Each year our church sets aside a day in October to celebrate the surprising work of God through the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation began with a German monk named Martin Luther asking a simple question: What will I do about my sin? This year’s celebration falls on the very day the Reformation symbolically began: October 31.
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther walked up to the church door in Wittenberg where he nailed his Ninety-Five Theses. Here were ninety-five statements that exposed the corruption of the Church of Rome through the false assurance of pardon held out by indulgences. In addition, Luther would declare later (in sharp contrast to Rome) that people are declared right with God through Christ alone, by grace alone, by faith alone. It was upon this article of justification by faith alone, Luther argued, that the church stands or falls.
As in previous years, our order of worship on Reformation Sunday will center on the five solas of the Reformation: sola scriptura (by Scripture alone); sola fide (by faith alone); sola gratia (by grace alone); solo Christo (through Christ alone); soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone).
Dr. Mark Sidwell and Dr. Michael Barrett will also be with us to help celebrate the truths of the Reformation. Both are members of Faith Free Presbyterian Church.
During our Family Bible Class, Dr. Sidwell will present a biographical sketch of the life of Martin Luther. Dr. Sidwell is a member of the American Society of Church History. He has published and edited several books, one of which is an outstanding biography of Martin Luther entitled The Triumph of Truth: A Life of Martin Luther. (He also likes the Three Stooges.)
During our worship service, Dr. Barrett will deliver a message on the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Dr. Barrett has taught ancient languages and Old Testament Theology for over thirty years. Currently he serves as the president of Geneva Reformed Seminary and he is a gifted minster of the word. One of the most helpful books he has written is Complete In Him: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Gospel. (He also fancies himself to be a good hunter.)
