Devotion 10.27.15

In science, the entire notion of "serendipity" is one of chance.  A serendipitous moment is one that does not occur intentionally.  A famous occurrence is one in which the researcher was attempting to make a stronger glue that just would not adhere.  Tossing it aside, someone else looked at it and began to think about using it to adhere notes, and from that, we have "Post-Its."

Now we turn to the German theologian Martin Luther.  Luther was a victim of the teachings of his day, attempting to figure out the life that would please God and ensure that he could enter heaven.  Until one day he had a "serendipitous" moment in the book of Romans.  "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, 'The righteous will  live by faith.'" (1:17)

So, the miracle of faith, given to us as a gift of grace from Christ through the Holy Spirit.  For it, we do nothing.  Reformation Day, October 31st, is a day we observe in which Luther sought "reforms" in the church.  His was not a protest, as some (including PBS) mistakenly name it, but rather points of discussion which he hoped would lead to reforms. Indulgences centered on the conceptual framework of purgatory, heaven, and hell with the teachings of the day, and at its center, a papal office that was mostly centered on power and governing authority.  He simply wanted discussion on the most important points he wanted to make that, in his mind, obscured salvation.

How do we get lost from that simple message - Faith Alone?  What do we do that creates barricades from that simple message?

Let us pray that we use Scripture Alone to teach of Christ's Grace Alone so they may enjoy knowing of that saving grace through Faith Alone.  Those are our three simple yet profound teachings - Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone.

Hope Men's Ministry