Dear Northwood Berkeley Saints,

 

This week Christians celebrate Reformation Day on October 31, 1517. when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This act is seen as the start of the Protestant Reformation a movement which called for a return to biblical Christianity. The Catholic church had corrupted biblical truth for close to a thousand years and Luther called for return to biblical doctrine and faith. Ironically, it was through a study of Romans in which Luther came to realize that salvation is though God’s grace alone and that we must place our faith in Christ alone. Luther came to realize that a person is not justified by religious works but rather through the finished work of Christ.  Jesus lived the sinless life we could never live, died the death we deserved to die on the cross, and then gained victory over death through His resurrection. Salvation is a free gift. We must by faith accept that free gift repenting of our sin and trusting in Christ alone for salvation.  This Sunday I will be preaching from Romans 2:17-29 and our message is entitled “Don’t Rely on Religion.”  

 

May we have the courage of Martin Luther to share the Gospel with our generation.  We have a specific goal for our Romans series. We want to pray for our Oikos daily and by the end of our Romans series we want each person to share the Gospel with at least five other people.  That takes courage.  This week we remember the courage of Martin Luther. May future generations note our courage.

 

November 1 is our Fall Festival.  We need all hands on-deck!  Thanks for all those who signed up to help.  If you didn’t’ sign up, show up anyway. We are looking to have a good crowd.  Please be in prayer for this event.  Alex will share the Gospel.  Kingdom Vessels will praise God.  We will have food and fun for the kids and even an outdoor movie. If you hand out candy on October 31 tell the kids about the Fall Festival and hand our fliers.  

 

November 16 we will have an Operation Christmas Child Packing Party at 6:00 p.m. On November 23rd, we have an ordination service.  I’m excited about what God is doing at Northwood Berkeley, and I am thankful to be your pastor.