Reader 1: These words opened Martin’s eyes to the gifts of God to His people, and he finally found peace. As a consequence, the current practices in the church that focused on what a person could do to win their own salvation, namely purchasing indulgences to pardon sin or reduce ‘eternal penalties’, became something to wrong to him that he could no longer keep still. Reader 2: In response to some common practices in the Church, he posted a letter on the church door at Wittenberg. This posting of Luther’s “95 Theses”, on October 31, 1517, the eve of All Saint’s Day, is considered to be the beginning of the Reformation. Reader 1: These questions to church leaders did not go unnoticed by either the church leaders or the public. After being called into court to answer questions about his “95 Theses”, Martin Luther refused to recant what he had written. His statement at the end of the questioning contains his not famous words – “Here I stand”. On his return to Wittenberg in 1521, Martin Luther was exiled to the castle at Wartburg where he lived for over a year. During this stay, he translated all of the scripture from Latin, which was only understood by a few, into German, the language of his people. His translation of the Bible into the language of the people still serves as a standard for spoken and written scripture in the German language today. And the treasury of hymnody he left, both texts and music, is an enduring legacy that enriches not only Lutherans but all Christians. Reader 2: In 1525, Martin Luther married Katharina von Bora (known as Katie). During their years together, they had 6 children and a very happy marriage. For the rest of his life, Martin Luther continued as a professor at the University. He wrote books, gave lectures, and wrote many hymns. The best known of his hymns is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”. Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546 in Eisleben. He lived and died with the certainty that he was a redeemed child of God because of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s Grace and that no matter how dark or difficult the world around him became, he was assured of the eternal light of the presence of Christ. Pastor: When Martin Luther translated the Bible into the language of the people, they no longer had to have priests tell them what the Bible said; they could hear it read in their own language. Today the readings will be read from the middle of nave, to symbolize God’s Word freely available in our own hearing. SOLO: “Ancient Words” (David Schultz) FIRST READING (Lector 1) Revelation 14: 6-7 Then I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth – to every nation and tribe and language and people. He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give Him glory, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water. Reader 1: This is the Word of the Lord.

########## People: Thanks be to God!

######## EPISTLE READING (Reader 2) Romans 3: 19-28

Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For ‘no human being will be justified in his sight’ by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now, irrespective of law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift,