Sola Scriptura and Service Planning

(The following article is part of the Third Annual Reformation Day Symposium, hosted by Tim Challies. Go to www.challies.com today to check out more articles related to Reformation Day!)

“Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture” – 1 Timothy 4:13 (ESV)

Sola Scriptura, or the Scriptures alone, is an indispensable belief for the Protestant Reformation and true Christianity. The doctrine of justification by faith alone, taught in the Scriptures (especially the book of Romans), was recovered from a rampant neglect and the contradictions of the Roman Catholic Church. The 16th century Reformers believed in sola fide (salvation only through faith in Christ) because they believed in sola Scriptura. It was through their study of the Scriptures that men like Martin Luther and John Calvin came to reject the false teaching of the Roman Church that salvation was by faith in Christ plus works. The Bible teaches faith alone, so we must believe and teach it as well, pointing sinners to trust in Christ.

So why is it that many who would claim to be heirs of the Reformation, or who would at least call themselves “Bible-believers” have so little of the Bible in their public worship services? The sad observation has been made that, in many instances, a Roman Catholic church service will have far more Scripture read than most “Bible-believing” churches. The tragedy is that the group that repudiates Bible-centeredness is sometimes better at demonstrating the importance of hearing God’s Word than churches who explicitly claim that it is central to them, and that it is their only standard for faith and practice.

Whatever our denomination (or “non-denomination”), if we believe the Bible, we need to intentionally integrate Scripture into the public gathering of God’s people. Most Bible-believing churches will have Scripture read in the sermon or just before it, at the least. But many churches will have no more Scripture than that. There are multiple ways to use Scripture in the service, including as transitions to hymns. But one of the best ways of showing the centrality of God’s written revelation is by the regular, systematic, public reading of God’s Word.

There are many ways that one could incorporate public Scripture readings. I would like to mention two strategies, both of which I have seen. I will start with my home church’s strategy. The service begins with a Psalm (which usually has a common thread with the sermon text). Later we have an Old Testament reading (currently going consecutively through the post-exilic prophets). There is also a New Testament reading, which is either a parallel passage or has a similar theme. Finally, there is the text for the sermon.

Another church uses the following approach. They have two services, one in the morning and one immediately after a fellowship lunch. In the morning service, they are reading consecutively through the books of the Law and the Gospels. In the afternoon, they are reading consecutively from the Old Testament Prophets and the Epistles. Each Scripture reading includes a brief “sermonette” that explains and applies the text with a few points, so that God’s people are hearing God’s Word read and expounded four times in addition to the two Lord’s Day expository sermons (which are around 40-50 minutes each)!

In both these instances, God’s people are hearing God’s Word, week to week in a consistent, intentional, systematic manner.

If your church is accustomed only to the reading of the text of Scripture, it might not be the wisest approach to jump to three or four Scripture readings. It might be best to teach on the importance of Scripture and our intake of it as a foundation to incorporate more Scripture in the worship service. Perhaps some congregations would be receptive to a large change, but others might be better served by a gradual introduction of one additional Scripture reading at a time. The length of passages is another important factor to consider. It would likely discourage many people if you decided to implement a change in the service by reading the whole of Psalm 119 (176 verses) next week, whereas the fourteen verses of Psalm 19 might be a different story.

Of course, there is no Biblical command of exactly how many different readings there should be or how long they should be. But the thing to keep in view is that people need God’s Word to live and to grow.

To that end, consider not only the introduction of more Scripture into the worship service, but consider the preparation for those Scripture readings. The selection of the passages themselves may be difficult work, at least initially. The brief expositions will take a bit of study. If you take this approach, these expositions should be done by the pastor or another man recognized by the church as having the gift of teaching. They need to be well-prepared and probably brief. Scripture readings themselves could be done by faithful church members or the pastor.

In all instances, it is helpful for the reader to have the passage in advance to read it, pray through it, and practice vocalizing the passage. The reader should take great pains to ensure that the reading is not flat and dull. We should take great care not to bore people with God’s Word, but to read it with proper inflection, emphasis, and emotion.

However pastors apply the command “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,” may we find more and more churches where God’s sheep are hearing God’s voice and becoming better followers of him as a result. Sola Scriptura was essential to the Protestant Reformation, and the people of God need regular exposure to God’s Word to continue to reform according to the Scriptures and be changed more and more to reflect the character of the Christ who saves.

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More Resources to Celebrate Reformation Day!

