Each year on October 31, we celebrate Reformation Day, commemorating the day in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church. His bold actions set off a movement known as the Protestant Reformation, a call to return to Biblical teachings and a faith centered in God’s Word rather than in human traditions. Luther’s courage ignited a spiritual revolution, reshaping Christianity in ways that still impact us today. For Chandler Southern Baptist Church, Reformation Day represents not just a historical milestone but a reminder of the values that anchor our faith and ministry.

Driven by the Bible: The Heart of Reformation

The heart of Luther’s message was a call to return to Scripture as the ultimate authority. He believed that the teachings of the Bible had become obscured by human traditions and church practices, including the selling of indulgences, which implied that salvation could be bought. Luther argued that God’s Word alone should guide our faith and lives, a principle known as “sola scriptura” or “Scripture alone.” This conviction led him to translate the Bible into German so that every believer, not just the clergy, could read and understand it directly.

At Chandler Southern Baptist, this commitment to the authority of Scripture is central to who we are. Our core value of being “Driven by the Bible” reflects our belief that every Christian has both the privilege and responsibility to study God’s Word. We believe that Scripture is accessible to everyone and provides the guidance and truth we need for every area of life. Just as Luther emphasized that believers should know and love the Bible personally, we encourage our congregation to do the same. This commitment shapes everything we do, from preaching and teaching to outreach and discipleship. As we celebrate Reformation Day, we remember Luther’s call for a church centered on the authority of God’s Word, a call that still drives our ministry today.

Grace Through Faith: Reaching the Lost

One of Luther’s most transformative teachings was “sola fide”—faith alone. Luther taught that salvation was not something to be earned through good works, penance, or religious rituals but was a gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This idea was radical in Luther’s time, challenging the prevailing notion that salvation was something to be earned or even purchased. Luther’s teachings about grace and faith changed the course of Christianity, freeing believers to rest in God’s grace rather than striving for approval through human effort.

This foundational truth is central to our church’s message and mission. It aligns with our core value of “Reaching the Lost.” Because we believe salvation is freely offered to all who believe, we are passionate about sharing this message of grace with others. Just as Luther’s call to proclaim salvation by grace through faith echoed through the towns and villages of his time, we aim to share this good news with our community and beyond. At Chandler Southern Baptist, we believe that every person needs to hear and experience the transformative power of God’s grace, which is why we are committed to reaching out to those who have not yet heard the gospel. As we celebrate Reformation Day, we are reminded of the urgency and beauty of this message.

The Priesthood of All Believers and Authentic Worship

Another of Luther’s revolutionary ideas was the “priesthood of all believers.” In his time, the church hierarchy strictly limited access to God, with priests acting as intermediaries. Luther’s teachings emphasized that all believers have direct access to God through Christ. This belief liberated people to have a personal relationship with God and to participate actively in their faith communities. For Luther, this wasn’t just a theological point; it was a call for every believer to engage fully in worship, prayer, and service.

At Chandler Southern Baptist, we embrace this idea in our practices and values. We believe every member has a role to play, and every voice is valued. This is reflected in our congregational model, where the church body has a say in important decisions. Each month, members participate in business meetings, voting on decisions brought forward by the church leadership, which ensures that our direction as a church is guided by the collective wisdom and discernment of our members. This structure reflects our belief in “Authentic Worship,” which Romans 12:1-2 describes as offering our lives in “reasonable service” to God. Authentic worship is about more than songs and sermons; it’s about living out our faith in every area of life. Just as Luther’s teachings empowered believers to live their faith actively, we encourage our congregation to worship God authentically, both in church and in daily life.

Mission and Evangelism: Reaching the Lost

The Reformation was not just a call to reform the church; it was a call to share the transformative power of the gospel. Luther and the other reformers saw the gospel as something that needed to be proclaimed and understood by all. This focus echoes our church’s mission: “Our mission is to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.” This mission, paired with our value of “Reaching the Lost,” drives our outreach, discipleship, and community involvement.

At Chandler Southern Baptist, we see ourselves as part of a long tradition of believers committed to sharing the good news. We seek to carry out our mission by actively reaching out to our community, creating opportunities for people to encounter Christ, and supporting missions efforts both locally and globally. Luther’s courage to stand up for the truth reminds us of our calling to share the gospel boldly, trusting that God’s Word has the power to change lives.

Honor the Legacy

As we observe Reformation Day, let us remember that the courage, faith, and commitment of those who came before us are not simply relics of the past; they are foundations of our faith today. For each of us at Chandler Southern Baptist Church, Reformation Day is an invitation to stand firmly on God’s Word, to live out His grace, and to reach out with the gospel. Luther’s boldness reminds us that God’s work is not confined to a distant time or place—it is happening here and now, through each of us as members of His Church.

May Reformation Day inspire us all to live as a “priesthood of believers,” devoted to Scripture, transformed by grace, and committed to the Great Commission. As we honor this legacy, may we also embrace our role in continuing it, working together as a church to lead others toward a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.