read the scriptures. Luther’s study of the Bible is what led him to his conviction, which in his courage he acted upon. Ask yourself, of what am I convicted? What is God stirring in your heart? If there is nothing there, I would encourage you to go to scripture, ask God to give you your cause and have the courage to act boldly when he calls.
John-David M. Culbertson 