The 2018 winter Olympics are history. This past Sunday (Feb 25) hockey, bobsledding, cross-country skiing, and curling closed out the games. For two and half weeks, from the warmth and comfort of our homes we watched amazing feats! Snowboarders doing double-triple flips and spins, ski jumpers launching themselves into the air, downhill skiers at break-neck speed risking skin-skull-spine-spleen and who knows what else. How exciting! How dangerous!

People (to one degree or another) have a strange enjoyment of danger. From car racing to football to lugers hurtling 90mph just inches above an icy track - DANGER. Experts like to explain why we pay out good time and money to watch others risk their lives. Perhaps it has to do with our dealing with danger in our world. Lions, tigers, and bears (Not talking sports teams here) natural disasters such as accidents, disease, poor life style choices, and as well unnatural dangers - terror within and without all have one thing in common. They kill. Is there anything more dangerous than these?

Jesus said, And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt 10.28.   Judgment, eternal condemnation, these are the things we should fear the most. Jesus teaches that the most dangerous thing in the world is false doctrine. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus warned, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. One way to identify false teaching is by listening to what they teach about Christ and His work. 'Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' These were the recognized leaders of the church who rejected Jesus and sought their righteousness in their own works. They had no time for repentance or forgiveness; in their eyes they had no sin.

In his final words to the Romans Paul wrote, I appeal to you brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. No false teaching is acceptable for God's Church, whether it contradicts the Law or the Gospel. Pay attention to doctrine. We are to reject any false teaching and refuse to associate with those who advocate it.

But how will we know a false prophet when we hear (meet) one?

Pray - If you are confused about whether or not something you heard is God's truth, pray for wisdom. Pray according to His will to make known to you His truth. Share your question with your pastor or with a Christian friend.

Study God's Word - In His Word God speaks to us today. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3.16-17 Come to Sunday school!!! Join or start a bible study group. Have a plan to read through the Bible at least once during the year.

Make worship a habit in your life - Worship in the Divine Service puts the focus squarely on Jesus who is present for us and with us through His Word and Sacraments. Jesus said, Lo I am with you always, to the very end of the age. When God gathers us around His Word and Sacraments He fulfills this promise to us once again.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, through your Word and Sacrament give me spiritual wisdom and discernment. Draw me close and assure me of Your loving care. Amen.