Reformation Foundation

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 4:16,17

We observe the day of the Reformation this month. We will soon joyfully sing the great anthem of that day; A Mighty Fortress is our God! This hymn was based in Psalm 46 reminding God’s people of the God who is their refuge and strength, a very present help in all time of trouble! The Lord gives to his beloved his saving and strengthening help in his eternal word! As St. Paul has said, all scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable! God makes use of it for our teaching, for reproof and for correction. The Lord uses his words in our lives to train us in righteousness, to make us complete, equipped for every good work.

God’s word is the very foundation of the Reformation! The Reformation of God’s church was not about novelty or change but about rediscovery and restoration of the best and the biblical from ancient Christian past. All scripture is the foundation for our faith. This scripture is all of God and is for the people of God. There we are given the good news of the gospel, that we are saved by faith alone in Christ’s grace alone! The Reformation made the scriptures available for the people in their own personal language. Additionally, the Divine Service; a service of the scripture, is the way we worship in this common salvation God has given to us. So we make use of the ways of God’s word in our lives, also in the service, serving him who firstly serves us.

Yet, Martin Luther once said that procrastination is a hidden evil. He spoke of his own experience saying that whenever it was necessary to pray, to read or partake of the Lord's Supper, that the longer he delayed the more disinclined he became. Perhaps you have experienced something like this. I certainly have…May the Lord give to us all a fresh appreciation for the various ways of his word in our lives. May he forgive us for times we have taken his word for granted and cause us in a fresh way to receive these words in the service and in all of scripture! For all scripture is breathed out by God. It is most profitable for us as it all speaks to us of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks to God for his word, the foundation of the Reformation of our entire lives of faith!

Pastor