• The Lutheran Reformation rediscovered of the Biblical Gospel: that a sinner is justified by grace through faith apart from the works of the Law (see Romans 3:21-28; Galatians 2:16-21; Ephesians 2:8-9). And, the relocation of the Gospel as the central focus of Christianity.
• The Lutheran Reformation stressed the change of an outward situation more than the change of our inward condition. Through Christ our outward relationship with God is changed; though inward renewal follows to varying degrees, this is not the main emphasis. Other reformation and renewal movements before and after Luther put the emphasis on the inward change rather than the outward change. Their emphasis was on man's vows, man’s rededications, man’s promises, man’s works rather than on God's promises in Christ. They stressed sanctification more than justification.
• The Lutheran Reformation also involved a major shift in authority, from pope or councils to Scripture. Scripture went from being just one of several authorities in the Church to the authority (Sola Scriptoria). Scripture became the highest court of appeals, whereas the papacy (for most) and councils (for some) had been the highest authority. Councils, creeds, and church fathers, remained important for Luther, but only insofar as they agreed with the Gospel and Scripture. It was Luther's high view of Scripture that led him to translate the Bible into German.
• The Lutheran Reformation reasserted the Biblical teaching of Jesus Christ. Christ was once again emphasized as Savior not Law-Giver; as Savior, not Helper toward salvation; as Savior, not Judge (John 3:17). The Biblical teaching of Jesus Christ's death was once again reasserted. Christ's death on the cross was presented by Luther and the other Reformers as sufficient - sufficient to forgive ALL sin and ALL guilt; both original sin and actual sin; both eternal punishment and temporal punishment; both sins committed beforehand and sins not yet committed. Therefore no other helpers were needed: whether Mary or saint or relic or indulgence. Neither was purgatory needed anymore. What need of a place of additional cleansing if Christ's death has cleansed those who believe in Him of ALL sins, guilt, and punishment?
• The Lutheran Reformation reasserted the Biblical teaching of grace. Grace was no longer presented as a quality that enabled a person to work out their salvation within the Church's sacramental system. Grace was accurately presented as the undeserved favor of God (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense). To say that we are saved by grace means that God offers salvation, God offers justification, God offers forgiveness, God offers heaven, as a gift, paid for by the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. This left no room for man's works and man's achievements. God offers our salvation as a free gift. We cannot earn it by our works and our achievements. Grace alone (Sola Gracia).
• The Lutheran Reformation reasserted the Biblical teaching of faith. No longer was faith a virtue or work, faith became confidence in God's Gospel promise. Faith is not a work but the source of good works. The Church of the Middle Ages had taught that faith saves only if it is made complete by good works. Luther reasserted the Biblical teaching of faith - that faith saves apart from good works. Faith is that which receives the offered gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It is the empty hand (with nothing) that takes the gift. It is the confidence that says, "Yes, I believe that Jesus is the Christ! I believe that Jesus Christ suffered and died for me; therefore I believe the Gospel promise that I am completely forgiven and heaven is mine." Faith alone saves. Faith plus nothing saves. (Sola Fide)
Christ-centered Gospel - Scripture Alone - Grace Alone - Faith Alone.
When we celebrate the Reformation, we are celebrating this rediscovered Gospel that we believe in; and we are celebrating our salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ who comes to you today through His Word to forgive your our sins in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
I Am
“I Am the Light of the World” John 8:12
In John’s eye-witness testimony of Jesus, He quotes Jesus of making “I Am” statements. When Jesus uses “I am” statements, He is telling us two very important things:
First, Jesus is telling us He is God! “I Am” is the name that God the Father gave Himself when speaking to Moses; “I Am who I Am” (YHWH -Yahweh or Jehovah).
Second, Jesus is telling us how God (the Trinity) relates to His people - to you!
In the case of the Scripture above “I Am the Light of the World” Jesus is telling you that He is the great revealer. Just as light reveals much of the things around you (even the cobwebs), Jesus reveals to you spiritual realities. First, according to God’s good and perfect Law - Jesus reveals to you your heart – He reveals you are a sinner in need of a Savior and that you are not that Savior. As His Light shines in your heart it reveals and exposes all those deep and dark secrets that can no longer be hidden. So, where do you turn? – to God’s Gospel.
In God’s Gospel the Light of the World reveals Himself to you through His Word that He is that needed Savior and brings you to Himself and makes you His own. He takes those deep and dark secrets onto Himself and carries them to the cross. He forgives you all your sins.
Jesus “the Light of the World” is your God. And this is how your God relates to you. He is your life and your salvation.
In John’s eye-witness testimony of Jesus, He quotes Jesus of making “I Am” statements. When Jesus uses “I am” statements, He is telling us two very important things:
First, Jesus is telling us He is God! “I Am” is the name that God the Father gave Himself when speaking to Moses; “I Am who I Am” (YHWH -Yahweh or Jehovah).
