Building Wisely on the Rock

Thy Kingdom Come

The Church Reformed, the Church Always Reforming. This slogan has been the call of churches in the Reformed tradition for the past several centuries. The phrase means that the church has been reformed from the errors of Medieval Roman Catholicism, and yet every generation and every individual must be reformed within. Over several hundreds of years, errors had crept into the institutional church. There were false doctrines concerning the nature of salvation, the sacraments, the authority of tradition, and the role of church government. There were also false and harmful practices such as praying to saints, pilgrimages of merit, and the selling of indulgences (the forgiveness of sin through monetary contributions). The Reformation of the 16^th century sparked by Martin Luther and given theological clarity by John Calvin sought to reform the church according to the pure doctrine of God’s Word, the only rule for faith and practice. Their work was to return the church to a more faithful articulation of the faith delivered once and for all by the saints. 

As a Presbyterian church, Rivermont is within the Reformed tradition. We believe that the articulation of doctrine and practice within this tradition is the most biblically faithful. We seek to follow this tradition in our doctrine and worship. However, we must also be a people who are always reforming. This does not mean, however, that we are always changing our theology. While we should seek greater clarity, we also believe that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. To be always reforming means that as individuals we must be ever changed by the Word of God and His Spirit. The institutional church has been reformed, but as members of the church, we must continually be reformed. Reformation Sunday is the day we remember this truth, that God graciously brought reformation to the church, and therefore he will surely bring reformation to our hearts. 

This Sunday, we’ll look at Matthew 7:24-27.  Jesus highlights kingdom life by telling a story about a wise builder and a foolish builder and they are both building a house for themselves. We’ll see what makes a wise builder with the blessing of certain rewards for today and the future. In preparation for worship, please be in prayer.  Read Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 1, and Psalm 119. Ask yourself, what is one great decision you have made over the last eighteen months? How did you come to that decision? Ponder how your relationship with Christ and His word helps you in process of making decisions. 

As we gather to bring glory to God alone on this Reformation Sunday, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Processional Hymn “The Reformation Hymn”, the Acclamation of Praise “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”, and the Hymn of Response “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”  Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!  

A Liturgical Note: 

As you will notice this Sunday the paraments have changed from green to red, indicating our celebration of Reformation Sunday. The Reformation was sparked when Martin Luther, a German Monk, nail his Ninety-Five Thesesto the church door in Wittenburg on October 31, 1517. This document outlined his objections to the Roman Catholic practice of selling indulgences. However, this one act of protest leads to a broad movement to reform the Church according to God’s Word alone. As Presbyterians we trace our theological heritage to the great themes of the Reformation: Salvation by Grace Alone; Through Faith Alone; By Christ Alone; According to the Word of God Alone; All to the Glory of God Alone. 

Sermon Title:  “Building Wisely on the Rock”

Sermon Text:  Matthew 7:24-27

Sermon Outline

1. Common Comparisons
2. Key Contrasts
3. Certain Consequences

Sunday's bulletin