HBC Family,

On Sunday, October 1, we kick off a new 5-week sermon series called, “The Five Solas.” 

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation - that period in church history where the gospel was “recovered” in the church. So, for the five Sundays in October, we are going to press deeply into the five biblical hallmarks of gospel-centered theology that emerged from that period - 5 sermons on 5 solas to mark 5 centuries of good news. 

The “Five Solas” are five Latin phrases that emerged during the Reformation. “Sola” is Latin for “alone,” or “only,” and was coupled with other words to demonstrate how salvation and the Christian life is experienced. Those 5 Solas will serve as the subject of our five sermons, with each sermon being preached by our 3 pastors and 2 pastoral candidates. The schedule is as follows:

October 1 - Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) - Pastor Keith
The Scripture alone is our authority in all faith and practice. Confessions, creeds, and traditions are all subservient to and to be evaluated by Scripture.
 
October 8 - Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) - Pastor Mark
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace alone and is not earned by our own efforts.
 
October 15 - Sola Fide (Faith Alone) - Pastor Ted
Salvation is received by faith alone and is not obtained by our obedience or good works.
 
October 22 - Solus Christus (Christ Alone) - Pastoral Candidate Keith Withrow
Jesus Christ alone has obtained salvation for all who believe through his death on the cross for sinners.
 
October 29 - Soli Deo Gloria (Glory of God Alone) - Pastoral Candidate Thad Gunderson
Salvation is solely the work of God and is given for the glory of God.

We will unpack all of this in detail with an aim of drawing near to Jesus Christ by faith, uniting around the gospel, and glorifying the God who saves.

In addition to our sermon series, in an effort to commemorate this special event, we are offering several additional opportunities of which we hope you’ll take advantage. 

5 Solas Devotional Guide
We have created a Monday-Friday devotional guide to coincide with our sermon theme each week, selecting 5 strategic texts for you consider. 

Freedom Movement e-Booklet
We are making a small booklet available that you can use individually or with your families. (NOTE: Readings from this booklet are included in the devotional on Saturdays). This new booklet is very helpful in providing you a brief historical introduction and background to the Reformation. 

Pre-Sermon “Reformation Hymn” and Video Series
In addition to singing songs, hymns and spiritual songs related to each weekly theme, we will also be featuring a new “Reformation Hymn” as our pre-sermon song each week. If you’d like to get a jumpstart and learn this song ahead of time, you can access this song here and more information about the hymn is available here. After the hymn each week, we will play a brief video highlighting our “sola” for the week before the scripture reading and preaching. 

Documentary on Martin Luther
Martin Luther was one of the leading figures in the Reformation. On Wednesday, October 18 and October 25, during our mid-week prayer gathering, we will watch part of this new documentary. You can find more information about this documentary here.

Lord’s Supper
We will “bookend” the month by celebrating the Lord’s Supper. On the first Sunday of the month, October 1, we will have our normal evening Lord’s Supper service from 5:00-6:30. Pastor Mark will be sharing a biographical devotional on John Calvin. On the last Sunday of the month, October 29, we will take communion together in our morning worship gathering.

Reformation Meal
To conclude our month of celebration, we will have a Reformation fellowship meal (not a “potluck”) on October 29 immediately following the morning service. This meal will no doubt contain various kinds of “dogs” and other things shoved into an animal casing. 

We thank God for this opportunity to honor Him by remembering what He has done and continues to do in preserving and advancing His gospel. Join us in glorifying God as we mark this milestone!