· A Review of Reformation Resources(Books, Music, Websites (including links to Reformation Day Celebration resources, such as a free activity/coloring sheet), Movies)

· Prayer, Meditation, and Trials in Psalm 119: Luther's Instructions for Studying Theology as a Biblical Hermeneutical Method (by Dr. Rob Plummer of SBTS, published here with permission)

o Part 1: Introduction

o Part 2: Luther's Basis for His Prescription

o Part 3: Prayer

o Part 4: Meditation

o Part 5: Trials

o Part 6: Conclusion

· Book Review: The Expository Genius of John Calvin by Steve Lawson

· "The Call to Witness" – a sermon by Calvin on evangelism, election, and suffering for the Gospel

"The Danger of Getting Bored with the Gospel" (my contribution to last year's Reformation Day Symposium)

The Danger of Getting Bored with the Gospel

By Doug Smith

This article is a part of the 2007 Reformation Day Symposium hosted by Tim Challies (www.challies.com).

Four hundred ninety years ago today, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany. Today, we celebrate Reformation Day to commemorate what took place through men such as Luther and John Calvin. Their study of the Scriptures brought them to a clear understanding of the Gospel. The Gospel had been obscured through ignorance, false teaching, and unholy living, but the Reformers helped to recover the Bible's clear teaching about the good news of Christ.

The Gospel is the good news that God sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins and raised Him from the dead. The holy God created man in His own image, to reflect His glory and worship Him. Man chose to go his own way and rebel against God, thus imaging a lie about God instead of accurately representing Him. Man therefore deserved eternal punishment for offending this great God. Yet, God in His mercy sent a Savior. Jesus was God in the flesh, who lived a perfect life as a man. He was a sinless substitute, bearing the wrath of God for all who would turn from their sin and trust Him alone for their salvation. God will forgive the sins of everyone who repents and believes in Christ. He will count Jesus' righteousness to their account, and give them eternal life and a guarantee that they will share in Christ's resurrection and enjoy God forever. The Reformers understood these things and knew that the salvation revealed in the Scripture alone is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone.

It has been said that the Gospel is embraced by one generation, assumed by the next, and then forgotten or rejected. Although the Reformation helped recover the truth of the Bible concerning the Gospel, we are in danger today of losing it again. Far too many among those who call themselves Christians (and even "evangelicals," ironically, since that word comes from the Greek for gospel) assume or reject the Gospel. We are threatened with the loss of the true Gospel and the substitution of a false one.

Even in the early days of the Christian church, there were those who were in danger of embracing another Gospel. The apostle Paul addresses this matter in his epistle to the Galatians. He writes in Galatians 1:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (verses 6-9, ESV)

The Galatians were moving away from the Gospel Paul had proclaimed clearly to them. They were beginning to look like traitors. They were yet in the process of moving away, but they were moving. False teachers were agitating them so much that they were deserting the only hope and truly good news there was.

People are moving away from the Gospel in our day as well. People who know better are moving away from the Gospel. Churches and denominations blessed with a history of a clear Gospel witness are deserting the truth. False teachers are leading many astray. Why?

While ignorance, false teaching, and a love for popularity surely contribute to widespread defection, I think there is another malady much closer to home than many of us would like to admit. I believe boredom with the Gospel can plant the seeds for deserting the truth.

A friend recently attended a conference for ministers and overheard this response to a sermon: "It was very good, even if it was a simple gospel message." It would appear that some think that a simple gospel message is simply pedestrian and ordinary. No big deal; it's just the gospel, right? But when we begin to lose the wonder and awe we should have at the fact that the righteous God has lavished His mercy and grace through Jesus Christ on sinners who deserve His punishment, we should never be bored. We should forever be in shock that He would do such a thing! We should overflow in praise and thanksgiving upon hearing the Gospel, no matter how many times we have heard it.

Some say that the people of God need edifying messages, not another evangelistic message. But is the assumption that the Gospel is not necessary for edification, or that once you've "got" it, you can move on? Saints should never tire of hearing this good news that secured their salvation. And even if a text does not have an explicit summary of the Gospel in it, it surely touches on an element of the Gospel, such as God's character, how we deserve judgment for our sin, the person and work of Christ, and the need to turn to Him in repentance and faith. As Christ is the focal point of Scripture, so biblical expository preaching should always include a natural presentation of the Gospel, as each book and passage is part of God's big story. Paul never tired of preaching Christ and Him crucified, and neither should we. In this spirit, Spurgeon labored to make a bee-line to the cross from his text, and so should preachers today. Apart from the Gospel-context, sermons can easily tend toward moralism and a distortion of the purpose of the Bible.

