Semper Reformanda

One of the slogans of the Reformation was semper reformanda ("always reforming"). Perhaps a better translation of these 2 words would be: "always being reformed." 

What I like about this is that it reminds me of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God is always trying to transform and renew us - we can choose to resist these moments of refreshing and change, or we can embrace them.

2 Corinthians 3:18 - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

"There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow." - Martin Luther
"Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me; sanctification is God’s idea of what He wants to do for me." - Oswald Chambers

Living in Grace

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To be changed - fostering a spirit of reformation

The 31st of October is known as Reformation Day - we remember it as the occasion when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis to the door of the All-Saints church in Wittenberg in 1517. A lot of things happened in the buildup to this significant event, and we would do well not to think that it only took a single day to bring about Reformation. 

We could argue that the Church is still being reformed and perhaps this is a good thing. As much as all churches seek to follow the ways of Jesus, we all end up missing the mark in some way. Our greatest danger may lie in thinking that we have 'made it' and that we are the finished article. If the Holy Spirit needs to sanctify the individual believer, then surely, He also needs to sanctify and reform the greater church.  

The question remains to be asked: Are we so keen to be changed and reformed? Reformation always looks so neat and simple in hindsight, but it never comes without a struggle and growing pains. 

"The church is always trying to get other people to reform, it might not be a bad idea to reform itself a little, by way of example." - Mark Twain

"Nevertheless, the central affirmation of the Reformation stands: through no merit of ours, but by his mercy, WE HAVE BEEN RESTORED to a right relationship with God through the life, death, and resurrection of his beloved Son. This is the Good News, the gospel of Grace. " - Brennan Manning

Living in Grace

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Your work IS important!

"Every occupation has its own honour before God. Ordinary work is a divine vocation or calling. In our daily work no matter how important or mundane we serve God by serving the neighbour and we also participate in God's on-going providence for the human race." - Martin Luther

These words remind us that, no matter what we do (work or serving), this is part of our higher calling. As you go about your tasks today, remember that you do it for the Lord and not for anyone else. 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" - Colossians 3:23

Living in Grace

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Courageous Song

As I have been reading and reflecting on Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:39-54) this week, I was stopped in my tracks by these thoughts from Rev. Carolyn Sharp. She says:

“Don’t envision Mary as the radiant woman peacefully composing the Magnificat. Instead see her as a girl who sings defiantly to her God through her tears, fists clenched against an unknown future. When we do this, Mary’s courageous song of praise [becomes] a radical resource for those seeking to honour the holy amid the suffering and conflicts of real life.”

I think that this is deeply profound. 

Singing and praising God, when we are going through good times is easy, but offering God worship and thanks, when we are confused, stressed and worried, is a true test of courage. 

How often do we trust Jesus when we are faced with the gathering of the storm clouds?

“Pray, and let God worry.” - Martin Luther

Living in Grace

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Reformation Day - making a statement

Reformation Day marks the moment that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg. This was the 31st October 1517 and the date was not as random as we may believe. 

The church was about to put on display a number of relics the following day (1st November - All Saints Day) and this had begun to concern Luther. His well timed action was done to stir debate and to put his mark in the sand. Luther was saddened at how the church had begun to put more emphasis on 'objects' and 'relics' instead of the person of Jesus Christ. Luther felt the church needed more than a wake up call - it needed REFORMATION!

As we remember significant dates in the history of our faith we should always be asking the question: What needs to be reformed in our lives and in that life of the Church?

Here are a few of Luther's lesser known quotes to mark this occasion.

"God does not need your good works, but your neighbour does."

I have no use for cranks who despise music, because it is a gift of God. Music drives away the Devil and makes people joyful; they forget thereby all wrath, unchastity, arrogance, and the like. Next after theology, I give to music the highest place and the greatest honour."

“The Church’s true treasure is the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Living in Grace

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A fine balance

"No one has ever fallen so grievously that he may not rise again. Conversely, no one stands so firmly that he may not fall. If Peter (and Paul and Barnabas) fell, I too may fall. If they rose again, I too may rise again."  - Martin Luther. 

This quote from Martin Luther offers us 2 important insights:

1. Even if we fail, we can get up again and carry on. As I was saying in yesterday's post, no failure needs to be final!

2. We should always remain HUMBLE, because we all can make a mistake. It only takes a second to fall off the tight rope - it only takes a second to let Jesus down and to regret that for a long time.

I am very thankful for the examples of people in the Bible who have fallen, but who have then risen again and proved to be Godly men and women. 

May God help us to walk through life finely balanced!

Psalm 40:2 - "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

Living in Grace

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Inspiration for a Monday

I am enjoying sharing about the life of Martin Luther with my students. His life inspires me and although I realise that he was far from perfect, we can learn a lot from him. It is my prayer that some of his thoughts would inspire you today. Be blessed.

“All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.”

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

“Pray, and let God worry.”

Living in Grace

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