Luther's Table

Last week, there was a unique theology conference held in Wittenberg Germany, in conjunction with the the annual "Reformation Day" observance there. Pastor Mark Batterson (I did a review of his book: Wild Goose Chase a few weeks ago) reported on his blog about his time at the conference and has some cool pics of some of things connected connected to Luther. Like the one I posted here, this is where Luther helds his famous "Table Talks." I wonder if that is the same place where he started the reformation by writing The Five Solas and 95 Theses?

Anyhow, while at the conference, Batterson shared some of the highlights from presenters, there are some good things that I thought worth repeating and thinking about. Here they are . . .

Here are some reformation thoughts. Tried to capture a meta-thought from each session. Not sure this does it justice. My synapses were firing fast and furious.

Alan Hirsch said, "We've got to get to the place where we believe Jesus is absolutely right about absolutely everything." So true. All reformation is Christocentric. Oh yeah, Alan also said, "If you're not ticking off religious people you're not following Christ." Can't have a reformation without offending a few Pharisees
along the way!

Chris Seay said that 50% of our church budgets ought to go to "the least of these." That challenged me. We need to put our money where our mouth is. Love the way Chris attacks consumerism and preaches compassion.

Christian Schwartz said objective reality needs to become subjective reality. Truth that only makes it into our head is informational. But truth that penetrates the heart is transformational. Reformation isn't the byproduct of good ideas. It's the byproduct of deeply held convictions.

Ron Martoia said, "Our spiritual formation efforts have focused on information acquisition." So true. And the problem with that is this: we are educated way beyond the level of obedience.

George Barna said, "Christianity has become a way of thought instead of a way of life." Ding. Ding. Ding. I think we've created a culture where we know more and do less all the while thinking we're growing spiritually. Also love the way he said: "If you don't change you become part of the problem."

Interresting! Some things to couse you to think.

Blessings

Bill H