On This Day on History...April 9,1945...Dietrich Bonhoeffer Martyred

Richard Wurmbrand, founder of Voice of the Martyrs, has said it was never considered a church service in the first century unless the martyrs were remembered.

On this day in history, April 9th, 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, was martyred for his faith in Christ in Flossenburg Germany. Bonhoeffer was a German Pastor in the underground church known as the Confessing Church in Nazi Germany. He was one of the few pastors who spoke out against the annihilation of the Jews by Hitler. Bonhoeffer left us the modern classic, the Cost of Discipleship.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer leaves us a legacy in terms of the life he lived and what he wrote in his book, the Cost of Discipleship. Dietrich Bonhoeffer gave us the term cheap grace. And reminds us that it was a costly grace by which we follow Jesus Christ.

I feel constrained by the Spirit to remember this brother in the forum. To remember those modern martyrs who laid down their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly Bonhoeffer was one of them.

God grant that his life will inspire us to live those lives of costly grace. God grant that we will be those disciples that know the cost of discipleship.

Posted in honor and respect of a brother who has gone before us. And should be included in that role call of that great cloud of witnesses who surround us.

Respectfully Posted.

Brother Blaine Scogin.

Quotes by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."

"When Christ calls a man He bids him to come and die."

"Silence in the face of evil is evil itself. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak not to act is to act."

Certainly a dear brother in the faith who, by his example, allowed us to be encouraged by his chains. To go back into Nazi Germany after you were already out of it, knowing that you would speak out against this vicious satanic sect, is a lesson in true courage..................bro Frank

Indeed brother Frank. This dear man of God could have had the easy life here in America. But truly felt the calling of Christ on his life to go back to Germany and die to himself. But in so doing left an example for us.

I believe this brother incarnated what he wrote in his book, The Cost of Discipleship.

Brother Blaine

I'm thinking of reading the book Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Has anybody in the forum read the book. If so, I would be curious as to what your thoughts are regarding the book. Is this book worth reading?

One of my all time favorite books Blaine. I have probably read it several times over the last 25 years. You will be blessed by this book.............bro Frank

David you are correct. The remains of Bonhoeffer are a mystery as to where he was buried. Some reports say his body could have been burned after he was hung. Other reports say he could have been buried in an unmarked grave in Berlin. But I believe right now he is in the presence of Jesus.

Thank you and brother Frank for the recommend on Cost of Discipleship. I hope to get this book soon and read it.

"I’ve experienced His Presence in the deepest darkest hell that men can create … I have tested the promises of the Bible, and believe me, you can count on them.”
- Corrie ten Boom

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)

Brother good quote by sister Corrie Ten Boom. Also good scripture you share out of Psalm 139. Whether one is in the highest realm Of heaven or the lowest pit of hell. God is always there.

Particularly for those who are being persecuted and ultimately martyred for their faith. God is always there.