“Solid [spiritual] food is for the mature, for…discernment…” (Hebrews 5:14). “Mohammad” is one of our best catechized Persian Lutherans. “I met some very interesting people the other day,” he recently told me. “Two young Americans, maybe 18 or 19 years old. But I have some questions…” “Tell me about them,” I offered. “I was riding on the subway,” he explained, “when two young guys started talking to me in Farsi. Really good Farsi, too…They were from America, they said, and wanted to tell me about Jesus. I told them that I am a Christian and they were pleased to hear that. But then they started to say some weird things…” “Like what?” I asked. “They said that salvation is not a free gift of God but must be earned. Doesn’t that contradict Ephesians 2:8-10 and many other passages?” “Absolutely. What else did they say?” “They claimed that you have to read their special book to truly understand what the Bible says. You Lutheran pastors never say anything like that… But here’s what really got me upset: they claimed that Jesus and God the Father are two distinct Gods and that Jesus is the Father’s firstborn spirit child…” “How did you respond?” I asked. “I quoted John 10:30, where Jesus states, “I and the Father are one.” “Wow. You even cited chapter and verse. What did they say?” “Not much… They mumbled something and got off at the next stop.” “Well, God bless them for having learned Farsi so well and for wanting to do the right thing,” I offered. “But what they are teaching does not square with historic Christianity. Sadly, there are a number of religious groups that claim to be Christian but are not. I’m very proud of you; you’ve learned a lot about Christianity and are able to distinguish between the real thing and counterfeits.” The next day Mohammad sent me the image you see here: John 10:29-30 in Farsi. Catechesis is important for all Christians. In a world full of fake religion, we can’t afford to remain spiritual milk drinkers. We need to be mature in our faith, so we can distinguish true Christianity from the many counterfeits. Our salvation depends on it.
The Tiews in Germany 