The Admiration of Philip Melanchthon (Ep. 26)

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

The 16^th century in church history saw a three-pronged revolt against the heresies of the Roman Catholic Church. In one corner stood the Reformed Reformation, led by John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and John Knox. Conrad Grebel, Felix Mantz, Balthasar Hubmaier and the Anabaptists were another branch that rebelled against the papacy.

The final group that rose up against the pope were the Lutherans, led by Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. The powerful personality of Luther overshadowed his friend, but Melanchthon was a giant of the faith in his own right, modeling not only careful theological acumen but the warmth of godly admiration and friendship.

Church History, Martin Luther, Melancthon, Reformation, VOV

God’s Mercenary: The Peaceability of Ulrich Zwingli (Ep. 20)

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

Watch Zwingli video here

While Martin Luther led the Protestant Reformation in Germany, Ulrich Zwingli helped launch the Swiss Reformation in Zurich in the 1520s. As in Germany, the church in Switzerland had become corrupt and desperately needed reformation—a revolt against papal tyranny. Her leaders had become ignorant, superstitious, and corrupt.

By examining the life of Zwingli, we can learn as much from his errors as we can from his accomplishments. The heroes of the faith in Church History blundered just like the champions of the faith in Scripture. Amidst their mistakes came treasure boxes of triumph, including Zwingli’s tug-of-war success and failure at seeking peace with others.

Church History, Martin Luther, Reformation, Zwingli

The Marriage of Martin Luther (Ep. 19)

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Paul Schlehlein

What the Martin Luther episode here

Among the most important dates in church history is October 31, 1517, the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This document changed the world forever by opening the common man’s eyes to the falsehoods of the Catholic Church. But another event happened eight years later, lesser known, but just as controversial—the marriage between a monk and a nun.

Martin Luther, Nun, Reformation, VOV

Why African Churches Should Celebrate Reformation Sunday

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Paul Schlehlein

– Paul Schlehlein

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Thirty-one October, 1517, is the day Martin Luther put hammer to nail and posted his 95 Theses upon the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Reformation Sunday is the day that thousands of churches worldwide celebrate that historic moment.

History of the Reformation

The Catholic Church in Luther’s day had become corrupt, promoting what Scripture rejects and denying what the Bible confirms. Luther was nurtured in the Catholic Church and had given his life to her as a monk. But as Luther dug deeper in the Scriptures—something Catholics were not supposed to do—the Holy Spirit began illuminating the sins of the Vatican.

Luther, as it were, had pulled up the floorboards of the Church, only to find the foundation infested with vermin. Down there were Hymenaeus and Alexander, Diotrephes and Elymas, eating away at the foundation of truth.

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