Dear Cornerstone Family,
On October 31, 1517, an Augustinian monk by the name of Martin Luther took a hammer and nail and posted his now famous 95 Theses on the Wittenberg church door in Germany. That courageous action sparked one of the greatest movements of God’s Spirit in human history. And it all began on... Halloween? That’s right. The launch of what would become known as the Protestant Reformation began on the one night of the year where ghosts and goblins rule the streets. If you think that’s merely a coincidence, you’re likely mistaken.
Halloween is short for All Hallows Eve. The word “hallow” is the word for “holy.” You know this because you say it every week in worship when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9). All Hallows’ Eve was the name given to the night before the Christian feast, All Saint’s Day, which was celebrated on November 1. All Saint’s Day is the annual remembrance of those who have died in Christ and gone before us into heaven.
Now, it has been suggested that Martin Luther chose to nail his 95 Theses on All Hallows Eve in anticipation of All Saints Day, because his protest sought to expose the corruption of the church in his day and call it back to the faith once for all entrusted to God’s holy people (Jude 1:3). Luther believed the late medieval church was, in many ways, held captive by a “doctrine of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1), and that the time had come for a return to the historic orthodox belief and practice held by the church throughout the ages. To borrow another phrase from the Lord’s Prayer, Luther wanted to see God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven.
Rehearsing the legacy of faith passed down through the generations is a critical Christian discipline (Hebrews 12:1). Though often neglected today, it was common historically for the church to pause during this season and remember those who have passed into glory, giving thanks to God for their lives.
As a way of stepping into that discipline, next Sunday, November 5, we’re going take time to hear testimonies from Cornerstone members regarding those who have died in Christ Jesus. In preparation for next week’s service, please take few minutes to remember a person or two––a grandmother, a coach, a teacher, a missionary, a historical figure, a writer––who died in Christ and offer thanksgiving for their life.
As a precursor to next week’s service, today we recognize and rejoice in a particular movement of God in church history, the Protestant Reformation. Or, properly speaking, we recognize and rejoice in the recovery of the gospel of Jesus Christ that took place during the Protestant Reformation. On that note, look for themes related to the gospel and the precious doctrine of justification by faith as we offer to God worship with reverence and awe.
Your servant,
