On the 31st of October, in Zagreb, the celebration of the Day of Reformation was organized by the Croatian Christian Coalition. Several Christian organizations remembered, on that day, the Reformation initiated by Luther’s posting of his famous 95 thesis on the doors of the cathedral in Wittenberg in 1517. The Reformation which followed was God’s work through people.
The results of this reformation (re- again + formation – forming, shaping) is still visible today in the Churches of Reformation heritage throughout the world.
The celebration of the Day of Reformation started with the performance on the Square of Ban Jelačić. The passers by had the opportunity to post their requests for changes in society on the doors made as an imitation of the ones from the cathedral in Wittenberg. The organizers spoke to them about the living God, handed out New Testaments, and also prayed for those in need.
The program continued with an afternoon service at the premises of the Christian Centre “The Word of Life”, on Žitnjak. The service was also attended by some persons from Croatian public and political life, who shared some of their thoughts with those who were present, Also, by free contributions the funds were raised for the “Croatian Association for Training Guiding Dogs and Mobility”.
Pastors Mario Dučić (The Church of the Full Gospel, Zagreb) and Damir Šićko Alić (Christian Centre “The Word of Life”, Zagreb) spoke about the Reformation. They emphasized that the Reformation movement, together with spiritual renewal, had also initiated changes in society, and thus contributed to the development of democracy and freedom in Europe. Such changes are also needed today, because the values in society are twisted. Human moral is very low, despite the existing laws. “Reformation means transformation and improvement through renunciation of wrong things. We all need reformation today. Each person, regardless of the nationality, race or religion needs to become a new being. Each person needs to be reformed (transformed) from within by Jesus. But, as Jesus will do nothing by force, each person must decide alone for such change. Than it becomes possible to live a different life, with God’s help.” said pastor Alić.
The evening ended with the concert of Christian rock bands “108i” and “Emet Flare”. The audience enjoyed the music and lyrics which testified about changes Jesus has done in the lives of performing musicians. Their music is the evidence that each gift we have can serve for God’s glory, and that the sound of such Christian music can also contribute to the transformation (reformation) of our lives, in accordance to the will of God.
