Lord’s Day, Vol. 4 No. 44
(1) A Mighty Fortress Of God
– Hymn of the Reformation
Today, we remember the 499th year of the Protestant Reformation when Martin Luther, a monk of the Roman Catholic Church, nailed his ninety-five theses to the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg in Germany on October 31, 1517 that sparked the Protestant Reformation.
It was a reformation of doctrine, a movement that restored the supreme authority of the Bible as our sole foundation for faith and practice. The biblical doctrines of salvation by faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone and for God’s glory alone were proclaimed once again.
It was also a reformation of worship. Kenneth W. Osbeck observed well, “One of the important benefits of the Reformation Movement was the rediscovery of congregational singing. Luther had strong convictions about the use and power of sacred music. He expressed his convictions in this way, ‘If any man despises music, as all fanatics do, for him I have no liking; for music is a gift and grace of God, not an invention of men. Thus it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity, and other devices.’ Again, ‘The Devil, the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles flee before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God.’”
Moreover, Osbeck insightfully observed, “The single most powerful hymn of the Protestant Reformation Movement was Luther’s ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,’ based on Psalm 46. This hymn became the battle cry of the people, a source of strength and inspiration even for those who were martyred for their convictions. This hymn has been translated into practically every known language and is regarded as one of the noblest and most classic examples of Christian hymnody…. The first line of this national hymn of Protestant Germany is fittingly inscribed on the tomb of the great reformer at Wittenberg, and may still be read with appreciation by travelers to that historic spot.”
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
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
Doth seek to work us woe
His craft and pow’r 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.
Dost 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 tho this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph thru 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 pow’rs
No thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Thru Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindreds go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still
His kingdom is forever.
(2) Family Day 2016
On 19 November 2016 the church family shall be gathering at the Ramada Hotel for Family Day. It shall be from 10am to 8pm. The theme is “Family Prayers”. There shall be a children’s program. We shall also be recounting a portion of Chinese history and God’s hand in shaping it. A visit is planned to the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Museum at the Zhong Shan Park in the afternoon. We encourage you to sign up if you have not already done so for a time of spiritual refreshment.
(3) Reading Through the Bible In One Year
How are you doing in the spiritual endeavour to read through the Bible in one year using the 365 Days Andrew Murray Devotional Bible? I encourage you to persevere on for wholesome spiritual strengthening and nourishment.
Below is an extract of today’s devotion by Andrew Murray for the encouragement of our readers: “The Intercessor God Seeks” based on Isaiah 62:6 “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence” – “Watchmen were ordinarily placed on the walls of a city to give notice to the rulers of coming danger. God appoints watchmen not only to warn them but also to summon His help. The great mark of the intercessors is that they do not rest until God gives an answer. They count upon the assurance that God will answer their prayers…”
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee