The Pastor’s Piece, Pastor Kevin Cernek, FCFI Chaplain

August 17, 2025

Forgetting is something that plagues us all regardless of age. Children forget. Teens forget. Adults forget. Seniors forget. It’s part of the human condition. It reminds me of someone I met years ago who left an impression on me – which I’ve never forgotten.

What happened was, a man from our congregation had gotten into some legal trouble and was ordered by the court to meet with me for counseling. He was in his 40’s and asked if we could meet at his mother’s home in Monroe. She agreed – on the condition that we stay for lunch.

So, every week I’d drive to Monroe for our session and a grandma’s home-cooked meal. She was a kind soul with a generous heart – and a deep belief that liver and onions was my favorite dish. I don’t mind liver and onions once in a while, but every week is a bit much. Still, I never complained because when it comes to food – well, I never complain. She meant well, and her heart was golden.

One day, when I walked in, the house was filled with the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked apple pie. (I am quite familiar with the smell of homemade apple pie). I said nothing – but I eagerly anticipated what was to come. We had our session and afterwards she served us vanilla ice cream. But to my disappointment – no pie. I ate the ice cream and as I was about to leave, I finally said, “I thought I smelled apple pie when I came in?”

“Oh my – you smelled that? I did bake one, but I forgot it in the oven and burned it to a crisp before you got here.”

Funny – I never smelled anything burning.

I asked what she did with it, and she replied, “I hid it in the microwave until you leave. Then I’m feeding it to the dog.”

“Can I see it?” I asked.

She hesitated but brought it out. Sure, it was a little dark around the edges – but hardly ruined. “Mind if I take it home instead of the dog getting it?” I asked.

She laughed, and I went home with a crisp, delicious apple pie.

She’s since gone home to be with the Lord, but her sweet, forgetful spirit and funny honesty have stuck with me.

(Funny thing – as I was writing this story, I smelled pie again. At first, I thought I was imagining it. But when I went out into the kitchen, cooling on the counter was a delicious, fresh blackberry pie. I guess my wife is reading my thoughts – again)!

When one reads the Bible, they discover the same truths taught over and over and over again, sometimes in the same words, sometimes in different words. That’s why you may read an expression by Jesus in one context, in one gospel, and see it appear in a completely different context in another gospel. That is not proof of revising or editing of the gospels. That is proof that Jesus was an able teacher who knew you had to repeat the same things because people forget. That is why Jesus was so distressed when even toward the end of His ministry they still hadn’t gotten the message. He said to His disciples: “How long have I been with you and you still don’t know who I am?” Truth bears repetition. That’s how you build the blocks of the wall of strength. Much of the ministry is reminding and remembering. There are no new truths, only a clearer understanding of the Word of God reminding you of doctrinal truth and moral obligations.

When one breaks it all down, we realize that Jesus taught the same truths over and over. I’ve compiled a list of the Top Ten Bible Truths Taught By Jesus. These are some of the core truths Jesus repeated throughout His ministry – across the parables, sermons, conversations, and miracles. These truths were central to His mission and to God’s plan of salvation. And these timeless truths still shape Christian life and doctrine today.

  1. Jesus taught the Kingdom of God is at hand – meaning that God has broken through into this world by the Person of Jesus. He explained that the kingdom is not just future, but present in Him. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel,” Mark 1:15.
  2. Jesus taught to love God and love others. When asked about the greatest commandment Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” He repeats that in the Sermon on the Mount and the parable of the Good Samaritan as the foundation of Godly living.
  3. Jesus taught that God looks at the heart. He emphasized internal righteousness, not just external behavior – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” (Matthew 5:8).
  4. Jesus taught that repentance is required – which means turning from sin toward God. “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance,” (Luke 5:32).
  5. Jesus taught that faith is the key to salvation. He praised those with genuine faith – often Gentiles or the poor and He rebuked those who relied on status or works.
  6. He taught that forgiveness is essential, that we must both receive and give forgiveness. “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will our Father forgive yours,” (Matthew 6:15).
  7. He taught that material things are temporary. He warned against trusting in riches, possessions or worldly success. “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth …” (Matthew 6:19).
  8. He taught how He “came to seek and to save the lost,” (Luke 19:10). From the woman at the well to Zaccheus up in the tree, Jesus showed that no one is beyond redemption.
  9. Jesus taught that He is the only way to the Father. He consistently pointed to Himself as the exclusive way to salvation. John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
  10. Jesus taught that He was the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, The Good Shepherd, and the Resurrection and the Life.

Over my lifetime, I’ve preached over 1600 sermons based on those simple themes of Godly living. 

(Kevin Cernek is Lead Pastor of Martintown Community Church in Martintown, Wisconsin).