Some will say "Martin who?"
Some will yawn at my surface treatment of these historical events and their Scriptural roots.
Either way, I hope the upcoming series "500 Years Later: God, Reform Our Hearts!" will help.
Let me suggest a few specific ways this series could help:
1. We can understand history.
The modern Church (big "C" for all true believers) has a way of ignoring the past. Knowing what we believe, why we believe it, and how those beliefs developed can give us a unique sense of connection with those who lived in times we could never understand or imagine. We might find ourselves surprised at how relevant some of the themes still are today!
2. We can understand our relationship to a local church.
The influence of the Church in Luther's time was extensive. Not so much today. But, in some sense we all understand authority in the local church in some way. Learning from Luther's Scriptural concerns over authority will point us to Scripture, our true authority.
3. We can understand a relationship with God.
I am not a theological expert, nor an expert on Church History. I love Jesus. I love people. I love God's Word. God's Word has much to say regarding how to have a relationship with God.
This stand out concern of Luther's will prove relevant for our thinking and obedience as we seek to follow Jesus today.
If you would like to do further reading, this link will help: The Reformation Was Not A Mistake.
I encourage to read and prepare as much as possible. I hope covering the five historical doctrines the Reformers stood on (Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, In Christ Alone, and For The Glory Of God Alone) will help our local church and anyone listening.
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin