Grace on Tap

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner review De Servo Arbitrio, which means Bondage of the Will, by Martin Luther. It was published in 1525 in response to Erasmus’ work from 1524 on humanity in De libero arbitrio diatribe sive collatio or On Free Will. The first part of this book by Luther is a recounting of the arguments made by Erasmus. This podcast picks up with Luther’s position. Luther walks through key passages of Scripture to show that the work of God is necessary for salvation.

This episode is the beginning of a multi-part examination of this fundamental work by Martin Luther.

Spotted Cow by New Glarus Brewing Company. This beer is only available for purchase in Wisconsin but has become well known throughout the midwest.

In Episode 91 of Grace on Tap, Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley dive into the turbulent years following Luther’s stay at the Wartburg Castle—when the Reformation teetered on the edge of chaos. While Luther hid under Frederick’s protection, self-proclaimed prophets like Nikolaus Storch and Thomas Müntzer began to claim direct revelations from God, turning reform into fanaticism. Müntzer’s dark preaching of divine revolution and peasant uprising sent shockwaves through Germany, forcing Luther to return to Wittenberg and deliver his famous Invocavit Sermons to restore order and direction. But even as Luther reestablished calm, the emperor, the pope, and Frederick’s own relatives pressed hard for him to hand over the troublesome reformer.

This episode traces how Frederick the Wise navigated the storm with remarkable restraint and political cunning. Through papal pressure, imperial mandates, and internal dissent, Frederick maintained a careful appearance of neutrality while quietly protecting Luther’s cause. His steady leadership, even amid the radicalism of Müntzer and the violence of the Peasants’ War, preserved the fragile early Reformation. Join us as we explore how God worked through Frederick’s wisdom, patience, and faith during one of the most volatile chapters of church history—and how his legacy continues to shape our understanding of godly leadership today.

We utilized throughout this eight-part series the book, Frederick the Wise: Seena nd Unseen Lives of Martin Luther’s Protector. This book is a biography written by Sam Wellman and published by CPH.

We review the Rural Bavaria Hefeweizen from Cadillac Straits Brewing Company in Madison Heights. We found it sweet, with notes of banana and cloves. Hefeweizens are the original hazy beers from Germany.

The 90th episode of Grace on Tap traces Frederick’s efforts to secure a fair hearing for Luther in the face of papal pressure, culminating in the dramatic events at Worms. Listeners for how Frederick’s chancellor, Bruck, tirelessly negotiated with imperial and papal representatives, how Glampion tried to limit Luther’s protection, and how Frederick worked behind the scenes to keep Luther on the agenda when others sought to silence him. His ability to balance loyalty to the empire with his growing support for reform made him one of the most pivotal figures of the early Reformation.

Finally, Mike and Evan follow the story beyond Worms, as Frederick arranged Luther’s “kidnapping” to Wartburg Castle, navigated disagreements with Luther over publications, and quietly began dismantling his relic business in response to the gospel. It’s a story of faith, strategy, and quiet courage. Don’t miss this deep dive into the life and leadership of Frederick the Wise, a prince whose prudence shaped the course of history.

Garage Beer

“Garage Beer” is a light lager co-owned and operated by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce since mid-2024, who are using their celebrity status to grow the brand which was spun off from Braxton Brewing Co.. The beer is a crisp, 4% ABV light lager with two varieties, Classic and Lime, and has experienced significant growth, expanding to all 50 states. The Kelces are involved in the beer’s marketing and operations, highlighting the brand’s casual, community-driven image. 

Frederick the Wise shielded Martin Luther during the earliest and most uncertain years of the Reformation. Far more than a footnote in Luther’s story, Frederick emerges as a skilled statesman navigating the volatile mix of church corruption, shifting feudal structures, and the rising voices of peasants and humanists. This episode explores the events of 1520 to see how Frederick acts as a leader, balancing faith, politics, and survival in a rapidly changing Europe.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner trace how Frederick managed student riots in Wittenberg, negotiated with papal envoys, and framed Luther’s case so it couldn’t be dismissed as mere rebellion. By carefully demanding impartial judges and keeping trials close to German soil, Frederick gave Luther a chance to survive and speak the truth.

Warsteiner Oktoberfest Special Edition: Clean, malt-forward Oktoberfest featuring flavors of white bread, pretzel, and graham cracker, yet well attenuated and modestly bittered for a dry, refreshing finish.

1518-1519 was a critical turning point in the politics of the Reformation. Join Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner as they follow Frederick the Wise as he navigates the turbulent waters between Pope Leo, Emperor Maximilian, and the rising voice of Martin Luther. From the tense Reichstag in Augsburg back-channel negotiations that kept Luther out of Rome, Frederick’s political skill kept the Reformation able to stay focused on the theology of the Reformation.

