Good afternoon,
The refrain of a current song on the radio includes this line: “I believe most people are good.” It’s certainly an optimistic, upbeat sentiment, especially when contrasted with all the horrible things we hear about on the news and social media. Who of us wouldn’t want to share that belief?
Still, a belief, no matter how strongly held, is not the same as a truth. You may believe with all your heart that you have enough gas in the car to make it home, but it doesn’t mean you do. Believing most people are good doesn’t make it true either. In fact, God tells us otherwise. “Every inclination of man’s heart is evil from childhood” (Gen. 8:21). Many firmly believe that by trying their best to be good, decent people, they will please God and make it to heaven. The truth, God says, is that “no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin” (Rom. 3:20).
Beliefs based on human logic or wisdom are questionable at best. Belief grounded on the unchanging, God-breathed Scriptures is faith which will never be disappointed. Every Sunday we can state with absolute certainty: “I believe in God the Father….I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord….I believe in the Holy Spirit. But let’s not limit it to Sunday mornings at church. When others speak of their beliefs in what they think or hope might be the case, let’s not hesitate to say, “I believe in the truth God reveals in the Bible. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who paid for the world’s sin on the cross, so that we might become children of God and heirs of heaven.” Peter encourages: “But in your heart set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
On Sunday Joanna Gerbitz will be confirmed and will profess her faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. There will be two services as usual. Confirmation examination will be at 9:45 a.m. with the Rite of Confirmation included in second service. The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated in both services.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
The victory service for Lois Strader is tomorrow (Sat.) at 12 p.m. at the Max A. Sass Funeral Home, 8910 W. Drexel Ave., Franklin. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to time of service.
An open house will be held beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Joel and Kris Gerbitz home for Tara, Danielle, and Joanna. Dinner will be served about 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
The victory service for Dick Laakaniemi will be Sunday at 4 p.m. here at church. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to service time. A lunch will follow the service.
