Thursday, November 01, 2007
Celebrating The Reformation
How did you all celebrate October 31, 2007? I'm thankful our church has an option for that evening that is God honoring and edifying to believers. I'm not a big anti-halloween person...even though in the 15 years of parenting, my children have never been *trick or treating*...we have had fall festivals to go to and such...but, just not the traditional halloween type things. I like the balanced view of this day from John MacArthur...I think some of you posted on that and I appreciate his words...
But, for us, we celebrate the reformation. October 31,1517 was the beginning of the great reformation of the catholic church. Martin Luther tacked his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg church. You can read what his theses said here. He knew that he was in a fight for the gospel...you can read more about on this site.
In celebration of this important day, our church has a reformation celebration. We usually have a speaker on the reformation (to help us learn more about it), games, food, and fellowship afterwards. It is always a great evening! Last night, we had the privilege of having Keith and Kristyn Getty lead us in worship. You may know them from the hymn, In Christ Alone. They wrote it as well as many other new hymns. Keith works with Stuart Townend and together they have written many Biblically based hymns that are reverent and heart moving. We sing quite a few of these in our church as well as personally in our family worship time. We love their songs!!! We bought 3 of their cds last night as well as a piano book for our girls to learn to play their songs. That would make our family worship time even more special. I bought a few extra cds for Christmas presents, too. If you are looking for wonderful songs that proclaim truths about God and His Son, visit their website and you can actually hear samples from their songs...and buy their cds!!!!
Dr. Stephen Nichols was our speaker last night. He is a Biblical scholar and expert on the life of Jonathan Edwards. He has written this book as well as others on the topic of the reformation. Wow...was he smart and so fun to listen to! We enjoyed learning from him very much!!!
After the great worship time and teaching time, we had a party! The kids played games and we had a nice fellowship time. Both of my younger ones came home with a sack of candy...so they didn't miss out much, did they?
Ultimately, Christian participation in Halloween is a matter of conscience before God. Whatever level of Halloween participation you choose, you must honor God by keeping yourself separate from the world and by showing mercy to those who are perishing. Halloween provides the Christian with the opportunity to accomplish both of those things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a message that is holy, set apart from the world; it's a message that is the very mercy of a forgiving God. What better time of the year is there to share such a message than Halloween?
But, for us, we celebrate the reformation. October 31,1517 was the beginning of the great reformation of the catholic church. Martin Luther tacked his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg church. You can read what his theses said here. He knew that he was in a fight for the gospel...you can read more about on this site.
In celebration of this important day, our church has a reformation celebration. We usually have a speaker on the reformation (to help us learn more about it), games, food, and fellowship afterwards. It is always a great evening! Last night, we had the privilege of having Keith and Kristyn Getty lead us in worship. You may know them from the hymn, In Christ Alone. They wrote it as well as many other new hymns. Keith works with Stuart Townend and together they have written many Biblically based hymns that are reverent and heart moving. We sing quite a few of these in our church as well as personally in our family worship time. We love their songs!!! We bought 3 of their cds last night as well as a piano book for our girls to learn to play their songs. That would make our family worship time even more special. I bought a few extra cds for Christmas presents, too. If you are looking for wonderful songs that proclaim truths about God and His Son, visit their website and you can actually hear samples from their songs...and buy their cds!!!!
Dr. Stephen Nichols was our speaker last night. He is a Biblical scholar and expert on the life of Jonathan Edwards. He has written this book as well as others on the topic of the reformation. Wow...was he smart and so fun to listen to! We enjoyed learning from him very much!!!
After the great worship time and teaching time, we had a party! The kids played games and we had a nice fellowship time. Both of my younger ones came home with a sack of candy...so they didn't miss out much, did they?
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
13 Comments:
That is so great that your church offers this option, and that teaching about the Reformation is part of the evening. It was a good reminder to me that Oct. 31 really is Reformation Day. Thanks!
I received the CD In Christ Alone just yesterday, the words are so meaningful.
It's wonderful to ponder The reformation and be filled with wonder at what the Lord has done.
Our church had Reformation Day Celebration yesterday too! It was a blast! And the youth group put on a skit explaining what Reformation Day was all about for the little ones (and big ones too!).
Are you kidding? They didn't miss out on a thing! What a great way to celebrate the Reformation. We always have a "Reformation Day" conference, but it was held last weekend. I love what your church does!
So many are moving away from the traditional trick-or-treat evening and holding fall festivals of some sort or another. I've learned more about the reformation this year than any before! I commend you, Kim! =)
I posted a new challenge today at my place - list one thing you're thankful for each day during November. Not too tough. Come on over!
I like that your church does this. What a great thing to celebrate!
I never went trick-or-treating as a child - we went to church for a "festival" instead! They were costumed festivals, usually with a theme based on a Bible story. We never felt like we missed out on anything (we still dressed up, played games, got candy!), but really - Halloween is not a holiday! I tell my kids it's just a fun time to play dress up and share candy with our friends and neighbors!
Oh, Kim!!! You are so blessed! Did you get Nichols' book? It's great!!! I would highly recommend for someone interested in Edwards' life and thought.
I love that your church is focused on teaching about Reformation Day and Martin Luther's theses. Our pastor held a bible study at his home on Wednesday night where he taught these same things.
Our church meets in a school right now and we don't have weekday access to the building, but I can see this being an option in the future! It sounds like something the whole family is able to appreciate and learn from.
Blessings!
Kim,
What a great idea! I had no idea that there was actually a real reason to celebrate on the 31st. I love the idea of dressing up, so we may never give up some of the traditional activities of the day, but may have to add some new ones. I'm going to have to study up on this a bit. I know that if our church had a celebration like that, we would definitely be a part. It sounds like you are a part of such a wonderful church. What a blessing!
Also, I am thankful for your CD recommendations. My kids love "In Christ Alone" and have asked to listen to it nearly every morning this week. If you were to recommend just one of their CDs, which one would it be?
We celebrate Reformation Day as well. My children dress up as biblical characters and attend a festival. This year, E was Miriam - so cute.
I love that your church does something on the reformation. Our church did a Harvest Party for the church members as well as the community.
I have felt conflicted over the participation of christians in these types of celebrations/festivities. We have been to the alternative parties and we have stayed home to do nothing also. I am still not sure where I stand on this one.
That is great that your church had that.
Thanks for the CD recommendation. I will check out that site.
Post a Comment
<< Home