Pastor's October Article

 GRACE ALONE, FAITH ALONE, SCRIPTURE ALONE

It would be hard for a Lutheran pastor not to include thoughts of Martin Luther when writing an article for October. As you might remember, it was on October 31 – the Eve of All Saints’ Day – that Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg so the scholars might begin debating issues that were in conflict with Scripture, thus starting the REFORMATION.

Luther continued to find evidence in Holy Scripture that the Church in his day was not consistent with Scripture. Finally at the Diet (Meeting) at Worms some years later, Luther was challenged to recant (take back) his writings. Paraphrasing his response Luther said that unless he could be proven wrong- by Scripture, he would not recant.

Since that time a basic premise of our church has been that we are saved by “Grace alone, by Faith alone and by Scripture alone.” Unfortunately, many Lutherans today do not take the time to really study Scripture. This is evident even at Faith Lutheran Church where Bible class attendance is certainly low (in spite of the addition of donuts and coffee every Sunday morning). It would be interesting to know why people do not want to study God’s Word more. We always give opportunities to pick what book of the Bible or topic members would like to discuss or find answers for. We read what God says in His Word, talk about what it means and apply it to present day problems or concerns. Whatever is studied from His Word, God has promised to build our faith through it as the Holy Spirit works through the Word. It changes our hearts and helps to remind us that we can learn from other times, people and circumstances. The Bible is God’s “love letter” to each one of us.

At this time we are studying Micah – one of the shorter books of the Bible which contains the prophecy of where Jesus would be born about 700 years before it happened. Its theme of judgment and deliverance by God are topics relevant today! You are personally invited to come to our adult Bible class here at Faith on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. Bring your favorite Bible or use one provided on the table downstairs where Bible class is held.

Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor