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A Martyr's Faith in a Faithless World
Lutheran theology is glorious and mysterious. It is relatable and applicable. It is for everyone, in any time, in any place. But it also can be intimidating. A Martyr's Faith in a Faithless World serves as a starting point for those looking to start reading theological works and deepen their understanding of Lutheran theology. Short, poignant chapters show the practical side of Lutheran theology and extol the doctrine of the catechism and the Lutheran Church as true, good, and beautiful. Ultimately, readers will come away with a desire for more theology and a renewed confidence and comfort in God's Word. The budding theologian, the newly catechized, the curious college student, and the inquiring visitor all will be at home in this book. A Martyr's Faith in a Faithless World serves as a great next step for those who have just finished adult confirmation classes and are looking to continue growing in their understanding of Lutheran theology.
200 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2019
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118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 1, 2020
This book was not what I expected. Based upon the title, I thought it would be more about the lives of martyrs, but there was actually relatively little about martyrs. Each section of the book began with a brief two-page account of an ancient martyr, but the majority of the book was an in-depth look at the parable of the sower. Pastor Wolfmueller explores the tactics of the devil to snatch the seed of faith before it has a chance to take root, and how the devil uses the thorns and weeds of this world (both suffering and pleasure) to choke out that faith. He examines what it means to be the “good dirt” in the parable, and holds up the martyrs as heroes for modern-day Christians of those who, by God’s grace and strength, remained the good dirt even unto martyrdom. The final chapter of the book is especially poignant, as Pastor Wolfmueller paints for the reader a vivid account of running the race pictured in Hebrews 12. As we run the “final lap” of that race in our lives, we begin to see those in the crowd who have gone before us, cheering us on. The scene brings me to tears each time I read it. I highly recommend this book to all Christians as they run the race set before them, fixing their eyes on Jesus.
March 27, 2025
Solid read, feels like the type of book you’d assign to a highschooler who is staring to take their faith seriously. Not super in depth, and honestly not that much written about the martyrs and their faith despite the title. But the book is well written, pretty concise, Pastor Wolfmueller has some excellent stories and illustrations throughout. Solid read but not something I’ll probably come back to.
July 21, 2020
This book is exceptional and timely. Before I read the book, based upon the title, I thought it would be similar to the book "Jesus Freaks" from the 90s: a collection of biographies about Christian martyrs. There are indeed brief biographies of Christian martyrs introducing the sections within this book, but that is not the substance of the book. "A Martyr's Faith..." is mostly a book about suffering, caused either internally by our own natures or externally by evil or persecution. Using the Parable of the Sower as an outline, Wolfmueller expertly indentifies how suffering effects one's faith, how we endure, and most importantly, who God is FOR US in the midst of suffering. Although an easy read, the substance is rich, so I read this book very slowly, wanting to absorb the insight of each section before moving on to the next. Scripture is quoted frequently and expounded upon in such a way that I imagine a topical bible study could be derived from this book. I could've highlighted 90% of the book and I want to read it again.
May 5, 2023
An inspirational overview of martyrs and their faith that led them to lives of heroic sacrifice. A seasoned Lutheran may not learn too much that is new, but they will be inspired to hold fast to what is true.
October 20, 2019
“The church should be instructed by faith; that is the golden garment. Then it must be adorned with love and patience, ‘that it may glory in tribulation’ (Romans 5:3). Then, if anyone undergoes persecution for the sake of the Word, he may say: ‘Quite right. I have sought this by my preaching, that I might excite the world and Satan against me. But I will not quit on this account.’ So this dance will be danced correctly.”
July 1, 2020
Good things first. This book is fine, and I only gave it two stars for reasons I will explain later. I really enjoyed the previews of each part of the book with the little write-ups about the martyrs, as it reminds us of what Christians across all times endured to pass along the faith to us, and to remind us that they are still part of the Church that we worship with even though not presently here on earth. It is a fine book theologically, and is a good modern commentary basically on Luther's Small Catechism. I will always recommend Pastor Wolfmueller's works to all, and I truly enjoy his material and his pastoral demeanor. He is really not the reason I give this book two stars.
