The Book of Romans: Proud to be a Christian
Heaven or Hell?
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 1:16-17
The Reformation: It’s Immediate Causes
The Scene
The Dark (Middle) Ages
A time when most people in central Europe are rural farm workers, illiterate, and superstitious. The Roman Catholic Church holds sway over most people’s lives, and the village priest is often the most educated and trusted man in town.
The Reluctant Reformer
Martin Luther
Emotional, intelligent, highly educated with a quick temper, this man became a flashpoint. Understanding the Roman church’s teachings about God, sin, and salvation produced a conscience attuned to guilt and preoccupied with finding forgiveness.
The Catalysts
Michelangelo, the Pope, and John Tetzel
To finance Michelangelo’s construction on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Pope authorizes the sale of documents forgiving sins committed in the past, present, or future (indulgences). John Tetzel is the chief salesman of these coupons for sin.
The Condemnation
Exsurge Domine (Arise O Lord…)
It declares 41 propositions of Luther heretical. Issued June 15, 1520.
The Response
Luther’s answer to Exsurge Domine was to throw a copy of the document, along with other Catholic theology books, into a bonfire. The Pope then issued Decet Romanum Pontificem on January 2, 1521, excommunicating Luther.
The Last Chance
Diet of Worms (pronounced “vorms”)
Not something your big brother dared you to eat. This meeting (Diet) at the German city of Worms was called (April 16-17, 1521) to give Luther a chance to recant his teachings about salvation and the Pope. After a 24 hour time of reflection, he declined.
“Love God? Sometimes I hate him.”
-Martin Luther
His life’s testimony is almost as great a testimony to God’s saving power as the Apostle Paul’s.
-He quit law studies and entered the monastery after begin scared to death in a lightening storm. He was afraid for his life and made a deal with God to enter ministry if he lived.
-His habit of daily confession in the monastery cost him hours and some respect. He spent so much time confessing sins in a monastery he was accused to being too lazy to do his chores.
-As he tried to celebrate his first mass, the thought of calling the real body and blood of Christ before him after praying "hoc est corpus meum" caused him to freeze again not not finish successfully.
We must live by faith.
Romans 1:16-17
Find Saving Faith from God
Live by faith, not pride - Romans 1:16-17
Develop the Fruit of Faith
Obedience-Galatians 5:22-23
Give the Gift of Faith
Witness-1 Corinthians 12:5-9
Practice Doctrinal Faith
Value the Word’s truths-Jude 3
Serve from the Spirit of Faith
Persevere-2 Corinthians 4:1-14
