Gwen and Roger Kirk have put together an amazing set of books and study Bibles (in the sanctuary) for our edification and christian growth. Gwen writes here to tell us more about the biographies we have available:
October 31st is celebrated by most Americans as Halloween, but many Christians around the world know it as the date Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenburg church door, exposing blatant corruptions of the Roman Catholic Church, thus sparking the German Reformation. Luther’s plan was to reform the church; instead he became its #1 enemy, threatened with death. Kidnapped and hidden away by his friends, Luther translated the Bible into German so the people could read the truth for themselves. Next year Christianity will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Luther’s bold and courageous stand for truth.
An esteemed papal notary [lawyer], John Knox of Scotland came under gospel influence in the mid-1500’s. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 was the solid rock to which he anchored himself by faith alone. As he grew in grace and studied the Scriptures, Knox confessed, “It pleased God to call me from the puddle of Papistry.” His association as bodyguard to another staunch reformer drew dangerous attention to himself when that friend was burned at the stake. Knox eventually became a renowned teacher and preacher of extraordinary ability. From St. Andrews castle, he was once captured and spent 19 months as a galley slave rowing a French battleship, but God restored this servant to fearlessly thunder forth His truth in Scotland and England. Steven Lawson wrote “If Martin Luther was the hammer of the Reformation and John Calvin the pen, John Knox was the trumpet.” It was reportedly said by Queen Mary, “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than the combined armies of Europe.”
Browse the book table to read more of these great men, along with John Calvin, the French reformer, who considered their temporal afflictions as light and momentary and looked forward to the things which are not seen, eternal in the heavens.
--Gwen
October 31st is celebrated by most Americans as Halloween, but many Christians around the world know it as the date Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenburg church door, exposing blatant corruptions of the Roman Catholic Church, thus sparking the German Reformation. Luther’s plan was to reform the church; instead he became its #1 enemy, threatened with death. Kidnapped and hidden away by his friends, Luther translated the Bible into German so the people could read the truth for themselves. Next year Christianity will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Luther’s bold and courageous stand for truth.
An esteemed papal notary [lawyer], John Knox of Scotland came under gospel influence in the mid-1500’s. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 was the solid rock to which he anchored himself by faith alone. As he grew in grace and studied the Scriptures, Knox confessed, “It pleased God to call me from the puddle of Papistry.” His association as bodyguard to another staunch reformer drew dangerous attention to himself when that friend was burned at the stake. Knox eventually became a renowned teacher and preacher of extraordinary ability. From St. Andrews castle, he was once captured and spent 19 months as a galley slave rowing a French battleship, but God restored this servant to fearlessly thunder forth His truth in Scotland and England. Steven Lawson wrote “If Martin Luther was the hammer of the Reformation and John Calvin the pen, John Knox was the trumpet.” It was reportedly said by Queen Mary, “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than the combined armies of Europe.”
Browse the book table to read more of these great men, along with John Calvin, the French reformer, who considered their temporal afflictions as light and momentary and looked forward to the things which are not seen, eternal in the heavens.
--Gwen