Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration: 50+ Ways To Be Inspired
“This morning as I lay in bed, I got to thinking, Mom,” my seventeen-year-old daughter said excitedly, “that there were three important periods in history that completely revolutionized the way we live. And all three begin with the letter ‘R’: Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration.”
Below are valuable resources to assist with learning more about these three pivotal periods in history: Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration. The events that took place during the Reformation, Revolutions, and Restoration can be revolutionary. Thankfully, they have the power to change our lives for the better, if we let them.
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Reformation
The beginning of our journey to learn more about Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration starts here:
October 31, 1517, is a significant date that completely altered the course of history. It was the day in history when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis on the doors of a German church. This event is still worth celebrating today.
To learn more about the world-changing events that took place during that period of history, and what these events have to do with you and your family, check out the highly-recommended resources below:
Reformation Resources
Reformation Day: Looking for something exciting to celebrate this year? This post is packed full of Reformation Day resources for adults and children of all ages. So what are you waiting for? Let the Reformation celebration begin!
New Halloween Traditions: “So often in our culture it is easy to follow the crowd without even realizing what we’re doing, or why we’re doing it. The more I thought about the ‘what’ and the ‘why’, the more I realized that I no longer wanted to follow the crowd.”
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Martin Luther (Song): This classic hymn, combined with classical music, makes for a breathtaking performance.
Learning About The Reformation: “Martin Luther was not the first, nor the last of what we call the Reformers, but it was his act that became the tipping point.”
Books, Reformation
Children’s Books, Reformation
Movies, Reformation
Quotes, Reformation
“The story of Christian reformation, revival, and renaissance underscores that the darkest hour is often just before the dawn, so we should always be people of hope and prayer, not gloom and defeatism. God…can turn the situation around in five minutes.”
Os Guiness
“Many are the friends to the success of reformation, not to reformation.”
Samuel Rutherford
“A great reformation and revival–it will happen the same way the early Christians captured Rome. Their program of conquest consisted largely of two elements: gospel preaching and being eaten by lions, a strategy that has not yet captured the imagination of the contemporary church.”
Douglas Wilson
“We need fewer reporters, and more reformers.”
Kirk Cameron, Glenn Beck Show
“All reformations seem formidable before they are attempted.”
Hannah More
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Revolution
The American Revolution, a pivotal part of history, would not have been possible without the brave actions of Joan of Arc. Learn more about the heroic efforts of Joan of Arc and the miracles that took place during the American Revolution:
Resources for Children:
Anna Strong: A Spy During the American Revolution
If You Were a Kid During the American Revolution (If You Were a Kid)
I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived #15)
Rush Revere and the American Revolution: Time-Travel Adventures With Exceptional Americans
The American Revolution: A Visual History (DK Definitive Visual Histories)
The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities (11) (For Kids series)
Resources for Teens and Adults:
1776 by David McCullough (book)
America’s Heroes and History: A Brian Kilmeade Collection
Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution
Great Battles for Boys The American Revolution
Joan of Arc (Documentary)
Personal Reflections of Joan of Arc (book)
Seven Women: And the Secret to their Greatness by Eric Metaxas
The American Revolution (Landmark Books)
The New American Revolution: The Making of a Populist Movement Kayleigh McEnany
We Fought for Freedom: The Story of Our American Revolution
Restoration
The actions of Martin Luther and Joan of Arc helped prepare the way for a most important period in history: the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1830, Jesus Christ’s New Testament church was restored to the earth, changing the world forever. Learn more:
Resources:
The Rising Generation: “What an inspiration these two young lives are to the youth of our day! I believe God will continue to use the young and rising generation to bring about his eternal purposes in the days, months, and years ahead.”
The Transformation That Comes From Scriptures: “…let’s apply [the scriptures’] powerful teachings to our lives and use it to govern everything!”
Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration (movie)
Restoration Quotes
“There is a power in the Book of Mormon which will begin to flow into your lives the minute you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation…and the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path… [And] You will find life in greater and greater abundance.”
Ezra Taft Benson
“We can find strength and great joy—as the Prophet Joseph did—as we embrace and live these precious truths. The call Joseph made to the Saints in his day continues with us today: “Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, … and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:22).”
Elder Patrick Kearon, Glad Tidings of Love and Joy, January 2025 Liahona
One person’s experience:
“Today, I read about a town and its people during the Reformation’s long dark apostasy— that was transformed through the scriptures. If this town could be changed by reading the New Testament, imagine what our homes could look like if we used the Book of Mormon with all of its promises, applied every word in it, and immersed our children with it. We could start a revolution.
