REFORMATION SUNDAY
"This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
- John 8:31-36, Psalm 46
On this Reformation Sunday it is quite natural to reflect upon the
condition of the church in the days of Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and
Knox to name a few. As we celebrate the church's ongoing renewal, we
may look for inspiration to these reformers. Each challenged the church
to live as the body of Christ during technologically dazzling, morally
ambiguous twentieth century, when valuing certain lives at the expense
of others resulted in a growing abyss between rich and poor and, most
horribly, in apartheid (racial segregation) genocide(extermination),
and would war.
Martin Luther in Germany heralded the . . .
REFORMATION SUNDAY
"This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
- John 8:31-36, Psalm 46
On this Reformation Sunday it is quite natural to reflect upon the condition of the church in the days of Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Knox to name a few. As we celebrate the church's ongoing renewal, we may look for inspiration to these reformers. Each challenged the church to live as the body of Christ during technologically dazzling, morally ambiguous twentieth century, when valuing certain lives at the expense of others resulted in a growing abyss between rich and poor and, most horribly, in apartheid (racial segregation) genocide(extermination), and would war.
Martin Luther in Germany heralded the Bibical doctrine of justification through faith alone; salvation is by God's grace alone, received through faith in Christ alone. Good works play no part in a person's salvation, Rom. 3:21 - 4:5,5:1, Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8,9 and Phil. 3:9. but are merely the by-product, or fruit, of a relationship with God, established by God's grace alone.
What will church renewal and reform look like in the next century? We who are clothed in the Word and guided by the Spirit hold the answer, as we respond in joy to our common baptismal call.
Christian friends, until the LORD calls us home, let's stay close to Him by reading and studying His Word. Let's worship Him regularly and thank Him for the great blessings He gives for our bodies and souls. Remember those reformers who have gone before us by not taking their Reformation blessings for granted.
LORD, keep us steadfast in Your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son,
And bring to nought all He has done.
PRAY - Almighty God, gracious LORD, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all enemies of Your Word, and bestow on the Church Your saving peace. Amen