Pastor David
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OCTO BER 2017 www.cscfamily.org Phone: (610) 584-4480 Dear Church Family, Many of us appreciate special occasions, dates upon which we celebrate an event in history. October 31st will mark the 500th year of the Protestant Reformation. It is on this date that Martin Luther took matters into his own hands and called the church back to the Bible. Luther listed 95 areas where the Catholic Church had departed from Biblical orthodoxy. By nailing these items in written form on the church doors at Wittenberg, he began a movement that continues today. Protestants make up about 37% of Christians, about 11% of the world’s population, a number that is over 800 million.1 To be Protestant in the classic sense, is to have a high regard for the Bible as God’s written word. Sola Scriptura is the belief that the Bible alone is the authority for our faith. Luther’s testimony at the Diet of Worms in 1521 stated: Unless I am overcome with testimonies from Scripture or with evident reasons- for I believe neither the Pope nor the Councils, since they have often erred and contradicted one another; I am overcome by the Scripture texts which I have adduced, and my conscience is bound by God’s Word.2 This was in the context of the church of Rome which affirmed that religious authority came from Scripture and church tradition. What popes and councils had decided in the past, defined what the Roman Church would teach. Against the background of human authority, the Reformers taught that the Bible was divine authority. Luther and others such as Calvin, Zwingli and Caspar Schwenckfeld, called the church back to the Bible. Alister McGrath states, Scripture was seen as embodying the commands and promises of God, thus giving it a status over and above any purely human document. The phrase sola scriptura, ‘by Scripture alone’ expresses the basic Reformation believe that no source other than Scripture need be consulted in matters of Christian faith and practice.3 Some verses that speak of the Scriptures as God’s guide for our lives are the following: Deuteronomy 4:2: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.” Proverbs 30:5: “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.” Jesus prayed in the garden in John 17:17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” The Reformers believed we needed to get back to the Scriptures as the guide for our faith. To appreciate the Bible, one must read it; study it and meditate on its contents. I hope that you will make a new commitment to read your Bible daily, and that God would show you His wisdom as you hunger for His word. In His Love, Pastor David 1 http://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-traditions/. 2 http://www.5solas.org. 3 McGrath, Reformation Thought, (Oxford: Blackwell, 1999), 61. Greetings from the Netherlands! Dear Family and Friends in Christ, Greetings again from the Netherlands. As I write, it is pouring outside. This has been the wettest September that we have had in our stay. Hopefully, your weather is much better. We are in the beginning of our fall semester at the school. Once again, there are students from many nations who are here with us. This year, however, there has been more of a shift in our student body. We are attracting more students from Central Asia, particularly from Pakistan. I believe that they are with us as a result of several reasons. Pakistan is known to be one of the countries in which persecution takes place the most. It is fourth on the watch list for organizations like Open Doors that measure Christian persecution. (If you are interested in the mission organization Open Doors, you can find it on the Internet at: www.opendoorsusa.org). Pakistan is approximately 95% Muslim. In Pakistan if anyone utters anything that could be seen to be derogatory against the Muslim prophet Mohammed, he or she can be thrown in prison, receive a fine, or even worse. Besides the blasphemy law, Christians have been targeted due to their difference with the majority Muslim nation. Pakistan is a difficult place to be a Christian. Many Christian groups experience persecution in Pakistan. Christian groups that have a history in Pakistan may continue meeting openly, but they are affected by stringent rules and constant monitoring. Unfortunately, these communities suffer frequent attacks. Muslims who convert from Christianity suffer persecution from radical Islamic groups, families and neighbors. In Pakistan, violent persecution is frequent. Christians are targets for murder, bombings, abduction of women, rape, forced marriages and eviction from home and country. Our students from Pakistan have come to us