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“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32
Reformation Sunday is a celebration in which we remember the actions of a German monk, Martin Luther, who long ago on All Hallows’ Eve, October 31, 1517, nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The theses presented his rationale for disagreeing with the Catholic Church’s sale of indulgences, limitations of papal power, and the gift of salvation through faith alone.
An indulgence was a certificate signed by the Pope stating that the purchaser of the certificate would receive the forgiveness of all his or her sins. This person would not have to spend a single day in Purgatory, thought to be a place between heaven and hell, where a person would have their remaining sins “purged” from them. An indulgence could be purchased for money or received through good works, pilgrimages, etc.
Luther disagreed, he said there was no biblical justification for Purgatory. Our sins are fully forgiven by the acts of Jesus, and nothing more is necessary. The Pope could only declare what God has already forgiven, not exacta charge for what has already been paid for by Jesus.
Luther’s words hit a nerve with people and went viral on the internet of his day, the newly invented Gutenberg printing press. Luther unwittingly launched a movement we call the Great Reformation, which changed the landscape ofChristianity and the world. His work led to the protestant churches we see today, as well as the translation of the Bible into the language of the people. Luther went on to influence the modern concepts of democracy, helping reshape the political and social structures in Europe and beyond.
Worship and art were also impacted by Martin Luther, with a shift toward using the local language for worship, rather than Latin. He altered the shape and form of the liturgies to better proclaim the Gospel, with less focus on the priest’s actions and more on Christ, and what God has done for you and me. Luther wrote many hymns, most notably “A Mighty Fortress”, which we will sing this Sunday.
Many say we are in need of another reformation. This is true. In fact, the church is always reforming because it is made up of sinners in need of repentance and forgiveness. The church must continually strive to remain in conformity with its foundational text – the Bible. This is not a revolution with constant change, but an ongoing check in the life and teachings of the church against biblical principles. Society and the sinner within us will always test those bounds, seeking other ways, just as Luther saw in his day. Let’s continue that reformation today!
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- A PERSONAL NOTE: Please include my wife Karina in your prayers this week. She is scheduled for surgery to have her thyroid removed on Wednesday, October 29th. Karina has multiple suspicious thyroid nodules that testing was not able to determine if they are cancerous or benign. The doctor recommended removing the thyroid. If it is cancer, it would most likely be papillary thyroid cancer which is typically a slow growing and curable cancer. Recovery may take a few weeks.
- Join us for worship this Sunday with First and Holy Cross churches. Remember to join us for a special Reformation Lunch following worship. Remember WEAR something RED for Reformation Sunday.
- A memorial service for Terry Taylor will beheld on Saturday, October 25th at 1:30 pm in the First Lutheran Chapel, lunch following. Interment will be at the VA cemetery on Monday at 1:00. Please keep his family in your prayers.
- Would you like a name tag for church? We are ordering some new ones. This is open to everyone – please put your name on the sign-up sheet by the offering plates or call or email the office. You can store them on a magnetic bulletin board next to the sound system.
- Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
- We are parking additional cars on the property for workers being shuttled out to the Royal Poinciana Plaza seven days a week. You may see signs for valet parking, parking on the grass areas and basketball courts.
