Happy Reformation Day!

Luther-posting-95-theses

It may say Halloween on the calendar, but today we celebrate the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, marked by Martin Luther’s famous nailing of his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in 1517. (I suppose you could dress up like Martin Luther if you wanted to – but may not be the biggest hit at your costume party – ha!)

This summer I stood in front of that door in Wittenberg and was moved by Luther’s desire to get his message out in the face of incredible opposition.

The goal at the time was to raise discussion of reform needed. He was outraged by Johann Tetzel, who was selling indulgences for people to buy their way out of Purgatory as a way to raise money for Pope Leo X.

Eventually printed editions of the Theses were published and circulated across Germany and Switzerland, “far beyond my expectation”, said Luther. Later, Luther’s “Sermon on Indulgences and Grace” would also be printed and become an instant hit – the starting point for the Reformation.

The impact of Luther’s actions were far-reaching. What began at one church door in Germany expanded through Europe, crossed oceans to the Americas, and impacted South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand. It was the hammer heard around the world, bringing the good news to people of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.

Let’s remember Martin Luther today and be encouraged by his act of courage almost 500 years ago!

God bless you,

Nelson

 

 

 

 

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About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.

Nelson SearcyEvangelism, Leadership

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