Recently, our pastor led a sermon series that caught me by surprise, six messages celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation (which happens to be today, October 31, 2017). It would have been almost expected in the former denomination we attended (Presbyterian (PCA)), but not what I’d predict from a Southern Baptist church.
I like surprises.
I owe a debt of gratitude for inspiring . His sermons also pointed me in the direction of some helpful resources (and a few quotes that found their way into my post). Learning about Church history strengthens my own faith, understanding the price so many paid that I might have the luxury of reading my own Bible, and worship without fear.
On this day in 1517, history – or maybe, more so, tradition – tells us Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle Church, thereby ushering in a faith movement that led to the formation of the Protestant Church. Originally titled “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” but more commonly known as the 95 Theses, Luther raised questions related to authority and salvation. One of his major points of contention centered on the practice of indulgences where people could basically buy their way out of sin.
Please read to learn why Luther’s work matters to all of us, and I’d challenge you to ponder what your faith might look like if you didn’t have access to a Bible you could read on your own. Really–linger in the ramifications of that question; I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughtful responses (either in comments, if you’d like to share publicly, or via email).
Last, if you love learning, below are links to Dr. McCoy’s sermons and to the resources he used in his research (thank you, Dr. McCoy!):
The Unfinished Reformation by Greg Allison and Chris Castaldo
Theology of the Reformers by Timothy George
The Smalcald Articles by Martin Luther
, Christian History, Issue 34 by Henry Zecher
The Babylonian Captivity of the Church by Martin Luther
for Pastor McCoy’s sermon series The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation beginning September 24, 2017 and ending on October 29th.
- Sermon 1, How Well Do You Know Your Story?
- Sermon 2, What Does the Bible Say? Sola Scriptura and Following Christ Today
- Sermon 3, All of Grace: Sola Gratia and the Way of Salvation
- Sermon 4, Sola Fide: Abraham, Luther, and Justification by Faith
- Sermon 5, Jesus Paid It All: Solus Christus and the Way of Salvation
- Sermon 6, Soli Deo Gloria: For the Glory of God Alone
Related content:
http://www.history.com/topics/martin-luther-and-the-95-theses
Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha
Note: my affiliate links are included for books listed above.