Second, Jesus is telling us how God (the Trinity) relates to His people - to you!
In the case of the Scripture above “I Am the Light of the World” Jesus is telling you that He is the great revealer. Just as light reveals much of the things around you (even the cobwebs), Jesus reveals to you spiritual realities. First, according to God’s good and perfect Law - Jesus reveals to you your heart – He reveals you are a sinner in need of a Savior and that you are not that Savior. As His Light shines in your heart it reveals and exposes all those deep and dark secrets that can no longer be hidden. So, where do you turn? – to God’s Gospel.
In God’s Gospel the Light of the World reveals Himself to you through His Word that He is that needed Savior and brings you to Himself and makes you His own. He takes those deep and dark secrets onto Himself and carries them to the cross. He forgives you all your sins.
Jesus “the Light of the World” is your God. And this is how your God relates to you. He is your life and your salvation.
Whose Church is it?
At the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod convention this summer, Dr. Loren Kramer, in his sermon at the installation service of the newly elected officers asked four very important questions:
· “Whose Church is it?”
· “Who’s in charge of the Church?”
· “Where are the headquarters of the Church?”
· “What are the orders for us from our Leader?”
The answers to the questions may seem obvious, but we need to ask these questions of ourselves and remind ourselves of the answers to keep the mission of the church before us at all times:
· “Whose Church is it?” It is not ours, but Jesus Christ’s, who not only planned it but paid for it through His death on the cross.
· “Who’s in charge of the Church?” Not the pastor or vicar, not the council or elders, not the voters’ assembly, and not even the members -- there can be only one head – Jesus Christ.
· “Where are the headquarters of the Church?” Not in the church office, nor the district office (mission support center), nor St. Louis (LC-MS headquarters) or any other earthly place, but in heaven, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
· “What are the orders for us from our Leader?” To use the grace and the gifts God gives abundantly to each of us for the good of the body, practicing love and extending forgiveness.
We are to see with God’s eyes in order to “see His plan”. Each person doing what they are gifted and called to do blesses the whole body and much of God’s work of “feeding and equipping the saved, and reaching the lost” gets done.
We are encouraged not at act as “thermometers,” simply gauging the climate of the church, but as “thermostats,” helping to create a healthy climate in which God’s work gets done.
· “Whose Church is it?”
· “Who’s in charge of the Church?”
· “Where are the headquarters of the Church?”
· “What are the orders for us from our Leader?”
The answers to the questions may seem obvious, but we need to ask these questions of ourselves and remind ourselves of the answers to keep the mission of the church before us at all times:
· “Whose Church is it?” It is not ours, but Jesus Christ’s, who not only planned it but paid for it through His death on the cross.
· “Who’s in charge of the Church?” Not the pastor or vicar, not the council or elders, not the voters’ assembly, and not even the members -- there can be only one head – Jesus Christ.
· “Where are the headquarters of the Church?” Not in the church office, nor the district office (mission support center), nor St. Louis (LC-MS headquarters) or any other earthly place, but in heaven, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
· “What are the orders for us from our Leader?” To use the grace and the gifts God gives abundantly to each of us for the good of the body, practicing love and extending forgiveness.
We are to see with God’s eyes in order to “see His plan”. Each person doing what they are gifted and called to do blesses the whole body and much of God’s work of “feeding and equipping the saved, and reaching the lost” gets done.
We are encouraged not at act as “thermometers,” simply gauging the climate of the church, but as “thermostats,” helping to create a healthy climate in which God’s work gets done.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Forever Bride
Wow!! 20 years since the day that changed my life with my forever bride. Everyday I fall in love all over again. Growing older together! I thank my loving God for the kindness and mercy He has blessed me with my forever bride.
Forever Bride - that has a ring to it. It reminds me that I and my bride along with those He has called to Himself are His forever Bride. Trials, tribulations, temptations come each day, but I have a Husband who has been there and gave His life for me so I can be His Forever Bride.
The ring on my finger daily and richly reminds me of my forever bride. The waters placed on my head those so many years ago daily and richly reminds me that I am a forgiven Forever Bride. Thank you Father for making me your own forever, and thank you for the daily walk with You and my forever bride.
Forever Bride - that has a ring to it. It reminds me that I and my bride along with those He has called to Himself are His forever Bride. Trials, tribulations, temptations come each day, but I have a Husband who has been there and gave His life for me so I can be His Forever Bride.
The ring on my finger daily and richly reminds me of my forever bride. The waters placed on my head those so many years ago daily and richly reminds me that I am a forgiven Forever Bride. Thank you Father for making me your own forever, and thank you for the daily walk with You and my forever bride.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
5 days
It is 5 days until I load up the car and take my daughter to college. Where have the years gone? Wow - soon left with only memories and miles. "Aminals"; neck blows; giggles; rollerblades; messy room; and daddy's fried potatoes - a few of may favorite things. Go with God my little Muffin Mouse. Love you lots, Daddy.
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