95 theses

 

http://www.conradaskland.com/blog/2008/11/martin-luthers-95-theses-in-latin-and-english/

Rather than celebrate a pagan holiday, October 31st should be remembered for something else.....On this date in 1517, Martin Luther posted on the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg, Germany what is called "The Ninety-Five Theses" which objected to the Catholic church's use of the sale of indulgences,(remissions of temporal punishment due for sins which have already been forgiven-in essence, buying a "Get out of hell for a price" deal) and other abuses by the Catholic clergy.   This was viewed as many as the start of what was called "The Protestant Reformation" in which there was a break from the Catholic church on many issues....especially in areas related to faith...

However, if you were to ask the modern-day church member what "The Ninety-Five Theses" were about, I doubt that many (than includes myself) would know about it...as a matter of fact, some might even think that when you say "Martin Luther", they would probably think "King"...The reason that I bring this up today is, how many of us know about the history of the church and the struggles that it went through....to remember is to appreciate, and to forget is to in a sense, "spit upon" the works of these men and women and take for granted the work that they do.....

I know to many history may be dull and unexciting, but if we do not learn where we come from, then
sooner or later, the foundations crumble and the house that we have built over the past 2,000 years just may crumble to dust.....

Question

http://worldviewchurch.org/columns/featured-column/960-total-capitulation-the-evangelical-surrender-of-truth

As someone who is concerned about what is going on in reference to truth, I found this to be an interesting column by Albert Mohler...especially the first sentence: Evangelical Christians will either stand upon the authority and total truthfulness of the Bible, or we will inevitably capitulate to the secular worldview.

Pastor appreciation month

This month (October) is Pastor Appreciation month....there are a couple of posts where I mention about what Pastors have done in my life....
http://1ncisfan.blogspot.com/2010/10/not-forgotten-man.html
http://1ncisfan.blogspot.com/2011/07/solid-thought.html

And I want to ask have you truly appreciated what your pastor (congregational leader) has done for you and the other members of your congregation? Do you really appreciate the hours spent preparing messages, visiting the sick, counseling, prayer, etc....and the fact that the scripture says in Hebrews 13:17:...for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account...."

Have you prayed for your congregational leader....at the end of this month, while the world focuses on the candy and "trick or treats", that those who follow the devil intensify their prayers and one of the main things that they pray for is for ministers to fail and fall? We know that we are all in a spiritual warfare...and as hard as it is for us, just imagine how much MORE harder the warfare is for pastors, for they have their own warfare to think of, but the warfare of those that are under them!

So let me suggest something (and not only during this month, but whenever you get the chance), go to your pastor or congregational leader and thank him for the ministry that he does in your life....maybe even take him out to eat or do something to let him know that his work is not in vain.