Pew2You
Oct, 29 2017
Pastor Phil Vance
Reformation Part 2
The selling of indulgences
Pope Leo (the pope in Rome)
Sought to rebuild Saint Peter’s Basilica
Was originally built in 319 A.D.
Johann Tetzel
Seller of indulgences for the funding of the work on Saint Peter’s Basilica
“As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, another soul from purgatory springs.”
At a bargain price, indulgences were sold, to get people out of purgatory.
The story of the Saxon nobleman who bought indulgences to commit crimes against Tetzel himself.
October 31, 1517 Luther posts his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg Germany.
Luther was struggling with his understanding of God.
Luther says, “he began to hate God.”
Because of the view of God
1519 Luther gets revelation through scripture
Romans 1:16-17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation…..the just shall live by faith.”
It was the revelation of faith and faith alone that changed Luther.
Faith and faith alone is what saves us. We can’t earn it.
We owe the debt of this revelation to the reformation.
I john 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
With this revelation, Luther begins to write.
He writes three main pieces that argues these points. (Wrote them in German, so everyone could read them)
No difference between clergy and laity
Luther believed in the priesthood of all believers
I don’t need an intermediary like Mary, a priest, the Pope
Luther said, “If you’ve sinned boldly, repent even more boldly. The blood of Jesus is greater than any sin you my have committed.”
Grace does not flow only through the sacraments.
The Pope writes to Luther saying recant or be excommunicate.
Luther responds by calling the pope the anti-christ.
The Diet of Worms
A gathering to publicly confront Luther.
Luther is asked to recant.
Luther responds by saying, “If I can be proven wrong by scripture then I will recant.”
Luther: “I am bound by scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise, here I stand, may God help me, Amen.”
As a result, Luther is excommunicated by the Church.
12 Months Away (Taken by a group of his own people to keep him safe)
Grew a beard, grew in his hair and gained weight.
Wrote a book of model sermons
Translated the Greek New Testament into German
Rewrote the liturgy to make ita bible teacher.
“When the Word is proclaimed, the Holy Spirit takes that Word and works miracles in people’s hearts.” Luther
INtroduced congregational singing
Composed hymns
Wrote Catechisms
Suggested Discussion Questions:
Luther was a man of great conviction. He would not recant and it cost him dearly. Discuss together the state of your convictions. What areas of life is the Lord calling you to stand with conviction in?
With today’s event at Church, we are reminded that life is not a guarantee. Please remember to continue to be in prayer for health and healing. It is never inapropriate to ask and answer the question, are you ready? Are you ready for the life that will come next? What is the condition of your walk with the Lord?