Reformed

 This week Chad Hampsch taught us about Church History.  It was incredible to see the transformation of the church throughout the years.  I had no idea how denominations were developed or how the church had morphed since the first church in Acts. It answered so many of my questions such as how the Bible was formed and if the reformation took us closer or farther away from what the original church looked like.  Today I’ll just have time to share what I learned about the reformation – specifically Mr. Martin Luther.

In general, the reformers were not aiming to create denominations but were actually reforming the issues that existed with the church. From the time of the first church in Acts and this point in history the church had strayed, adapting and adding things to their beliefs.   

One of the reformation leaders was Martin Luther.  His life changed radically when he was in a storm (he was afraid because his best friend had been killed in a thunderstorm) and promised to serve God if He saved him from the storm.  So he became a monk.  He was very aware of his sin and went to confessions with a priest constantly. He struggled with the idea of salvation as it related to sin and confession.  One day as he was studying the Greek New Testament he read Romans 1:16-17 which says “for I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written the righteous shall live by faith.” (-ESV).  This verse made him realize that the church had gotten so far away form the idea of a personal relationship with God who offers forgiveness.  It answered his questions about the issue of sin and he realized that he didn’t have to go to through a priest to talk to God. This pumps me up because I definitely see in the church, and even my own life, how easy it is to believe that God is distant and that we are saved by works.  What a great reminder that we get to have a personal relationship with a God who knows and cares for us and has sent us the Holy Spirit to live not only among us but INSIDE of each of us who believe! We are saved by grace through faith – we cannot be “good enough” to get into Heaven.  Having faith in Jesus Christ is the only way we can be counted righteous.  Amen! :)

           

Anyway, at the time it was standard to nail new ideas to the door so Luther posted 95 theses challenging the church and addressing its issues. The pope did not approve of the theses so there was tension in Europe. Since this was during the time that the printing press was invented, his ideas and message of salvation got out to people quickly (Isn’t God’s timing perfect?! I think it’s so cool how God planted Martin Luther at a time where his influence could bless so many. God blessed Luther to bless many.)

           

 Later, Luther hides in Germany and while he’s there he creates the first translation of the Bible.  He translates the German Bible and it starts going out to Germans.  There is a great debate about scripture during this time. Luther’s idea that the Bible was the authoritative work of God was radical.  At this time people believed that tradition held more weight than what the Word said. War breaks out and Europe divides itself.  Luther stands alone and Germany becomes breeding ground for the reformation.  Denominations start to split and Luther heads the Lutheran denomination where he emphasizes that salvation is by faith.

Thanks so much friends! I love learning and being transformed in Branson, Missouri!  I’m so glad to share with you what we are learning in class. I hope it is a blessing for you to hear it too!   

Have an awesome, and delightful, and yummy Thanksgiving! 

~ Mal  :)