The Work Continues, The Foundation Remains
As we celebrate Reformation this year, we look both to the past and the future. We see how God has guided his Church since the time of Martin Luther. How the phrase "By grace alone, by faith alone, by Scripture alone," has continued to be the motto of the Lutheran church. We understand and believe that God has saved only by his grace, that is, because of the underserved love he has toward us as undeserving sinners. We receive his grace only through faith. We don't have to do anything to earn it. He gives us the faith to believe it's true. How do we know all this? God himself tells us this in his Word. Everything else will tell us that we must earn God's love and forgiveness. God himself tells us we are saved because he loved us and sent his Son Jesus to die for us and rise to give us eternal life.
As we continue our work at Atonement, our underlying motto remains "by grace alone, by faith alone, by Scripture alone." It is only by grace alone that we know the truth about our Savior. It is only by grace alone that we are privileged to come to God's house and hear about all his wonders for us. And, it is by grace alone that we can continue to do the work God has given us. As we work together, we need encouragement from the Scripture and the forgiveness Christ gives. Your pastor needs forgiveness and encouragement as well.
All this we do by faith alone. Our work together is not to earn God's love for us. He already has given us his love. Instead, by faith alone we receive the forgiveness of sins. Our faith produces fruits which share God's love with the people around us. Our desire to share the gospel and serve others doesn't come from our hearts naturally. Instead, it comes by the faith which God has given us in his Son.
Our direction comes from Scripture alone. As we plan how to serve God in the future, we will continue to use Scripture as the light for our path. Scripture reminds us that our goal is to share the good news about Jesus at Atonement on Sundays as well as during the week. We will do nothing that goes against what God's Word says. Everything we do, we will do it to God's glory.
As you continue serving here at Atonement, remember all that God has done for you. He has saved you only by grace through faith. He tells you that in his Word. Pray for the work here at Atonement, for your pastor, for your fellow members and for yourself and your family. Pray that God would continue to instill a culture of forgiveness here at Atonement so that we may work together as his saints until he comes again glory.