Menno Simons, the Radical Reformation

Menno Simons, the Radical Reformation

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Christ Jesus.” 
1 Corinthians 3:11

 

Our emphasis upon a personal salvation experience (the new birth), baptism for believers only, the Lord’s Supper observed as a memorial supper, a simple worship structure that glorifies God and edifies people, the insistence on the separation of church and state, the emphasis on discipleship, and every believer a minister and a missionary, these are all prominent themes among the radical reformers. And not surprisingly, they sound a lot like the way we think and do church today.

While the great teachings of “Scripture alone,” “grace alone,” and “faith alone” come to us mainly through the major protestant reformers, much of the way we as Baptists “practice” our faith comes to us through what we call the “Radical Reformation.” The Radical Reformation has been called a “reformation of the Reformation.” While the mainline protestant reformers give us an appreciation for loving God with our “mind,” the radical reformers give us an appreciation for loving God with our “heart” and “strength.”

Our series, “Profiles of the Protestant Reformation” continues this Sunday, October 15^th at 10:30 a.m. where will be sharing the significance of Menno Simons and the Radical Reformation on evangelical faith today. Along with a sketch of Menno’s life and impact, we will look at one of Menno’s favorite Scripture passages, Luke 19:1-10, the story of Zacchaeus and the change that Jesus brought to him.

Look forward to glorifying our great God and Savior this Sunday!

Pastor Joe

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3