Sermon for Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2016
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wallis, Texas
Sermon Text: John 8:31-36
Sermon Theme: “Preaching the Truth for 500 Years”
(Sources: Anderson, Cycle C, Preaching Workbook; Concordia Pulpit Resources, Vol. 26, Part 4, Series C, Aug. 28 – Nov. 20, 2016; Brokhoff, Series C, Preaching Workbook; original ideas; Online Lutheran Jokes, Christian Forum; LCMS Plans Taking Shape for 2017 Reformation Celebration by Roger Drinnon; LCMS Convention Prepares to Celebrate Reformation 500th; Online Lund and the Quest for Christian Unity by Timothy George; Vatican Radio, Pope to Take Part in Reformation Events in Lund)
Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
It’s been a while since I have had a Junior Confirmation class, but here’s a story I can relate to. It seems a Lutheran Pastor was teaching his junior confirmation class about the Sacraments of the church when he noticed that young Johnny was not paying attention.
“Johnny!,” the Pastor said in a loud voice. “Pay attention! The Sacraments are very important to the church!”
“I know,” replied Johnny.
“Then, how many Sacraments are there in the Lutheran church? Catholicsrecognize seven Sacraments, but how many do we acknowledge?” Having just explained what a Sacrament is, the Pastor was very put out with Johnny.
Panic-stricken because he hadn’t been listening, Johnny searched hismind, trying to think of all the things his parents had always said were important to the church. Then he took a breath and said, “Two.”
The Pastor was really impressed; he couldn’t believe Johnny got it right!
“And what are those two Sacraments?,” asked the Pastor.
Thinking he had it right, the boy responded with great confidence,
“Coffee and donuts!”
Tomorrow is October 31, Reformation Day. Today is known as Reformation Sunday. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany, marking the start of the Protestant Reformation, — which means that this year we begin the 500th year. For 500 years, faithful Lutheran pastors have preached the truth, and the truth has set people free!
That’s why the pastor in my story felt it was so important for Johnny to understand the two Sacraments of the Lutheran Church. Continue reading