Tuesday 10/31 was the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's historic nailing of his 95 theses to the church door in Germany. Since we visited there recently it has been on my mind much. The more I study the subject the more I realize how absolutely momentous that day was then and for today. It is said no other event in the last 2,000 years ranks higher except Christ's life. It essentially marked a time when the Bible was rediscovered, translated into the vernacular and mass reproduced with Guttenberg's newly invented printing press. God's divine timing was evident. The critical doctrines of salvation by faith alone in Christ, without works, were also recovered. It freed many from living in fear of judgment because people understood rightly again God's grace in Christ and justification by faith alone. In other words the Gospel was recovered.
It also elevated marriage and women. Monks and nuns like Luther and Katie Von Bora were married and had families. The Luthers had six children and adopted four more and became models of marriage. It was a turning point in history and is why we have many of the freedoms we now enjoy. See Dr. Albert Mohler's Briefing at http://www.albertmohler.com/2017/11/01/briefing-11-01-17/ .
We were blessed to visit Wittenberg, Germany and walk the streets to the ancient castle church Luther taught at, nailed his thesis on the door, and is now buried in.
Luther's castle church with the pulpit he preached from and his remains in the white stone box on the floor beneath.
Time Reminder that this is "Fall Back Sunday" -clocks go back one hour :)
Sunday 11/5 at 9:15 AM author and Reformation historian Doug Bond will be with us for a dramatic revisit of Martin Luther to conclude our Here I Stand theme. All classes age 6 and above will meet in the auditorium. Doug will also speak on Luther's favorite Psalm during the worship service. You will see why the reformation is still going on today.
Saturdays starting 11/4 (9-11AM) to the end of Nov. we will need help to erect our Living Nativity sets. The event is Dec. 2 & 3 from 5-8 PM so grab some flyers in the foyer and spread the word. See our calendar for more events at DiscoveryBaptist.org.
-Pastor Mark