SF011 - THE REFORMAION A NEW BEGINNING (Romans 1 17)

Romans 1:16-17

Introduction

What is tomorrow (October 31)?

Ø      It is the 484th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation

What is the Reformation?

Martin Luther, the reluctant reformer

Ø      Luther was born 1483 in Germany

Ø      While studying law at the University of Erfurt in Germany Luther experienced a spiritual conversion.  (Romans 1:17 key)

Ø      He joins a monastic order, the Augustinians, and is eventually assigned as a lecturer at the University of Wittenberg.

Ø      While working as a parish priest, Luther becomes disgusted by the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences.

The purchase of an indulgence assures the buyer a remission of sins and thus a shorter period in purgatory.

Ø      The Reformation began on Oct. 31, 1517, when Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.

Ø      The 95 Theses were Luther’s way of opposing what he saw as abuses by the church.

Ø      The result was Luther being expelled from the Catholic Church and beginning of what is now called the Evangelical Christianity.

Why is the Reformation Important?

The Reformation was the beginning point for all non-Catholic Churches.

The Reformation established five Biblical principles that are the marks of all Evangelical Churches today.

*Ø      Soli Scriptura - The Bible Alone!

Ø      Soli Gratia -Grace Alone!*

*Ø      Soli Fide - Faith Alone!

*Ø      Soli Christos - Christ Alone

Ø      Soli Deo Gloria – *To God Alone be the Glory

What Does the Reformation Mean to Me?

It means that you can hear the true gospel.

Ø      The gospel tells you that Christ died for sinners and that you must repent of your sins and believe in Christ.

Ø      The gospel tells you that all who repent and believe have eternal life in Christ Jesus.

It means that you should stand up for the gospel.

"Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason-- I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other-- my conscience is captive to the Word of God.  I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.  God help me."  (Luther, Diet of Worms 1521)