31 October Is Reformation Day

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

It was Martin Luther’s earnest quest for peace with God, and his intensive study of the Scriptures, which led him to challenge the unethical fund-raising tactics of the papacy and launch the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s love for the Word of God and his dedication to truth led him to challenge the entire ecclesiastical and political authority of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire.

“Unless I am convinced by Scripture, or by clear reasoning, that I am in error – for popes and councils have often erred and contradicted themselves – I cannot recant, for I am subject to the Scriptures I have quoted; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. It is unsafe and dangerous to do anything against one’s conscience. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. So help me God. Amen.”

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Leaving a Legacy of Victory

While many of our families are together this season, we have a wonderful opportunity to remember that we hold the keys to the future within our family “dynasties.” Psalm 108 (AMP) speaks of David’s “dynasty.” Throughout the centuries, the godly strategy of defeating evil has always been a bottom-up, generational, exponential, internal to external, family plan. God’s worldwide covenant of blessing was initiated through His servant Abraham. The Lord said He would not hide His plans from Abraham because He knew that Abraham would command and teach his children.

The most powerful force in America is not our government, our economy or our military. The force that has created the freest nations in history, is the peaceful and virtually unreported armies of godly families. We can take leadership over all areas of society, if we mentor our families and friends to live out the Great Commission in the culture as well as the church. Here is a story to inspire and challenge your family. Notice the power of only a few individuals from one family tree that helped create two great nations.

October 31st: Reformation Day or Halloween?

by James and Barbara Rose

October 31st is the day that Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Thesis to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. From reading the Scriptures (Romans 1:17), he came to believe that justification by faith—not works—was the way of Salvation through Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross.

Halloween is also a “religious day” with roots in paganism and witchcraft. Celebrated on October 31st, Halloween “can be traced to the Druids, an order of priests in ancient Britain, who believed that on that evening, Samon, the lord of the dead, called forth evil spirits and spirits of the dead. They lighted great fires for sacrifices and protection. The sacrifices they required were human sacrifices from locals, with the promise that no harm would come to the household” ( Researched and compiled by the Challenge of America Ministry). “Later, ‘trick or treat’ meant begging for food for the village Halloween festivities in the name of their ancient gods” (Excerpts from “Christian Worldview, Vol. 4 No. 5, Sept./Oct. 1991). For Christians, celebrating Reformation Day is a positive alternative to Halloween.

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