Week after week in this series on Galatians, Pastor George and Pastor Brian have clearly emphasized that the only way we can approach the throne of God is through Christ, by grace alone. As we’ve heard these past few months here at Parish, “if we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.” These two “solas” of the Reformation (Solus Christus and Sola Gratia) give us confidence in our standing before the Lord. How fitting, then, that we come to the end of the Galatians series today, which marks the annual observance of Reformation Sunday. The 16th century Reformation has provided us with a rich musical legacy. Luther himself wrote the text for Christ Jesus Lay In Death’s Strong Bands, as well as the melody EIN’ FESTE BURG used in his most well-known composition A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. The practice of singing Metrical Psalms (translations of the Psalms which are adjusted to fit English meter, such as O Praise Ye The Lord And Sing A New Song—Psalm 149) became widespread during the Reformation era, and is particularly associated with churches influenced by John Calvin. As we sing God’s Words back to Him, we take up yet another of the Reformer’s solas— “Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone,” not only in our theology, but in our song as well. —Henry C. Haffner & Emma Marsh
Key Words: Restore, Watch, Bear, Test, Share, Sow, Reap, Do Good
Keystone Verse: Let us not weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap. (Galatians 6:9)