Happy Reformation Day?

Reformation Day is recognized by Christians of many denominations. Unfortunately, I think that many Christians are unaware of Reformation Day or of the Protestant Reformation which it honors.

Many Christians today do not know that on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther condemned the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church by posting his “95 Theses” on the door of the Wittenberg Church.

At this time the Roman Catholic Church taught that salvation was through the sacraments, good works, and indulgences. (An indulgence was forgiveness that could be bought from the Church.) The Scriptural truth that salvation was only by faith in Jesus Christ, was ignored in the interests of power and money.

Before the Reformation, common people were not even allowed to read or interpret the Bible. At this time, the Bible was only in Greek and Latin and priests were the only people allowed to read or translate the Word of God.

In his “95 Theses” Martin Luther condemned the false teachings of the church and called for repentance, asserted salvation by grace, and pointed to the authority of Scripture. This one act began the Protestant Reformation.

Today, thank God for men in our church history like Martin Luther, who followed God’s leading and were able to guide people away from the corrupt traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and to the truths of God’s Word.

east to west

God's Word clearly tells us that once we ask for forgiveness for our sins they are gone. God not only forgives them, but He forgets them.

"as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." - Psalm 103:12

This is an idea that our human minds can not understand. We are constantly fighting our past sins and feeling guilt, yet God promises forgiveness.

I believe there are still consequences for our bad choices, but as Christians we should not worry about our past. John 14:1 says "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God."

We are forgiven and God's grace washes us clean.

Thank you Lord for your amazing grace!!

"you've just gotta laugh!"

Well it seems like this blog thing is catching on in my family. "You've just gotta laugh!", that is the title of my brothers new blog. My "little" brother is a very funny guy. We are both rarely serious about anything and I think it drives our wives crazy. He is my little brother, but when you see us side by side he is the big brother. I am glad to see he started a blog. It will be fun to keep up with him and his family, since we don't get to see them very often. Check out his blog and "keep laughing".

a little more serious

Ok blog fans here is a serious blog. I know you may not believe that it's in me, but here it goes.

For many years I've been struggling with wanting a career change. So far it has not worked out the way I thought it would or should. I have basically been unhappy in my current career and want a change.

A few years ago my wife's grandparents reminded me of Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."

At first glance someone might read this and think they should get everything they ask of God. I don't believe that is what the psalmist meant. I think that if we are seeking God, He will place those desires in our hearts.

So holding to this truth I have been waiting for the opportunity to leave my current career and pursue my dream job. Well all this waiting has been frustrating to say the least. Last week I read Psalm 37 again and the Lord reminded me of another part of this truth. The part I often forget is to be still and wait patiently. Psalm 37:7 tells us this "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."

Deep down I know that it will all work out in God's timing, but while I wait it is hard to be still.

Ground Breaking Research

Ok blog fans some of you missed out on the last poll.
Here is another chance to take part in some ground breaking research.

Please take part in my poll and help end hunger.........