Why does the congregation at Sherman Center exist? So that faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sins be received. Simple. And how is this faith given? It is given by the Holy Spirit working through the Word and Sacraments. And what are the Word and Sacraments? Namely, we preach Christ Jesus alone for forgiveness, life, and salvation. We declare absolution in Christ’s name for the justification of sinners. We baptize in the name of the Holy Trinity for forgiveness and new life with Christ. We deliver Christ’s body broken and the blood shed to forgive sins, strengthen faith, and increase love for neighbor.

Trust is earned. Trust is built. This trust is accomplished only as the trustworthy WORD is proclaimed… “and we as children of God lead holy lives according to it. Grant this dear Father in heaven!” The Spirit working by the WORD keeps the pastor in the same WORD!

I want you to start with why because if you have God’s Word of command and promise, you have your only defense against the errors of the world, the temptations of the flesh, and deceit of the Evil One. God’s Word rebukes the Devil’s lies, drowns the desires of your sinful flesh, and is a sure defense against the deceit of this world. As Luther said (anecdotally) at the Diet of Worms, “To go against God and conscience is neither good nor right.”

The fictional story above is grounded in reality. For two thousand years, what you read above has happened over and over. It’s not just the history of this congregation, the LCMS, or even the churches of the Reformation. You can read this same story in the book of Acts. You can read how different churches responded to the ministry of St. Paul in his letters. Or I could share with you the autobiography of one of my relatives who served as pastor in Grafton and Fredonia in the 1880’s. The stories are as old as time.