Greetings from the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in the great Show Me State.  I've spent some relaxing days here at a convention.  Two thoughts: 1. Tonight Karis is having a special party to celebrate a couple of things.  First, we are now over 50 members.  It's not about numbers, for sure.  But this is an important point in the life of the church.  I am humbled and amazed by those that God has brought to Karis.  I am grateful for the godly leaders we now have in place.  We are gathering at Shakespeare's tonight to celebrate the occasion.

2. In addition, today is Reformation Day.  Karis is the Greek word for grace.  We stand proudly in the tradition of the Reformers, proclaiming, "Soli Deo Gloria," by grace alone.  We will celebrate that tonight, as well.  At Karis, we want to remember that we stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before us.  We are not the first Christians.  We are called to proclaim the gospel in our context.  But, we should learn from saints of old, and we are particularly grateful for Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and others.  The Reformation happened for a reason.  The gospel was at stake.  It still must be contended for today.  Let us remember the Latin phrase, semper reformanda, which means "always reforming."  The Reformation was huge.  But it must be ongoing.  Let us honor their sacrificial lives by continually seeking to have our lives reformed by the truths of Scripture.