Giants of the Reformation (1)

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9.35

The Freedom of a Christian
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
“I shall set down the following two propositions concerning the freedom and bondage of the spirit: A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all. These two theses seem to contradict each other. If, however, they should be found to fit together they would serve our purpose beautifully.”

The happiness of the person who is free in Jesus Christ does not depend on circumstances or people. It’s not a matter of participating in programs or submitting to long-standing traditions, as was often the case in Luther’s day. God needs nothing external to Himself to be full and complete in joy, and the Christian needs only to enter the divine presence, to partake of God (2 Pet. 1.4), to be complete. Then, from that presence, filled with God and free of the burden of finding joy and significance elsewhere, the Christian goes forth to serve others with the strength and presence only God can give. Thus we are free from circumstances, relationships, and changeable conditions so that, in Christ, we may be free and filled with joy in serving others. We are free in Christ, for Christ, and with Christ, so that others may know His grace and truth. This is the true freedom of the Christian.

Is this what you see in the lives of those you are serving? How do your preaching and teaching encourage your congregation to find their fullest joy and purpose in Jesus Christ alone?

Prayer for Revival
We’re seeking to begin a new monthly Revival Prayer Group to meet on the third Thursday of every month at 5:00 pm Eastern. We’re looking for men who will commit to regular prayer together, seeking the Lord for revival, renewal, and awakening. Our Revival Prayer Groups meet online, so all you have to do is click in at the appointed time. If you’d like to participate in this monthly prayer effort, drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I’ll send you the details. We’re hoping to begin in September.

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations from Martin Luther, The Freedom of a Christianin John Dillenberger, ed., Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings(New York: Doubleday, 1962).