REFORMATION DAY

Reformation Day

Last week, I was standing in the Grand Place only days from October 31.  There, in the heart of Brussels, on January 1, 1523, the first two martyrs of the Protestant Reformation were burned to death.  Hendrik Vos and Jan van den Esschen, two Augustinian monks, had become convinced of the authority of Scripture over the authority of the Catholic Church and the unbiblical practice of indulgences.  The influence of Martin Luther's teaching had led them to study the Scriptures for themselves.  They were so convinced of the truth of God's Word over the prevailing teachings of the time, they were willing to die rather than recant.  Luther, who had "sparked" the Protestant movement with his 95 thesis on October 31, 1517, upon hearing of the martyr of Vos and Esschen led Luther, was led to compose his first hymn; A New Song Here Shall Be Begun.

RIC rests on the same, enduring authority of God's Word today.  Everything we do is aimed at the knowledge and enjoyment of God who has revealed his truth and love through his Word.  What a gift!  What a gift worth knowing, enjoying, and sharing!  God has graciously allowed RIC a season of great blessing.  But, I also believe his plan for RIC goes well beyond our present moment.  As His ambassadors, we have no greater joy than to spread a passion for God in Rome and beyond.

I believe the words of Luther's hymn apply to us today:

A new song now shall be begun,

to sing what our Lord God hath done

God help us tell the story,

Unto His praise and glory.

Sola Deo Gloria,

Loren