Speaking of things people say, does the Gospel interest us enough that we actually tell other people about it? Yes, fear of man can squelch our evangelism, as can being overly busy, and failing to love others as we ought. But could it also be that we're not sufficiently interested in the Gospel? Could it be that we'd rather talk about our hobbies and aspirations and problems than the best news in the world? If it's true that we feel the deepest about the things we think about the most, should we not spend more time reading and meditating on God's Word, so that that Gospel will cause a spontaneous combustion in our lives that affects those we come into contact with? If we are interested in the Gospel, will it not result in us sharing the message of the Gospel?

What do our lives reveal about our interest in the Gospel? A holy life says that we take the Gospel seriously. A flippant, indifferent, careless attitude toward sin says that we never understood it in the first place or that it's really not that important.

Getting bored with the Gospel leaves us wide open to false teaching. We may even unwittingly distort the Gospel ourselves. It may mean that we eventually come to think that since the Mormons talk about Jesus and Christians talk about Jesus, that we're pretty much on the same page. However, this is a different Jesus and a different Gospel. Paul wrote of his fear that the Corinthians would falter in this area: "For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough" (2 Cor. 11:4).

We may be tempted to embrace heretical elements of the New Perspective on Paul that deny the Scripture's clear teaching on the Gospel (which the Reformers correctly apprehended). We too might end up calling imputed righteousness "nonsense," as Bishop N. T. Wright has done, if we are not sufficiently impressed with the biblical Gospel.

Penal substitutionary atonement might also fall by the wayside if we're bored with the Gospel. It's not too popular; it's been called "divine child abuse"; would God really require this? Yet, if there is no substitution of a sinless sacrifice in the place of sinners, there is no Gospel and no salvation.

Getting bored with the Gospel has many other ramifications. Boredom with the Gospel may mean that we turn to the business world for ministry models instead of viewing the Scriptures as sufficient. It may mean preaching gets squeezed out by entertainment and other things we think will better "reach" people. It may mean that we neglect private and family worship. It may mean that we seek our hope in politics and spend our time endorsing political candidates out of a misguided understanding of how we are to impact our culture, instead of proclaiming and living the Gospel. It may mean that we actually do begin to think and live as though "our best life" really is now, and pander to those who would rather hear that God wants them to find a good parking space rather than that God is so concerned that His name be honored and that His people have joy in Him that the Father punished the Son for our sins on the cross. Boredom with the Gospel will surely fail to prepare us for opposition and persecution for the sake of Christ.

Finally, and quite seriously, boredom with the Gospel that leads to its distortion also results in destruction. Paul could not have used stronger words for anyone who preaches a different Gospel: let him be accursed – that is, cut off from all blessing. Those who embrace and teach another Gospel have no hope, but only damnation in the life to come.

Reformation Day is something to celebrate, because of the recovery of the Gospel. But this day also reminds us that there is something we must guard. We must guard the purity and clarity of the message of the Gospel. But we must also guard our own hearts so that we never become immune, inoculated, or bored concerning the wonderful news that Jesus Christ really does save sinners. We must never assume that it is known, understood, and embraced. We must make sure that we know, understand, and embrace the Gospel ourselves and that we faithfully share it with others. Let us have the fires of our heart continually stoked with this good news, so that we may be faithful witnesses who speak and live in light of what God has done by His grace and for His glory.

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In celebrating the Reformation all this month, I have posted several other articles:

· A Review of Reformation Resources

o Books

o Music

o Websites (including links to Reformation Day Celebration resources, such as a free activity/coloring sheet)

o Movies

· Prayer, Meditation, and Trials in Psalm 119: Luther's Instructions for Studying Theology as a Biblical Hermeneutical Method (by Dr. Rob Plummer of SBTS, published here with permission)

o Part 1: Introduction

o Part 2: Luther's Basis for His Prescription

o Part 3: Prayer

o Part 4: Meditation

o Part 5: Trials

o Part 6: Conclusion

· Book Review: The Expository Genius of John Calvin by Steve Lawson

· "The Call to Witness" – a sermon by Calvin on evangelism, election, and suffering for the Gospel

Free Reformation Day Activity and Coloring Page

HAPPY REFORMATION DAY! Be sure to check out "The Danger of Getting Bored with the Gospel," and other articles participating in the 2007 Reformation Day Symposium at challies.com.

