Loving God, there are times when we doubt that you really are enough to satisfy all our needs. Teach us to love you with our whole heart, that we might be enabled to pass your love on to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

As Paul's sermon opens in Athens, we learn that the Athenians were trying very hard to cover all the bases. They had done this by erecting an altar that was marked "to an unknown god." Now, this particular altar would have been one among many, for the Greeks worshipped many different gods. This altar, built in order to worship an unknown god, would have been sort of like an extra insurance policy, purchased just in case. The people of Athens wanted to make sure that they hadn't left out any gods that they might not know about yet. And so, just in case, they had built this altar "to an unknown god."

Perhaps we could place this altar in the same category with any other religious practices that are undertaken "just in case." Like going to church every so often, just in case God might do you a favour in return. Or suddenly starting to pray in times of trouble, just in case it might do some good. Or having a child baptised, just in case it might assure a place in heaven. Or doing the odd good deed, just in case it might help when judgment day comes.

Every one of these practices stems from a partial commitment to God. Just as the people of Athens divided their loyalties among many gods, so many people today cling to whatever worldly interests they might have, while throwing in a bit of religion here and there, just in case. This is what Reginald Bibby calls religion "a la carte". Take a little here, and a little there, but stay away from those full meal deals!

Why is it that commitment to just one God seems so difficult to live out? Do we wonder, with the Athenians, if we really do have all of the bases covered? Or do we just recoil at the thought of giving over control of our lives to a power much greater than ourselves?

There is no doubt that the kind of commitment that God requires from us is single-minded and undivided. Our Creator and Redeemer simply will not tolerate the worship of any other gods. Jesus is proclaimed as the only way to the Father. It was only last Sunday that we heard Jesus proclaim, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (Jn. 14:6). Many people in today's pluralistic society have trouble with exclusive claims like this. But can there really be any other way?

Think about it for a moment. Think of Jesus, on the cross, with the weight of the sins of the whole world hanging on him. Think of how he suffered and died for each and every person, and not just for a select few. This is what we proclaim every time we celebrate Holy Communion as we remember that Jesus' blood is "given and shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins." If you truly believe that Jesus did live, and suffer, and die, for you and for all people, is there really any room for other gods, or for other ways to be re-united with our Creator? Even to entertain any other possibilities minimizes the sacrifice that Jesus made for all people.

This, of course, then brings up the question of what to do about other religions. Unfortunately, it is true that the actions of Christians against those from other religions have been quite despicable in the past. Intentions perhaps started out as quite good, but I don't think that Jesus ever asked anybody to forcibly convert those who do not believe in him. He also never asked his followers to kill or to harm others in the name of Jesus.

Certainly, we are called to share the gospel. For it is impossible to believe in Jesus and not want to share the good news about him with others who may not have heard. As we read in 1 Peter,

Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you (3:15).

However, 1 Peter talks about keeping your conscience clear at the same time, and doing nothing that could put you or the message about Christ to shame.

We are to approach those who believe differently than we do, not with contempt or an air of superiority, but with a willingness both to listen and to share the hope that is in us. We need to remember, too, that only God's Holy Spirit has the power to produce faith in any human heart. You or I do not have that power. However, we do have the power to share with others how our faith has affected us in our own lives.

As to who will be saved, that is not for us to judge. What we do know is that salvation is to be found in Jesus, and that the power of his Spirit is real, and that all who live believing in him are re-united with God at their death. All other judgment is up to God, and we trust in his wisdom and mercy.

Many people over the years have lived in fear of the judgment of God. Many have wondered if they would, indeed, end up in heaven. Martin Luther was one of these people, for a time. He was constantly wondering if he had done enough to really cover all of the bases. Had he done enough to pay the price for his sins? Had he prayed enough and done enough good deeds to actually get into heaven? Could he ever really be saved?

And in answer to all of these questions, Luther was given Paul's letter to the Romans, in which he read about how God has forgiven our sins as a free gift through Jesus Christ. He read about how we are put right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, and arose with new insight into what really was required to be saved. The most important thing is to believe in Jesus Christ, for Jesus has already paid the penalty for all of our sins.

Luther finally realized that, no matter how many good works he did, it would never be enough to pay for all of his sins. That is why Jesus paid the price for us: because he was the only one who could. As for us, we need only to live according to our faith in Jesus Christ.

Which means what, exactly? Well, living as if Jesus really is Lord of our lives. Showing that we love God by keeping his commands (Jn. 14:15). Allowing the love of Jesus to flow through us in all the various facets of our lives, which means that, whether we are at work, or at play, or at school, or at a meeting, or at church, or in the marketplace, people should be able to see the love of Jesus in action through us.

Those who have a living faith in Jesus should be noticeable, not only because of what they say, but also because of how they act. Those who have a living faith in Jesus should stand out from the crowd and be beyond reproach. What might such a person look like? Listen to this ad from a "wanted" poster.

WANTED, dead or alive: Committed followers of Jesus. Easily distinguished by the love that they share with so many. Often found helping out those who are in need. When asked, they will willingly tell you why they believe in Jesus. Often present where healing and reconciliation are taking place. Sometimes found hanging around churches on Sunday mornings. However, usually found wherever the need is greatest.

Should you see any of these "Christians," report your sighting immediately to the proper authorities. These people are powerful and dangerous. If allowed to continue, the world as we know it could come to an end. Act swiftly, for their faith is contagious.

In the matter of salvation, a lot of energy can be wasted trying to ensure that all of the bases have, indeed, been covered. However, only one thing is really needed, and that is a living faith in Jesus Christ. All other things flow from that faith and serve as a witness to the hope that is within us. Amen.

Easter 6(A) Acts 17:22-31, John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:15-22
May 1, 2005
St. Luke's Zion Lutheran Church
Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore

? 2005 Lynn Hutchison Moore All Rights Reserved