Happy Reformation Day

On October 31st 1517 a young German monk nailed his 95 listed objections to the claims of the Roman Catholic church to the church door. His name was Martin Luther and from this single act the Protestant reformation was birthed. What followed was the execution of many Bible Christians who belived in the doctrine of justification through faith alone by grace alone because of Christ alone. Meanwhile the Catholics were selling indulgences to buy your way into heaven. William Tyndale who translated the first English Bible was burnt at the stake for heresy by the Catholics. Thanks to him and others like him the Bible can now be freely read however forsaking the light now available to them many Christians are getting into bed with the Catholics through the ecumenical movement. They are without excuse as the truth of Gods word is clearly and substantially available to them. Paul instructed Timothy to "Fight the good fight" the enemies are clear. They are all those who take away the final work of the cross and usurp Christs headship of his church. In Roman Catholic churches all over the world through the mass Christ is sacrificed again, and again and again. It is called the unbloody sacrifice and yet the Scriptures say "There is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood" Hebrews 9:28 and in verse 28 of the same chapter "Christ was ONCE offered to bear the sins of many." The apostacy of the Roman Catholic church is clear to all those who have seen the light and walk no longer in darkness. So today of all days remember that great cloud of winesses who took a stand of faith "Even unto death" and make a commitment to do the same.

Gross Lapse of Taste or a Bridge To Far?

Many, myself included will be pleased to hear of the recent disiplinery action being taken against Jonathon Ross. As the saying goes 'Give someone enough rope and they will hang themselves!' I have found Ross' constant blashphemy disturbing and offensive to say the least. He uses the name of our Lord to express disgust in a way unrivalled by any other TV presenter. However his gutter humour apparently is enjoyed by millions who regulary tune into to his radio and TV show to get another dose of Ross' depraved banter. I would pretty much guess they were not part of the 27,000 complainers who have officialy voiced their concerns over his latests folly with Andrew Sachs. It is becoming clear that the BBC policy of allowing cultural divercity into its programming has really only opened a door to allow the profane and obscene into every family home in Britian.

Credit Crunch

Often times what's realy important doesn't become apparent until there's a threat that it may be taken away. We know that many people have put their confidence and future assurance in their bank balances, only to have that security shaken by the recent credit crunch. The best antidote to the fear being generated is this "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steal, But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and were thieves do not break through to steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew:19-21. Jesus issued an even starker warning "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul" Mark 8:36. The message that runs throughout the Bible is that man is more than the substance of what he owns. Tragically 'Things' is all the unregenerate man can cling on to. The Church is called to recognise the basic needs of mankind but more importantly to recognise that which is temporal and that which is eternal. As Christians we are called into the department of eternal affairs. It is better to be eternally saved and poor, than temporarily rich but lost. This is the message the church must proclaim in a time when many are looking for future security and comfort from their present financial trials. The sacrifice of Jesus, Gods only Son proves the seriousness of Gods investment to save a world of lost sinners, and in that the price has been paid in full.