Luther’s Reformation was propelled majorly by social and patriotic goals in comparison to ‘spiritual’ ones. Perhaps he did not see a dichotomy between the spiritual and social.
Hence it gained traction with the people, and the nobles; who were keen to brake ranks with the corruption and tyranny of the Catholic Church at the time.
The Reformation was a movement towards the emancipation of the Germans.
In fact Melanchthon, Luther’s closest associate and intellectual sounding board was a humanist. And this did not hinder in any shape or form his immense contribution to the restructuring of the church and other major institutions.
I say this to emphasise that the Church cannot be devolved from the daily challenges facing humanity, locally and globally.
This brings me back to two themes captured by Paul on the subject of Reconciliation in 2 Cor. 5:19. He posits that,
in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.
First and perhaps foremost, the role of Christ as The Reconciler, bringing divinity into humanity. Secondly, our role as the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit in the continuation of the work of reconciliation here on earth.
Join us this Sunday for my new series: God was in Christ
This Sunday we build on the foundations of last week. And over the coming weeks we will be examining Jesus in history, and Jesus in Christian doctrine.
3pm
The Parish Hall
St John’s Sidcup,
Church Road,
Sidcup,
Kent DA14 6BX
Reachout | Revive | Recover
Healingsprings fellowship 