Personal Reformation: Living Out Our Faith Actively

Devotional

Day 1: Personal Reformation Begins with Truth

Personal reformation is about returning to the truth of God's Word, reshaping our lives according to His plans, much like builders adhere to architectural blueprints for a solid foundation. This transformation starts within us and extends to our homes and communities. It is a call to examine our hearts and align our lives with the teachings of Scripture, ensuring that our foundation is built on the unchanging truth of God's Word. This internal change is crucial for impacting our surroundings positively, as it begins with a sincere commitment to live according to God's design. [01:27]

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life needs to be reshaped according to God's Word today, and how can you begin this transformation?

Day 2: Returning to Foundational Teachings

The historical Reformation was a return to the foundational teachings of Christ and the early church, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, faith, grace, Christ, and God's glory as the core of our faith. These principles remind us that our faith is rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word, not in human traditions or works. By understanding and embracing these foundational truths, we can ensure that our faith remains vibrant and true to the teachings of Christ, just as the reformers sought to do. [06:21]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.'" (Jeremiah 6:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the principles of the Reformation into your daily walk with Christ, ensuring your faith is rooted in Scripture and not in tradition?

Day 3: Sola Action: Putting Feet to Faith

"Sola Action" challenges us to put feet to our faith, moving beyond mere absorption of God's Word to actively serving others and making a tangible difference in our communities. This call to action ensures that our faith is not just theoretical but practical and impactful. By living out our faith through service and love, we demonstrate the transformative power of God's Word in our lives and communities. [31:07]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week, demonstrating your faith through action.

Day 4: Examining Our Lives and Turning Back

Examining our lives and turning back to the Lord is essential for maintaining a vibrant faith. We must be willing to return to the old paths, where faith was active and bold, and stand for the truth, just as the reformers did. This involves a continual process of self-reflection and repentance, ensuring that our lives align with God's will and purpose. By doing so, we keep our faith alive and impactful, ready to stand boldly for the truth. [37:09]

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life that needs examination and realignment with God's truth, and what steps can you take to address it today?

Day 5: Devotion Evident in Action

Our devotion to God should be evident in our actions, and we must be willing to lift our hearts and hands in worship, allowing our faith to be a living testimony of God's transformative power. Worship is a natural response to God's work in our hearts, and it should be reflected in how we live our lives daily. By allowing our actions to testify to God's power, we become living examples of His grace and love in the world. [42:34]

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can your daily actions serve as a testimony to God's transformative power in your life, and what specific changes can you make to ensure this is evident to others?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, I emphasized the urgent need for a personal reformation of the heart, drawing inspiration from a recent visit to the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York. This personal reformation is more crucial than a large-scale reformation like the one initiated by Martin Luther 500 years ago. The essence of reformation is about returning to the truth, reshaping our lives according to God's Word, much like how builders must adhere to architectural plans to ensure a solid foundation. This personal transformation begins within us, affecting our homes, marriages, and communities.

Reflecting on the historical Reformation, I highlighted how Martin Luther's bold actions, such as nailing the 95 Theses to the church door, were driven by a desire to return to the foundational truths of Scripture. This movement was not a rebellion but a return to the teachings of Christ and the early church. The Reformation emphasized five key principles: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone). These principles remind us that our faith is rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word, not in human traditions or works.

I also introduced a new principle, "Sola Action," urging us to put feet to our faith. It's not enough to absorb God's Word; we must act on it, serving others and making a tangible difference in our communities. This call to action challenges us to examine our lives, ensuring that our faith is not just theoretical but practical and impactful. We must return to the old paths, where faith was vibrant and active, and be willing to stand boldly for the truth, just as the reformers did.

In closing, I encouraged everyone to pray for guidance and to examine their ways, turning back to the Lord. Our devotion to God should be evident in our actions, and we must be willing to lift our hearts and hands in worship, allowing our faith to be a living testimony of God's transformative power.

Key Takeaways

1. CGxKkNkyTs&t=87s'>[01:27]
2. The historical Reformation was a return to the foundational teachings of Christ and the early church, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, faith, grace, Christ, and God's glory as the core of our faith. These principles remind us that our faith is rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word.

3. "Sola Action" challenges us to put feet to our faith, moving beyond mere absorption of God's Word to actively serving others and making a tangible difference in our communities. This call to action ensures that our faith is not just theoretical but practical and impactful.

4. Examining our lives and turning back to the Lord is essential for maintaining a vibrant faith. We must be willing to return to the old paths, where faith was active and bold, and stand for the truth, just as the reformers did.

5. Our devotion to God should be evident in our actions, and we must be willing to lift our hearts and hands in worship, allowing our faith to be a living testimony of God's transformative power. Worship is a natural response to God's work in our hearts.

