Not only to have a "party" with games and lots of yummy goodness, but to have each other to celebrate this day with.
I am excited to teach all the children about some church history and instill in them the message that our salvation is through faith not works. And if you are feeling sorry for the little ones missing out on all the Halloween fun, well this is me trying to create some fun just in a different way. And please know, I have nothing against you if you celebrate Halloween. No judging here folks.
This is just something we are doing in our family. Now let's talk Reformation Day.
What is Reformation Day?
**On Oct 31, 1517, Martin Luther (then a Catholic monk) posted his 95 Theses (or statements) on the door the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This act triggered the movement in world history known as the Reformation.
**The Reformation was the great rediscovery of the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. At that time, the Roman Catholic Church had become corrupt and was teaching false doctrines like salvation through good works. Some were selling “indulgences.” They said if you purchased these indulgences, you would gain forgiveness for sins.
**Although, Reformation Day is more commonly celebrated in the Lutheran Church, Martin Luther is a hero of faith for us, too. Protestant churches that we worship in today are the result of Luther's brave acts to restore the gospel—salvation through Jesus Christ—to its rightful place as the cornerstone doctrine of Christianity.
**The story of Martin Luther is one of courage, adventure, mystery and triumph. There are many aspects to the story and many theological implications. Explaining all these items can be confusing for some younger children. To help the children understand the Reformation, I plan to focus on the fact that Martin Luther helped people realize that salvation is only through Jesus Christ:
“For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
So today we work on our list to prepare for our 1st Reformation Celebration.
The boys are getting very excited. And I must admit I am too! The thought to have the celebration came late so I will "TRY" to keep it simple. But, there is always next year.
Pictures and update to come on Monday.
Have a great weekend and do something FUN!!!
4 comments:
fun! Interesting fact: I've been to the Wittenburg Door where Luther nailed the thesis... :-)
A couple of years ago Brent designed 5 mottoes for me to stitch to hang as a testimony to our families beliefs. They are the 5 Solas of the Reformation.
Solus Christus (Christ alone)
Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone)
Sola Fide (Faith alone)
Sola Gratia (Grace alone)
Soli Deo Gloria (To God alone be the Glory)
They hang above our fireplace and is always a reminder of Luther and others who fought and died for truth. We will have a quiet Reformation this year with a couple of friends after church feasting on German food and reflecting on Martin Luther, this year.
Renee
Meagan my two daughters would love to see the Wittenburg door. What a treat!
I think that sounds so fun. I have never heard of it before, but what a wonderful idea. I am so looking forward to your pictures and details on Monday. I ams ure your boys will love it and will be something special for them to celebrate when other kids are celebrating as well. We celebrate Halloween, but we don't trick or treat door to door. We do activities through our church. I know that being able to have some fun at church in a safe place is something my children look forward to each year. I am sure your little will have so much fun celebrating reformation day. Good luck on all your planning:> Have a wonderful weekend
Some Protestants have the notion that Catholics do not “believe” in the Bible, so they bring up Second Timothy 3:15-16 to support their belief of Sola Scriptura:"... from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
Certainly Catholics believe in the Bible (Catholics put together the Bible!) but this verse does not really support the belief of Sola Scriptura; it does not say that scripture alone is an adequate guide to the faith For that matter, the whole Bible does not say that we should believe in the Bible alone, nor does it say which books are inspired by God. This is only one hole in the belief of Sola Scriptura; there are many more.
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