Reformation Reflections
As we approach Reformation Sunday at the end of October, we give thanks to God for the bold confession of Martin Luther and the Reformers who held fast to the truth of God’s Word. At the heart of the Reformation are the five “solas,” five Latin phrases that capture the essence of the Gospel:
- Sola scriptura (scripture alone): God’s Word is our final authority.
- Sola gratia (grace alone): We are saved purely by God’s grace and not by our works.
- Sola fide (faith alone): This grace is received through faith and not by human effort.
- Solus Christus (Christ alone): Jesus Christ is the only Savior, the one mediator between God and man.
- Soli Deo gloria (To God alone be the glory!): Our salvation and all we do is for God’s glory and not for our own glory.
I’m grateful for the opportunity we had last month to dig into these essential doctrines which remain the foundation of our faith and confession as Lutheran Christians. They are not dusty doctrines of the past but living realities that continue to shape our worship, witness and daily lives in Christ. We give thanks to the Lord for our confirmands who will profess their Christian faith before our congregation on Reformation Sunday. Please continue to keep them and all our young people in your prayers!
In a world filled with distractions, doubts and competing voices, it is more important than ever to remain rooted in God’s Word. Just as farmers prepare and tend to their fields, so too we are called to nurture the gift of faith that God has planted in our hearts. Through worship, prayer, Scripture study and receiving Christ’s gifts in Word and Sacrament, our faith is strengthened for daily life. Cultivating faith is not about earning God’s favor (Christ has already won that for us!) but about abiding in His promises so that we may stand firm in times of trial and shine His light into the world.
Looking Ahead: November Sermon Series – Overflowing with Thanks
As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, we will gather around God’s Word in a new sermon series titled Overflowing with Thanks. Together, we will reflect on what it means to live lives marked by gratitude—not only for material blessings but especially for the forgiveness, life and salvation we have in Christ. Each week will highlight how thankfulness flows out into every area of our lives: our families, our church, our community and beyond. We will also be celebrating and officially wrapping up our Find Your Five initiative.
Hopefully, you’ve had an opportunity to connect with five new people in our congregation. If not, you still have plenty of opportunities to do so even after Find Your Five wraps up. With the holidays soon approaching, it’s a wonderful opportunity to invite someone over for fellowship or to make a visit to one of our homebound members. Feel free to contact your elder, and they will be happy to put you in contact with members of our St. Michael family.
I’m grateful for you, for your family and for the St. Michael family! Together, may we always “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). May this month be a time of remembrance, renewal and rejoicing in Christ alone!
Blessings,
Pastor Dave Bass
