Over the past number of months, people have been asking me about the historical beliefs that are ours as Schwenkfelders. This month, I would like to point out one key aspect about our historical Reformation faith and explain how it relates to some of the events of this upcoming month.
We know that the Schwenkfelders are a movement that emerged from the Reformation time period in the sixteenth century, what many consider one of the high points of all of church history. What was the key idea that started the Reformation? According to scholars, it was Martin Luther's understanding of the cross of Jesus Christ that started the Reformation. For Luther and the other Reformers, the cross was the key place for discussing all of Christianity. It was the place where Jesus suffered on our behalf, paid the penalty for our sins, and gave us a new standing before God.
| We are blessed to have such a great Reformation heritage that
emphasizes the cross. It is a critical element of Christian living as St. Paul
wrote about in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no
longer live, but Christ lives in me." Our great Reformation faith emphasizes the cross. Unfortunately, the cross is under emphasized in many other traditions. Too many within some Christian circles are interested in how they can get wealthy or prosper from Christianity. Instead, I believe the emphasis ought to be on doing the right thing and finding joy in the Lord through our faith. Too many within other Christian circles wallow in guilt and are unable to forgive themselves. Unfortunately, they do not appreciate fully the cross where total forgiveness is ours. Finally, too many within still other Christian circles have forgotten or have never heard about our great standing before the Lord that is ours because of the cross. They miss out on the great privileges and confidence that we have before the Lord. |
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This month, we as a church have the opportunity to consider the cross even more.
On September 23, we will have our annual Day of Remembrance to remind ourselves about the ways of the cross. Our spiritual ancestors did what was right and suffered as they chose to walk in the way of the cross.
This year's remembrance will be at the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center. A second event that will help us consider the cross is the Encounter 2001 outreach held at Hatfield Quality Meats from September
23-30.
This is an opportunity for many who do not know the Lord to come to the foot of the cross and find complete forgiveness.
I hope this month that you will find a greater appreciation for the cross as we celebrate our Reformation heritage together.
With Christian Greetings,
Dr. Drake Williams