"First published in 1525, Martin Luther's 'Bondage of the Will' is acknowledged by theologians as one of the great masterpieces of the Reformation. It is Luther's response to Desiderius Erasmus's 'Diatribe on Free Will, ' written in his direct and unique style, combining deep spirituality with humor. Luther writes powerfully about man's depravity and God's sovereignty. The crucial issue for Luther concerned what ability free will has, and to what degree it is subject to God's sovereignty. For Luther, this key issue of free will is directly connected to God's plan of salvation. Is man able to save himself, or is his salvation entirely a work of divine grace? This work is vital to understanding the primary doctrines of the Reformation and will long remain among the great theological classics of Christian history."
"Martin Luther and John Calvin are household names, where people have little knowledge of them besides their vast impact on Christian thought and culture. It is surprising how closely their language and concerns reflect modern times.
Martin Luther was a rabble-rousing man of the people, filled with invective and the emotional force of connecting with humanity rather than culture or wealth.
John Calvin’s sardonic sense of humour permeates a constant barrage of mythbusting that would do a modern-day fact checker proud.
Three less well-known writers round out the collection. Zwingli, Melancthon and Savonarola all preach with a force befitting true Christians fighting against the vast powers of a Catholic church that was the most powerful entity in Europe, and had consolidated a wide range of practices that broke the people away from an experience of divinity.
Savonarola speaks with the voice of a travelling preacher, a man of the people whose voice matched that of Eugene Debs. Zwingli spoke with a proud nationalism and pride that was wounded by the use of foreign armies, when the land could provide for all its citizens if managed correctly. Melancthon is an academic, providing a point-by-point deconstruction of the Pope’s claimed powers in ways that were irrefutable even for the Jesuit strains that held the Catholic Church’s intellectual force.
Just as with the liberation fighters, socialists, and anarchists of previous volumes, these historical figures lived under great threat, attacking vast forces with little more than courage and the certainty of their beliefs. They stand as the bridge over the cultural change between the middle ages and the renaissance."
"The third of Martin Luther's 1520 treatises, also referred to as A Treatise on Christian Liberty, this work focuses on the topics of justification and total salvation. Boldly, unmistakably, and directly contrasting the teachings of the church, Luther argued for the truth he found in studying the Bible on his own. Introducing, for the first time to many readers, the argument for justification through faith alone, he knocked down the idea of being dependent on additional sacraments, penances, and works for salvation. In this treatise, Luther highlights the freedom found in God's unconditional love and the life-changing and transformative power found in a personal relationship with Christ. This daring, published stance provided the sparks that ignited the Reformation as well as the invaluable push to individual believers to begin searching the Word themselves for God's truth."
"In this, one of Martin Luther's most impactful works, he brings together the similarities between the exile and captivity of the Israelites and the state of the Catholic church, in their destructive servitude to the papacy. He goes through each of the seven sacraments - questioning, analyzing, and applying the Biblical understandings he had reached. He rejects many of the practices, calling out the issues of control and misrepresentation of true Christian faith and repentance. Changing hearts and minds since its publication, this insightful discourse remains a significant document on theology, faith, and institutional church practices."
"Martin Luther, full of compassion, grief, disappointment, and frustration, turns away from his entreaties to and debates with church leaders and writes instead to the German political leaders. With extreme clarity, Luther explains in this letter the unbalanced nature and habits of the religious institution - certain at this point that the German people could only be set free from this continual and escalating religious destruction through the intervention of their government. Containing immensely important historical context, these letters also paved the way for imperative theological doctrines and understandings. In his aim to stop the abuse of the Catholic church, Luther discusses the need for a system which holds religious institutions accountable, acknowledges and allows for interpretations of the Bible outside of the Pope alone, and establishes a separation of church and state. This incredible letter is a rare and crucial document for understanding and appreciating the history of denominations, the development of religious freedoms, and so many current systems of politics and national faith."
"Discover True Freedom with Martin Luther's Concerning Christian Liberty
Dive into the heart of faith with Martin Luther's transformative work, Concerning Christian Liberty. This pivotal book challenges traditional views, illuminating the path to genuine freedom through faith in Christ. Luther, with his profound insight, argues that salvation and righteousness are not rewards for deeds but gifts of grace.
Concerning Christian Liberty masterfully explores the balance between faith and works, emphasizing that true Christian life flows from the liberty of belief, not the constraints of rituals. This book invites readers on a journey to uncover the essence of faith, guided by Luther's scripture-rich narrative.
A cornerstone of theological thought, its teachings on the liberating truth of the Gospel have inspired generations. Perfect for those eager to deepen their faith, explore theological insights, or understand Christianity's rich history, Luther's work is an essential guide to rediscovering the liberating power of God's grace.
Experience the journey towards spiritual freedom with Concerning Christian Liberty. Embrace the transformative message that has guided believers to live by grace, love, and true freedom.
