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Reformation Celebration
28 - 31 October 2005
REFORMATION CELEBRATION 2005 PROGRAMME
The
Reformation in Europe during the 16th century was one
of the most important epochs in the history of the world.
The Reformation gave us the Bible now freely
available in our own languages. The now almost universally
acknowledged principles of religious freedom, liberty
of conscience, the rule of law, separation of powers
and constitutionally limited Republics were unthinkable
before the Reformation. The Reformers fought for the
principles that Scripture alone is our final authority,
Christ alone is the head of the Church and justification
is by Gods grace, on the basis of the finished
work of Christ, received by faith alone.
Few people today realise that the first Bibles printed
into English had to be smuggled into England, and that
the Bible translator, William Tyndale, was burnt at
the stake for the crime of translating the Bible into
English.
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Seven mothers were burned alive at Coventry for teaching
the Ten Commandments, the Lords Prayer and the Apostles
Creed to their children in English.
The
sacrifices made by the Reformers, and the far-reaching impact
of their courageous application of the Word of God to every
area of life, need to be rediscovered.
The
Christian Church has made more positive changes on earth
than any other force or movement in history. Most of the
languages of the world were first codified and put into
writing by Christian missionaries. More schools and universities
have been started by Christians than by any other religion,
nation or group.
The
elevation of women from the degrading exploitation of polygamy
and subservience was a Christian achievement. The Christian
reformers and missionaries succeeded in bringing about the
abolition of slavery, cannibalism, child sacrifice and widow
burning. The Christian Church has, throughout history, been
the supreme human force in restraining mans inhumanity
towards man.
Almost
every civilisation and culture had slavery and human sacrifice
before the Christian influence came in. Those countries
which enjoy the most civil liberties are generally those
lands where the Gospel of Christ has penetrated the most.
The
Gospel of Christ is life-changing, history making
and nation transforming! If it doesnt change your
life and the lives of those around you, then its not
the Biblical Gospel.
Every
31 October, Frontline Fellowship organises a Reformation
Conference to celebrate the heritage of faith and freedom
which God has blessed us with through Reformers like John
Wycliffe, John Huss, Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John
Calvin, John Knox and William Tyndale.
It
was some years ago when a Frontline Fellowship mission team
visited a remote village in Cuando-Cubango province in Angola.
Our missionaries were astounded to see the village observing
31 October as Reformation Day. The school children had specially
designed big display boards, with hand-drawn pictures of
Martin Luther and other Reformers, and the great battle
cries of the Reformation Scripture alone, grace alone,
Christ alone, faith alone!
We
were challenged that if Ovumbundu Christians in a remote
part of Angola could observe Reformation Day, then so should
we who have benefitted so greatly from this most important
epoch in world history.
On
31 October 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Thesis in Wittenberg.
By Gods grace, Luthers courageous act of challenging
corruption and unBiblical heresies, launched the Great Reformation.
Unless
I am convinced by Scripture or clear reasoning that I am
in error for popes and councils have often erred
and contradicted themselves I cannot recant, for
I am subject to the Scriptures I have quoted; my conscience
is captive to the Word of God. It is unsafe and dangerous
to do anything against ones conscience. Here I stand.
I cannot do otherwise. So help me God. Amen. Martin
Luther
The
Reformation Conference has an action-packed, power point
programme aimed at celebrating this dynamic period of Church
history. It will also present a positive and practical programme
of action to implement Reformation principles in our own
lives and churches and society today.
Contend
for the Faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.
Jude 3
Our
Christian Heritage
The
Christian Church has made more positive changes on earth
than any other force or movement in history. Most of the
languages of the world were first codified and put into
writing by Christian missionaries. More schools and universities
have been started by Christians than by any other group.
The
elevation of women was a Christian achievement as was the
abolition of slavery, cannibalism, child sacrifice and widow
burning. The Christian Church has been the supreme force
in restraining mans inhumanity towards man.
Almost
every civilisation and culture had slavery and human sacrifice
before the Christian influence came in. Those countries
which enjoy the most civil liberties are generally those
lands where the Gospel of Christ has penetrated the most.
The
Gospel of Christ is life changing, history making and nation
transforming! If it doesnt change your life and the
lives of those around you then its not the Biblical
Gospel. Join us at the Reformation Conference to celebrate
the life changing Word of God.
Reformation Celebration 2005 Posters



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