Several years ago I was introduced to Dr Lisa Clark Diller. Professor of History for Southern Adventist University. Her tremendous ability to digest history and draw the implications for our practices today have moulded generations to come. It is perhaps one of many reasons I have been blessed personally to hear her teach and preach.
Anticipating the significance of 500th anniversary of the protestant reformation, she began challenging leaders years in advance to prepare. I would recommend that you simply watch her quick summary in under 3 minutes on You Tube called “Protestant Reformation 500 Year Anniversary - Is the Reformation over?” The channel is called “Seventh-day Adventist fans of Jesus.”
For this week, as we celebrate the reformation, I want us to also focus on our own reformation. That can only happen by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul, at the end of his life, challenges the young Timothy to stay faithful at all cost. He challenges him to preach the Gospel that Jesus has life-transforming power. This is the true reformation. We can celebrate the Protestant Reformation by standing up and protesting against all the evil in the world—but this is only truly meaningful if we are continually being reformed inside our hearts.
This week, let us celebrate all that God has done to reform not only his Church but each of us every single day.
Interpretation A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Thomas C. Oden
Paul The Pastoral Letters for Everyone 1 and 2 Timmothy and Titus by N. T. Wright
Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy-Titus by W. Hulitt Gloer
The Abundant Life Bible Amplifier Timothy & Titus by Charles B. Bradford
The Challenge of Jesus by N. T. Wright
The Untold Story of the New Testament by Frank Viola
The Reformation and the Remnant by Nicholas P. Miller