MOUNTAINSIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
A GOSPEL WORTH SHARING
Locations & Times
Mountainside Assembly of God
1900 Trevorton Rd, Coal Township, PA 17866, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
A Gospel Worth Sharing:
Reformation Day and the Legacy of Protestantism
Introduction
Reformation Day: Celebrated on October 31, commemorating Martin Luther's pivotal role in reforming the Church.
Key Scripture: "This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith..." *(Romans 1:17)
I. The World Before the Reformation: A Church in Crisis
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." *(John 8:32)
Church Corruption: The Church intertwined with political power; wealth and indulgences overshadow genuine faith.
Lack of Access: Scriptures available only in Latin; common people rely solely on clergy for God's Word.
Sale of Indulgences: Buying forgiveness and reducing punishment for sins—a practice contrary to true salvation.
II. Martin Luther’s Early Life and Spiritual Struggle
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Early Life: Born in 1483 in Germany; initially studied law before becoming a monk.
Inner Turmoil: Struggled with guilt despite rigorous religious practices.
Disillusionment: Witnessed corruption in Rome, leading to spiritual crisis.
Breakthrough: Understanding that righteousness comes by faith alone.
Key Scripture that Transformed Luther: Romans 1:16-17*—"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..."
III. The Power of the Gospel
"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..." (Romans 1:16)
Unashamed of the Gospel: Despite cultural opposition, Paul boldly proclaims the Gospel.
Reasons for Potential Shame in Paul's Time:
- Moral depravity of society.
- Prejudice against Jews.
- The Gospel's seemingly unbelievable claims.
- Persecution faced by believers.
God's Power Revealed: The Gospel transforms lives through God's might.
IV. The Purpose of the Gospel
"We love each other because he loved us first." (1 John 4:19)
God's Love: His motivation for offering salvation.
Deliverance: The Gospel saves us from spiritual death and grants eternal life.
Peace with God: Restoring the relationship between God and humanity.
V. The Plan of the Gospel
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:8)
Salvation by Faith Alone: Not earned by works or rituals.
Common Misconceptions:
- Religion as a means to turn over a new leaf.
- Materialism equated with worth.
- Liberalism's "I'm OK, you're OK" mindset.
- Societal norms that contradict God's Word.
True Gospel: Trusting solely in Jesus Christ for salvation.
VI. The Pledge of the Gospel
"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come..." (Revelation 22:17)
Universal Invitation: The Gospel is available to everyone.
No Barriers: Regardless of race, social status, or past sins.
God's Promise: Acceptance and salvation for all who believe.
VII. The Product of the Gospel
"No one is righteous—not even one." (Romans 3:10)
Righteousness Through Faith: We are declared righteous by God when we believe.
Transformation: From sinners to children of God.
Living by Faith: Our lives should reflect ongoing trust in God.
VIII. The 95 Theses and the Start of the Reformation
"We know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law." (Galatians 2:16)
October 31, 1517: Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg.
Challenge to the Church: Protested against the sale of indulgences and emphasized faith over works.
Impact: Sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to widespread religious transformation.
IX. The Priesthood of All Believers: Reformation and Revival
"You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation..." (1 Peter 2:9)
Direct Access to God: Every believer can approach God without a human mediator.
Serving God Everywhere: Our call extends beyond church walls into all aspects of life.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Equipped to pray, teach, and minister.
X. Reformation Day: A Call to Ongoing Renewal
"Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free..." (Galatians 5:1)
Continuous Renewal: The need for ongoing reformation in our personal lives and the Church.
Commitment to Truth: Upholding the integrity of God's Word in every generation.
Revival Through the Holy Spirit: Allowing God to renew our hearts and empower our witness.
XI. Conclusion: Living in the Freedom of the Gospel
"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus..." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
A Gospel Worth Sharing: Encouragement to trust in and boldly proclaim the Gospel.
Self-Examination:
- Are you placing your faith solely in Jesus Christ?
- Are you actively sharing the Gospel with others?
- Do you carry any shame or hesitation about the Gospel?
Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
By Martin Luther. 1527. Based on Psalm 46. "Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott"
1. A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
2. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
3. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.
4. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.
Remember: The Gospel is not just a message from the past—it's a living truth that transforms lives today. Let us embrace it fully and share it boldly!
Reformation Day and the Legacy of Protestantism
Introduction
Reformation Day: Celebrated on October 31, commemorating Martin Luther's pivotal role in reforming the Church.
Key Scripture: "This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith..." *(Romans 1:17)
I. The World Before the Reformation: A Church in Crisis
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." *(John 8:32)
Church Corruption: The Church intertwined with political power; wealth and indulgences overshadow genuine faith.
Lack of Access: Scriptures available only in Latin; common people rely solely on clergy for God's Word.
Sale of Indulgences: Buying forgiveness and reducing punishment for sins—a practice contrary to true salvation.
II. Martin Luther’s Early Life and Spiritual Struggle
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Early Life: Born in 1483 in Germany; initially studied law before becoming a monk.
Inner Turmoil: Struggled with guilt despite rigorous religious practices.
Disillusionment: Witnessed corruption in Rome, leading to spiritual crisis.
Breakthrough: Understanding that righteousness comes by faith alone.
Key Scripture that Transformed Luther: Romans 1:16-17*—"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..."
III. The Power of the Gospel
"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..." (Romans 1:16)
Unashamed of the Gospel: Despite cultural opposition, Paul boldly proclaims the Gospel.
Reasons for Potential Shame in Paul's Time:
- Moral depravity of society.
- Prejudice against Jews.
- The Gospel's seemingly unbelievable claims.
- Persecution faced by believers.
God's Power Revealed: The Gospel transforms lives through God's might.
IV. The Purpose of the Gospel
"We love each other because he loved us first." (1 John 4:19)
God's Love: His motivation for offering salvation.
Deliverance: The Gospel saves us from spiritual death and grants eternal life.
Peace with God: Restoring the relationship between God and humanity.
V. The Plan of the Gospel
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:8)
Salvation by Faith Alone: Not earned by works or rituals.
Common Misconceptions:
- Religion as a means to turn over a new leaf.
- Materialism equated with worth.
- Liberalism's "I'm OK, you're OK" mindset.
- Societal norms that contradict God's Word.
True Gospel: Trusting solely in Jesus Christ for salvation.
VI. The Pledge of the Gospel
"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come..." (Revelation 22:17)
Universal Invitation: The Gospel is available to everyone.
No Barriers: Regardless of race, social status, or past sins.
God's Promise: Acceptance and salvation for all who believe.
VII. The Product of the Gospel
"No one is righteous—not even one." (Romans 3:10)
Righteousness Through Faith: We are declared righteous by God when we believe.
Transformation: From sinners to children of God.
Living by Faith: Our lives should reflect ongoing trust in God.
VIII. The 95 Theses and the Start of the Reformation
"We know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law." (Galatians 2:16)
October 31, 1517: Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg.
Challenge to the Church: Protested against the sale of indulgences and emphasized faith over works.
Impact: Sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to widespread religious transformation.
IX. The Priesthood of All Believers: Reformation and Revival
"You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation..." (1 Peter 2:9)
Direct Access to God: Every believer can approach God without a human mediator.
Serving God Everywhere: Our call extends beyond church walls into all aspects of life.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Equipped to pray, teach, and minister.
X. Reformation Day: A Call to Ongoing Renewal
"Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free..." (Galatians 5:1)
Continuous Renewal: The need for ongoing reformation in our personal lives and the Church.
Commitment to Truth: Upholding the integrity of God's Word in every generation.
Revival Through the Holy Spirit: Allowing God to renew our hearts and empower our witness.
XI. Conclusion: Living in the Freedom of the Gospel
"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus..." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
A Gospel Worth Sharing: Encouragement to trust in and boldly proclaim the Gospel.
Self-Examination:
- Are you placing your faith solely in Jesus Christ?
- Are you actively sharing the Gospel with others?
- Do you carry any shame or hesitation about the Gospel?
Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
By Martin Luther. 1527. Based on Psalm 46. "Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott"
1. A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
2. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
3. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.
4. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.
Remember: The Gospel is not just a message from the past—it's a living truth that transforms lives today. Let us embrace it fully and share it boldly!