• Reformation Celebration Activity Booklet
• Word document http://smithministry.50webs.com/ReformationCelebrationBooklet.doc
• .Pdf file http://smithministry.50webs.com/ReformationDayCelebrationBooklet.pdf

or email me at glorygazer@gmail.com for a 1 page, front-back bookfold version (it's about 5 MB, Word .doc). It includes a page similar to this with the Luther Rose: Luther Rose Coloring Page

Please use the following colors to show the message of the Luther Rose:

BLUE Field: Joy in Christ’s Provision of Salvation

RED Heart: Forgiveness and the Righteousness we have in Christ

BLACK Cross: Death of Christ as Substitute for our sin

WHITE Rose: Peace of God

GOLD Ring: Unending Duration – God’s Promise is Forever

The Luther Rose was Martin Luther’s seal. He gives an explanation of the colors here (copied from http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=11221):

"Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology. The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. For one who believes from the heart will be justified" (Rom. 10:10). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17) but by faith in the crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal.This is my compendium theoligae [summary of theology]. I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen."

From Martin Luther, Letter to Lazarus Spengler, July 8, 1530, as included in the translation by Amy Marga from "Luthers Siegel: Eine elementare Deutung seiner Theologie," in Luther 67 (1996):66–87. Translation printed in Lutheran Quarterly, Vol. XIV, Num. 4, Winter 2000, pg. 409-410. The text used for this translation is from Johannes Schilling, Briefe, Auswah, Ubersetzung und Erlauterungen in Vol. 6 of Ausgewaehlte Schriften/MartinLuther. The text of Luther's letter is also found in the Weimar edition of Luther's Works, Briefe Vol. 5:444f and in English translation in Luther's Works: American Edition, Vol. 49:356-359).

Book Review-The Expository Genius of John Calvin

Steven J. Lawson, The Expository Genius of John Calvin. (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2007), 142pp. reviewed by Doug Smith

Steve Lawson has a goal. He aims “to raise the bar for a new generation of expositors” (xiii). Lawson quotes with approval T. H. L. Parker: “Expository preaching consists in the explanation and application of a passage of Scripture. Without explanation it is not exposition; without application it is not preaching” (p. 79). This book gives us a look at the expository preaching of John Calvin as a model and gold standard for ministry. Calvin was committed to systematic exposition of the Bible, preaching each verse in the text he covered. This book is significant because people need to hear the Word of God taught and applied, not another self-help message or a man’s ideas artificially buttressed by proof-texts. Lawson wants to see a new reformation, and believes that a renewed commitment to biblical preaching is essential for it to happen.

DESCRIPTION

Lawson’s book is simple. This book is almost pocketsize and is an easy read. Eight chapters and 132 pages of prose distill Calvin’s philosophy and practice of preaching, delineating thirty-two distinct characteristics. Two appendices give examples of the textual units Calvin covered and the flow of one of his sermons. After providing the biographical and historical context of Calvin, Lawson proceeds to consider the elements of his preaching. Calvin’s presuppositions, personal devotion to Christ, and homiletical methods are surveyed.

One comes away from this book with a well-developed portrait of Calvin the preacher. Here was a man committed to the absolute supremacy of God’s Word, for himself and his congregation, knowing that “when the Bible speaks, God speaks” (p. 27). Here was a man committed “to behold the majesty of God” in the Word (p. 40) as he sought food for his own soul. Here was a man committed to discovering through diligent study the intended meaning of the text and declaring what it said and required of its hearers. He “made disciplined study a way of life, remaining in his study until the meaning was clear” (p. 41). Here was a man who approached the text with a literal (not literalistic) hermeneutic, rejecting fanciful allegorization. He said, “The true meaning . . . is the natural and obvious meaning” (p. 71). Here was a man who preached through entire books of the Bible, verse-by-verse, not skipping over controversial, difficult, or unpopular material. He viewed the role of the preacher as that of “a dispatched messenger with the divine message” (p. 26), seeing not the preacher, but God’s Word as the final authority. Here was a man committed to prayer and a living orthodoxy, since the “light of truth must yield the warmth of devotion to God” (p. 44). Here was a man committed to a rigorous schedule, often preaching ten times in a two-week period! Although plagued by opposition from enemies and health problems, he preached as often as he could. Even when an invalid, he arrived at church, carried in on a stretcher to preach (p. 48)! While Calvin did take time to visit the sick and give counsel, he saw the pulpit ministry as that which took priority. Here was a man so committed to declaring God’s truth authentically that he left behind manuscripts and notes to speak simply from an open Bible. But this was no off-the-cuff discourse; rather “an entire lifetime of learning stood behind each message” (p. 58). Here was a man who spoke plainly to people in words they could understand, while retaining biblical terminology and avoiding the watering down of truth. Here was a man who did not waste time with trivialities outside the text, but tried to orient his hearers to the text as soon as possible, using his introductions “like a freeway entrance ramp” (p. 54). Here was a man who reasoned persuasively and used vivid imagery to drive home the point. Here was a man who relentlessly pressed upon himself and his hearers the demands of God on their lives.

