Reformation Sunday

In this sermon by Chris Romig, the focus is on Reformation Sunday, commemorating Martin Luther's decisive act on October 31, 1517, when he nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, challenging the medieval church's practices. Romig highlights the enduring relevance of Luther's courage, drawing a direct line to contemporary Christian responsibility. Romig invokes the memory of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whose sermon in 1932 called the complacent church to action against the rising tide of antisemitism and Nazi ideology in Germany. Despite immense risks, only a minority of 3,000 pastors out of 18,000 joined the Confessing Church in resisting Hitler's regime. This historical context serves as a somber reminder of the cost of standing for truth and righteousness. The sermon emphasizes the biblical call for Christians to be "salt and light," based on Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Romig underscores the necessity of Christians engaging in societal and political arenas, notably through the act of voting and addressing morally complex issues such as abortion, always grounded in biblical principles. Through poignant testimonies, such as Leana Rebolledo's decision to choose life for her child under harrowing circumstances, Romig illustrates the transformative power of God's grace. These stories call Christians to balance personal freedoms with moral obligations, advocating for the voiceless and standing firm in the truth. Romig also references historical figures like William Wilberforce to stress the importance of speaking out against injustice. The sermon concludes with a solemn prayer for wisdom and strength, urging believers to faithfully bear God's light and truth in a challenging world. Romig's message is a powerful call to honor the legacy of the Reformation by engaging courageously and faithfully in the moral battles of our time.