Friday Morning Prayer:)… November 1, 2018
November 1, 2018 - 7 minutes readA mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.[1]
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.[1]
“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ “[2]
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I am thankful for the body of Christ! There are local churches and churches around the world who gathered on October 31, 2018 to celebrate our Lord Jesus, our true treasure. To combat the rising evil so prevalent in American culture, especially this day, many folks in Christ gathered in the strong name of Jesus. Mid-week youth groups, Alpine Harvest Festival, mid-week Bible studies and intentional prayer among the saints of God. In our mid-week group, we talked about Reformation Day and watched the movie Martin Luther. How essential we heed the Scriptures and stand continually strong in our Lord Jesus and his mighty power. As we grow in Christ, we know the reality of the devil’s schemes− “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”[3]
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther penned his 95 Theses−“The church, and the world, would never be the same.”[4] You can read about the history of Reformation Day and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. In sum, “Reformation Day celebrates the joyful beauty of the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ…. It is the day the gospel broke forth out of darkness.”[5] As ever-increasing darkness prevails in our culture, in our churches, families, schools, work-places, and individual lives, people desperately need the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ.
I need to be reminded of the joyful beauty of the gospel, so do you. Oh, the depths of experiencing God, a never-ending pursuit, and always relying on his indwelling power. On any given day when I lose sight of my great salvation, grumble, or fail to be light in the darkness, I am thankful for the Spirit’s prompt to repent and pray. Our liberating gospel moves us toward holiness and helps us choose humble in the midst of every troubling circumstance. Reformation Day led to Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Heinrich Bullinger, Ulrich Zwingli, and many other reformers to encourage all believers to cherish the Bible in the church, to seek our God in earnest prayer, and enjoy him as our gracious God who called us to himself. Sola scriptura (by Scripture alone), Sola Fide (by faith alone), Sola gratia (by grace alone) we stand on the shoulders of the reformers in our theology; distinctive fellowships (Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, etc.,) base their distinctive orthodox views on the solid foundation of Scripture to the glory of Jesus!
Five hundred and one years ago yesterday, we are thankful for Reformation Day and the gospel truth available for all who are willing today. We hallow the name of God willingly and necessarily because of the gospel truth that clearly emphasizes the necessity through God alone, a born-again regenerate heart that results in a joyful new life that is forever in union with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. In love, God the Father “predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will….”[6] “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”[7]
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.
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Sisters in Christ are meeting to pray. First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900
Join in a time of prayer in the power of our Lord Jesus. Thank you sisters in Christ!
Brothers are meeting too! Alpine Youth Center. 2153 Arnold Way. 0730
You are invited. Join with familiar brothers for a time of prayer and encouragement. It is always a joy to meet and live out this great salvation to the glory of our most holy God.
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