Reformation

I love Reformation Sunday. I love everything about it. I love the music..the hymns. I love the lessons. I love the message. I love knowing that Luther shared my despair about not being able to live up to the expectations God has for me. I love that he wasn't a holy man. He was a learned man...he had a wife (boy, she must have been a saint) and six children. He didn't want to do or decide or set out to do what God laid out for him..he was compelled. He could not hold his tongue. It was not something he planned for.

Luther HAD to tell those whom he shepherded that God was not pleased with them BUT that God Himself solved the problem for us! He sent Christ to pay the price for our sin and give us the gift of His holiness! We are worthy now of heaven..not because we followed the rules, or were a good person or lived a good life..because at all of these things we have failed on more than one occasion. We get to go to heaven because Jesus bought our place for us!! Hooray!

Now ..shall I quote A Mighty Fortress or Salvation Unto Us Has Come????



A Mighty Fortress it is...now Sing Along!

1. A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need that hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;
On Earth is not his equal.

2. With might of ours can naught be done, Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One, Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this? Jesus Christ it is.
Of Sabaoth Lord, And there's none other God;
He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill, They shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none, He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life, Goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone, They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom our remaineth.