Introduction to the Protestant Reformation + Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
 
One of the fruits of the Protestant Reformation was the translation of the Bible into the everyday languages of the people. Try to imagine yourself as an average Christian in Europe 500 years ago. You are illiterate, and the Bible is available only in Latin anyway. The church service you attended on Sunday was conducted largely in Latin. Consider the great privilege you have in 2017 to possess, hear, read, and study the Bible in modern English … and thank God for it.
 
Spend time before the Lord acknowledging that you have done nothing to deserve salvation, that you are not saved by superior intelligence or insight, by any intrinsic goodness, by repeating the words of the Sinner’s Prayer, by attending church, by giving of your time and treasure to the church, by any good works as you define them. Remember that you are not, and have never been, worthy. Confess that it is only God’s grace that has saved you from His righteous wrath.
 
I agree with Pastor Dave that most of us would answer this quiz question correctly:
       Christians are saved by ...
       (A)  grace
       (B)  works
       (C)  both (A) & (B)
       (D)  neither (A) nor (B)

But do I live in the humility that the correct answer requires? Ask the Holy Spirit: Reveal to me any smugness, arrogance, self-righteousness, or judgmental attitude that indicates a lack of humility in my life. Then confess and repent of your pride before the Lord and ask Him to develop humility in you.
 
Pray for Calvary – that we would be a church where the bad news of God’s wrath and human beings’ spiritual deadness is clearly preached, where the good news of Jesus Christ – the Lamb who was slain – is passionately proclaimed, and where self-righteous hypocrisy is battled by all.
 
Calvary Family

Lift up the “Evening with the Hatchers” coming up on Saturday. Ask God to use this event to acquaint many in the Calvary community with Jim and Lynette Hatcher and their work in Europe and to encourage the Hatchers as they prepare to return to Vienna after a 6-month sojourn in the U.S.
 
Pray for the 107 children and staff members of the Hacienda Victoria orphanage in Rosarito, Mexico, who will soon receive the Christmas gifts selected and purchased by Calvary folk. Pray that these gifts will shout “Jesus loves you!” and “God sees you!”  to them.
 
Lorraine Kratt reports that her oncologist sees no need for further treatment of her cancer at this time. He cautioned, “I wish I could guarantee you won’t have any further cancer, but I can’t.” Lorraine answered, “That’s OK.  You’re not God!” Continue to pray for Lorraine as she heals from surgery and regains strength. 
 
I received a note from someone who wished to remain anonymous asking for prayer for an unspoken request. My first response was puzzlement. How can I pray for such a vague request? Upon reflection, I am taking the request as a reminder that we daily encounter people who bear pain, sorrows, and problems of which we are unaware. Lord, establish in me the habit of compassionately lifting the people I meet to Your throne of grace whether I’m acquainted with the details of their trials or not.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea