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Sola Scriptura – A Song for Illumination

Nov 05, 2017

This is the first of five reflections on worship for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

As we study the theology of the reformation, Brad and I thought it would be interesting to also explore how the reformation affected the worship service. As Brad pointed out last week, one of the rally cries of the reformation was “After darkness, light.” Light is a common metaphor for the scriptures. This comes from Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Translating the scriptures from Latin into the common language was the tipping point in making the light of scripture more accessible to the people. However, as less than 20% of the people could read3, the pubic reading of scripture during the service was a crucial part of getting scripture into people’s hearts and minds. Additionally, the scriptures needed to be explained to the people, which led to a greater emphasis on the preaching of the Word. Songs and prayers were also used to reinforce the teaching of scripture.

One type of prayer that was used exclusively to emphasize the importance of scripture was a prayer for illumination. These prayers were “offered before the reading and proclaiming of the scripture2.” These prayers sought “the illumination of the Holy Spirit to make us receptive to the life-giving Word, which comes through the scripture2.” Today, we’re going to sing a modern-day prayer of illumination, “Speak, O Lord.4” As we sing, pray that the Lord would open our eyes, light our paths, teach and revive us according to His word.

Sources:
1. Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
http://www.lockman.org

2. PC-USA Book of Common Worship
http://bookoforder.info/Book-of-Common-Worship.pdf

3. Our World in Data – Literacy
https://ourworldindata.org/literacy/

4. Getty Music – Speak, O Lord – The Story Behind the Song
http://www.gettymusic.com/speak-o-lord/

About the Author

Our Pastors

Name : Desmond Venter
Position : Elder / Pastor

Desmond and his high school sweetheart were married in 1996, and have 7 wonderful children, and
one son-in-law. Desmond was born and raised in South Africa, where he initially studied and
worked in the civil engineering field. In 2001 he left SA to study for his MDiv at The Master’s
Seminary. In 2004 he returned to SA for pastoral ministry serving in 2 churches, Christ Baptist Church
(2004-2008), and Grace Baptist Church (2008-2023). Desmond completed his DMin from TMS in
2020. In 2023 the Venter family relocated to Springdale, Arkansas to serve as Senior Pastor in
Fellowship Bible Church. In his spare time Desmond enjoys running, reading, and hanging out with
the kiddos.

Name : Steve Barthelemy
Position : Elder / Pastor

Steve received his B.A from Calvary Bible College and his Master’s of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC) from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before Steve came to FBC, Steve spent 9 years in Turkey as a missionary. Steve is married to Doris and have five children: Elizabeth, Ben, Hannah, Abbie, Zach.  Steve is responsible for Counseling, prayer ministry, and overseas missions.  Steve also teaches an adult Sunday School class.

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2000 West Emma Ave
Springdale, Arkansas 72764

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Springdale, AR 72762

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