In France, during a period of revival, a swift and graceful transformation passed over the busy town. No profane word was any longer uttered, no ribaldry nor coarse jests were heard. Drunkenness and disorder disappeared; vice hid in the monastery or the cloister. In every factory the Gospels were read as a message from above, and the voice of prayer and thanksgiving mingled with the clamor of the shuttle and clash of the anvil. The rude and boisterous artisans were converted into refined and gentle believers, ever seeking for the pure and the true; and the sudden impulse toward a higher life awakened at Meaux by the teachings of Farel and Lefèvre stirred, like an electric shock, every portion of diseased and decaying France. A moment of regeneration seemed near, a season of wonderful advance.”
Name of AuHistorical Studies,” Eugene Lawrence, pp. 250, 251., via Julie Smith
Discipleship Quotes
We, too, can be a disciples of Jesus Christ as live our lives, today, after the manner in which He would have us. We, too, can be participants in Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration. Following are examples we can follow:
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
MATTHEW 16:24
Spencer W. Kimball
“When Christ chose this fisherman for his first and chief apostle, he was taking no chances. He picked a diamond in the rough-a diamond that would need to be cut, trimmed, and polished by correction, chastisement, and trials-but nevertheless a diamond of real quality. The Savior knew this apostle could be trusted to receive the keys of the kingdom, the sealing and the loosing power. Like other humans, Peter might make some errors in his developing process, but he would be solid, trustworthy, and dependable as a leader of the kingdom of God.” [“The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball”, 470]
Michelle D. Craig, social media post
“My son received an important invitation from the Holy Ghost, one that has changed me as I have acted on it. As a missionary, he said while praying he had the impression to “get out of his comfort zone, and into the Comforters zone”. That resonated with me. I’ve said it before, but I am learning that Heavenly Father is more interested in my growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ than He is with my comfort. Living in convenience does not bring power. So often it is the little things, a little (or a lot) uncomfortable, done with faith and love of God and others – that change hearts, minds, and even our very natures.”
3 Nephi 5:13
Nephi proclaimed: “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.”
Russell M. Nelson
“Who are you? First and foremost, you are a child of God, a child of the covenant, and a disciple of Jesus Christ.” (“Choices for Eternity” [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022], broadcasts.ChurchofjesusChrist.org)
Mercy Panner
“Walking the path of discipleship is not easy for me; even on my mission, it wasn’t easy. It takes much time and practice, sometimes little by little but most of the times, failures by failures. There were times, on my mission, I took two steps backwards and one step forward in the path of discipleship, yet I didn’t give up; I strove my best to walk the path of discipleship so that I can make my life disciplined.” [“The Path of Discipleship”]
How to be a Valiant Disciple of Jesus Christ
More inspiration on being part of a Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration:
Robert D. Hales
“As true disciples seek guidance from the Spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord.” [“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship”, October 2008]
Doctrine and Covenants 45: 32
“But my disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved.”
Michelle D. Craig
“I believe discipleship has as much to do with our hearts as our feet. Taking a stand is not passive. Being not moved is having courage—being confident in Jesus Christ and in His grace—in His ability to change hearts and minds, to make us equal to the things we are being asked to do.”
Robert D. Hales
“Through the years we learn that challenges to our faith are not new, and they aren’t likely to disappear soon. But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition.” [“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship”, October 2008]
Russell M. Nelson
“To do anything well requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception. Increasing your faith and trust in Him takes effort. …“Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry. Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life.” [“Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains”, Liahona, May 2021, 103]
Ulisses Soares
“One of the most evident signs that we are drawing closer to the Savior and becoming more like Him is the loving, patient and kind way with which we treat our fellow beings, whatever the circumstances.” [“Followers of the Prince of Peace”, April 2023]
Russell M. Nelson
“True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world. They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous.”
Robert D. Hales, “Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship”, October 2008
“We should never confuse boldness with Satan’s counterfeit: overbearance (see Alma 38:12). True disciples speak with quiet confidence, not boastful pride.”
Robert D. Hales
“As true disciples, our primary concern must be others’ welfare, not personal vindication. Questions and criticisms give us an opportunity to reach out to others and demonstrate that they matter to our Heavenly Father and to us. Our aim should be to help them understand the truth, not defend our egos or score points in a theological debate.” [“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship”, October 2008]
Neal A. Maxwell
“The most advanced disciples–far from being immune from further instruction–experience even deeper and more constant tutorials.” [“A Disciple’s Life”, Bruce C. Hafen, 544]
“if we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do…When the Disciple is fully and ultimately tested, ‘not shrinking’ is more important than surviving, and Jesus is our exemplar.” [347]
The true disciple develops…from accepting, to appreciating, to adoring, and then to emulating Christ.
Conclusion
The Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration have the power to change our lives. My daughter knows this, which is why she is so excited to share these three words, and all they represent, with the world.
In what ways have the Reformation, Revolution, and Restoration changed your life?
