Scripture alone. Grace alone. Faith alone. Christ alone. To the glory of God alone. More than five centuries later, these truths still mark faithful gospel ministry. The Reformers called the church back to the Word, and the Word of God remains the foundation of faithful ministry today. Happy Reformation Day!

Scripture alone. Grace alone. Faith alone. Christ alone. To the glory of God alone. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther called the church back to the Word of God. What the Reformers recovered, they confessed in five convictions: Sola Scriptura: Scripture is the final authority over the church, its traditions, and its leaders. (2 Timothy 3:16–17) Sola Gratia: Salvation is God’s undeserved gift, never a wage we earn. (Ephesians 2:8–9) Sola Fide: Sinners are declared righteous through faith in Christ, apart from works of the law. (Romans 1:17) Solus Christus: Christ is the only Mediator between God and man, and his finished work is enough. (1 Timothy 2:5) Soli Deo Gloria: All of salvation, and all of life, exists for the glory of God. (Romans 11:36) More than five centuries later, these truths still mark faithful gospel ministry. The Reformers called the church back to the Word, and the Word of God remains the foundation of faithful ministry today. Happy Reformation Day!

.@POTUS: "Scripture tells us, 'Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the Crown of Life.' For 71 years, Lindsey Graham was strong and steadfast. As a brother, a Senator, a warrior, and a patriot, he withstood every last test... and every trial. And now, he wears the Crown of Life in Heaven—reunited with his parents and reunited with his Lord. I end by saying something very, very special. Lindsey, we love you, God Bless You, we will always be with you, and you were very, very special."

James Talarico invokes Scripture to celebrate his victory over “the richest man in the world.” TALARICO: “I’m reminded of that story from Scripture of a shepherd boy who goes up against a giant. For 40 days, Goliath teases and taunts. On the day of the fight, he shows up in full armor. He’s carrying so many weapons, he needs someone else to carry his shield.” “In this race, we went up against our own Goliaths. The richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the world, and the entire Washington D.C. establishment.” “David wasn’t as big or as strong as Goliath. He didn’t have as many weapons, but he had hope, he had faith, and he had a slingshot.” “You were my slingshot. The people of Texas were my slingshot.” James Talarico won Texas’ Senate seat tonight by a comfortable margin, becoming the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas in 38 years.

We can know Scripture, defend doctrine, and speak eloquently about Christ, yet remain unchanged by Him. Saint Paisios reminds us that the most powerful witness is a life transformed through repentance, humility, prayer, and love. This is the heart of the Orthodox Christian life. Not merely knowing about Christ, but participating in His divine life through the lifelong journey and through the stages of purification, illumination, and theosis.

When government claims the power to rewrite scripture, jail believers or separate children from their faith, we must declare: a faith belongs to the faithful souls, not the government. A China without religious freedom is a China we cannot do business with.