This fall I have a greater appreciation for celebrating Reformation Day. During this past summer and fall, our Tuesday morning women’s Bible study group has been discussing the differences between Christian denominations. We have been doing so in an effort to get to know what teachings are prevalent around La Porte’s churches, but also so that we are better informed of our own confessions for when we have conversations about our faith with friends and neighbors.

We have reviewed various Lutheran doctrines that are different from some, or many, other denominations. For each topic that has arisen, we have reviewed what we believe, why we believe that, and the Bible verses that we use to support our stance. It has been a wonderful time of learning about other churches and their history, as well as fantastic discussions on what we believe and how we discuss it with others.

I think what we have learned most pointedly, is that the foundation of your beliefs really matters. A slight variation in what someone builds their faith off of – for example, the definition of the trinity or the purpose of baptism – greatly alters the doctrines downwind and how that faith is then lived out.

Reformation Day

Reformation Day, which is always on October 31st, celebrates the day that Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis on Wittenberg‘s church door. He didn’t do this to create divisions, but to bring awareness to the Good News of God’s grace and the Scriptural teachings that were not being professed by the church at that time. He wanted the foundation of the church to be Scripture alone, since he saw many places where the primacy of the pope or teachings of church fathers, especially on the usage of indulgences, were being held as more trustworthy than God’s Word.

Likewise, we are to be paying attention to what is professed in our church, and ensure that it is based solely on Scripture. Of course, we can only do that if we are active both in hearing the word preached and spoken in worship services, and in reading and studying our Bible through personal devotions.

How do we celebrate Reformation Day?

Luther didn’t intend to create factions and denominations, and yet many arose in the following decades. Even more began along with the foundation of America’s colonies, and even more in recent decades of American history. So, what do you believe? And, where did your beliefs come from? Is it from your confirmation class years ago, from the Bible study you do alone or with others, or from how culture talks about the Christian teachings?

I encourage you to be curious – dig into your Catechism which teaches the what and why of our beliefs, or bring your questions to Bible study or to Pastor after church. Celebrate Reformation Day this year by studying your Bible and reviewing what you believe, so that when the Holy Spirit gives you an opportunity you will be ready to share the Gospel with others.