Reformation Reflections: Faith, Doctrine, and Christian Witness

 

Summary

In this gathering, we reflect on the profound significance of the Reformation, marking its 500th anniversary. This moment is not merely a historical commemoration but a reaffirmation of the faith articulated during that pivotal time. The Reformation was a beacon of light, "post tenebras lux," after darkness, light. It reminds us of the privilege we have to live in this era, recognizing the shifting tectonic plates of our civilization and the acceleration of changes that challenge our understanding of the world.

We are witnessing the collapse of the great liberal dream, a vision that sought to establish human rights and dignity without the foundation of Christianity. This dream, which promised human flourishing and happiness, has instead led to despair and moral exhaustion. The secular age, with its reliance on science, technology, and therapy, has failed to deliver salvation. The promises of sexual liberation and global peace have not materialized, leaving a civilization in crisis.

The Reformation, however, offers a different narrative. It was not about creating a new church but reforming the existing one, returning to the faith once delivered to the saints. The Reformers, like Luther and Calvin, emphasized the solas, the foundational truths of the Christian faith. They stood on the authority of Scripture, building on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone laid by God.

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul speaks of building on the right foundation, which is Christ. This foundation is crucial for the church and the Christian life. We must be careful to build with materials that will withstand the test of judgment, for doctrine is indispensable. It is the structural integrity of the church, necessary for the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. Doctrine has consequences, and the collapse of liberal theology is a testament to the emptiness of a message devoid of biblical truth.

As we stand in this house of faithful, biblical orthodoxy, we affirm our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We recognize the importance of teaching and transmitting doctrine, understanding that it shapes the future of the church and the lives of believers. In this age of exhaustion, we have a tremendous opportunity for Christian witness, proclaiming the hope and truth found in Christ alone.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Reformation is not just a historical event but a reaffirmation of faith, emphasizing the importance of returning to the foundational truths of Christianity. It reminds us of the privilege and responsibility we have to live in this era, recognizing the shifting cultural landscape. [01:08]

2. The collapse of the great liberal dream highlights the failure of secularism to deliver on its promises of human flourishing and happiness. This moral exhaustion presents a unique opportunity for Christian witness, as people begin to question the plausibility of secular worldviews. [04:24]

3. The Reformation was about reforming the church, not creating a new one. The Reformers emphasized the solas, foundational truths that stand on the authority of Scripture and the foundation of Jesus Christ. This commitment to biblical orthodoxy is crucial for the church's future. [38:12]

4. Doctrine is indispensable for the church and the Christian life. It provides the structural integrity necessary for transmitting faith from one generation to the next. The consequences of neglecting doctrine are evident in the collapse of liberal theology and the emptiness of its message. [44:37]

5. In this age of exhaustion, we have a tremendous opportunity for Christian witness. By standing firm on the foundation of Christ and proclaiming the truth of the gospel, we can offer hope and light in a world searching for meaning and purpose. [09:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - The Privilege of the Reformation
- [00:43] - The Futility of Defeating Mortality
- [01:08] - Celebrating the Reformation's Faith
- [02:32] - Shifting Tectonic Plates of Civilization
- [03:22] - The Death of the Great Liberal Dream
- [04:24] - Secularization Leading to Despair
- [05:16] - The Collapse of Human Dignity
- [06:12] - Euphemisms and Moral Change
- [07:25] - The Intrinsic Value of Human Life
- [08:43] - Opportunity for Christian Witness
- [09:42] - Tracing Theology Since the Reformation
- [10:14] - The Promise of Modern Science
- [11:48] - The Failure of Therapy and Liberation
- [13:07] - The Cut-Flower Civilization
- [14:42] - The Refutation of the Liberal Dream
- [15:51] - Individualism and the Reformation
- [16:30] - The Doctrine of Justification by Faith
- [18:35] - The Enlightenment's Impact
- [19:47] - Reason vs. Revelation
- [21:49] - The Four Horsemen of Modernity
- [23:37] - The Persistence of Marxism
- [25:21] - Theological Responses to Modernity
- [27:04] - The Shift to Feeling-Based Theology
- [29:34] - The Liberal Theological Project
- [31:33] - Neo-Orthodoxy's Attempted Rescue
- [32:37] - The Fragmentation of Theology
- [34:27] - The Reformation's Continuing Story
- [35:25] - Building on the Right Foundation
- [38:12] - The Solas of the Reformation
- [40:04] - Christ as the True Foundation
- [41:39] - Judgment and the Foundation
- [43:29] - The Necessity of Doctrine
- [45:20] - Transmission of Doctrine
- [47:13] - Consequences of Doctrine
- [49:54] - Biblical Christianity on the Rock
- [50:18] - Prayer and Closing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 3:10-13

