Before there were theses on a church door, there was a short confession that could get you killed: Jesus is Lord.
In the Roman world, loyalty pressed toward Caesar. Burning a pinch of incense and saying “Caesar is Lord” was a civic act. Followers of Jesus would not say it. For them, Jesus Christ alone is Lord. That clash is part of why the early church suffered — and why the gospel spread with a costly clarity.
Reformation Day belongs in that longer story. When the Reformers insisted on Scripture, grace, and Christ alone, they were not inventing a brand. They were pressing the church to hear again the apostolic claim: no rival lord, no purchased forgiveness, no substitute fountain.
God is still the fountain of life. The Word still runs clear when we open it.
One practice this week: Read Philippians 2:5–11 slowly (aloud if you can). Ask: What “lords” compete with Jesus in my ordinary week?
Building a church site that stays clear and warm? We can do that here!.