Giants of the Reformation (2)

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14.7, 8

The Freedom of a Christian
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
“A man does not live for himself alone in this mortal body to work for it alone, but he lives also for all men on earth; rather he lives only for others and not for himself. To this end he brings his body into subjection that he may the more sincerely and freely serve others, as Paul says…He cannot ever in this life be idle and without works toward his neighbors, for he will necessarily speak, deal with, and exchange views with men, as Christ also, being made in the likeness of men, was found in form as a man and conversed with men…”

All God’s people are called to be witnesses for Christ, to take up their cross daily and follow Him, and to do good works of love to the people they encounter each day in their Personal Mission Field. How do we nurture this ministry mindset in the people God has entrusted to our care? Not without sound teaching, consistent urging, and faithful support. Surely this is the greatest challenge facing any pastor – not merely to preach the Word, but to massage the Word deeply into the souls of His people, until that Word begins to bear irresistible fruit in the form of good works. Pastors must always preach through to the ground, keeping in mind as they preach the daily lives and ministry opportunities of those they serve. Thus they may expect to help the members of their church meet Christ in His glory and live daily for His glory before others.

What does it mean for you to “preach through to the ground”?

T. M. Moore

Mission Partners Outreach
The Lord calls all His sheep to be His witnesses, but being a witness for Christ doesn’t just happen. The flock of the Lord must be equipped for this calling, and Jesus has set shepherds over the flock to do that work. How can we equip the sheep to live for Christ and be His witnesses? Our Mission Partners Outreach provides the resources and framework for making witness-bearing disciples in your church, and all the training and resources are free. Want to learn how it works? Watch this brief video, then contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information. I’ll take you through this program and show you how to make it work in your church.

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).