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Luther Calling

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Guten Tag, my friend. Come, sit with me at this old German tavern in Wittenberg and let us talk about the love of God. Do you know how much God loves you? He loves you so much that he gave his only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for your sins and to give you eternal life. This is the most wonderful news that you can ever hear. This is the gospel, the good news that we proclaim and defend against all the enemies of the truth.

But do not think that this gospel is cheap or easy. It cost God his Son, and it cost his Son his life. It is a gift that you cannot buy or earn, but only receive by faith. And faith is not a work that you do, but a trust that you have in God's promise. Faith is not something that you produce by yourself, but something that God creates in you by his Word and Spirit. Faith is not something that you boast about, but something that you thank God for.

And faith is not something that you keep to yourself, but something that you share with others. You are called to be a witness of God's love to the world. You are called to be a light in the darkness, a salt in the earth, a city on a hill. You are called to be a reformer of the church and the society. You are called to be a disciple of Christ and a follower of his Word.

But do not think that this calling is easy or comfortable. It will bring you many trials and troubles. It will make you many enemies and few friends. It will expose you to many dangers and temptations. It will require you to sacrifice many things and to endure many hardships. It will demand you to be faithful and courageous, to be humble and bold, to be wise and simple.

But do not be afraid or discouraged. God is with you and for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will give you his grace and his strength. He will protect you and provide for you. He will guide you and bless you. He will reward you and crown you.

So rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Rejoice in his love and his salvation. Rejoice in his Word and his Spirit. Rejoice in his church and his people. Rejoice in his calling and his mission.

And remember this: "We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone." (Martin Luther)

Let us pray:

Gracious God, thank you for your love and your gift of eternal life through your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for creating faith in our hearts by your Word and Spirit. Help us to live by faith and to share it with others. Help us to be faithful witnesses of your gospel in this world. Help us to be reformers of your church and your society. Help us to rejoice in you always and to give thanks in all circumstances. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Stay Luther