Firm Foundations: Truth

(This is a shortened version of the message preached by Michael Larsen on July 6. 2025.)

This message begins a new series, “Firm Foundations,” focusing on the theme of truth as introduced in Luke 1:1–4. Luke writes to Theophilus to provide a carefully investigated, orderly account of Jesus’s life so that readers can be certain of the truth of what they've been taught. Understanding truth is foundational for a strong spiritual life.
To rightly interpret and apply the Bible, we must understand its genre, author, audience, and purpose. For example, Luke, a doctor, wrote his gospel based on eyewitness accounts and deep investigation, aiming to offer clarity and certainty about Jesus. Though the Bible was written for us, it was not written to us, so understanding the original context is essential to proper application.
From the Book of Luke, we can draw four foundational truths:

1. Jesus fulfills God’s plan to bring hope.
In Luke 4, Jesus reads from Isaiah and declares, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus identifies himself as the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited plan to bring freedom, healing, and restoration. The Bible is not bad news—it’s good news, meant to bring us hope. Viewing it this way allows us to approach it with joy and openness.

2. Jesus changes lives when we apply his teaching.
In Luke 6, Jesus compares those who hear and obey his words to someone who builds a house on rock—strong and unshakeable. Hearing alone doesn’t lead to transformation; application is key. Just as watching a fitness video doesn’t make us healthier, listening to sermons without action doesn’t grow our faith. Information + Application = Transformation. Our faith must be active—our "doing" must reflect our "being."

3. Jesus invites us into a relationship with the Father.
Through parables like the great banquet in Luke 14, Jesus shows us the inviting, relational nature of God. While other religions have people prepare offerings for their gods, the God of the Bible prepares a table for us. No matter our condition—broken, rejected, or overlooked—we are welcome. God desires friendship, not fear. He wants to know us personally and calls us into relationship through his word.

4. Jesus wants our surrender, not our perfection.
In Luke 23, one of the criminals crucified beside Jesus turns to him in repentance, and Jesus promises him paradise. This man wasn’t perfect, but he surrendered in faith. Jesus responds not to flawless lives but to humble hearts willing to give what little they understand. God meets us where we are and transforms us over time. He’s not asking us to have it all together—just to be willing to come to him.

In closing, the Bible is a living book from a living God who desires to shape our lives through truth. You don’t need to be perfect—just willing to start the journey and let God do the rest.