Seasonal Resources - Reformation
This is the anniversary of Luther's posting of his 95 theses concerning the sale of indulgences.
In the sixteenth century various dates were suggested in various places for an annual commemoration of the reform of the church. The Thirty Years War disrupted these observances and provoked anti-Roman sentiment. In 1667, Elector John George II of Saxony reestablished the festival and appointed it for October 31.
The celebration of the day spread among Lutherans, but the observance is not widely kept by Protestant Christians, nor is it universal among world Lutherans. It is the only day in the calendar peculiar to the Lutheran church.
Service orders and resources
Reformation notes, including hymns and songs, psalm settings, visuals and drama, and more
Reformation Word and Prayer - Word | Ppt (standard) | Ppt (widescreen)
Sermon Artwork and Illustrations
Responsive Psalm - Ppt (standard) | Ppt (widescreen)
Sermons
Please note that the readings for Reformation are the same each year. The below sermons may be labelled as Year A, B, or C, but they are applicable to every year.
Sermons on Romans 3:19-28
Sermon 1 | Sermon 2 | Sermon 3 | Sermon 4 | Sermon 5 | Sermon 6
Sermons on John 8:31-36
Sermon 1 | Sermon 2 | Sermon 3 | Sermon 4 | Sermon 5 | Sermon 6
Children's resources
Take a look at some of the following free resources from GIFT.
Further reading
On Reformation Day 1999, the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church signed a 'Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification', known now as the 'Augsburg Accord' (it was signed in the city of Augsburg). This was the first time since the Reformation that the Roman Catholic Church signed such a document of doctrinal agreement with any other church. In this document, the mutual condemnations of the 16th Century with regard to the doctrine of justification were rescinded. The Lutheran Church of Australia, through its Pastors Conferences, assented to this agreement, and also signed a similar document locally between the LCA and the Australian Catholic Church. While many still disagree as to the actual extent of agreement represented in these agreements, it should be taken account of in the celebration of this day.
