Proverbs 27:17

Proverbs 27:17

Friday, October 25, 2024

Entering the Weekend with Christ

Hi everyone,


This weekend is Reformation Sunday, and it is the 25th anniversary of the Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification in which the Catholics and Lutherans agree "we are saved through faith alone".  Imagine if Luther was confined to tweeting his 95 theses in only 280 characters!

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Pastor Tim

"God has led you to the desert, and spoken to your Heart."
Mount of Olives Lutheran Church
3546 E. Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-956-1620 office

Reformation Sunday:

One in Christ

Siblings in Christ,

This Sunday, we gather to explore and celebrate the profound truth that unites us all as believers: we are one in Christ. This unity is not merely a concept or an aspiration; it is a reality grounded in the Scriptures. 

Jeremiah 31:7-9 This passage speaks of a restoration, a gathering of God's scattered people. It symbolizes the unity that Christ brings. Though we may come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, we are united in our shared faith and hope in Christ.

Hebrews 7:23-28 This passage highlights the eternal priesthood of Christ. He is our great high priest who intercedes for us before God. Through Christ, we have access to God and are united in our relationship with Him.

Mark 10:46-52 This story illustrates the power of faith and the transformative nature of Christ's love. Bartimaeus, though blind and marginalized, was healed and welcomed into the community of believers. This story reminds us that Christ's love is inclusive and that all are welcome into His kingdom.

25th Anniversary of The Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification

The Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification is a landmark document that affirms the shared understanding of salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from works of the law. This declaration underscores the importance of sola gratia (grace alone) and sola fide (faith alone) as foundational principles of Christian theology.  It was created and agreed to by the Catholic Church’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Lutheran World Federation in 1999.

These readings show how we are united in our shared faith, hope, and love. We are united in our relationship with God through Christ. And we are united in our common destiny as children of God.

As we continue our journey as followers of Christ, let us embrace this unity and strive to live in harmony with one another. Let us love our neighbors as ourselves, and let us be ambassadors of Christ's love to the world. For in Christ, we are truly one.

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