EVALUATION

Lawson’s book is well researched, well organized, simple, and to the point. He does an excellent job portraying a model of expository preaching. His concise quotations of primary and secondary sources and succinct summaries of the elements of Calvin’s preaching make for a quick read (I read it in one evening; my wife read it over several days, taking a chapter a night), but provide enough depth for further meditation and review.

If the book had any weakness, it might be that it held up Calvin’s example in such a positive light that caveats against a slavish imitation of his habits were lacking. For example, although Calvin, to communicate more simply, used neither manuscript nor notes, it does not follow that contemporary preaching must avoid written aids to be biblical. However, some who read this book might be tempted to avoid the use of aids although their giftedness and personality may be much different from Calvin’s. Lawson points out that Calvin did not use homiletical headings (clearly articulated “points” of a sermon), but this structure may not be something that should necessarily be abandoned, so long as it does not get in the way of communicating the message of the text and is a help to the preacher and hearers in organizing and summarizing biblical truth. Likewise, although Calvin ushered hearers into the text soon with minimal or no extra-biblical material, contemporary audiences may need a bit longer ramp into the text, particularly if they are accustomed to hearing four to eight sermons a month (instead of twenty) at the most. However, the points are well taken that preachers should communicate simply and get people into the text soon, and Lawson does suggest that styles may vary among expositors, so long as they are faithful in discovering and communicating the message of the Bible (p. 84).

Pastors and aspiring pastors ought to read this book. It provides an excellent model for pulpit ministry, giving correction to those who need it and encouragement to those who are faithfully laboring in the Word. The Expository Genius of John Calvin would be a great book to use in mentoring another man in the ministry, as the chapters are ripe with potential for helpful discussion.

Although pastors are the most likely audience for this book, church members would benefit from it as well. Although this book is about Calvin, those who are not from his particular theological tradition will also profit from it, so long as they agree that the urgent need of people is biblical preaching. It is a good book for those looking for a church home or churches looking for a pastor, as it provides an excellent gauge for the type of preaching that most glorifies God and best meets the spiritual need of people.

This book ought to make those of us who have faithful preachers more thankful. It ought to encourage congregations to set men aside full-time to devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer as soon as they can, if they are not already doing so. It should cause us to pray for fruitful study in the pastor’s life that results in fresh application of the truth to the heart of himself and his congregation. And we ought to pray for men training for ministry and those training them. Let us cry out to God, that He would continue to send forth laborers to proclaim His Word with honesty, clarity, and urgency.

CONCLUSION

Steve Lawson has given us a wonderful treasury of wisdom and a model of excellence and faithfulness in this book. I was convicted, encouraged, and had my appetite whetted for more. (He plans further books in this series, including Martin Luther, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon). There is nothing Christians need more than to understand and obey God’s Word, and nothing preachers need to be more devoted to than understanding, obeying, and declaring the whole counsel of God through systematic expository preaching.

Lawson’s goal is worthy, and this book certainly does “raise the bar” by holding forth Calvin as a model. But the standard required is no less than what God expects of his ministers: “preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4:2). May He raise up men devoted to this task and congregations that will encourage and grow from it, to the praise of His glory.

A Review of Reformation Resources: Some Movies

by Doug Smith 490 years ago this month, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany (October 31, 1517). The purpose of this series of posts is to point you to resources about the Protestant Reformation. We have considered books, music, and websites. This final post mentions a few movies.

Movies

• The recent MGM Film, Luther (2003), is an exciting, fast-paced production. It is well done, but the movie unfortunately omits the key doctrine of justification by faith alone. This could be a helpful resource if used in conjunction with other tools so that the doctrine at the heart of the Reformation is not ignored. Some violent scenes in this PG-13 movie may be inappropriate for young children. 2 hours, 4 minutes.

• Martin Luther (1955) (click here for a deluxe edition, or here for a bargain) is a classic film that explores Luther's doctrinal issues with more depth than the 2003 MGM treatment. It may seem a bit dated, but it is a good treatment of Luther that sets his life in its historical context. 1 hour, 45 minutes.

