Bible Study “Reformation”
Share: Your highs (something that made you happy) and lows (something that made you sad) this week with others around you or write them down.
We live in a society that struggles with the truth. At one time a man’s word was considered true and could be trusted. Basic honor demanded a man keep his promises. I think we all understand that we live in a society that has trouble with truth. Yet, this is nothing new. Recall what Pilate said to Jesus in John 18:38 when Jesus was on trial, “What is truth?” Pilate had heard the truth, but he still did not know the truth, and because of that he was unwilling to act on the conclusions of his own investigation.
Theme: Reformation and it means for us as Lutherans – In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, in protest against the abuse of indulgences in the teaching and practice of the church. “Salvation cannot be purchased by anything but the blood of Christ – we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Opening Prayer: Thank you God, for sending Jesus to save us from our sins and for Martin Luther teaching that only faith and not good deed could save us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Please open your Bibles to John 18:31-38 and read or read the scriptures below.
John 18:31-38
Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.[
Jesus first spoke these words to Jewish leaders who claimed to believe him, but did not continue believing what Jesus has said and walking in obedience to him. The surrounding verses clarify that Christ is talking about freedom from the guilt and enslaving power of sinful patterns of behavior. Without Jesus, we are unable to escape from the power of sin over our lives. Through faith in him and following his teaching, we can have true freedom. Only Jesus power can set us free from these habits.
Click on The History of the Reformation:
Click on Martin Luther to learn about him.
Click here for the young learner’s lesson
Videos (Click on url)
The Meaning of the Luther Rose - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZi7x6YYoyM&list=RDLVUZi7x6YYoyM
Who Was Martin Luther? 95 Theses & The Reformation World History (1517) -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKQWNgjdS9Q
Photos of the Castle Church in Wittenberg – 95 Theses - https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/wittenberg-castle-church.html?sortBy=relevant
Photos of the Castle in Wartburg, Germany (Where Luther hid out and translated the Bible into German) - https://www.alamy.com/wartburg-castle-eisenach-thuringia-germany-image220571892.html
Activities:
Journal: (Try and keep a journal for each Sunday for a year) write or draw in your journals: What is Reformation and who is Martin Luther.
Martin Luther Insignia – Click on Martin Luther Insignia, print and follow the directions using colored markers to color the Insignia.
Word Search: https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/4234021/the-reformation/
Prayer: “Thank you, God, for bring Jesus into this world and teaching us that as long as I believe in you and ask for forgiveness I will be saved. Amen.”
