…Always Reforming
domus reformatus, semper reformandus secundum verbum Dei
Many familiar with the Protestant Reformation are also familiar with the phrase ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda which means “the church reformed, always reforming.” In the 1900s Karl Barth added “secundum verbum Dei” : ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda secundum verbum Dei : the church reformed, always reforming according to the Word of God
The American Church is in dire need of reformation. We have forgotten the “always reforming according to the Word of God” part! We have let the American culture creep into the walls of our sanctuaries and Sunday School classrooms like termites unnoticed for generations. It’s a huge problem and it’s just a bit overwhelming for any one individual to try to fix. So what can one do?
It starts at home!
Reform from the ground up. The family itself, likewise, is in dire need of reformation. The family is the first congregation God has called you to and it is the most obvious sphere of influence you have. This is hands down the most worthy, and often times most neglected, calling from God. So we have a new motto now : The household reformed, always reforming according to the Word of God.
FAQs
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The Authority of Scripture
Without a doubt, the backbone of reformation is the authority of Scripture. This is true of church and household. It is necessary to always be reforming, always according to the Word of God. It is far too easy for sin-corrupted philosophies and traditions to influence our common practices. There has to be a foundational belief in the authority of Scripture in order to reject those customs with any real boldness.
The Sufficiency of Scripture
A great deal of discernment is also required to reform a family. What stays? What goes? The Bible is often overlooked as a means for tackling modern-day problems and so we often look for answers elsewhere. (I mean, really, we’ll look anywhere except the Bible!) If we believe there is nothing new under the sun, then there is nothing new under the sun. Therefore, there must be no such thing as uncharted territory; everything that seems new is only a matter of identification and categorization. The answers are there - in God’s holy Word; we just need to correctly identify the problem.
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Glad you asked!
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20
The American culture has been heavily shaped by Christianity. This is good! Praise God for that! Of course, sinful people always find a way to corrupt even the best of institutions. The Family Reformed recognizes the need to always be “weeding the garden.” Ideals of the world creep into the nation, then regions, then communities, then churches and finally, Christian families. The idea behind The Family Reformed is to equip, strengthen, and embolden families to push back. Christian families have to start scrutinizing every belief that affects their decision making. Is it truly a biblical belief? Is this in step with God or man?
Reform the families; don’t settle for anything less than Biblical reformation in the churches; influence the communities significantly more than they influence you. This is how we see discipleship! Start where you are, but expect the fruits of your labor to reach beyond your own reach in both proximity and time.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
About the author
Hey! My name is Sarah and I am the wife to the best husband ever and mother of 4 amazing kiddos.
God used my passion for my children to lead me to seek wisdom from Him and what a journey it has been! I can’t get enough and I love sharing what I learn with others, especially mothers.