|
Post by LauraJean on Oct 31, 2004 14:15:08 GMT -5
HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!!
A mighty fortress is our God, A sword and shield victorious; He breaks the cruel oppressor's rod And wins salvation glorious. The old evil foe, Sworn to work us woe, With dread craft and might He arms himself to fight. On Earth he has no equal.
No strength of ours can match his might! We would be lost, rejected. But now a champion comes to fight, Whom God himself elected. Ask who this may be: Lord of Hosts is he! Jesus Christ our Lord, God's only son, adored. He holds the field victorious.
Though hordes of devils fill the land All threat'ning to devour us, We tremble not, unmoved we stand; They cannot overpow'r us. This world's prince may rage, In fierce war engage. He is doomed to fail; God's judgment must prevail! One little word subdues him.
God's word forever shall abide, No thanks to foes, who fear it; For God himself fights by our side With weapons of the Spirit. If they take our house, Goods, fame, child or spouse, Wrench our life away, They cannot win the day. The Kingdom's ours forever!
|
|
|
Post by babysis on Oct 31, 2004 14:26:14 GMT -5
Could you explain more about this day? I went to my cousin's church today because she was being baptized. She goes to a Lutheran church and the pastor was talking about how it is Reformation Sunday. Could you go into more detail about this day? Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by LauraJean on Oct 31, 2004 16:13:21 GMT -5
Happy to help out!
Back in the 1500's, the Catholic Church was selling Indulgences; for a price a person could reduce their time in Purgatory. Luther, based on what the Bible said about Grace and forgiveness, thought this practice was abusive, wrong and that the teachings about Indulgences were against what the Bible teaches.
He was a college professor at the time and wanted to spark a discussion about this practice --and why he thought it was wrong-- so he posted 95 Theses (sentences) about Indulgences, the Pope, the Church, etc. on the castle door at Whittenburg, Germany. (This would be the equivalent today of posting a discussion topic on the bulletin board at school.) He did this on October 31st, 1517.
People read the 95 Theses and started a discussion that has, to a certain extent, lasted until today. What it did at the time was spark what became known as the Protestant Reformation, where Luther (and others) sought to reform the Church, returning it to a Biblically based place of Law AND Gospel.
What resulted was that the Catholic Church was no longer the "only game in town." Luther was excommunicated but his followers (some of whom were influential Electors, noblemen, etc.) could not go back to the church they were convinced was teaching wrongly. They organized their own congregations, eventually forming a separate denomination. As we all know, others followed the same basic path to developing their own denominations.
LOL, I guess you could say Martin Luther was the original "Catholic Basher." ;D
Anyway, this is my nickel tour of the Reformation. If you would like more info, just let me know!
And most importantly, MANY BLESSINGS on your cousin's baby, the newest member of God's family!
Peace, LJ
|
|
|
Post by babysis on Oct 31, 2004 19:33:46 GMT -5
Not sure if that was just a typo or not... my cousin didn't HAVE a baby. She herself was baptized with water in the church. Just to clear that up in case you were confused. Thanks for the info on the Reformation. I kinda knew all that. My question was more about what is the point of the day? Is today just used as a day to remember that? Or does other stuff go on in respects to what Luther did? Sorry if I didn't make that clear.
|
|
|
Post by LauraJean on Nov 1, 2004 9:36:13 GMT -5
Whoops! Sorry! You were quite clear in your post re: your cousin. I should have read more carefully.
As far as October 31, it's the day Luther posted his 95 Theses, so we see it as the "hammer heard 'round the world" --the start of it all.
Blessings, LJ
|
|