He understood that the heretics rested their faith solely upon the Bible, so he made a decision to study it to see if he could discover the secret of that irrepressible joy. In it he found Christ!
Read MoreCaptivated by the countenance of peace on the face of the one who had been pronounced eternally damned by the church amid the tortures of the flames, he could not help but contrast the faith and courage manifested on the martyr’s face with his own inner despair—and all this while living a life of total obedience to the church!
Read MoreAt the stake, Berquin attempted to speak, but the monks yelled at such a pitch, it was impossible for the dying man’s words to be heard. News of the death of Berquin caused much sorrow to the friends of the Reformation throughout France. But his influence and example were not lost….
Read MoreOur good and kind treatment of others—all others—is an extension of God’s invitation directly to the heart of each person. My relationship with my Savior and King must remain ever before Him for constant refinement. This is the first priority in my life.
Read MoreGod’s Word, the Spirit-breathed Word, goes forth with power to breathe life into a dying soul. Each of us has the choice to believe on that power and claim it in a daily walk with Him. How readily He dispenses His grace to those who will receive it!
Read MoreFor a time, the King Francis himself and the queen mother regarded the Reformation with favor. Thus, victories in Christ multiplied freely across France. But, in keeping with the familiar old pattern of history, severe persecution lay in wait for the French disciples of Christ….
Read MoreWhile much attention was drawn to the Reformation in Germany, and also in Switzerland, God was at work all over. Thank Him for His divine love and mercy towards you, regardless of your inability to see all that He is doing.
Read MoreIf the fledgling Reformation, after achieving a measure of success, had compromised by consenting to procure favor with the world, it would have forfeited the power of God* for the power of man, moving away from the true faith which it proclaimed and making sure of its own destruction.
Read MoreJust 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.
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