500th Anniversary of the Reformation

 On October 31, 1517, in Wittenberg, Germany, Martin Luther posted his thoughts about some theological topics and practices of the Church in his day. That action began the Reformation – a movement that changed Western society.
One man stood against the corruption and teachings of his day that oppressed the common man and had clouded the clear teaching of the Holy Scriptures. While the Bible clearly taught the sinfulness of all humankind, the teaching that we are saved by grace through faith as a gift from God had become obscured. Man agonized how he might possibly be good enough to earn his salvation. What could he do to please God by his own human works?
When Martin Luther understood that Jesus Christ is the center of all of scripture and the key to man’s relationship with God, it freed him and all who listened and believed from the horrible bondage to sin and the enemy of God. Luther placed focus on the three solas: Grace alone, faith alone, and scripture alone. We do not celebrate being Lutheran, but rather what God has done to make us all equal recipients of His love and favor.
If you would like to learn more about Martin Luther and the Reformation you are welcome to visit our website at www.bethlehemSCV.com. We also invite you to join us on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m., beginning on September 6, for a special class on Martin Luther. Then during the Sunday’s of October, we will offer a special sermon series on the heart of the Reformation and how it changed the church even to this present day.
For more information, please call 661-252-0622.