The Reason: My friend (who read this book before me) and I have talked about this book and what we thought about it. He had finished it and I was in the middle of it. We both expected and would have liked more treatment of martyrs and their faith and lives. Our beloved publishing house shares this rating with the author of this book for the simple reason that if you have read other books by CPH recently, it is not much different than the other contemporary works that expound on the Small Catechism. Having read most of the books in this category put out by CPH in the last 15-20 years, this book just isn't unique. And maybe I'm a bit salty about this part, but in the latter half of the book there are a few noticeable typos (which one can expect in any work) but the amount of typing errors in the second half of a small book is disappointing (I'm sorry for nitpicking).
All in all, despite the rating, this book is fine. I even recommend it if you haven't read other similar books by CPH. Or if you're like me and you just can't help yourself from reading anything CPH puts out, this is a quick and easy read, and there is always room for more reflection on the Lutheran faith and the Catechism.
The Reason: My friend (who read this book before me) and I have talked about this book and what we thought about it. He had finished it and I was in the middle of it. We both expected and would have liked more treatment of martyrs and their faith and lives. Our beloved publishing house shares this rating with the author of this book for the simple reason that if you have read other books by CPH recently, it is not much different than the other contemporary works that expound on the Small Catechism. Having read most of the books in this category put out by CPH in the last 15-20 years, this book just isn't unique. And maybe I'm a bit salty about this part, but in the latter half of the book there are a few noticeable typos (which one can expect in any work) but the amount of typing errors in the second half of a small book is disappointing (I'm sorry for nitpicking).
All in all, despite the rating, this book is fine. I even recommend it if you haven't read other similar books by CPH. Or if you're like me and you just can't help yourself from reading anything CPH puts out, this is a quick and easy read, and there is always room for more reflection on the Lutheran faith and the Catechism.
October 27, 2020
I read this book with my church's book club group. It is such a great book. It is full of hope and comfort, encouragement and truth. This is one that all Christians should pick up!
May 2, 2021
I listened to this book ~ I will be buying a copy for my bookshelf. A clear voice we need in our culture about being a Christian standing strong!
December 18, 2019
Do not let the title fool you. This is not a book about the martyrs of the church though the martyrs are frequently mentioned. What this book is about is spiritual warfare and the Gospel defenses God has given us that we might win the victory. Pastor Wolfmueller takes the lives of five martyrs for each section of his book and then interprets them in light of the Parable of the Sower. This book is not a systematic or dry study of the Biblical text. Instead, it is like a prolonged sermon or a cohesive collection of sermons that give wonderful Christ-centered guidance on the meaning of Christ’s parable and how it informs faithful lives lived in a faithless world. It is hard for me to describe everything you will encounter in this book in a short review. It really covers in detail what we mean when we Lutherans say our spiritual enemies are our sinful flesh, the sinful world, and the devil. Pastor Wolfmueller covers topics like the problem of suffering in Job, the armor of God in Ephesians, the binding and defeating of Satan in the Gospels, the spiritual battle as described by Paul’s epistles, and much more. He accomplishes this while centering everything in the Parable of the Sower and Christ’s victory over sin and death by the cross. I give this book a whole-hearted recommendation
December 30, 2024
Wolfmueller's short book is really an overview of sanctification. How do we live like the martyrs did--lives where God uses trials, persecution, and suffering to refine us spiritually. Then, our lives and reactions will look like those of the sainted whose deaths testify to Him, not because we sought to live like martyrs, but because God used for good what Satan meant for evil.
The short sections about the martyrs are moving, especially the regression that we will see them again is paradise. I was especially loved by the story of Perpetua. But these are really vignettes introducing chapters, the meat of the book is about right understandings of suffering and our sanctification. I would recommend to anyone, but especially newer believers or those looking to understand their faith more seriously.
It's short, and easily digestible--I read it an afternoon. But, it's deep enough that I think I'm gonna read it again to pick up on new things in a month or so.
The short sections about the martyrs are moving, especially the regression that we will see them again is paradise. I was especially loved by the story of Perpetua. But these are really vignettes introducing chapters, the meat of the book is about right understandings of suffering and our sanctification. I would recommend to anyone, but especially newer believers or those looking to understand their faith more seriously.
It's short, and easily digestible--I read it an afternoon. But, it's deep enough that I think I'm gonna read it again to pick up on new things in a month or so.
September 18, 2023
Is this a theology book explaining key doctrines and beliefs of the Christian faith or is it a book about giving insights into the Christian martyr's and the faith they held with confidence in the face of great suffering and death??
The answer is: YES, it is both! In exceedingly great fashion the author gives great insights and inspiration into both the key beliefs of the Christian faith as well as amazing insights into the suffering and death of select martyrs!! And the end result of reading/studying this book is a greater and stronger understanding of the Christian faith as well as more confidence to live this faith even if it means suffering or loss!
This book has great insights for both pastors and laypeople alike and is completely accessible (not ladden with theological jargon in other languages). I highly recommend this book for one and all!!
The answer is: YES, it is both! In exceedingly great fashion the author gives great insights and inspiration into both the key beliefs of the Christian faith as well as amazing insights into the suffering and death of select martyrs!! And the end result of reading/studying this book is a greater and stronger understanding of the Christian faith as well as more confidence to live this faith even if it means suffering or loss!
This book has great insights for both pastors and laypeople alike and is completely accessible (not ladden with theological jargon in other languages). I highly recommend this book for one and all!!
April 4, 2020
This is a great book! Each section starts with a brief story of a martyr who remained faithful to Christ unto death. But the book doesn't mainly focus on these stories. The book is essentially a commentary on the Parable of the Sower, where each section shows us the different ways that the devil attacks us and entices us to turn away from God. Though we're attacked by the devil, the Word of God holds us firm in our faith, and Christ shields us from all attacks of the devil.
This book is great for any Christian to read, but I was especially thinking while I was reading it that it would be good for middle school or high school kids to read in confirmation class or youth group.
This book is great for any Christian to read, but I was especially thinking while I was reading it that it would be good for middle school or high school kids to read in confirmation class or youth group.
October 2, 2019
(4.5/5 Stars) In this thought-provoking and easily accessible book, Pastor Wolfmueller expounds upon the Parable of the Sower and how it relates to our lives as Christians in the present age. He does an excellent job of weaving together themes from the martyrs' lives with the temptations and trials presented within the parable. Although written at a basic reading level, deep and serious themes are discussed, making it a good choice for the teen and up layperson looking to explore what faith in an increasingly secular culture looks like, as well as receiving encouragement from the gospel.
April 27, 2022
I'm amazed at how much wisdom the author managed to pack into such a small book. This is an excellent resource for understanding spiritual warfare and how Christians have been equipped by God to endure it. Between each section the author also includes brief bios of prolific martyrs and how they kept the faith through persecution. I can tell that this is a book that I will return to many times for encouragement and reference.
May 30, 2020
Wonderful basic entry to Christianity based on one of my favorite parables. Those new to faith will find it understandable but I believe longtime Christians will find many things to think about and benefit from. Encouraging and a lot of great illustrations and explanations. This is a very fine book many would benefit from!
January 13, 2024
A fantastic book by Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller! He teaches us through scripture how to live through suffering with joy and to finish the race to be with Jesus and the saints. What joy will I have when I am reunited with those who have gone before me. God be praised!
November 27, 2019
Excellent...highly recommended
June 19, 2020
Incredible book filled with so many inspiring martyrs, who gave everything for their faith.
July 1, 2020
Not as much about the martyrs, but a wonderous exploration of the parable of the sower
January 1, 2022
Packed full of biblical insight backed by scripture. Half of the book is scripture, weaving together themes about how we are to live as Christians in the world. An excellent read.