because they have not been able to find suitable Christian training in their country. One student has told us that if he could have found Christian education that had a high enough standard, he would have remained in Pakistan. Please pray for some of our Pakistani students, Yasir Saleem, Huma Gill, and Zara Akhter. All three are fine Pakistani believers. They will be returning to Pakistan upon completion of their studies. Ask the Lord to prepare them for serving Him in a challenging country. With Christian Greetings, Drake, Andrea, Henry, Abigail, and Samuel Williams P.S. Our eldest son Henry is engaged to Laurie Harris from Oregon. Laurie attends Wheaton College, like Henry did. A December wedding is being planned in the Chicago area. Mission agency address: European Christian Mission. P. O. Box 1006. Point Roberts, WA 9828 OUR LANSDALE CHURCH DEDICATES NEW PIPE ORGAN The February 1927 Schwenkfeldian contained this interesting news of celebration summarized here. “This pipe organ is material evidence that the people of this congregation have music in their hearts,” said Rev. H. K. Heebner, pastor of the Philadelphia Schwenkfelder Church, as the Lansdale congregation dedicated its new pipe organ with special services, Sunday, January 9th, 1927, afternoon and evening. Members of Schwenkfelder churches from all parts of the North Penn section as well as churchgoers of other denominations attended. Every available seat was filled and a number of spectators stood in the back of the church. “Buying a musical instrument of this kind,” said Rev. Heebner, “is not merely a case of having sufficient money to make the purchase. The desire to spread the Christian religion by the aid of music is necessary before any group of people can feel the need for a pipe organ.” Music, he explained, is the fifth elemental need of mankind. Needs of the human being in order of importance, are: “Food, clothing, shelter, friendship, and music.” Choirs from other Schwenkfelder churches assisted the Lansdale congregation in the dedicatory services. Churches represented by choruses were: Worcester, Towamencin, Palm, and Philadelphia. The largest of these choruses was that of the Palm Schwenkfelder congregation, which included more than twenty-five musicians. This choir gave an excellent rendition of the famous “Hallelujah Chorus,” by Handel. Although lack of electrical current prevented the organ from being used during the first part of the program, the new instrument played its first notes when the congregation united in singing the Dedicatory Hymn, after the formal dedication services was read. The Dedicatory Hymn, composed especially for the occasion by Rev. L. S. Hoffman, pastor of the Lansdale church [as well as Worcester and Towamencin], is as follows: While we meet with one accord—Abba Father. To adore Thee blessed Lord;—Lord and Master. Draw Thou near us while we pray,—Precious Saviour. And abide with us for aye.—Holy Spirit. We have brought a token fair.—Great Son of God. To enrich this house of prayer;—Son of David. We would use it verily,—True King of kings. Only to commune with Thee.—Lord Christ Jesus. Now we dedicate to Thee,—Most Holy God. This Pipe Organ, rev'rently;—Lord of Glory. May it ever in this place.—Great Redeemer. Bless Thy Name through notes of praise.— Our Messiah. Bless dear Lord the gift we bring.—Faithful Shepherd. And our lives, a thank off'ring;—Mediator. Teach us Lord through service Thine—Thou Prince of Peace. To attain Thy Joys Divine.—Emmanuel. Many other greetings and special music were shared as well as a meal between the afternoon and evening services. The article concluded, “Our Denomination congratulates our Lansdale brethren upon their enterprise so happily crowned with success.” Even though the Lansdale congregation has since disbanded, parts of this organ continue to inspire through worship the members of our Central Schwenkfelder Church. Caspar’s Corner is provided monthly to The Schwenkfelder Church by the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center WCF News (Women’s Christian Fellowship) Wow! Wow! A huge THANK YOU filled with gratitude from the Bakery/Country Market Committee to all you bakers, canners, cookie makers, and crafters! We had a wonderful array of varied items in each area thanks to YOU! It was a beautiful day, crowds were abuzz, and we were so greatly appreciative of your donations. YOU made our booths successful! A special SHOUT OUT to Amelia for making our move to the Community Center a success, and a personal note of heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stepped in to help this year and pick up where I could not! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! L.S.