The Liberating Power of God’s Word
Saturday’s Verse:
From Romans 3:28 ESV
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
The Church’s celebration of the Reformation is a Gospel issue. It is not about history, but it is about the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1517, Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the church door in Wittenberg. He was not after notoriety, and he did not intend to be rebellious. He simply desired to see the truth of God’s Word proclaimed. That truth is that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
The Reformation teaches us that our good works cannot earn God’s favor. Our standing before God is not tied to a checklist of good deeds. Christ is our righteousness and nothing else. His life, death, and resurrection are sufficient. “Faith alone, grace alone, Scripture alone” still echoes through the centuries as a clarion call to the rock-solid foundation of our faith.
In a world that still today would have people defining themselves by their achievements, status, or “goodness,” let us proclaim the liberating truth that we are loved, forgiven, and made new by God’s grace alone. The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ changed the Church more than five centuries ago, and it continues to change hearts today.
Let us give thanks for the bold ones who were willing to stand up for the Gospel and pray that our lives as followers of Christ who trust in His finished work of salvation on the cross might also reflect the liberating power of His Word.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word and the saving truth that we are justified by grace through faith in Christ alone. Strengthen our faith, renew Your Church, and let Your Gospel shine brightly through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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