Happy Halloween

“For by grace you have been saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Today, October 31st much of the culture will be focused on Halloween and “Trick or Treat.” Protestants, however, have something far more significant to celebrate. It is Reformation Day, which commemorates what was perhaps the greatest move of God's Spirit since the days of the Apostles. But what is the significance of Reformation Day, and how should we consider the events it commemorates?

At the time, few would have suspected that the sound of a hammer striking the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany, would soon be heard around the world and lead ultimately to the greatest transformation of Western society since the apostles first preached the Gospel throughout the Roman empire. Martin Luther’s nailing of his ninety-five theses to the church door on October 31, 1517, provoked a debate that culminated finally in what we now call the Protestant Reformation. The Protestant Reformation was a “protest” against some of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and Martin Luther along with others sought to “reform” the Catholic Church.

Whenever an elder or deacon is ordained or installed in the Presbyterian Church, they are asked the question: “Do you receive and adopt the essential tenant’s of the Reformed Faith?” Many Presbyterian’s do not know or understand the essential tenant’s.

Just a few of the essential tenant’s include the understanding that; True Christianity is based on Scripture Alone; on Salvation in Christ alone: that we are saved by Grace alone; through Faith alone; and all of this is for Glory To God Alone. These are a few of the key essential principles of the Reformation.

Thought For Today: Do you receive and adopt these tenants in your life and are they at work in your life? Understanding these tenants can revive and strengthen your spiritual life.

Today’s Prayer Focus: Pray that the Lord would renew, revive, and strengthen your spiritual life through understanding the essential tenants. Deo Volente.