This month is the anniversary of a revolution. I am not talking about the Reformation here. I am referring to the 100th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia on October 25, 1917. It was an armed revolt led by Lenin to depose the Czar. This resulted in an estimated one hundred million dead. In the end it didn’t lead to the utopia that was longed for. It largely ended with the fall of the U.S.S.R. in 1991.
On the other hand, this month is also the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. It begun 500 years ago on October 31, 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 complaints about the church to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. He intended to bring attention to needed changes in the church. But it resulted in a reaction from Rome and a movement back to a basic understanding of the critical importance of Scripture in the church and salvation by faith alone in Christ without any human works. This Revolution was far more peaceful, led to millions getting right with God, and continues to have a positive impact today.
Click here to read the 95 theses. http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/web/ninetyfive.html
One of the areas that was drastically affected by the Reformation was a renewed understanding of marriage and the home. I’ll be speaking on that this Sunday. Luther’s own marriage turned out to be a major example of this. Don’t forget Reformation historian Douglas Bond will also be with us November 5th to complete our celebration of the Reformation. He will do a dramatic recitation of Luther at the 9:15 hour and speak during our 10:30 service. If you can’t make it be sure to watch on Livestream any time later. Let me know what you think.
-Pastor Mark