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul emphasize about the foundation of the church in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11? How does this relate to the Reformation's focus on returning to foundational truths? [35:25]

2. According to the sermon, what are some of the signs of the "collapse of the great liberal dream"? How does this relate to the secular age's promises? [04:24]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of doctrine in the church and the Christian life? What are the consequences of neglecting doctrine? [44:37]

4. What metaphor does Paul use in 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 to describe the quality of work built on the foundation of Christ? How does this metaphor relate to the sermon’s message about the importance of doctrine? [41:00]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "post tenebras lux" in the context of the Reformation and today's world? What does this suggest about the role of the church in contemporary society? [01:08]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the secular age has failed to deliver on its promises? How does this create an opportunity for Christian witness? [09:14]

3. How does the sermon connect the Reformation's emphasis on the solas with the authority of Scripture and the foundation of Jesus Christ? Why is this connection significant for the church today? [38:12]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between doctrine and the transmission of faith across generations? How does this relate to the metaphor of building with gold, silver, and precious stones? [45:20]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea of "post tenebras lux" (after darkness, light). In what areas of your life or community do you see darkness, and how can you be a light in those areas? [01:08]

2. The sermon discusses the failure of secular promises. Have you experienced or observed this failure in your own life or community? How can you use these experiences to share the hope found in Christ? [04:24]

3. The Reformation emphasized returning to foundational truths. Are there areas in your faith where you need to return to foundational truths? What steps can you take to do this? [38:12]

4. Doctrine is described as indispensable for the church. How can you prioritize learning and understanding doctrine in your personal faith journey? What resources or practices might help you in this endeavor? [44:37]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of building on the right foundation. What are some practical ways you can ensure that your life and faith are built on the foundation of Christ? [35:25]

6. Consider the metaphor of building with gold, silver, and precious stones. What "materials" are you currently using to build your faith and life? How can you ensure they are of lasting value? [41:00]

7. The sermon mentions the opportunity for Christian witness in an age of exhaustion. How can you be a witness to those around you who are experiencing moral or spiritual exhaustion? [09:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Reformation as a Call to Return to Foundational Truths
The Reformation is not merely a historical event but a profound reaffirmation of the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of returning to the foundational truths of Christianity. It serves as a reminder of the privilege and responsibility we have to live in this era, recognizing the shifting cultural landscape. The Reformers, like Luther and Calvin, sought to reform the existing church, not create a new one, by emphasizing the solas, the foundational truths of the Christian faith. This commitment to biblical orthodoxy is crucial for the church's future, as it provides the structural integrity necessary for transmitting faith from one generation to the next. [01:08]

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

Reflection: In what ways can you actively return to and reaffirm the foundational truths of your faith in your daily life today?


Day 2: The Collapse of Secular Promises
The collapse of the great liberal dream highlights the failure of secularism to deliver on its promises of human flourishing and happiness. This moral exhaustion presents a unique opportunity for Christian witness, as people begin to question the plausibility of secular worldviews. The secular age, with its reliance on science, technology, and therapy, has failed to deliver salvation. The promises of sexual liberation and global peace have not materialized, leaving a civilization in crisis. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Christians to proclaim the hope and truth found in Christ alone. [04:24]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 17:5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be a witness to those around you who are experiencing the emptiness of secular promises?


Day 3: Reforming the Church, Not Creating a New One
The Reformation was about reforming the church, not creating a new one. The Reformers emphasized the solas, foundational truths that stand on the authority of Scripture and the foundation of Jesus Christ. This commitment to biblical orthodoxy is crucial for the church's future. By standing firm on the foundation of Christ and proclaiming the truth of the gospel, we can offer hope and light in a world searching for meaning and purpose. The solas remind us of the importance of Scripture, grace, faith, Christ, and God's glory in our lives and the life of the church. [38:12]

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your faith community remains rooted in the foundational truths of Christianity?


Day 4: The Indispensability of Doctrine
Doctrine is indispensable for the church and the Christian life. It provides the structural integrity necessary for transmitting faith from one generation to the next. The consequences of neglecting doctrine are evident in the collapse of liberal theology and the emptiness of its message. As we stand in this house of faithful, biblical orthodoxy, we affirm our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We recognize the importance of teaching and transmitting doctrine, understanding that it shapes the future of the church and the lives of believers. [44:37]

"Hold fast to the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of Christian doctrine and its importance in your life today?


