Martin Luther towers not only as one of the intellectual giants of Western civilization but arguably as one of the most influential men who has ever lived. Luther was a precise theologian, prolific author, fierce debater, captivating teacher and much more. While there is much talk abut Luther, what is often neglected is that he was a pastor and passionate preacher. In his new book, The Heroic Boldness of Martin Luther, pastor, author, and conference speaker, Dr. Steven Lawson writes to help readers understand not only who Luther was, but also why his ministry is important today.

The book has six chapters. In chapter one, Lawson explores the life and legacy of Luther. Chapters two provides the foundation for the book by explaining Luther’s views on the doctrine of Scripture. Chapter three and four show how Luther’s view of Scripture worked itself into his sermon preparation by illustrating how Luther, not only held to a high view of God’s Word, but, sought to apply it to his life and his hearers. Chapter five and six look at the boldness of Luther in the pulpit. The book concludes with a call for more Luther’s, those who passionately study the Word of God in order to declare the Word with authority and power in the pulpit.

The Heroic Boldness of Martin Luther is a very good short biography that will help pastors, Sunday school teachers and lay people understand the significance of Martin Luther’s ministry. Luther, along with Calvin helped bring the gospel to a land, to people groups and nations that were in need of the gospel. There is the same need for reformation around the gospel as the church is always to be reforming around the Word of God. This is exactly why we need biographies like this one on Luther to remind us of how the gospel has transformed people’s lives in the past and how it will in the present and future. Luther was a man of deep gospel-shaped conviction and vision. His life was set ablaze by the gospel. I encourage you to take up and read this book. As you read I pray your passion will be renewed and your vision expanded to the glory of God.

Title:  The Heroic Boldness of Martin Luther (Long Line of Godly Men Profiles)]

Author: Steven J. Lawson

Publisher: Reformation Trust (2013)

I received this book for free from Reformation Trust for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dave Jenkins( Executive Director )

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021),  The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.