** [01:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:26] - Personal Reformation of the Heart
[01:12] - Reforming Starts Within
[03:00] - Historical Reformation Overview
[05:02] - Church History and Corruption
[06:21] - Returning to Christ's Teachings
[08:33] - The Unchanging Truth of Scripture
[11:25] - The Power of Applying Truth
[14:33] - The True Church and Its Mission
[20:32] - Faith Alone and Its Implications
[23:36] - Grace Alone and Redemption
[26:27] - To the Glory of God Alone
[31:07] - Introducing Sola Action
[36:54] - Putting Feet to Our Faith
[39:11] - Prayer for Guidance and Truth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Psalm 119:160 - "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."
John 17:17 - "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Romans 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

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Observation Questions:

What was the main reason Martin Luther initiated the Reformation, according to the sermon? ([03:31])
How does the sermon describe the process of "reforming" in the context of construction? ([01:46])
What is the new principle introduced in the sermon, and what does it challenge believers to do? ([31:07])
According to the sermon, what are the two ways salt can lose its savor, and how does this relate to a believer's life? ([28:26])

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the sermon suggest that personal reformation can impact one's home and community? ([01:27])
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the principles of the Reformation are still relevant to modern believers? ([06:21])
How does the concept of "Sola Action" expand upon the traditional principles of the Reformation, and why is it important for today's church? ([31:07])
What does the sermon imply about the relationship between truth and personal transformation? ([09:08])

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you need a personal reformation to align more closely with God's Word? What steps can you take to begin this process? ([01:27])
The sermon emphasizes the importance of "Sola Action." What is one practical way you can put your faith into action this week in your community? ([31:07])
Consider the historical context of the Reformation. How can understanding this history inspire you to stand boldly for the truth in your own life? ([06:21])
The sermon mentions the importance of examining our lives and turning back to the Lord. What is one area of your life that you feel needs examination and realignment with God's truth? ([37:09])
Worship is described as a natural response to God's work in our hearts. How can you make worship a more integral part of your daily life? ([42:34])
The sermon challenges us to return to the "old paths" where faith was vibrant and active. What does this look like for you personally, and how can you pursue this path? ([37:09])
How can you ensure that your faith is not just theoretical but practical and impactful in your daily interactions with others? ([31:07])

Sermon Clips

The need for a personal Reformation is actually a greater need than another Reformation. Reforming our own heart reforms the home, reforms our marriages. What I mean by Reformation is this: it's a reforming, a renewing, a restoring, a reviving of the truth. [00:01:00]

Martin Luther, a monk who was actually in the Roman Catholic Church, started to read the Word of God and was actually saved by the verse that the just shall live by faith. He was saved, and as a result, when you're saved and when you're looking at the Bible, you'll see some inconsistencies within the established church. [00:03:27]

The true church was built 2,000 years ago and it holds to Christ's teachings, not perfectly, but we tighten our grip when necessary. It's interesting, I'm glad I don't do this ever again. I'll never forget it. It's the first time I've had a heat stroke. [00:13:06]

Sola scriptura and what they meant by that is scripture alone. The reason is because papal authority, the Pope actually could decree things that superseded the Bible. So that became the standard of authority, not the Bible. So you have to go back to Sola scriptura, the inerrancy of Scripture. [00:15:06]

Faith alone is this: God, I believe you are who you said you are. I believe that I am a sinner in need of a savior. I repent of my sin, I confess Christ the Savior and Lord. I believe in my heart, I have faith that you are sufficient in a person to save. [00:21:04]

Sola gratia, grace alone. Romans 3:24, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. So it's by grace alone, again not by work. So that Martin Luther was going back to this, actually John Calvin, Urug Swingley in Switzerland, John Knox in Scotland. [00:23:44]

Soli Deo Gloria, to the glory of God alone. 1st Corinthians 10:31, the English standard version: so whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you drink, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Whatever you do, do to the glory of God. [00:26:23]

No Reformation will occur without accepting the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance. No Reformation will start in your heart, in the church, without accepting the Holy Spirit's correction and his guidance. Many of you have heard the verse and we've taught it many times. [00:26:48]

Sola action, put feet to our faith. This is a big issue in the American church. I recently read a quote: we're professing believers but practical atheists. That had to sink in for a minute because it's very easy to believe, it's very easy to be here, but when have we went out and actually put feet to our faith? [00:31:15]

We do need to go back to the old path. Go back to the old paths. Do you remember when this meant everything? Some of you are there, I know, but some of you, you've drifted off that old path. The Bible says go back, return to the old path, return. [00:37:06]

Let us search out and examine our ways and turn back to the Lord. Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven. Is that powerful? In Lamentations, who would ever thought Lamentations is Jeremiah lamenting over the destruction of Jerusalem because of the sins of the people. [00:41:17]

When your hearts turn back to God, just like it said here, let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven. See, to me, it's actually a point of submission because to do this 25 years ago, I would have laughed at you. [00:42:34]

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Personal Reformation: Living Out Our Faith Actively

Devotional

Day 1: Personal Reformation Begins with Truth

Day 2: Returning to Foundational Teachings

Day 3: Sola Action: Putting Feet to Faith

Day 4: Examining Our Lives and Turning Back

Day 5: Devotion Evident in Action

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Personal Reformation: Living Out Our Faith Actively

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