5-Day Sermon Devotion 10/27/2024

Pastor Nate Widener • October 28, 2024

5-Day Sermon Devotion on "Re-Formation Day" by Pastor Nate Widener

Day 1: Freedom in Christ Reading: John 8:31-36 Devotional: Jesus promises that the truth will set us free. Like Martin Luther, we often find ourselves trapped by our own sins and shortcomings, feeling helpless to change. But Christ offers true freedom - not freedom to do whatever we want, but freedom from the crushing weight of guilt and condemnation. Today, reflect on areas where you feel trapped or burdened. Bring these to God in prayer, asking Him to help you embrace the freedom Christ has won for you. Remember, you are no longer a slave to sin, but a beloved child of God.

Day 2: Standing Firm in Faith Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18 Devotional: Martin Luther stood firm against immense pressure, holding fast to the truth of God's Word. We too face a world that often opposes biblical truth. But like Luther, we can find strength in God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. As you read about the armor of God, consider which pieces you most need to "put on" today. Are you struggling with doubt? Focus on the shield of faith. Feeling spiritually attacked? Take up the sword of the Spirit. Ask God to equip you to stand firm in your faith, even when it's difficult.

Day 3: Grace Alone Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 Devotional: The heart of the Reformation was the rediscovery of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone. Like Luther in the monastery, we often fall into the trap of trying to earn God's favor. Today's passage reminds us that our salvation is entirely a gift from God. We contribute nothing but our sin; God provides everything in Christ. Spend time meditating on the incredible nature of God's grace. How does this change your view of yourself? Of God? Of your daily life? Thank God for His indescribable gift and ask Him to help you live in the freedom of grace.

Day 4: The Living Word Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16 Devotional: Luther's insistence on the primacy of Scripture transformed the Church and the world. Today's reading reminds us that God's Word is living and active, able to penetrate our hearts and reveal our true selves. It also points us to Jesus, our great High Priest who understands our weaknesses. As you read, ask God to speak to you through His Word. Is there an area of your life that needs to be exposed to the light of Scripture? Approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that in Christ, you will find mercy and help in your time of need.

Day 5: Reformation in Daily Life Reading: Romans 12:1-2 Devotional: The Reformation wasn't just a historical event; it's an ongoing process in our lives as believers. Paul urges us to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind." Like Luther, who underwent a profound personal reformation, we are called to continual growth and change. What areas of your life need reforming? Where do you need to resist conformity to the world and embrace God's will? Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God today, and ask Him to continue His reforming work in your heart and mind. Remember, this transformation isn't something you achieve on your own, but rather the work of God's Spirit in you as you submit to Him.

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Fieldworkers: Preparing Future Pastors

By Pastor Adam McDowell • July 27, 2026

Our Partnership with Our Seminary

August Happenings

By Amy Widener • July 27, 2026

August Opportunities for Fellowship & Learning (In alphabetical order) Altar Guild Annual Potluck Meeting Wednesday, August 19th @ 6:00 pm in the Cornerstone Room If you're one of the ladies in our Altar Guild thank you. Be sure to join us for our annual potluck supper with a meeting following. Bible Studies (click for details) New Sunday series continues, but summer plans for weekday studies will be ending soon. Stay tuned for dates of when those will start to meet regularly again. Christian Education Weekend (Backpack Blessing) During all worship services August 8-9th Rededicate our faculty and staff to their teaching ministry as well as rededicate ourselves as a congregation to praying for them, encouraging them, and supporting the work God has given us to do together. Students may also get their backpack blessing tag for this school year. School starts August 12th! At the 10:30 AM service, we will also install Janet Bahr as our assistant principal and Dianna Bultemeier as a called teacher of St. Peter's. Please join us for a reception honoring Janet and Dianna on the church's front porch following this service. Confirmation Kick-Off Sunday, August 9th during the Bible Study hour @ 9:15 am in the Sanctuary Parents and students (7th & 8th graders) of our day school and public school will meet to prep for the upcoming year with Pastor McDowell. Plan to attend and remember the Confirmation Site on The Hub will be updated soon with everything you need to know as far as expectations, handbook, assignments, deadlines, and event dates. Collections/Fundraiser (ongoing) The Compassionate Care Collection is prepping hygiene kits for the Lutheran World Relief: The LWR collection will be through July and August--details can be found on the LWR.org/kits site or HERE . Needed are: light weight bath sized towels (between 20" x 40" to 27" x52"), bath-size soap bars in original wrapper, adult toothbrush, sturdy comb, metal nail clippers--all items must be new and NOT have religious symbols or patriotic decoration. Special Monthly Offering: This month we collect for our Preschool which is so appreciated by the faculty and students. You'll also see their annual Giving Tree displayed in the Ministry Center soon. Take a letter of the alphabet off the tree and bring back the supply listed. Stay tuned for a video from our Preschool Director, Barb Christian, next week about these two opportunities to support our Preschool. Drums Alive Drums will take a break in August and come back in September with an updated schedule. Stay tuned! Monday Night Worship Summer Monday night worship ends August 31st. The following Monday is Labor Day and the church offices and schools will be closed. Senior Saints Monday, August 10th @ 11:30 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE for this month's Lunch N' Learn featuring our own Tina Acosta who does amazing work through Turnstone. Turnstone is a place unlike any other and anyone who knows about it only has good things to say. If you'd like to know another reason Fort Wayne is such a great place to be, come listen as Tina will offer an overview of Turnstone and their services. Serving in the Church Offering your talents or acts of service is often something we all want to do, but not always sure where to start. Opportunities present themselves, but it's hard to remember them all or keep track of something that called to you at one point. The Serve tab in the Realm Connect app continues to add areas that are open and looking for someone just like you. Log in on your computer or through the app on your phone and scroll through the Roles to see if one is a good fit for you. Remember, signing up doesn't commit you to it, but does share that you'd like to be contacted about it. Sisters in Christ: Simple Quilting Craft Saturday, August 15th starting at 10 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE FREE Regret never learning how to sew? Or haven’t picked up a needle and thread in a long time? Do not miss this opportunity to learn from ladies who’ve been sewing since 2nd grade! It’s nearly a lost art, but we’re bringing it back with Linda Thiele, Debbie Haenftling, Carol Nahrwold, and Jan Bultemeier who have curated a perfect practice project to teach you sewing and the basics of quilting in the form of a pot holder or trivet. Coordinate colors with your kitchen! It’s made for beginners, but any sewing ability is welcome. There’s so much knowledge combined in this room, if you have a question about anything related to needle and thread, they can answer it! We also gather the last Wednesday each month (July 29th this week and August 26th) at 5:00 pm Kekionga Craft Co, 7328 Maysville Rd. Come & go. Enjoy a little fellowship, prayer idea, and grab something to eat if you’d like. Young Adults Second Sundays, August 9th starting at 6 pm @ Pastor Nate's house Hosted by Ben & Gwyn Corley, we'll have dinner together, games, and devotion. Bring a friend and fellowship with us. REMEMBER August 9th is also the last day to sign up for Combat Ops Laser Tag. REGISTER HERE. You can pay later, but sign up today! Don't miss out! Get on the text thread to be sent reminders and invites. Text 'stpfw' to 94000 and follow the prompts.