the story of martin luther, part 1

8/2/2019 The Story of Martin Luther, Part 1

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The monks taught the children that if they

wanted to go to heaven when they died, they

had to pay for their sins by doing good works

and praying to the saints.

To avoid Godspunishment, you must

not sin.

Marn always felt like God was

angry with him. Though he had

learned about God, he didnt under-

stand that God is love (1 John 4:8).

God feelsso very far

away.

The only me he felt close to God waswhen he walked by himself through the

woods.

Marn would oen sing as he walked.One day while passing by a church

Everything is so beautiful.

Its as if God is everywhere!

When I sing, Idont feel sad.

Excuse me, young man.

Who taught youto sing like that?

No one taught me,sir.

I just like to sing!

I often earn a few

coins by singing in

the streets.

Would you like to

sing in my choir?

Id be very gladto, sir!


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And thats when Marn received his rst training to sing, a skill that God was going to

wonderfully use later on. Marn also learned to play the ute and the lute, a stringed

instrument which is similar to a guitar.

Marn was a brilliant student, andconnued his educaon at the

University of Erfurt, where he eventually

studied to become a lawyer.

Martin, with your quick mind, youll

soon know every detail of the law.

Thank you, sir.

One of the greatest events of Marns lifehappened one day at the university.

Hmm, the Holy Bible. This is

probably an interesting book.

I think Ill read it.

For God did not send his Son into the

world to condemn the world, but in

order that the world might be saved

through him (John 3:17 ESV).

Fascinating! I wonder if thatmeans I can be saved, even

though Im so bad?

Why didnt someone tell me

before that the Bible says this?

From then on, Marn was deeply

interested in reading the Bible to learnmore about God and how to please Him.


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Before connuing on

with advanced studies,

Marn Luther went to

spend a brief holiday

with his parents and

friends.

You are as good with your lute as you

are with your books.

Ha! Ha!

My son is a fine young man.Hes a scholar. Why, even I

call him sir.

Ha, ha, ha!

Heres to Martin! May he become

one of the greatest lawyers in

all of Germany!

Im honored Thank you, my friends.

Prost!

Prost!

But God had other plans for him.

During the journey back to the university:

Dont worry, Martin, its

just a summer storm.

We must find shelter!

Suddenly, lightning

struck!Well make it

back safely.


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Aaugh

Franz? Franz!

Oh no! Hes dead!

God must be angry!

I must earnforgiveness. Oh

God, I promise tobecome a monk.

And so, Marn, afraid of death,decided to leave his family and his

career, and joined the Augusnian

Monastery at Erfurt.

What do you want, my son?

I beg your mercy and Gods

mercy, Father. I want to

become a monk.

Life in a monastery is very hard,my son. There is little food, little

sleep, many long prayers, and

much hard work. Are you prepared

for this type of life?

Yes, Father. Ill do all I can!

Marn thought that he

could earn Gods mercy

through his good works. And

how hard he tried! He dideverything he was told and

much more.

He went without food for

days at a me and lay on

the cold stone oor for

hours saying long prayers.

Hear me, O

almighty God!

He would go

begging somemes

for days on end.

Alms,2

please?

2

money given tohelp the poor


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He spent so much me telling the monks about his sins

that they didnt want to listen anymore.

Brothers, I am a terrible sinner!

I must confess.

Martin, please. Lets not talk about it.

Many years later

Marn said, If ever

a monk could get to

heaven by his monkery

it was I. But the more

he tried to be perfect,the more he realized

what a hopeless

sinner he was. It was

impossible to save

himself no maer what

he did!

Then one day, Marn spoke from hisheart to the head of the monastery.

Father, I cant find peace inmy soul. God is angry at me!

Dont be a fool, Brother Martin.

God loves you!

It says in the Holy Bible thatIf we confess our sins, He is

faithful and just to forgive us

our sins (1 John 1:9 KJV).

It says that?!

I think the time is right. Here

is a present for youyour

very own copy of the sacred

Scriptures!

Thank you, Father John!

Hungry for the truth, Marn spent long

hours reading through his Lan Bible. And

one day he found a verse that stood out like

a ash of light.

The righteous shalllive by faith (Romans1:17 ESV).

Hmm? I wonder if that means that faithalone can save me?

(To be continued.)

S&S link: Christian Life and Faith: Witnessing and Missionary Training: Great Men and Women of God-1b

Authored by Simon Peterson, based on writings published by TFI. Illustrations by Jeremy. Design by Christia Copeland.

Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright 2012 by The Family International
http://www.mywonderstudio.com/http://www.mywonderstudio.com/

the story of martin luther, part 1

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