The sudden death of Emperor Maximilian threw Europe into chaos, forcing the Elector of Saxony to mediate petty feuds, delicate alliances, and steer the direction of the imperial election. At one point, he came within one vote of becoming Emperor.

Frederick found himself under increasing pressure from both Rome and his own allies. Papal authority was being shook by the exposure of the fraudulent origins of the “Donation of Constantine.” This episode is great for those who love conversations about theology, diplomacy, human drama, and Reformation history.

Stout Constitution Cream Stout from Bottle Rocket Brewery in Seward, Nebraska.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley continue a discussion about Frederick the Wise’s ability to protect Martin Luther from the combined pressure of the pope and the emperor. This episode largely focuses on the events of 1518.

After Luther posted his 95 Theses, the Church wasted no time in seeking to silence him. Pope Leo X demanded that Luther be sent to Rome, where execution likely awaited him. But Frederick saw the danger, not only to Luther, but to the fragile balance of power in the Holy Roman Empire. What followed was a masterclass in political restraint and strategic genius.

We walk through the events of the 1518 Reichstag in Augsburg, where Frederick successfully blocked a sham “crusade” that would have aligned the emperor with the pope. He also managed to preserve his electoral influence by denying Emperor Maximilian’s request to pre-crown his grandson Charles, all while keeping Luther safe at home. You’ll hear how about the interrogation of Luther by Cardinal Cajetan unfolded. We will also discuss how a drunken brag changed the course of diplomacy.

Guinness 0 is similar to Guinness Drought but brewed to be non-alcoholic. It is unmistakably Guinness from the pour into the glass, to the rich dark malty color, and all the way to the hints of chocolate and coffee in the flavor.

Frederick the Wise: Reluctant Protector of the Reformation

In this episode, Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner explores how Frederick the Wise’s relationship with Martin Luther evolved between 1516 and 1518. Though initially angered by Luther’s sermons against indulgences and relics, Frederick gradually reconsidered his stance—thanks in part to his advisor George Spalatin and Luther’s mentor Johannes Staupitz. As Luther’s public profile rose through preaching, teaching, and writing, Frederick began to take serious interest, despite the personal and political costs.

We highlight how Frederick quietly supported Luther even before the 95 Theses, consulting him through Spalatin and heeding his warnings about church corruption. After the Theses were posted, Frederick never tried to silence Luther—even though indulgences funded his prized relic collection. Instead, he shielded Luther from threats, balancing loyalty to the Church with growing sympathy for reform.

As pressure from Rome and the emperor increased, Frederick used legal and political savvy to protect Luther without defying the Church outright. He delayed action, sought local hearings, and leveraged widespread frustration with papal overreach. This episode shows Frederick not as a radical, but as a cautious and principled leader whose steady hand helped make the Reformation possible.

Shipyard Brewery from Portland Maine. The American Pale Ale was born out of a desire to develop a modern, American expression of Pale Ale. This beer is easy, full of flavor, and without attitude.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue the story of Frederick the Wise, the Elector of Saxon. From his birth in 1463 to his rise as a strategic ruler and devout leader, Frederick navigated political rivalries, financial struggles, and religious reform. Learn how he transformed Wittenberg into a center of learning and faith, laying the groundwork for a university, a grand residence, and a powerful religious presence. As tensions rise and Martin Luther enters the scene, Frederick’s influence will be tested like never before. Tune in to explore the life of the man who would become one of the Reformation’s most pivotal figures.

Komes Imperial Stout is a flavorful stout from Poland that uses Ukranians hops. This beer features smooth coffee and chocolate notes. This beer is fro Brewery Fortuna.

Evan Gaertner presented to the Lutheran Luncheon Club in Detroit on January 8, 2025. Mike was unavailable, which is probably why Evan messed up the name of the town that Martin Luther was born in and died in.

There was no beer break in this recording before a live audience.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley begin a new unit on Grace on Tap. This podcast will take some episodes to explore the people who were not theologians during the Reformation but still significantly contributed to it. This episode introduces Frederick the Wise. In 2015, Sam Wellmen wrote the ultimate English biography of this noble, Frederick the Wise: Seen and Unseen Lives of Martin Luther’s Protector.

Frederick III (January 17, 1463 – May 5, 1525). He became the Elector of Saxony after his father died in 1486. Frederick protected Martin Luther from retaliation from the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V.

Albrecht Dürer painted a portrait of the younger Frederick the Wise, which is a contrast from the later images of him being an older and overweight noble.

We are thankful for Dave who provided our beer from Cadillac Straits Brewing Company. We are fans of their Oktoberfest Märzen.