So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Our Lord Jesus has called us to be His disciples. But, what is a disciple? And, what does it mean to be a disciple?
Holy Bible (NIV)
John 8: 30-32
The word disciple simply means student. Our Lord Jesus is our Teacher and we are His students. And, this continues for the entire time He has given us to be on this earth. To truly be a disciple of Jesus requires abiding in His Word, as He tells us in John 8:31-32. To "abide" in His Word means to hear it with gladness, to study it with devotion and reverence, and to find joy and life in the Truth of it. Through studying our Lord's Word we know the Truth and the Truth sets us free (John 8:32).
The pure Doctrine of our Lord's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). We do not know what is right and what is wrong, what is true and what is false apart from the solid foundation of the Word of God.
Holy Bible (NIV)
Psalms 119: 105
Whether we are aware of it or not, we are constantly being "indoctrinated" with some ideology. The word "indoctrination" often carries with it a negative connotation. But, this negative connotation is largely the result of the fact that, in our culture today, the solid foundation of God's Word has been replaced by flimsy man-made philosophy. There was once a time in our culture when almost everyone could agree, whether they were a Christian or not, that there is such a thing as "objective truth" - that something is true whether one believes it or is even aware of it. We once accepted that reality itself cannot be changed simply because we do not like it. But, now, each individual is placed at the center of the universe and all opinions - so long as they are not based on Biblical truth - are considered equally "true."
We are being bombarded on every side with the indoctrination of a world which hates God and His Word. That is the sad reality. And, whether we know it or not, we are constantly being taught to believe something. We simply cannot avoid learning. We cannot avoid "indoctrination." The real question is: what are we learning - the pure Doctrine of God's Word or the lies of the devil and sinful man?
This is why it is absolutely critical for us as disciples of Jesus Christ to continue in His Word. The most important place this happens is in our homes. But, as a supplement to the discipleship that takes place in the home, we will do well to study God's Word with our brothers and sisters in Christ on the Lord's Day, and whenever we have opportunity.
Starting September 11th (Rally Sunday), we will resume Sunday School for all ages. Disciples who are 3 years old to 8th grade will meet in the church basement at 9 a.m. Disciples who have been Confirmed in the faith will meet in the Sanctuary at the same time. On Wednesdays, our 7th-8th graders will meet in the church basement for Catechism instruction - to prepare them for Confirmation. Our 3rd-6th graders will attend midweek instruction at St. Paul in Garner.
And, the purpose of it all is that we would abide in the Lord's Word, and that in His Word we will know the Truth and the Truth will set us free. Free to live as God's forgiven and beloved children. Free to know how to navigate through this old fallen world as a follower of Christ. Free to recognize temptations to sin and how to resist them by God's grace. Free to love one another as Christ loves us.
Wherever we are, and whatever we are doing, may we always abide in our Lord's Word!
