Giants of the Reformation (3)

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit whois in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6.19, 20

The Freedom of a Christian
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
“We conclude, therefore, that a Christian lives not in himself, but in Christ and in his neighbor. Otherwise he is not a Christian. He lives in Christ through faith, in his neighbor through love. By faith he is caught up beyond himself into God. By love he descends beneath himself into his neighbor. Yet he always remains in God and in his love…”

Luther had a way of making difficult matters simple. This little formula can serve as a guide for living the Christian life. Our lives have been hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3.3), Thus, believers must always “put on” Jesus, so that they are “found” in Him and “clothed” with Him and His righteousness, living in His presence and drawing on His power (Eph. 4.17-24). At the same time, they must always “put on” their neighbors so that they see with their eyes, feel their needs, and know how to respond as love requires. We are called to bear one another’s burdens, and to follow the example of the good Samaritan in loving our neighbors as ourselves. As we are filled with Jesus, and growing in His love, overflowing in love to others will come more naturally and consistently. Imagine how living this way might transform our churches and our world.

How can you become more effective at helping the people in your charge to “put on” Jesus and their neighbors?

T. M. Moore

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).