• Martin Luther (2002) is a PBS Empires documentary with interviews with scholars and some dramatized scenes from Luther's life. 1 hour, 50 minutes.

• In Where Luther Walked, author Roland Bainton gives viewers a historic tour of important sites. 30 minutes.

To order these films, check out www.Christianbook.com or www.amazon.com.

A Review of Reformation Resources: Some Websites

by Doug Smith

490 years ago this month, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany (October 31, 1517). The purpose of this series of posts is to point you to resources about the Protestant Reformation.

We have considered books and music. Today we will look at the resources available on websites. I have deliberately posted the whole URL instead of a link in case someone finds it useful to print this information. An upcoming (and final) post in this series will list movies.

Websites

• Documents of the Protestant Reformation (includes pictures) http://www.mun.ca/rels/hrollman/reform/reform.html
• Graphics:
• Martin Luther: Portraits and Scenes from His Life <http://www.elca.org/archives/luther/lutherimages.html
• The Luther Rose (Martin Luther's seal), including a black and white version perfect for coloring http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2558
• Monergism.com is a veritable clearinghouse of resources. Note particularly:
• The Doctrine of Justification http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Justification/
• The Five Solas of the Reformation http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Five-Solas/
• John Calvin http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Calvin-John/
• Martin Luther http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Luther-Martin/
• Monk and a Mallet (named after the book) includes pictures and other resources http://www.monkandamallet.com/index2.html
• Critiques of the New Perspective on Paul (a compilation of resources by Tim Ashcraft) - resources on a movement that undermines the Reformation's recovery of the biblical Gospel http://www.theosource.com/2007/10/critiques-of-new-perspective-on-paul.html
• Project Wittenberg - Selected Works of Martin Luther (including hymns) http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/wittenberg-luther.html
• Reformation Day celebration resources
• http://www.teacherhelp.org/holidays.htm#reformation
• http://www.reformationsa.org/articles/CelebrateReformation.htm (including a good collection of biographical/historical articles)
• http://www.lovetolearnplace.com/SpecialDays/Reformation/index.html
• http://www.theholidayzone.com/reformation/?gclid=CI-i4NaChY8CFQsaHgoddT1mtw
• a member of Clifton Baptist in Louisville, Kentucky describes what her church does for Reformation Day: http://gret-reads-247.blogspot.com/2007/10/reformation-party.html
• Reformation Day .mp3 sermons
• http://psalm305.blogspot.com/2007/10/reformation-day-mp3-sermons.html
• Reformation Day Symposium at www.challies.com
• 2006: http://www.challies.com/archives/articles/reformation-day-1.php
• 2007: http://www.challies.com/archives/articles/reformed-theology/reformation-day-symposium.php
• Reformer biographies by John Piper from the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors (access to text and free audio .mp3 files - some have video excerpts as well):
• "Always Singing One Note - A Vernacular Bible: Why William Tyndale Lived and Died" (2006) http://www.desiringGod.org/ResourceLibrary/Biographies/1840_Always_Singing_One_NoteA_Vernacular_Bible/
• "The Divine Majesty of the Word - John Calvin: the Man and His Preaching" (1997) http://www.desiringGod.org/ResourceLibrary/Biographies/1471_The_Divine_Majesty_of_the_Word/
• "Martin Luther: Lessons from His Life and Labor" (1996) http://www.desiringGod.org/ResourceLibrary/Biographies/1470_Martin_Luther_Lessons_from_His_Life_and_Labor/
• Seminary lectures
• Dr. David Calhoun - .mp3 lectures and study guides on Reformation History (Covenant Theological Seminary) http://www.covenantseminary.edu/worldwide/en/CH320/CH320.asp
• Dr. Gordon Isaac - .mp3 lectures on Martin Luther (free registration required) from BiblicalTraining.org (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) http://www.biblicaltraining.org/class.php?class=CH643

Also, I have created a booklet (print out the Word .doc using the 2 page per sheet option under zoom in the print dialog box; if this doesn't work, email me for a copy of it in the format of a 1 page front/back booklet, and ask for the Reformation booklet). There is a copy of the battle hymn of the Reformation, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," a sheet with Scripture references for the 5 solas, and a coloring page for the Luther rose.

• Reformation Celebration Activity Booklet
• Word document http://smithministry.50webs.com/ReformationCelebrationBooklet.doc
• .Pdf file http://smithministry.50webs.com/ReformationDayCelebrationBooklet.pdf

A Review of Reformation Resources: Some Music

by Doug Smith

490 years ago this month, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the castle church door in Wittenburg, Germany (October 31, 1517). The purpose of this series of posts is to point you to resources about the Protestant Reformation.

