Good morning: True or false? It’s been a method of testing for generations. You read the statements on the page and decide whether they are correct or not, true or false? It’s simple and straightforward. It can be verified that it’s one or the other. It can’t be both. But it isn’t always that easy in real life. There is a tragic accident on the freeway. A driver crosses over the median into the oncoming lane and hits another vehicle head-on. The police suspect alcohol was involved. Further investigation, however, reveals the wrong-way driver had a medical emergency and lost consciousness. In spiritual matters it can seem even more uncertain. Do you know someone who has given up on ever being sure of who God is or how to be certain of their standing with Him? There are so many conflicting claims as to what is true. In the end, does everyone worship the same God? Are there many paths to heaven? Is it arrogant to say that we know the truth? At the time of the Reformation there was also tremendous uncertainty. The Pope claimed absolute authority as the dispenser of truth. But Martin Luther and others had questions. Were all the teachings of the church true? Are good works necessary for salvation? How could one know? How can we be sure? Luther became so sure of the truth that he tirelessly preached and defended salvation by faith in Jesus alone, even though it put his life in constant danger. It didn’t sway his confidence when the highest authorities in the government and church told him he was wrong. He had a greater authority to rely upon—God’s holy Word. “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16). Jesus prayed, “Father...sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). The Bereans “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). What about the coworker’s thoughts over lunch about Jesus’ second coming? Does the religious podcast have it right? Can we be sure we have it right when there are so many who disagree? The ongoing blessing of the Reformation is that it directs us to unfailing, absolute, eternal truth. Jesus assures us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matt. 24:35). True or false? “If you abide in My word...you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32). It’s that simple. Yours in Christ, Pastor Services tomorrow are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school meets at 9:15 a.m. and adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. The Bible class will continue its study of the Creed as explained in Luther’s Large Catechism. The area Reformation service is at 4:00 p.m. at Ascension, Batavia. Everyone is welcome.
