Reformation Day

On Friday, many people, especially children, will dress up and collecting candies from door-to-door. People look like the characters they see in the movies or TV shows. It can be scary or entertaining. 

For Christians, however, October 31st is a sweeter treat than Halloween candy. Christians do have a “day” to celebrate. It is a significant day that we can never forget and take for granted. October 31st is indeed Reformation Day. This day commemorates an event that struck Wittenburg (Germany) with a hammer bang on the church door by a man named Martin Luther. 

Luther confronted the issues that the Roman Catholic Church was doing for the lay people who had no access to the Bible. The Catholic church was promoting this false teaching called indulgence where it basically teaches that in order to be saved, you have to pay your way to heaven. Luther opposed that idea, the Catholic church and the Pope. Indeed, this confrontation and opposition got him into a lot of trouble in the Catholic church. Luther was soon tried by the church and had to recant of his teaching. During the trial, Luther’s response shocked the crowd, “I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”

Martin Luther’s legacy has lived on for 500 years. Luther is one of the most significant figures that God raised up in the early 16th century – October 31st, 1517. Luther nailed his 95 thesis on the church of Wittenburg for the purpose of restoring the missing doctrine called the Doctrine Of Justification By Faith, and confronting the Catholic church. The Catholic church was teaching that we obtain salvation by merit. Luther’s rediscovery of the forgotten truth lead to what it was historically called the Reformation or the Protestant Reformation. Luther rediscovered from Scripture that “salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and good works result from our faith, they are not added to it as the grounds for our right standing in the Lord’s eyes (Eph. 2:8-10). Justification, God’s declaration that we are not guilty, forgiven of sin, and righteous in His sight comes because through our faith alone the Father imputes, or reckons to our account, the perfect righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).” (Link) 

You can read more about Reformation Day by typing this event on the Google Search Engine.

In our western society and the church, this historical event has been forgotten. Christians attend church without understanding the history of how the church got here. Christians, we need to understand why we believe what we believe and teach what we teach. By doing so, we will know what we believe, why we believe it, how to live it, and how to share it. 

Did you know that because of Reformation Day, we have our own translation of the Bible? Let us continue to not take our faith for granted, but to equip ourselves with Biblical Truth and live out that truth daily.

Reflections

After six weeks of being away from ministry, Mark Driscoll made his verdict on Wednesday by resigning as a Preaching & Vision Pastor of Mars Hill Church. Simply by typing “Mark Driscoll” on the Google Search Engine, you will find many news pertaining to this story. 

I am personally sad yet not surprised. According to the letter of resignation, Driscoll says, “today, also by God’s grace, and with the full support of my wife Grace, I resign my position as pastor and elder of Mars Hill. I do so with profound sadness, but also with complete peace.” He also noted that his situation is not safe or healthy for his family. 

I was first exposed to Mark Driscoll’s teaching as a young new Christian. I think the first message that I heard from him was either the “Religion Saves” series or “1 + 2 Peter” series or one of the Easter messages. He’s very influential in his style of preaching. He’s boldness to talk about controversial issues sparked many interests to the “Young, Restless and Reformed”. I love Driscoll. I love his enthusiasm. I love his toughness on men. I am sure that many Christians were influenced by him. 

Without getting too deep into the discussion of what happened for the past two years with his ministry, this entry is not an attack on his reputation. I am 100% sure that there’s already enough of that going on in the internet. This entry is simply reflections on what I’ve learned and observed from the ministry of a mega-church pastor.
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#1: Fruit is important
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Someone told me, “Driscoll may be going through a lot of trouble, but at least his messages have transformed many people’s lives. He has solid teaching and solid theology.” 

There is truth to that statement. We need to, however, remember what Paul said to Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16) To keep a close watch on yourself means to watch out in how you live your life. John MacArthur said, “the priorities of a godly leader are summed up in his personal holiness and public teaching.” We already know on the news that Driscoll’s behavior towards his colleagues is abusive. We already know the controversies that he’s involved in. Though his teachings are Biblical, the teachings also need to reflect his life.

We all need this. We don’t just need solid knowledge and being able to teach. Teaching is not the means to the end of a leader. All of us need to pay a closer attention to how we live our lives. Again, John MacArthur states this, “by careful attention to his own godly life and faithful preaching of the word, Timothy would continue to be the human instrument God used to bring the gospel and to save some who heard him. Though salvation is God’s work, it is his pleasure to do it through human instruments.”

My pastor said that we need to work on the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit is eternal while Spiritual Gift is temporary. Fruit of what a Christian is while gift is what a Christian does. Gift can be abused because they can be used to manipulate or exert power or control in personal and/or relationships. 

Question for all of us: Do we see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives? How is the fruit being evident in our lives and in the lives of others? Do we live out what we teach/preach?
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#2: Bad Reputation Is Worse Than No Popularity
==========================================I don’t know how to entitle this one, but you may understand my point. 

I used like fame. I used to like people to recognize me and my works. I dreamed of one day to be a “celebrity pastor”. However, I have repented of all those ideas and my pride. 

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1) I highly suggest that all of us hold a good reputation in our own surroundings. May we receive favor from the people we see. Cheating, lying, deceiving, manipulating and abusing for one’s own gain is the way of a fool.

I would rather stay low and be recognized by the people in my own church, and that I get to know the flock that I shepherd. There is no doubt that “elders who rule” should be “considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17) We need to respect and thank the elders who look after us and teach us the word of God.

It would be an honor, though, to teach alongside with John MacArthur, John Piper, DA Carson, Tim Keller, and other men with good name. Of course, they have their own critics, but they do hold to the qualifications of an elder. (1 Timothy 3) 

I am called to fulfill my ministry (2 Timothy 4:5), and not be like someone I am not. I don’t need to be popular. I don’t need to be a celebrity. I want to be faithful with what God has given me.

Question: What kind of name are we making for ourselves? Do we find favor in the eyes the people we work with or go to school with? If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?
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Conclusion
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I think two reflections on my part are good enough. I think that there lots to learn in our own ministry. 

Let us not stop here. As Mars Hill Church and Driscoll are going through a difficult season, it is important that we uphold them in prayer. As “cliche” as this verse is, it still rings solid truth for those who are being conformed into the image of Christ: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)