When it comes to learning about the Reformation and enjoying its history and influence, there are many tools available for a variety of ages. This is a review of some of the more helpful items I have found or have had recommended to me by trusted sources. If you want to build your personal library, or that of your church, school, or college, this list of resources would be a good place to start.

Yesterday, we considered some books. Today, we will look at music. Future posts will cover websites and movies.

“Music is a gift and largesse of God, not a gift of men. It drives away the devil and makes people happy; it induces one to forget all wrath, unchastity, arrogance, and all other vices. After theology, I accord to music the highest place and the greatest honor.”

"How strange and wonderful it is that one voice sings a simple unpretentious tune while three, four, or five other voices are also sung; these voices play and sway in joyful exuberance around the tune...He must be a course clod and not worthy of hearing such charming music, who does not delight in this, and is not moved by such a marvel. He should rather listen to the donkey braying of the [Gregorian] chorale, or the barking of dogs and pigs, than to such music."

– Martin Luther

“Luther has done more harm by his songs than by his sermons.”

– Luther’s enemies

• Martin Luther: Hymns, Ballads, Chants, Truth (4 CD set – 39 tracks, 3 hours of music) from Concordia Publishing House <www.cph.org> contains beautiful vocal and instrumental music reflecting the style of Luther’s time. The collection has 39 tracks and is about 3 hours long. Two recordings of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” form bookends to this recording. Both renditions maintain the original syncopated rhythm of Luther’s most famous hymn. The first version is a solo in German, and the second has a choir singing in English. (The other 37 tracks are in English as well.) Other highlights include “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” a Christmas carol by Luther; “A New Song Now Shall Be Begun,” Luther’s first hymn which is also a ballad about the first martyrs of the Reformation; “In the Very Midst of Life”; and “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands.”

These recordings inspired this Baptist to get out his old Lutheran Hymnal (the most likely source if you want to find the music for most of Luther’s hymns) and penny whistle and enjoy these tunes and the meaty doctrine to which they are wed.

• Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott: Musik der Reformation is a 2 CD set of music by Luther, Johann Walter, and Thomas Müntzer. This 32-song collection features beautiful choral music in German.

• Felix Mendelssohn includes the tune for “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” in his 1830 Reformation Symphony (No. 5 in D Minor, op. 107) to commemorate the tercentenary of the Augsburg Confession. (Also, Johann Sebastian Bach used many of Luther’s hymns and other Reformation hymns in his church music.)

• The Cyberhymnal <www.cyberhymnal.org> has a good selection of Luther hymns (you can listen to midi files with the text in front of you).

• Lutheran Hymnals and music for purchase <http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/>

• A checklist of Lutheran hymnals in America <http://www.elca.org/archives/hymnals/hymnals.html>

Some books about Reformation music:

• Douglas Bond, Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation (Arlington Heights, IL: Christian Liberty Press, 2000), 240pp. This book provides a tour of Reformation sites and song via historical fiction. I read excerpts to 4th-6th graders one year. It is an encouraging read and gives some good insight into the hymns and their writers. When I visited Capitol Hill Baptist last year, they had just finished going through this with the children on Sunday nights (with related activities).
• Paul S. Jones, "Luther and Bar Song: the Truth, Please!", pages 171-178 in Singing and Making Music: Issues in Church Music Today (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2006), 315pp. Jones dispelled the tired, oft-repeated myth that Luther simply baptized tune from the pub for worship music.
• Paul S. Jones, "Hymnody in a Post-Hymnody World," pages 222-256 in Ryken, Thomas, & Duncan, ed., Give Praise to God (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2003), 516pp. This chapter has good thoughts about the need for utilizing and crafting hymns in our day.

A Review of Reformation Resources: Some Books

by Doug Smith

490 years ago this month, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the castle church door in Wittenburg, Germany (October 31, 1517). The purpose of this series of posts is to point you to resources about the Protestant Reformation. When it comes to learning about the Reformation and enjoying its history and influence, there are many tools available for a variety of ages. This is a review of some of the more helpful items I have found or have had recommended to me by trusted sources. If you want to build your personal library, or that of your church, school, or college, this list of resources would be a good place to start. Today, we will look at books. Future posts will cover music, websites, and movies.

Books

For children

• Paul L. Maier, Martin Luther: a Man Who Changed the World (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2004), 32pp.