This audiobook was narrated and produced by RAM Studios, where humans and artificial intelligence collaborate to create an excellent listening experience. (The reading is done primarily by AI)"
"Martin Luther's Classic Work, Newly Translated by Robert Kolb
Originally published in 1520, The Freedom of a Christian is one of Martin Luther's most well-known and enduring treatises. In it, Luther examines Christian ethics and how justification by faith alone impacts the liberty of believers. He famously writes, 'A Christian is a free lord of everything and subject to no one. A Christian is a willing servant of everything and subject to everyone.' Luther also further develops ideas and doctrines that were key to the Reformation, such as the priesthood of all believers and union with Christ.
This addition to the Crossway Short Classics series features a new translation from the original German to English by renowned Reformation scholar Robert Kolb. The Freedom of a Christian reminds modern-day readers that it is ultimately grace that transforms God's people and frees us to love and obey.
- Accessible: Helpful for those looking to learn more about Luther and the Christian life, both new Christians and seasoned saints alike
- Part of the Crossway Short Classics Series: Introducing modern-day readers to classic works of faith—other volumes include Fighting for Holiness; Heaven Is a World of Love; and The Emotional Life of Our Lord
- New Translation: Translated from the original German by world-renowned scholar Robert Kolb, author of Martin Luther: Confessor of the Faith.
- Foreword by Carl R. Trueman: Author of the bestselling book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self "
"“Let the man who would hear God speak, read Holy Scripture.” ~Dr. Martin Luther
The beginning of the Holiday season in the US is marked by a pagan party on the last day of October known as Halloween. In recent years, this day has grown in popularity. In fact, a quick tour of any local neighborhood will reveal yard decorations of a scope and complexity bigger and more widespread than ever before. It quite literally rivals Christmastime now.
Many knowingly embrace Halloween’s demonic foundations. But, the vast majority (including many professing Christians) simply dismiss it as “harmless fun”, dedicated to dressing up and eating candy. The whole demonic part is really not to be taken all that seriously.
So, what’s a Bible-believer to do at this time of year? Well, we could head out to the garage and just dust off the Nativity scene early. In fact, that may not be such a bad idea. But if we as Christians want to celebrate a specific event other than Halloween on October 31st, then Martin Luther’s nailing of his 95 Theses onto the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517 is as good an alternative event as any. Because that event sparked one of the biggest revivals of a love for God’s Word in history, and October 31st is recorded as the actual day it took place. Hallelujah! What better example of how God works!
To that end, we’ve decided to help fan the flame of that alternative celebration with this recording of Luther’s 95 Theses in English. Study them in your homeschool, your small group, your classroom or just listen in the car by yourself, with family or friends. And begin your Holiday season a little differently this year.
Five Talents Audio shares Martin Luther’s love of God’s Word and it is our hope that both his and ours shine through in this recording, and that it helps bring you peace with God and peace with this fallen world, just as Jesus promised. Blessings today and love to all."
"A comprehensive explanation of Martin Luther's most crucial and controversial beliefs on salvation, The Bondage of the Will is a critical resource in understanding the theology of free will and the gift of faith. Facing criticism even from others who had disagreements with the Catholic church, Luther's strong and absolute beliefs on the gift of salvation were truly revolutionary. This work contains the full amount of research, discussion, and debate on Luther's ideas on free will as it pertains to individual Christians and to their understanding of God.
This series, published by ONE audiobooks, seeks to produce Classic Christian titles read by well known and loved Christian audiobook narrators. ONE takes great care to cast these titles with readers who will provide an unmatched listening experience for these important works."
"Many Christians find prayer challenging, despite it being a central component of their faith. “How should I pray?” 'What if I am distracted?” 'What if my prayers become repetitive and routine?” 'What should I pray for?” These are all questions that a Christian may be concerned about.
When requested by his good friend Peter Beskendorf, a barber by trade, for some practical advice regarding how to pray, Luther replied by preparing this short paper, first published in 1535. After almost 500 years, Luther’s words continue to offer spiritual guidance for us today. This edition contains an early and authentic English translation that brings us Luther's practical advice, using his four step method:
1. Rule of Conduct?
2. Thanksgiving?
3. Confession?
4. Prayer
Luther’s method establishes the foundation of prayer within the catechism and other biblical texts, but it permits the Christian to be inspired by the Holy Spirit to pursue thoughts which suggest themselves via the texts. This has a reenergising and supportive effect on prayer, and will encourage readers to reach out to God.
This edition contains helpful and easy to navigate sections in a convenient audio format."
"Das Buch Hiob ist einer der schönsten und bekanntesten Teile des Alten Testaments. Es erzählt von Hiobs glücklichem Leben und seiner Frömmigkeit, die durch Gott geprüft wird, indem er ihm all sein Hab und Gut, seine Verwandten und Freunde nimmt."
"Auf diesem Hörbuch: 'Das Hohelied der Liebe', 'Das Evangelieum des Johannes' und 'Das Buch Hiob'. Gelesen von Claudia Urbschat-Mingues, Christian Schmidt und Traugott Buhre."
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![[German] - Worte des Glaubens (Das Hohelied der Liebe / Das Johannes Evangelium / Das Buch Hiob) (Un Audiobook](https://covers.audiobooks.com/images/covers/large/9783732400768.jpg)