July 15, 2026
Increase in Us True Religion - Part 3
Matthew 5:19
07/15/2026
19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of
these commandments and teaches others to do the
same will be called least in the kingdom of
heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them
will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
(ESV)
Our first ancestors were tempted by the question, ``Did God
really say?'' That question is at the forefront of our response
to the changes of this world. Did God really say that marriage
is between a man and a woman only? Did God really say that
outside of Christ Jesus there is no salvation? Did God really
say that we should honor authority, pray for those who lead us,
and act with respect towards all who serve this nation with the
duty to make, judge, and enforce our laws?
In order to pray for an increase of true religion, we need
to recognize the marks of a false religion. We believe, teach,
and confess that the Word of God is the sole source and standard
of everything the Church proclaims. The first warning signal of
a false religion is rejecting the Bible, or parts of the Bible,
as no longer being relevant.
Jesus warns us:
Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these
commandments and teaches others to do the same will be
called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does
them and teaches them will be called great in the
kingdom of heaven.
The sad divisions in the Church stem from our answer to the
question, ``Did God really say?''
Because we daily sin and daily need God's grace, we pray:
Lord of all power and might, author and giver of all
good things, graft into our hearts the love of Your
name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all
goodness, and of Your great mercy keep us in the same.
May our Lord grant us faith to trust in His Word and not our
own understanding. Amen.