Happy Reformation Day! This past weekend was ‘Reformation Sunday’ and in God’s providence it coincided with Ephesians 2 in our current sermon series at St Faith’s Narrabeen. In my sermon I gave a very brief overview of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation with particular reference to the doctrine of GRACE ALONE. Grace Alone was important in the 15th Century. Is it still worth fighting for today? That’s the question I raised. Have a listen to my sermon below to see what I concluded from Ephesians 2.
Here is the Reformation Sunday Ephesians 2 sermon outline:
GRACE ALONE
WHY IS GRACE ALONE STILL WORTH FIGHTING FOR?
1) THE NEED FOR GRACE
(What we once were… Ephesians 2:1-3 & Ephesians 2:11-12)
2) THE WORK OF GRACE
(What Christ has done… Ephesians 2:4-9 & Ephesians 2:13-18
3) THE RESULT OF GRACE
(What we have become… Ephesians 2:10 & Ephesians 2:19-22)
EMBRACE GRACE
Dave Miers Sermon on Ephesians 2:1-22 GRACE ALONE (right click etc to download)
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Hi Dave,
I find it really strange that you would ‘celebrate’ Reformation Day. I agree that the theology of the Roman Catholic Church at that time was not consistent with the scriptures and the church needed to be ‘shaken up’. However, I believe that the subsequent division in the church is still the devil’s greatest work to this date. do not think that is something to be celebrated. Today we face chrstians arguing about who is ‘right’ and making disrespectful comments about other denominations are their theology and practices. If we can’t stand as one body, one entity in this world, what chance do we have of selling the best piece of news anyone could ever hear?
Regards,
Mel
Hi Mel,
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate you taking the time to interact.
The nature of unity in Philippians 4:2 is “in the Lord”. Unity is not unity for unity sake, but in the truth. That means I am unwilling to be united with the Roman Catholic church today because I don’t think on the big issues they teach the truth.
Although I have small disagreements with the baptist church down the road, i am united with them “in the Lord”. When I am on holidays from the Anglican church I work at, I will attend the local baptist church. We have some minor differences theologically and in church practise/government. But definitely not gospel issues.
I can’t say the same about the Roman Catholic church. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any Christians within the Roman Catholic church – I’m convinced there are! But the official teaching of the Roman Catholic church is contrary to what I understand the scriptures to be teaching regarding bigger issues of salvation.
here is some further thinking on the topic:
http://davemiers.com/2008/04/21/nothing-in-my-hand-i-bring/
http://davemiers.com/2008/04/23/dont-steal-gods-glory-1/
http://davemiers.com/2008/04/24/dont-steal-gods-glory-2/
http://davemiers.com/2008/04/25/dont-steal-gods-glory-3/
http://davemiers.com/2008/06/25/dont-steal-gods-glory-4/
http://davemiers.com/2008/10/31/reformation-day-dont-steal-gods-glory/