An Ongoing Reformation

Last Sunday we talked about the Reformation, when Martin Luther exposed heresies being taught by the church and reintroduced people to the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Hundreds of years have since passed and biblical teachings have again been made to accommodate the culture of a particular generation. Thus we ask, is it time for an ongoing reformation in the church?

Scripture: II Timothy 4:1-5
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “The Reformation Event: How Can It Affect Our Lives Today?“ delivered on Christian Crusaders October 26, 2008.
The Gospel – that we are saved by grace – is so far above our human reasoning that we cannot comprehend it. We hear people say there is no free lunch. Many believe this is also true when it comes to their eternal salvation. So they hope they will be saved, but have no assurance. Others believe there is nothing to worry about. A gracious and loving God will save us all. The Reformation event gave us back the clear biblical teaching that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus. This is the core of the Christian faith, which is eternal. God grant that it may be proclaimed faithfully until he comes again.

The Crusader Newsletter
The new issue of the Crusader, Christian Crusaders' quarterly newsletter, will soon be printed. The theme for this issue is “goodness,” a fruit of the Spirit. Contact Christian Crusaders by phone, email, or via the sign-up form on the website, to receive your copy of this special publication.

On the Light Side
What do skeletons say before they dine?
Bone appetite!

When is it bad to meet a black cat?
When you’re a mouse.

What do you call a fat Jack-o-lantern?
A plumpkin

What do birds sing on Halloween?
Twick or Tweet.

Why are there fences around the cemeteries?
Because people are dying to get in.

The program "An Ongoing Reformation" will air Sunday, November 1, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.