Greg Copeland's beautiful art accompanies a fascinating account of Luther's life and work. Thankfully, the Gospel is central to this book, evidenced by the focus on Luther's discovery in the Bible of justification by faith alone. The author wants us to understand that a right standing with God comes only through trusting Jesus Christ, who has done all the work necessary for our justification. The book explains that the righteousness of God is a gift to those who believe in the Savior who died and rose again for them. I have found children captivated by this story as I have read it to them. The book is directed toward upper elementary children, but teachers and parents may find ways to adapt their reading of it to younger ages. For teenagers

• Jean Henri Merle d'Aubigné, The Triumph of Truth: a Life of Martin Luther (Greenville, SC: Bob Jones University Press, 1996), 427pp.

Mark Sidwell produced this abridgement of Merle d'Aubigné's five volumes of The History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century. This single volume detailing the life of Luther is intended for ages 15 and up. Short chapters, vivid writing, and helpful analysis make this a good book to work through.

For ladies, gentlemen, and scholars

• Roland H. Bainton, Here I Stand: a Life of Martin Luther (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1950), 336pp.

Generally regarded as the standard biography of Luther for English readers, this classic work contains a helpful chronology of Luther's life and many interesting woodcut illustrations from the 16^th century. It is a delightful and sympathetic treatment of Luther.

• Christopher Catherwood, Five Leading Reformers: Lives at a Watershed of History (Christian Focus, 2000), 208pp.

This is a brief overview of the lives of Martin Luther, Thomas Cranmer, John Calvin, John Knox, and Huldrych Zwingli. My wife found this to be an easy read and a good beginning introduction.

• David Daniell, William Tyndale: a Biography (New Haven, CT: Yale, 1994), 458pp.

A thorough biography of the 16th century English theologian and Bible translator, this book is a bit tedious in its attempt to recreate the possible historical backdrop, but is an indispensable resource for studying this important servant of God.

• John Dillenberger, ed., Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings (Garden City, NY: Anchor Books, 1961), 526pp.

In this collection, you can read for yourself portions of Luther's books, commentaries, articles, and sermons, including his prefaces to different New Testament books, The Bondage of the Will, and The Ninety-Five Theses.

• Timothy George, Theology of the Reformers (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1988), 337pp.

In this scholarly work, Timothy George examines the theology of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Menno Simons in the historical context of the Reformation. The book contains a chapter on the abiding validity of reformation theology and a helpful glossary.

• Harold J. Grimm, The Reformation Era: 1500-1650 (New York: Macmillan, 1954), 675pp.

Grimm provides a full-length treatment of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in the Reformation era, including social and political effects of the conflicts.

• Steven Lawson, The Expository Genius of John Calvin (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2007), 142pp.

Lawson analyzes the philosophy and practice of the preaching ministry of John Calvin, issuing a call for more ministers who are diligent in their studies and proclamation, beginning with applying the truth to their own lives. (I have reviewed this book here.)

• Timothy Lull, ed., Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2005), 755pp.

Dr. Robert Plummer, who teaches hermeneutics at Southern Seminary, pointed out this resource. It would be good to acquire because of its inclusion of Luther's hermeneutical method based on Psalm 119: oratio, meditation, and tentatio. In other words, the Holy Spirit uses prayer, meditation, and trials to help believers understand the Word of God and grow in conformity to the Son of God.

• Stephen J. Nichols, Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed, 2002), 240pp.

This may be the best short introduction to Martin Luther. Each chapter contains a helpful bibliography for deeper study of particular areas of Luther's life and thought.

• Stephen J. Nichols, The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2007), 160 pp.

Some have found this to be a helpful introduction to the Reformation.

• T. H. L. Parker, John Calvin: a Biography (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2007), 224 pp.

According to Dr. Albert Mohler, this is the best biography on Calvin. It was out of print when he mentioned it on his April radio program, but it looks like it's back.

• John Piper, The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God's Triumphant Grace in the Lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2000), 160pp. (Click here to read or download it for free.)

This book is part of a series compiling biographical messages given at the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors. Piper models well the discipline of reading biography for the purpose of growth in godliness.

• Dietrich Steinwede, Reformation: a Picture Story of Martin Luther (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1983), 56pp.

This book tells Luther's story using reproductions of woodcuts, paintings, and documents of the Reformation.

• Roland H. Bainton, The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century (Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1956), 278pp.

This book gives an overview of the thought and impact of various wings of the Reformation.

Find these books at www.wtsbooks.com, www.christianbook.com, www.cvbbs.com , and www.addall.com.