31 Days of Hymns - Day 2

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Written in 1529, Martin Luther, penned this great hymn based on Psalm 46. I've always found this to be a powerful song to sing, yet listening to hundreds of  men singing at the Together for the Gospel conference elevates the power even more. It's truly awe-inspiring!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_tGKr1dgxY


A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does 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.
You 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.


And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has 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!


More about this hymn:


http://www.hymnary.org/text/a_mighty_fortress_is_our_god_a_bulwark

 

Happy Reformation Day!

 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6 

This verse as well as with many other verses concerning speech have come to my mind lately as I've prayerfully tried to communicate on a very controversial topic. A few days ago I wrote about my thoughts on Halloween and asked others to share theirs. It quickly became apparent that even though I share the same foundation of grace with friends, our thoughts on this topic are very different. While surprised at first, I later calmed down reminding myself that I shouldn't be surprised for God gives us all very unique circumstances that bring us to the convictions and passions we hold. I shouldn't be surprised when others view things differently than me, especially since there was a time when my views on Halloween were much different than now. It does seem that there's a lack of understanding among Christians about church history, especially the great significance of the protestant reformation. Perhaps knowing more about this epic event in history would spark a change in minds. It's a huge topic to understand and it took many years for me to fully understand the ramifications and even now my level of knowledge is minimal but it's great enough to wholeheartedly say "Happy Reformation  Day!" instead of "Happy Halloween". 

Resources for learning more about the reformation, the first is free (at least today):

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/reformation-day-free-download-rc-sprouls-luther-and-reformation/

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/what-reformation-day-all-about/

 The true treasure of the church is the Holy gospel of the glory and the grace of God. Martin Luther (62 of his 95 Theses nailed to the Wittenberg Chapel door 495 years ago)