9 Stories to Celebrate Reformation
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We love reading stories—especially true ones that inspire and encourage our faith and remind us of God’s truth. We tend not to read too many Halloween stories this time of year, instead we prefer to remember the Reformation—a pivotal moment in church history that helped ensure we can read God’s word.
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Quick recap in case you didn’t learn about the reformation. Over 500 years ago, the majority of people weren’t able to read the Bible for themselves because it was written in Latin. People relied on priests to explain what the Bible said. But the papacy and a lot of priests were teaching things incongruent with the Scriptures.
A few priests during this time were studying the Scriptures and realizing the discordance between the Roman Catholic Church’s teachings and stances and the Bible. One of the most famous of the time was Martin Luther who discovered that the Bible tells us that salvation isn’t something we earn through good works or payments to the church but a free gift of grace through faith in Jesus. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
On October 31, 1517, Luther nailed his 95 Theses—a list of challenges against the church—to the church door in Wittenberg. This was considered a rebellious act and sparked the flame that helped reform the church. It quickly spread across Europe and encouraged people back to the Truth in Scripture.
Many other brave men and women risked their lives to help teach people the truth that Christ alone saves—translating the Bible into common languages and teaching the gospel.
Because of these brave men and women, we can now hold the Bible in our own language and read the very words of God ourselves and know that through Christ alone our hope is found.
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Learning about heroes of the Christian faith helps encourage our walks with the Lord. God uses ordinary men and women to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. Celebrating the reformation during a traditionally dark night helps shine the light of Jesus—celebrating the faithfulness of God through the lives of His people.
Here are 9 stories to celebrate the Reformation—a collection to inspire young hearts to love Scripture, stand firm in faith, and thank God for the gift of His Word.
Reformation ABCs is a fun book that helps teach kids about the important people, places, and pivotal events of the Reformation through the alphabet. It’s instructive for kids and adults!
The Barber Who Wanted to Pray is a beautiful story about a barber who asks Martin Luther for guidance in prayer. Luther teaches the barber to pray in a simple, meaningful way, that we can all glean from.
Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World is the story of Martin Luther, detailing his life, faith, and courageous stand for God’s Word during the Reformation—making the Bible accessible to all.
The Woman Who Helped a Reformer is the story of Katharine Luther, wife to Martin Luther who lived in an old monastery, took care of lots of children and supported her busy husband. She was a hard worker who gave all the thanks to God.
Katharine von Bora: The Morning Star of Wittenberg: is the story of Martin Luther’s wife whom he called the “Morning Star of Wittenberg.” This story retells in greater detail Katharine’s life, escaping from a convent, marrying a famous preacher, and embodying selfless stewardship.
John Knox: The Boy Who Changed a Country is the story of a young man and how God used his courage and love for His Word to shape the Scottish Reformation. It is part of the Do Great Things for God series, which is an excellent series that tells stories of other faithful Christians and how God used their courage to change history.
Reformation Heroes retells inspiring true stories of Christians during the Reformation who stood firm in their faith, trusting in God above all else. God used these ordinary believers in extraordinary ways to change the world for His glory.
Christian Biographies for Young Readers tells beautiful stories of faithful men and women from history who loved and served God. These books help highlight how God worked through each person’s life to make Himself known.
The Church History ABCs (similar to Reformation ACSs) is a fun book that introduces kids (and adults) to famous heroes of the faith through engaging rhymes and colorful pictures. It’s a beautiful reminder that God has always used ordinary people to do extraordinary things throughout history.
May God use these stories from the Reformation to convict and encourage you in your faith, while inspiring the next generation. May you be reminded that the same God who built up courageous believers 500 years ago, is still at work today as we read His word, teach it to our children, and walk by faith.
