Reformation

Once, Christ Jesus broke the darkness of the sky and set the world ablaze— torches multiplying fast, spread out into the night. When did the light go out? The night winds must have blown, like stalking, stealthy lies, and slipped through cracks of doors to take each candle’s glow, one by one […]

This Unworthy Hand

‘Twas mine own hand that signed the sin and wrote rebellion firm; and etched my ink upon the sheet of parchment in my pain— words that still reverberate deep inside my soul and make me bow my head in shame. – But once I knew the water-lands of bliss the English morning downs, and curtain […]

The Thunder of Reform

We see our fathers standing strong, the granite pillars of the church, who drove the nails into the door, who boldly drew the word and preached like thunder from a stormy sky. – We look around and mourn our loss— for “godly men have ceased to be,” and so we venerate the past and make […]

Medieval Advent

The frost lies hardened on the frozen ground, the trees encased in glassy slips of ice. A lonely raven calls across the field of silent white. The air is fresh and hard. I stand outside among my fields and look down at the rows of dying, stubbled corn: the husks of harvest—gone until the spring. […]

The Book and the Ploughboy

“I defy the Pope and all his laws. If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause the boy who drives the plough to know more of the scriptures than thou dost.” […]

Martin Luther Stands

Bang! Bang! Bang! Echoed through the streets and houses hammer strokes descend on wood. People, children, milled about him buying, running, all unknowing there on steps of long tradition, bowing head in firm conviction, challenging the church united, Martin Luther stood. – Bang! Bang! Bang! Echoed through the nave and rafters spreading fast throughout the […]

Priorities

It’s the Reformation’s 500th anniversary the radio announcer said. Then he gave a review of The Walking Dead. – – – – – – –

Reformation Hymn

All the doctrines of redemption, stand confirmed and stand alone. Truths eternal and unaltered, freely offered, freely known. Words that mark the road to heaven, grant us peace and end our strife, turn us toward our Lord of glory, point the path for truth and life. – Scripture only, not tradition, true foundation flawless guide. […]

Soli Deo Gloria

My own works can never merit what the Love of God has won. Grace alone! I can inherit righteousness through Christ the Son. – Scripture’s word not human fables points salvation, warns my soul. God’s own word alone enables, proves my sin, and makes me whole. – I now grasp the mighty pardon God in […]