May 30, 2021
This is the best book on Christian spirituality that I have ever read. Inspired by stories of some of the Church’s martyrs and ordered by Jesus’s parable of the sower and the seeds, this is a Christ-centred manual on Christian faith, service, and spiritual warfare. I look forward to reading it again with members of my congregation this summer!
January 18, 2020
There are five major sections of this book. Five martyrs from history are the opening in each section of the book. The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20) is the overarching theme. Jesus clearly explained this Parable to his Disciples (Mark 4:10-20). Yet, I still didn't understand it until I read this passage from the book, "The seed is the Word of God. . . the soils are the ears and hearts of sinners." (page 21)
As you read through each section, you learn through mostly scripture passages and some of Luther's writings what the devil attempts to do to us and how God intercedes for us every step of the way. Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (ESV)
What I enjoyed about the book is that I could read each section independently. The sections follow the order of Parable of the Sower (seeds on the path, seeds in rocky soil, seeds with weeds, and seeds in good soil), but I got interrupted over the holidays and went back to re-read the first two sections of the book for a refresher to finish it in a matter of a few days.
It gives a Christian a lot to think about and it helped me understand that my ears and heart have experienced all of the Sower scenarios.
It received a 5 star rating because I will read it again.
As Pastor Wolfmueller always closes his videos with: "God be praised! Amen!"
As you read through each section, you learn through mostly scripture passages and some of Luther's writings what the devil attempts to do to us and how God intercedes for us every step of the way. Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (ESV)
What I enjoyed about the book is that I could read each section independently. The sections follow the order of Parable of the Sower (seeds on the path, seeds in rocky soil, seeds with weeds, and seeds in good soil), but I got interrupted over the holidays and went back to re-read the first two sections of the book for a refresher to finish it in a matter of a few days.
It gives a Christian a lot to think about and it helped me understand that my ears and heart have experienced all of the Sower scenarios.
It received a 5 star rating because I will read it again.
As Pastor Wolfmueller always closes his videos with: "God be praised! Amen!"
February 17, 2021
Through brief (very brief) descriptions of various martyrs of the early church, Rev. Wolfmueller highlights (with heavy use) with scripture how our lives follow those who have come before us. There is suffering in the world, there was before. Christians are persecuted for their faith, they were before. The over arching principle that I took from the book is that the sinful world (i.e. devil) works very hard to bring faithful believers away from the word of Christ and the saving grace we are promised through Jesus death and resurrection. I would recommend this book for those trying to deepen their Lutheran understanding of the Bible, those who are struggling and need uplifting and those who are looking for encouragement.
March 7, 2021
This book is short, straightforward, and accessible, but it is also profoundly edifying and encouraging. Pastor Wolfmueller does a masterful job of weaving together histories of martyrs, bible passages, quotes from Luther, hymn references, and his own insight into a beautiful book. I was impressed on first reading, but re-reading it has made me love it even more. (And I know a theology book is good when it makes me cry tears of joy every time I read it).
January 6, 2021
This book is for anyone and everyone...
This book is for anyone and everyone unsure or not confident in God’s promises, the armor that he gifts us with for this life, wonderful examples of those Saints that have gone before us...AND the glory finishing our race.
This book is for anyone and everyone unsure or not confident in God’s promises, the armor that he gifts us with for this life, wonderful examples of those Saints that have gone before us...AND the glory finishing our race.
November 8, 2019
I'm just going to say that this one is going into my "reread OFTEN" bookshelf! It's not often that I put "martyr" and "encouraging" into the same sentence, but this book made me do it.
June 25, 2020
Comfort in Suffering
This book is comfort to any Christian who is struggling and suffering. The chapters are short, easy to read and full of scripture to make the case.
This book is comfort to any Christian who is struggling and suffering. The chapters are short, easy to read and full of scripture to make the case.
August 26, 2024
Pastor Wolfmueller has a direct and effective way of connecting with the reader. His writing is rooted in the Bible and Biblical truths.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews