Did you know that at Faith Lutheran Church, Naples, FL one of the only original items on the property is the large Ficus aurea? I love to use it as a landmark to let folks know where we are located. This tree is native to Florida, the northern and western Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. One of the main characteristics of this tree is both its surface and underground roots. These roots really spread out and are so tough they can crack sidewalks, streets, and even strong building foundations.

This October let us give thanks to God for our roots. We have “received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, and are rooted and built up in Him (Col. 2:6-7). We also thank God for rooting us in a congregation that is vigorous in the teaching of Grace Alone, Faith alone, and Scripture alone. In Short, we thank God for rooting us in Christ alone.

On October 31^st, 1517 we remember when Luther nailed 95 theses or disputes on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, the location of the University at which he taught. The theses were written against the teaching of indulgences, purgatory, and other beliefs and practices that were inconsistent with the clear teaching of the Bible.

The Reformation movement and indeed the whole Christian church are founded on the following biblical teachings:

Grace Alone

At the center of the Christian faith is the assurance that salvation is based on the unearned free gift of God’s grace.

Faith Alone

God’s gift of grace is received through faith in what Jesus has done for us.

Scripture Alone

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is alone for what we believe and what we practice in the Christian church.

Christ Alone

Our basis and assurance of salvation is the person of Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection.

So, during the month of October 2022, I encourage you take some time to remember Reformation Day the teachings of Christianity that were preserved by God through Martin Luther. These root teachings can crack the wall of division, our hardened hearts, and even the power of Satan. As Luther said in stanza two of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, “For us fights the valiant one, whom God Himself elected. Ask ye, who is this? Jesus Christ it is, of sabaoth Lord, And there’s none other God; He holds the field forever.”

In Christ, Pastor Don Treglown