As a child, October 31 only meant two things to me: costumes and candy – lots and lots of candy! I wonder how many children, even children from Christian homes, think the same?
Often lost on this date is something vastly more significant: Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of a Roman Catholic Church in Wittenberg, Germany, in the year 1517. With this act, Martin Luther sparked the great Protestant Reformation. As Christian parents and teachers, we must teach our children about this historic movement.
In his article, “5 Reasons to Teach Your Kids About the Reformation” Jeff Robinson summarizes the importance of the Reformation as follows and captures the urgency of passing it on to children,
Parents and church: Let’s rise to the occasion and use October 31 as an opportunity to share with our children the great truths of the Protestant Reformation! May we diligently teach and remind our children the essentials of the Reformation, as expressed in what are called the “Five Solas”:
Toward that end, we would love to offer you a free devotional and/or a lesson for your family. Feel free to use one or the other, or both.
- Devotional (Chapter 11, “Jesus, the Only Savior”, from Glorious God, Glorious Gospel. )
- Lesson (“Jesus Will Guard and Defend His Church”, from the curriculum I Will Build My Church.)
Additionally, we want to encourage you to read or listen with your family through the profiles of reformers featured in the Here We Stand series by Desiring God.
When the next generations are asked, years from now, “What’s so special about October 31st?”, may their first response be, “That’s the date that Martin Luther sparked the great Protestant Reformation!” And by God’s grace, may they not only be able to recall what happened but also be walking in the truth of the gospel. No costumes or candy necessary.
