Feba CEO Bob Chambers reflects on the quincentenary of the Reformation and its theological and social consequences.

500 years ago, on 31st October 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, writings that triggered the Protestant Reformation, the effects of which endure to today.

There are different perspectives and opinions, and undoubtedly not everything that followed was ‘good’, but at its core the Five Solas of the Reformation are to be commended as a summary of basic beliefs:

• Sola scriptura (by Scripture alone)
• Sola fide (by faith alone)
• Sola gratia (by grace alone)
• Solo Christo (through Christ alone)
• Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone)

Soli Deo Gloria...Sustainable Development Goals. 

Two years ago, in late September 2015, the UN approved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a set of 17 ‘Global Goals’ and 169 targets to guide the international development agenda through until 2030. Aiming to "end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all", there are clearly important development issues to be addressed that require joined-up planning and effort. There is much about the SDGs to be commended and the goals seek to transform our world.  Like the theological and social developments that resulted as part of the Reformation, the SDG's will hopefully bring transformation to people's lives for years to come.

An interesting link between the two is the acronym ‘SDG’. The great composers Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel (and others) both wrote the letters ‘SDG’ at the end of compositions, denoting the dedication, "Soli Deo Gloria", of their work to God.

As you consider the anniversary of the Reformation and pray this month, please join me in committing all of Feba’s ministry to God, in accordance with His purpose, and for His glory.

With blessings, 

Bob Chambers CEO, Feba Radio.

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Find more prayer suggestions in This Month in Prayer

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