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Theme: The sermon intersects the series "Asking for a Friend" with Reformation Sunday, focusing on the question: What is Scripture good for and why can I trust it?

Key Concept: The Catholic Church's corruption during the Reformation included selling indulgences, which promised to reduce time in purgatory. This practice exploited people's fears and hopes. Martin Luther challenged the Church's practices, emphasizing salvation through faith rather than works. He famously posted his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517. 

Core Doctrines of the Reformation:

  • Sola Gratia: Grace alone
  • Sola Fide: Faith alone
  • Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone 

Trustworthiness of Scripture

  • Reliability of the Gospels: The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) are considered reliable historical documents, with early copies dating back to 90 AD. They surpass other ancient texts in terms of the number of copies and proximity to the events they describe.
  • Evidence of Authenticity: The Gospels' reliability is supported by the vast number of ancient copies available, making them more trustworthy than many other historical documents.

Theological Insights

  • Scripture as Truth: Scripture provides a consistent truth that guides believers, helping them calibrate their understanding of themselves and their relationship with God.
  • Purpose of Scripture: It is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, serving as a moral compass for believers.

Illustration: Calibrating Truth. An analogy was used involving measuring 200 grams of water to illustrate how we often rely on our internal "scales" to determine truth. Scripture serves as the accurate measure against which we calibrate our beliefs and understandings. 

Reflection Questions

  • How does understanding the historical context of the Reformation enhance our view of Scripture?
  • In what ways can we apply the core doctrines of the Reformation in our daily lives?
  • How do we ensure that our beliefs align with the truth presented in Scripture?