Everything Jesus says is to keep us from falling away from the truth. He speaks pure truth because it is the only thing that keeps us from falling into the error of unbelief. There is no word that falls from our Savior’s mouth that is not necessary for us to hear and learn and take to heart. That is why He sends His apostles to bear witness without ceasing and why their testimony is recorded for us in Holy Scripture. It is why our gracious Lord continues to call and send pastors into the world – so that His saving Word may be heard and believed, so that His flock may be gathered, and so that His sheep may be fed and strengthened. What joy is ours that we should be able to hear this Word weekly in His house and daily in our homes, to be nourished and fed, to be strengthened and comforted, to be taught so that we may confess His glorious name in the world! This is the work of the Holy Spirit – to bear witness to the truth that has been revealed in Christ. Unless we hear what Christ speaks, we will fall away. “We cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ our Lord or come to Him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel…” We will face many difficult challenges as we seek to be faithful to Christ. The devil, the world, and our flesh are all constantly waging war against. But against His Word these all must fail. Let us gather and hear again the Words of our Savior that we may not fall away but remain with Christ to the end. I look forward to seeing each of you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer