Just after a measure of religious tolerance had come about through Luther’s influence, Rome demanded that there be implicit submission to Roman jurisdiction. She delivered this message by speaking through her priests in Germany. But the Reformers held firmly to their hard-won liberty of conscience. So, a compromise was proposed by Rome as a “favor”. . .
Read MoreThere were ceaseless attempts of the enemy to cause divisions among God’s true people. One method at hand encased a peculiar irony. It seemed the most harmless but is in reality the most destructive. It is the way of compromise!
Read MoreIt was an 18-day battle of words! Only papal secretaries were allowed to take notes. All others present were forbidden, on pain of death, to take notes.
Read MoreAnd as the light of the “gospel of forgiveness through the blood that Jesus freely shed” was spreading beyond the Swiss borders, Rome doubled down on the sale of pardons for money. Also, she secured the cooperation from residents in the papal cantons around Switzerland to identify those who followed the gospel message. Regular examples were made of them as they were publicly burned at the stake.
Read MoreBut others were angered by Zwingli’s message. It would mean that their toilsome journey to this shrine was in vain. Pardon offered freely through Christ was simply not comprehended, as they were satisfied to accept the path to heaven that Rome had marked out for them.
Read MoreWhat joy it brings to God’s heart when the objects of His divine love respond to Him in love! It is also very instructive to see in the Scriptures the many negative reactions to the message that Jesus has for us. Same message, two responses.
Read MoreA teacher of ancient languages at the school in Basel clearly taught his students, including Ulric, the gospel of God’s free grace. He declared that there is an ancient truth of infinitely greater worth than the popular philosophies swirling about: “The death of Christ is the sinner’s only ransom.”
Read MoreAnd, while the church should be the safest place in the world to be, Paul states clearly that our adversary not only dispatches his minions among the flock of God, but relentlessly seeks to divert the attention of true worshipers away from God.
Read MoreBy the study of His Word, we gain a vision of what God would have us to become. Beloved, do not become discouraged over the “great distance” between that vision and your current reality. Instead, be thankful that you have seen it! Focus on Jesus and allow His Spirit to enact character transformation.
Read MoreDeep awe and heartfelt acknowledgement of the inexhaustible mine of riches that is the Word of God, motivated Luther to admonish his listeners to stay in the Word and continue learning of the character of our infinitely loving God.
Read MoreA veritable host of tracts circulated throughout Germany, proclaiming the gospel and rebuking the errors of the times. This tangible proof that Luther was still alive and active thrilled those whose eyes had been opened to God’s Word. On the other hand, it astonished and confounded his enemies who had earlier celebrated that surely he had been silenced for good.
Read MoreAll people [of Germany] were forbidden to help, harbor, give food or drink, or even speak kindly to or about Martin Luther, either publicly or privately. Any who gave support were to be imprisoned and their property confiscated. His writings were to be destroyed.
Read MoreLuther’s tone had been humble and most respectful. His countenance radiated peace and joy—a powerful illustration of the superiority of a pure faith that overcomes the world.
Read More“What I have just said plainly shows, I hope, that I have carefully weighed and considered the dangers to which I expose myself; but far from being dismayed, I rejoice to see that the gospel is now, as in former times, a cause of trouble and dissension. This is the character, this is the destiny, of the Word of God.” Martin Luther
Read MoreLuther was not claiming to be faultless himself, but even the third class of books he could not revoke, for it would only embolden those named therein to increase the cruelty with which they are crushing* God’s true followers.
Read MoreIn God’s divine providence, He had permitted Martin to realize his peril in order that he would not trust in his own strength. In his utter helplessness, he determined to hold fast to Jesus and, like Jacob at the Jordan, received a blessing: peace returned to him and he gave thanks for being permitted to uplift God’s Word before rulers.
Read MoreAn imperial officer arose and pointed to a collection of Luther’s books. In a thundering voice, he demanded two answers from Luther: “Are these your writings?” and “Will you retract the opinions put forth in them?”
Read MoreEven the imperial messenger transporting Luther had grown to respect and appreciate him. He feared for Luther’s safety and asked him if he still wished to go forward. Luther’s answer: “Although interdicted in every city, I shall go on.”
Read MoreGod has given us amazing minds. Indeed, this gift is a great treasure! But we must often be reminded that our finite minds cannot be compared with the mind of God, who moves in very unexpected ways! He can use even the words of unbelievers prophetically, as demonstrated by the quote of Caiaphas.
Read MoreOh, how often we confer with flesh and blood (Galatians 1:16) when we already know through God’s Word and His Spirit what we ought to be doing. Recognition of the authority of our Lord leads to spiritual growth in revelation of knowledge and understanding. The reverse is also true. Do not allow your spiritual life to shrivel away!
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