Day 5: Opportunity for Christian Witness in an Age of Exhaustion
In this age of exhaustion, we have a tremendous opportunity for Christian witness. By standing firm on the foundation of Christ and proclaiming the truth of the gospel, we can offer hope and light in a world searching for meaning and purpose. The secular age has left many in despair, and the church has the opportunity to provide a message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. This is a time to be bold in our faith and to share the transformative power of the gospel with those around us. [09:14]

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of the hope and light of Christ, and how can you share it with them today?

Quotes

"We recognize that the great tectonic plates of our civilization are shifting right under our feet. And not only that, but the acceleration of these changes is now coming in such a way that we really do not know what tomorrow's headlines will bring. And we're losing even the ability to be surprised. There's certainly the ability to be shocked. One boundary after another transgressed. One institution after another torn down." [00:02:27]

"We are watching, right before our eyes, the death of the great liberal dream. What was that dream? It was the dream of a humanity come of age. Of a humanity that could sever itself from its Christian past, and establish itself in a new secular present, and point itself to a new secularized future. The great liberal dream was that somehow you could have human rights and human dignity without Christianity." [00:03:15]

"The great liberal dream was that you could have the fruits of Christianity in a civilization while denying Christianity and subverting it in virtually every point. And what we're now noticing as this age is truly becoming more and more secular, is that the end of this secularization is despair. We've reached one of those most interesting points in my observation of the times around us." [00:03:52]

"One of the signs of the moral exhaustion of our age is the debate over assisted suicide, and by the way, they don't want to call that assisted suicide anymore. They now want to call it, you know, 'aid in dying.' You know, we die by our euphemisms. The way you create a moral change is first renaming something. So it's no longer adultery, it's an affair. You rename it." [00:06:02]

"When you look at a society that embraces euthanasia and assisted suicide, and we need to call these what they are. They are physician-assisted murder. State-sanctioned murder. When you see this, it's the ultimate sign of the exhaustion of a worldview. They've got nowhere to turn. It is a worldview that ends in death." [00:06:39]

"The modern age promised that we would be rescued by modern science, produced the worldview of scientism, and so, you have to understand that many modern people actually believe that if salvation comes, it will by means of science. That's one of reasons why I brought up the cryogenics and the whole transhumanism debate. It's not an accident that that's taking place in Silicon Valley." [00:10:14]

"We were told that therapy would save us. What we really need is therapy. If we can just get to the right therapist. If we can just find the right pop psychology. If we can just -- if we can just get to the right therapeutic source, we can be made whole. But have you noticed, have you noticed when you look at the book sections, and you start to look at the titles, they're running out of therapeutic answers to give." [00:11:40]

"The Reformation understanding of the human individual was not of the human individual as autonomous. Rather, it was of the human being as sinner, desperately in need of redemption. Never an autonomous individual. All that began to change in the aftermath of the Reformation. And, of course, almost simultaneous with the Reformation, you had the rise of what we would call 'the Renaissance.'" [00:15:03]

"The impulse of liberal theology is to say Christianity can't survive in the modern age, in its biblical form, so we're going to have to accommodate. We're going to redefine the doctrines. We're going to have to reconstruct the dogmas so that we don't have the offense of supernatural truth claims, of implausible supernatural truth claims in a world in which those claims are overruled by reason." [00:26:09]

"Doctrine is nothing more than the expression, the formal expression of what is revealed in Scripture. The Christian life cannot live without it, the Christian life can't begin without it. Because even in telling someone how they can come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, you've got to do doctrine. You've got to teach." [00:44:44]

"The transmission of doctrine is crucial from one generation to the next. The Apostle Paul was clearly concerned about that in this text, as he calls for the building upon the foundation that he has laid, and he clearly is warning, lest, it be a structure of wood, and hay, and stubble, instead. Notice, how he mentions this. It's a beautiful metaphor for right doctrine." [00:45:32]

"Doctrine has consequences. We need to remember that always. For the consequences of our doctrinal responsibility will show up right before our eyes. And will show up in our children and in their children, as well. The apostle Paul said, 'According to the grace of God, given to me like a skilled master builder, I laid a foundation and someone else is building upon it.'" [00:47:53]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 21, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?