for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Romans 3:23-24)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
HYMNS FOR THE WEEK
- Opening Hymn “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord” (LSB 497) Text here.
- Hymn of the Day “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” (LSB 656) Text here.
- Distribution Hymns
- “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice” (LSB 556)
- “O Lord, We Praise Thee” (LSB 617)
- “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” (LSB 655) Text here.
- Closing Hymn “Thy Strong Word” (LSB 578) Text under “more” in video.
reformation day
Sermon
Please read the note below from Pastor Woodhouse regarding his sermon:
Each year on October 31st (or the closest Sunday we can get!), we celebrate Reformation Day. The date itself is an approximation of the date that Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg in 1517, inviting other theologians to debate with him about the theological justification for the selling of indulgences. This was only one of several theological differences that would emerge in the following decades, that would eventually lead to the separation of Luther and his reform-minded colleagues from the Roman Church and the establishment of the denomination that would come to be called Lutheran.
Our Scripture readings for this week, however, remind us that the Reformation of the church is not simply an historical event that happened long ago; it is a continuing struggle to maintain the purity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ against the errors of men. It is therefore helpful, as we celebrate the events that gave rise to our church, that we should also stay vigilant against the various ways that Gospel can be corrupted and misunderstood, even in our own times, and possibly within our own congregations!