Monday, November 10, 2008

Reformation!

The events surrounding the Reformation have always interested me, and caused me to be passionate about reformation in our day. As you look back in history at the key events and people, you can't help but be " set on fire". During the month of October, my family did studies from a book called Family Worship For the Reformation Season by Ray Rhodes Jr. We learned about devoted and faithful people such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, George Whitfield, the Puritan leaders, and John Bunyan. In each of these mens' lives, God showed incredible grace to them and their work and caused them to see the truth about Him, His Word, and His people. Through God's providence they were able to speak that truth that had been revealed to them, to all those around them who were stuck; stuck in their rituals, false beliefs, and practices. As I read through this history, and thought about it, I realized that the Reformation of 1509 isn't much different than the reformation that is happening right now.
People are essentially the same; throughout all times and circumstances, we have the same wicked natures and inclinations, and are still prone to the same things. Just as the people of the sixteenth century desperately needed a reformation, or revival if you will, so do we in this perilous twenty-first century. True Christians will never be the majority, but God has shown throughout His Word, that he is all about preserving His elect. From Adam to Seth, from Abram(nation of Israel) to Joseph, from David to our beloved Messiah, Jesus Christ is faithful to His people. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!
Let us live reformed lives, boldly, and let us embrace the history of the Reformation and learn from it. Our day is undeniably wicked, but let us not lose heart. As I have been so encouraged, allow me to encourage you. Whatever the state of the economy, politics, or the heart of man, God is still sovereign over all the affairs of men; He is actively involved with His creation. Press on! Consciously choose to do, say, and think things that are pleasing to Him. Through Christ we can do anything, for His glory. Reform hearts! Reform homes! Reform families! Reform churches!
This is a huge task that we can not possibly accomplish on our own. It was at many times overwhelming and discouraging for Calvin, Spurgeon, and Brewster. Nevertheless, the pressed on, all the time with the ultimate goal in mind; to bring people back to the truth of the Word of God.
This year is at a close, and next year will mark the 500th anniversary of The Reformation. I would encourage anyone to read up on the events, places, and heroes of that time, and glean all they can from it. The significance of it all, in addition to noting that reformation is desperately needed now, should penetrate your min and cause you to be passionate about the true gospel.
Semper Reformanda!!
Soli Deo Gloria, Ahlaischa
P.S.
Speaking of the Reformation, Vision Forum Ministries, is putting on a History of The World Mega-Conference, Reformation 500 Celebration. I would encourage all who are able, to consider making the trip as a family. It promises to be a wonderful and enlightening experience for everyone. Details about schedules, speakers, dated, costs, etc. can be found at this link.http://www.visionforumministries.org/events/r500/

4 comments:

Jasmine Baucham said...

Amen, 'Laisch! I loved this post!!

Noelle Otto said...

What excellent thoughts! Our family is very interested in the Reformation, and we celebrate Reformation Day every year by watching the movie Luther (2003). Thank you for sharing these thoughts! :)

By the way, may I ask what Semper Reformada means? I'm sure it has something to do with Reformation, but I'm curious as to what it means exactly. :)

Thank you again!

Blessings,~
Noelle Mathison

tripleA said...

Hi, Noelle!
It's nice to meet you! I've never seen the movie " Luther", but I've heard many good things about it. Maybe one of these days, we'll just have to watch it :) Semper Reformanda, means " Always Reforming!", and is the battle cry of Vision Forum's new catalog, and of our church's conference. I look foward to getting to know you better in "blogland" :)
In Christ, Ahlaischa

Jasmine Baucham said...

Hey, 'Laisch! Just gave you an award over at my blog!