October 31 is the anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. We commemorate Martin Luther’s quiet act of nailing 95 Theses to the door the church in Wittenberg. He wanted to spark a debate about the sale of indulgences (buying the forgiveness of sins); instead he sparked a Reformation of the church.

While the Reformation rightly dealt with a variety of spiritual issues, the foundation was always the teaching of justification – that we are forgiven because of Jesus has done for us and through faith in him. Martin Luther always recognized that if this teaching was wrong, everything that followed would also be incorrect. Here is what he said about the importance of this teaching.

This doctrine is the head and cornerstone. It alone begets, nourishes, builds, preserves, and defends the church of God; and without it the church of God cannot exist for one hour. . . . For no one who does not hold this article – or, to use Paul’s expression, this “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1) – is able to teach aright in the church or successfully to resist any adversary. . . . This is the heel of the Seed that opposed the old serpent and crushes its head. That is why Satan, in turn, cannot but persecute it. What Luther Says, p. 704

John 3:16 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 5:1 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

Sin is not something to play with. It should not be excused. “I didn’t mean it” doesn’t excuse misusing God’s name. “I cannot help myself” doesn’t excuse lust or greed. “I’m too busy” might be true at times; but it might also be a convenient excuse — in which case, it doesn’t fool God. “Everybody does it” is worthless before God.

As Christians, we need to heed the warning that the Bible offers about sin lest we let a sin get control of our lives. This means careful examination of our thoughts and attitudes as well as our words and actions. The examination usually hurts, so many avoid it. But to grow in our appreciation for what Jesus has done for us, we need to see the sin.

You will not find a sin in your life that Jesus hasn’t paid for. He already paid the price! Through faith in him, your sin is gone! Knowing what Christ has done makes the child of God eager to flee from sin and to grow in holiness.

Below is a blunt section of the Bible that warns about sin. Don’t ignore it. Don’t allow it to grow. Don’t make excuses for it. Don’t be fooled just because God’s judgement doesn’t immediately fall on those who sin (that’s the point of v. 19.) Sin is a disease; Jesus is the cure. Trust in him and find renewed strength for your new life as God’s child.

Isaiah 5:18–23 (NIV) 

"18 Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit,
and wickedness as with cart ropes,
19 to those who say, “Let God hurry,
let him hasten his work so we may see it.
Let it approach, let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come,
so we may know it.”
20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,
who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.
22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine
and champions at mixing drinks,
23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
but deny justice to the innocent."

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

Compared to God, the wisest or smartest person is stupid. That is not intended to be an insult, but a reality check. If we can admit that God is infinitely smarter and wiser than we are, then we are ready to be “blessed,” and to find “relief from days of trouble.”

Psalm 94:10–15 (NIV)

"Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?
The LORD knows the thoughts of man;
he knows that they are futile.
Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;
you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it."

What we learn “from your law” (God’s Word) is a message of unending comfort. God has taken away the curse of our sins. God ‘s love always leads him to do good for his people. God “will not reject his people.” We live in the peace of his love and the confidence that his ways are best.

Fools look to themselves. They think their own moral code is acceptable to God. They think their way of trying to earn God’s favor is the path to salvation. Fools end up thinking they don’t need God.

“Blessed” are the people who know Jesus as their Savior. Their hearts know the peace of God’s love. Their hearts learn to be content in life. Their greatest joy in life is serving others for the simple reason of knowing God has made them to be servants.

The Bible is filled with reminders that we should not be wise in our own eyes. Instead, let God’s Word give you insight. As you reflect on Jesus’ love for you, you will learn to be wise in ways that are pleasing to God.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

In the Bible, God calls for both faith and good works from those who have faith. It is vital that we keep these two truths – faith and good works – in their proper places. One saves; the other is a result of being saved.

C.F.W. Walther, an early American Lutheran pastor and theologian, wrote this in The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel:

Luther taught that good works do not save a person, but only faith, without good works. . . . He did not say that, to be saved, a person must have faith and, in addition to that, good works, or love; but he did teach that those who would be saved must have a faith that produces love spontaneously and is fruitful in good works. That does not mean that faith saves on account of love which springs from it, but that faith which the Holy Spirit creates and which cannot but do good works justifies because it clings to the gracious promises of Christ and because it lays hold of Christ. It is active in good works because it is genuine faith. The believer need not at all be exhorted to do good works; his faith does them automatically. The believer engages in good works, not from a sense of duty, in return for the forgiveness of sins, but chiefly because he cannot help doing them. It is altogether impossible that genuine faith should not break forth from the believer’s heart in works of love. p. 210-211

Romans 3:27–28 (NIV)
"Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law."

Romans 12:1 (NIV)
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

The miracles of God are amazing – parting the Red Sea, water from a rock, the sun standing still, a floating ax head, leprosy cured, the dead raised, the lame made well, storms calmed, sight restored to the blind. When God flexes his muscles, we cannot help but be impressed.

Psalm 89:13–18 (NIV)
"Your arm is endued with power;
your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.
For you are their glory and strength,
and by your favor you exalt our horn.
Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD,
our king to the Holy One of Israel."

The Psalmist saw that “your arm is endued with power.” But what was it that impressed him – that made people happy – that caused people to rejoice?

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” God's grace and forgiveness give us endless joy. God's goodness wins the day. While he is very aware of our sins, he forgives. We know the true source of the forgiveness: Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of God's “righteousness” because he took our sins away. We live at peace with God because he has washed away our sins.

There is no greater joy than living at peace with God. Life may not go the way we want, but the love of God can never be questioned. Your eternity is secure, not because you have done the right things, but because God has saved you. That is peace!

You may not have witnessed a miracle of Biblical proportions. You don’t need to. You have experienced grace of Biblical proportions. Jesus saved you. The Holy Spirit was brought you to faith. The Father watches over you. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have made a covenant with you at your Baptism – you are loved!

Let that grace of God give you joy today and always.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling