Martin Luther’s Five Solas solidified the doctrine of the Protestant Reformation: individuals had free access to God. Faith alone, grace alone, salvation alone through Christ was all possible once people understood that the basis for all truth is found in scripture alone. The Bible, not the state religion, provides the foundation for all knowledge. People no longer were enslaved to false promises and salvation through taxation. Rather, they could enjoy fellowship with other believers, and have freedom. Freedom to read, learn, and think for themselves. Freedom to work and love without the regulations and restraints enforced by the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1529 German princes officially “protested” against Rome, thus becoming called Protestants. Their acts following Luther’s initial protest is what Protestants worldwide celebrate and remember 500 years later on this Sunday, called Reformation Sunday.

The outworking of Luther’s transformation of the church was the emphasis of corporate worship. This meant that one could read– and sing– in one’s own language. The days of not being able to understand Latin or have access to knowledge were over. Martin Luther revolutionized praise and worship by teaching Christians how to read and sing.

Martin Luther wrote often about the importance of praising God through music and song. He said:

Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. … music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should…

Egypt has been one of the worst places for Christian persecution in recent months. A series of attacks targeting Christians and forced closures of churches have caused Egypt’s Christian population to call on authorities for help.

“We have kept quiet for two weeks after the closure of one of the churches, but due to our silence the situation has worsened … it is as if prayer is a crime the Copts must be punished for,” said a statement released by the Minya diocese in southern Egypt.

Two churches were reportedly shut down by authorities in Minya and another church was closed after rumors of an attack surfaced. No attack occurred, but the church has remained closed.

Egypt’s Christians are known as Copts and have been in the region since ancient times. According to ChristianToday.com, Copts make up 10 percent of Egypt’s population of 95 million people.

Many Copts feel that the government does not take adequate steps to protect them from discrimination. Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has vowed to combat Islamic extremism in the country and declared a three-month state of emergency after two massive church bombings rocked the nation, and particularly the Christian community, last April.

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Publication date: October 30, 2017