Happy Reformation Day

I did not know till today that not only is today Halloween but it also is Reformation Day.

On this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted a proposal at the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany to debate the doctrine and practice of indulgences. This proposal is popularly known as the 95 Theses, which he nailed to the Castle Church doors.

One thing that troubles me is about the Church here is the USA is that we have lost our church history. The quote "those who ignore history, are condemned to repeat it" does not only apply to nations but also to the Church. We must know where we came from so we and future generation can learn from our history. Our faith stands on the shoulders of men and movments in the past and if we forget those we will lose our purpose and direction.

After Joshua brought the Israel across the Jordan into the promise land he told then to set up a memorial of 12 stones to be a sign among them "...so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off ' So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever." (Joshua 4:6-7)

We need these memorials too so that we do not forget the things that God has done for us. Let today be one if thoses days.

Here is a hymn that he is most well know for:

A mighty fortress is our God
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.


sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation_Day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/i/mightyfo.htm