Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Remembering Reformation

I was just thinking about October 31st...
Those who subscribe to "Trick or Treat" have some fears about their little ones being harmed and endangered...
Just think if we got back to basics - as a Christian Community - and reminded our little ones (and ourselves) that a great event occurred 490 years ago today.
Yes! Martin Luther boldly took a stand against the "establishment" and posted his protests. For many of us, his protests have become a label we bear - being Protestants! How many of us realize and remember our roots and why we are what we are today?

In World Magazine for October 27th, a portion of the following very interesting article by Marvin Olasky appears:

The 490th anniversary of Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation arrives on Oct. 31. The 90th anniversary of Vladimir Lenin's Communist revolution comes up on Nov 7. That numeral 4 indicates a key difference between the two: The 490 glorified God, the 90 attempted to deify Man, and some men in particular.

Luther was a theological revolutionary but not a political one. He wrote, in 1521, A Sincere Admonition by Martin Luther to All Christians to Guard Against Insurrection and Rebellion. The following year, as political unrest intensified, Luther preached about effecting change through patience, charity, and reliance on God's Word rather than violence. He portrayed the devil enjoying religiously based class warfare: "He sits with folded arms behind the fire of hell, and says with malignant looks and frightful grin: 'Ah, how wise these madmen are to play my game! Let them go on; I shall reap the benefit.'"

Makes one think of what might've been - what should've been - what yet might be - IF ONLY....

Teamwork and Unity of Purpose

I was just thinking how important it is to (a) keep ones eye on the goal; (b) to never give up in the effort to achieve victory; and (c) to be able to count on others to assist in reaching the ultimate objective. Trinity was losing the football game against Millsaps with 2 seconds left to play. As hopeless as that was, the outcome was very different because of teamwork and determination. It took fifteen laterals - but - they achieved the incredible and impossible and reached the end-zone.
See It and Hear It:
http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/content/multimedia/video/index.html?clip=36807
Just think if the Community of believers (The Church) could be as determined and creative and focused - what a difference could be made in Kingdom Pursuits - and - Victory!
My thoughts go to Galatians 6:9 (The Message) -
"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit."
I guess I also like the New Living Translation of Galatians 6:9-10 - So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. 10 Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.

www.ajc.com/multimedia/content/multimedia/video/index.html?clip=36807 - for Trinity and Millsap two second to victory moment...