Jesus repeatedly told his followers that living as his disciples would bring hardship. Living life according to God’s Law is going to make one appear odd in the eyes of the world, perhaps even evil. Sharing a message of mankind’s sin and God’s gracious salvation can cause offense. So why not just stay silent if that makes life easier--keeping our faith private? Answer: because we are going to live forever--a fact which changes how we live! In gratitude for Christ saving us, we share the gospel with others that they might believe and be saved too. Since we will live forever in the joys of heaven, we don’t worry if being a witness for Christ brings hardship or even death. On this Sunday celebrating the Reformation, we recall the life of Martin Luther. Martin wanted to reform the false teaching of the church. He stood firm in the truth of the gospel, knowing it might cost him his life. But Luther knew that, thanks to Christ, he would live forever. So will we! Therefore, like Luther, let us live a life of courageous witness.