An Amazing Fact: The leaning tower of Pisa, the world-famous bell tower in Italy, began showing a slight lean shortly after construction began in 1173. Because of the shallow, shifty foundation, architects believed there was nothing they could do. Amid wars and financial setbacks, they slowly completed the 183-foot tower over the next 200 years. In the centuries that followed, the tilt gradually increased to 15 feet off vertical center. By 1990, the structure was at risk of toppling and was closed to the public. Over the next decade, the city spent $40 million to slightly straighten the tower and reinforce the foundation, making it safe to reopen.
Dear friend,
"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3).
Imagine how you would feel having to flee to avoid being crushed by a collapsing tower. Well, God's church is facing a similar catastrophe, one brought on by a gradual—yet destructive—compromise with cultural corruption.
But there is something we can do to reinforce the eroding foundations of our faith.
"You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach" (Isaiah 58:12).
We aren't going to flee—we're going to stand together!
A Breach in the ChurchOver the centuries, the devil has sought to undermine the Rock-solid foundations of our faith, resulting in an all-out flood of error that is eroding the fundamentals of Christianity—everything from the inspiration of Scripture to the story of Creation and the God-ordained role of the traditional family.
At the same time, mainline Protestant denominations are actively being seduced to renounce the principles of the Reformation that led them to rightfully break from the unbiblical traditions of the pagan Roman church.
Remember Your RootsDid you know this year marks the five-hundredth anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation? On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther boldly nailed
The 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg Church in Germany. His courage triggered a revival in Christianity that altered the course of history.
Though five hundred years have passed, the church in Rome has not changed her beliefs or practices. She still stands on the shifting sand of papal supremacy, holding their tradition above Christ and Scripture.
Tragically, the average Christian today could not name even one of the basic Bible tenets of the Reformation, yet the great Reformers died for these principles so the world could know God's truth. Can you believe it? In the name of unity, many are simply giving up Jesus' foundational teachings!
The Reformation Is Not OverPerhaps the most shocking evidence of a breach in the Reformation is seen in the pope's recent—and very successful—efforts to reconcile with the Lutheran Church. The very movement created to resist the deceptions of Rome is now uniting with them! Incredibly, Pope Francis has even kicked off a yearlong celebration to commemorate the Protestant Reformation.
And it's not just Lutherans. Evangelicals, Charismatics, and Orthodox Christians are putting aside their differences with Rome and developing a new confederacy in the name of Christian unity. Just as Bible prophecy warns!
Behind all his efforts toward building a universal church, many are missing that the pope demands to remain the final authority in this union. That's why, as Rome boldly proclaims that the Reformation is over, this is the very time the Lord wants you and me to take the Reformation to the next level!
An Unprecedented OpportunityI have received a special invitation to broadcast a new series of Reformation messages. We're calling it
Foundations of Faith, and it will be televised live from our world church headquarters in Maryland.
The timing is perfect. This ten-part series will be presented November 3–11, which immediately follows the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation—right after the pope signs a document of unity with several major Protestant leaders. It will be the perfect time to warn searching seekers about what is coming and urge them to stand for fundamental Bible truth!
Through the power of the Holy Spirit and your support, we will spark a revival that can sweep the world. What a privilege—what a responsibility! This entirely new series will be seen worldwide on satellite and the Internet to revive and reform millions.
Terrorism, political turmoil, and seismic religious movements tell us now is the time to stand up boldly for Bible truth. You may have heard by now that the Jehovah's Witnesses have been banned in Russia—their services closed and property seized. This was done at the urging of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is now grasping hands with Rome. Don't think for a moment this cannot happen to Sabbath-keeping Christians!
Impact Lives NowToday, Amazing Facts is preparing to broadcast
Foundations of Faith this fall and bring true revival and life-changing reformation—not only to the church, but also to the whole Christian world. These programs will then be broadcast on major networks to millions more each month.
Foundations will also be broadcast live, in partnership with the Hope Channel and 3ABN, across North America and overseas. If you know revival and reformation are urgently needed, please send a special Reformation gift to support this effort! Thank you for being a vital part of our team—our ministry family.
Here I stand with you,
Pastor Doug Batchelor
President, Amazing Facts