Many Bible students call Isaiah the Messianic prophet, for his writings reveal his understanding of the greatness and the holiness of God alongside an understanding of the person and mission of Christ. These understandings brought into clear focus the glorious purpose in the mind of God for His people.
Read MoreBut instead of extinguishing the gospel, Luther’s enemies were bewildered by a steady flow of tangible evidence that he was alive. Tract after tract came into circulation proclaiming the gospel and rebuking errors and superstitions promoted by the Roman Church and the sin that resulted from believing them.
Read MoreThe spiritual illumination of so many minds across Europe had a very unsettling effect in Rome. It had been only a year since Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. During this brief time, the coffers in Rome had not been filled up as before. . . .
Read MoreThe occasion of Luther’s trial had been a successful arena for the manifestation of two opposing spirits. And how marked was the contrast! Men could judge for themselves between the two . . . .
Read MoreLuther had developed the habit of testing every claim by the word of God, that two-edged sword. The lifting up of God’s word, as it fell upon receptive ears, cut its way directly into the hearts of thousands.
Read MoreThe flood of opposition had an unfortunate and rapid silencing effect upon most of the church leaders who agreed with Luther. As he looked upon his actions, suddenly feeling very isolated, he doubted whether he had been led by God to challenge the mightiest earthly power.
Read MoreLuther’s response was a warning that, apart from repentance and a sincere desire for reformation, they would perish in their sins. Many of the purchasers boldly went back to the seller of the indulgence, a local friar, demanding their money back.
Read MoreLuther saw himself as a shepherd under the faithful leadership of The Good Shepherd to feed the hungry flock of God. He was teaching them to build their lives upon the truth of Scripture and to discern for themselves between God’s truth and misleading manmade doctrines.
Read MoreThe Catholic Church was “the only show in town”, and Luther had no thought that he would ever be anything but Catholic. But the providence of God led him to visit Rome. The journey was made on foot . . .
Read MoreDuring this time, Martin’s perception of God was changing from torturous thoughts of a stern judge and a cruel tyrant to His true identity as a kind heavenly Father and a Savior who forgives and cleanses. The fear he had held toward God was changing from terror to a reverent fear; a fear of offending One so kind and mighty, so powerful yet tender and loving toward His creatures.
Read MoreHe was entranced as he read the words of life and truth for himself, and he would pause from time to time to whisper an exclamation: “Oh…that God would give me such a book for myself!”
Read MoreMen who cherished faith in Christ as the only mediator between God and man, and honored the Bible as the only rule for living were branded as heretics. The purity of their faith is a sacred legacy to the world.
Read MoreTo most people, the practical aspects of how to live life, as they are laid out for us simply and plainly in Scripture, are deemed foolish, even impractical.
Read MoreIf I am truly surrendered to my Savior—as in unconditional surrender—then I will take a stand (there’s that warfare word again) against those things in myself that must be put to death.
Read MoreHumbly place yourself under His rightful authority (you will need to do this throughout each day). Believe that He is able to save, for salvation is the supernatural work of the Lord. These things apply to every situation you will face.
Read MoreDaniel parallels the entire Bible in this sense. Whereas, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve took an active role that forfeited eternal life for the human race, the promise of resurrection for the repentant one brings a regaining of that life, eternal life.
Read MoreDaniel’s training at home in Judea during his early childhood has come to full fruition in continuing to bring priceless gifts to students of the Word.
Read MoreWaiting can be an enormous challenge. It is the how of waiting that is the determining factor of the outcome.
Read MoreThis marked the beginning of a long alliance between France and Rome. Clovis was the first king to ever embrace the Catholic religion. The Franks were among the roughest and most uncivilized of the western barbarian tribes – and Clovis was enthusiastically welcomed into the “true fold” . . . .
Read MoreThis part of the divine work occurs in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary. And this is exactly where Jesus had moved for the final stage of His High Priestly work, symbolized by the Day of Atonement: the most solemn event on the Hebrew calendar.
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