5 Reasons We Need to Remember the Reformation

As we celebrate the 16th century Protestant Reformation, here are five reasons why we need to remember and celebrate:

1. The Reformation reminds us that the church is built upon the gospel, not vice-versa.

2. The Reformation reminds us that the gospel can be lost.

3. The Reformation reminds us that confusion over the gospel will ultimately manifest itself in abusive practices.

4. The Reformation reminds us that the gospel is worth defending, even at great cost.

5. The Reformation reminds us of Christ’s faithfulness to preserve his church.

HT: Todd Miles

Happy Reformation Day!

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US Pastor Andrew Brunson is Released from Turkey

Praise God!

Turkey to release US pastor Andrew Brunson.

Turkey is a secular state with no official religion.  However, according to the government, Turkey is 99.8% Muslim and less than 2% Christian.

However, in the first three centuries of Christianity, Turkey, which was called Asia Minor in early Christianity, was flourishing with Jesus communities.

So what happened?

Reflections on Tribe by Sebastian Junger

According to the author Sebastian Junger, “We have a strong instinct to belong to small groups defined by clear purpose and understanding.”

The subtitle of Tribe is “On Homecoming and Belonging.”

Now, because of this fallen world we live in, not every group which gives a sense of homecoming and belonging to its members is truly good for humanity.  For example, terror cells, gangs, mobs, and so on, while they give a sense of belonging to its members, they do more harm than good to the rest of humanity.

It is here that Christ followers can shine like stars in this crooked world.

But as Christ followers, we must demonstrate love for one another–the kind of love that a watching world will be compelled to conclude that we are indeed Christ followers and want to belong–to the redeemed people of God in a crooked world.

Don’t Waste Your Summer

The summer is already here.

Perhaps you’re already making the most of it.

Have fun.

Enjoy the beach, the outdoors and so on…

But don’t waste it.

Spend quality time with your family

And your community of faith.

At the end of the day, we all need healthy relationships.

Or you might need to salvage your summer.

Well, it’s not too late to try some of the above.

Before I leave–don’t forget to read those books that will stretch and grow you in areas that need improving.