Friday, October 31, 2008

The Wittenberg Door

The following piece was written by Rev. J. Thomas Shelley, STS. The full article appears here: http://www.missionstclare.com/english/people/oct31.html

On the Eve of All Saints' Day, October 31, 1517, Doctor Martin Luther, professor of Scripture at the University of Wittenberg, Germany posted an invitation to debate on the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral. The invitation to debate contained ninety-five points, or theses, concerning the sale of indulgences.

Luther chose this date for posting his theses because the coming holy day would bring many of the community to services, ensuring that his statements would receive wide exposure.

In the preceding months Albert, Archbishop of Mainz had authorized Dominican Friar Johann Tetzel to sell indulgences (a paper declaring that the deceased person for whom it had been purchased had received total forgiveness of sins and therefore a release from Purgatory) in order to finance the construction of St. Peter's basilica. Tetzel is alleged to have declared "as soon as the coin in the coffer clings, the soul from Purgatory springs."

At the same time, Luther had been engaged in intensive study of the scriptures in search of his own spiritual peace. He found tremendous relief in the just shall live by faith. This principle of justification by faith became the positive argument underlying the ninety-five theses.

Because the theses were a direct challenge to the Papacy the reaction was swift and severe. The Pope initiated proceedings to have Luther tried for heresy; proceedings that very likely would have led to his execution. Luther, with the support of the Wittenberg faculty, appealed to elector Frederick III of Saxony for protection.

Although Luther did not intend to begin a separate Church, such was the unavoidable consequence of his challenge. By 1530 Germany was divided between communities loyal to the Pope and those following the reforms initiated by Luther.

[However] on Reformation Day 1999, the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification between the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church was publicly signed in Wittenberg. Together we declare: by faith alone is the centerpiece of this expression of ecumenical convergence.

The appointed lessons for the day point not only to the historical situation but also to the Church's constant need for ongoing renewal. Jeremiah 31:31-34 tells of the coming New Covenant where God will write His law on every human heart. Romans 3:19-28 declares the central tenet of the Reformation we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. John 8:31-36 enjoins us to be constant in the Word in order to be freed by the One who is Truth.

And since the law is not yet perfectly inscribed on every heart and all are not yet fully devoted to the Word, the task of Reformation is not yet complete.

Ecclesia semper Reformata--the Church is always reforming.


A translation of Luther's 95 theses:

Thursday, October 30, 2008

It Ain't the Sistine Chapel

But face painting is still an art form. Olivia had fun volunteering at Fort Wayne First Assembly's Harvest Party this past weekend with over 1500 kids enjoying our autumn alternative. That is a lot of faces to paint!

For an insightful article by Kenneth Samples on The Tricky Topic of Halloween, please follow this link: http://www.reasons.org/resources/fff/2002issue11/index.shtml#the_tricky_topic_of_halloween

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Peaceful Dwellings

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. -Isaiah 32:17

Quietness is a virtue I can appreciate -especially when surrounded by 25+ kids. However quietness is more than just the absence of sound, it is a state of being. Isaiah speaks of a time when a king will reign and his righteousness will ripple through his kingdom emanating calm assurance or peaceful trust upon all the people.

When praying for the children at New Vision City of Refuge I often pray for God to quiet their souls. Many of our children grapple with abandonment issues, loneliness, doubt, and learning disabilities. This at times leads to undesirable behavior even they do not always understand. In other words, their souls are restless and troubled.

But the Lord says, My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. -Isaiah 32:18

We strive at New Vision City of Refuge to give our children a sense of security, peace, and worth. We protect, provide, and prepare them through devoted caregivers, wholesome food, pleasant surroundings, and solid academic and spiritual training. However, quietness and confidence will only come when they allow the righteous King to reign in the kingdoms of their hearts.

Please pray for our faithful staff at New Vision City of Refuge to nurture these children effectively. Pray for our wonderful missionary team, the Bushhorns and the Yoders as they sacrificially fill in the gap during our absence. And of course, pray for our children to know the quietness and confidence of God’s eternal presence.

Thank you for your continued support.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Out With the Old

Thanks to the Caring Connection crew from Fort Wayne First Assembly who came and tore down our rickety shed today. We love all the wonderful people at our church who bless us continually with their generosity and love.

If you are ever in our area, come and visit the best church in the midwest! http://www.firstassemblyfw.org/

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Hooray!


Just last week I requested a day for prayer and fasting for our missionary associates Paul and Dulcie Bushhorn (center). They have been waiting for weeks for their work permits to go through. Well, praise the Lord we just got word it finally arrived! This is a wonderful answer to prayer. The permit will be Fed-exed to them tomorrow, then they will go to Chicago to get their visas stamped in their passport.

Thanks so much for appealing to the Lord on their behalf. This is a great relief to everyone at New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home.