Archive for June, 2019

24 Jun

The Gospel

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Eternal Life, God's Word, Gospel, Salvation, Sin, The Good News.

Summer is here, according to the calendar. The temperatures of the last few days would indicate otherwise. We actually started our furnace a couple of times, just to take the chill off the house. Also, we have not been lacking in the rain department, yet we haven’t experienced the excesses of some areas. In other news, concerning my recent surgery, I had a follow-up visit to my dermatologist, and all is well. Good news

For my devotional thought this week, I want to share a piece from Pastor Greg Laurie, entitled “I Have Some Good News and Some Bad News.” This message cannot be repeated enough. Now to Pastor Laurie’s article.

“The literal definition of gospel is good news. And before we can fully appreciate the good news of the gospel, we have to know the bad news. That means telling people they are sinners. Of course, people don’t like to hear that. I’m a what? I’m not a sinner! I’m a good person!

We have to define what it means to be a sinner, because the Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet there are preachers today who don’t want to tell people they’re sinners. They claim that most people know they’re doing wrong. But do they? I think a lot of people believe everything is fine as long as they try to live a good life.

We have to break the bad news: “I’m sorry to tell you this, friend, but you’re a sinner. You’ve broken God’s commands. You’ve fallen short of His standards, and there is nothing you can do to make this right. But God loved you so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross for you, and if you will turn from that sin and put your faith in Christ, you can be forgiven.”

The bad news helps us fully appreciate the good news. Anything less than this is a false gospel that will give false assurance. That is why Paul wrote, “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God. . .. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all” (Galatians 1:6–7).
We must be careful to preach the real gospel.”

Wise words. May we take them to heart,
Pastor Jerry

17 Jun

Confession, Not Celebration

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Culture, False teachers, Forgiveness, God's Word, Judgment, Repentance, Sin, Truth.

It was a good week here at the lake. The lake is nearly full, after some hardy souls got the logs and trees out of the gates at the dam. We can now maintain a proper water flow through the spillway, and keep the lake level steady. It is good to see people enjoying what Lake Ericson has to offer.

Now for some devotional thoughts. This is not an easy topic, but I believe it is the responsibility of Christians to point people to God and His Word. Whether the message is well received or not, it must be told. I have had to ask, how is it that we got to the point of celebrating flagrant sin against a holy God? Sin is to be confessed, not celebrated.

Our culture is celebrating behaviors that God has described in His Word as abominable (or detestable). According to dictionary.com, the definition of abomination is, “anything greatly disliked or abhorred; intense aversion or loathing; a vile, shameful, or detestable action, condition, habit, etc. Things like homosexuality, murder (abortion), adultery, and same sex marriage would be included. Sin, in other words.

These are the words of the Lord in His Word, the Bible: Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming (Colossians 3:5-6).

The first chapter of Romans speaks plainly to this issue. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness… For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened… Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:18-32).

Rather than celebrate the sin, let us instead pray that those caught up in these sinful behaviors would come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, who can free them from their bonds of sin.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

In Truth,
Pastor Jerry

10 Jun

Thoughts on Aging

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Change, God's Word, Praise, Wisdom, Witness.

It seems another Monday has rolled around, and time for me to share some thoughts from the past week. Weather-wise, we have experienced some more summer like temperatures, with a nice rain on Saturday night. Lawns are requiring frequent mowing, and the flowers and veggie plants are doing well. This is what we have been waiting for!

Recently, I have been thinking about the passing of the years, and things I have learned. I know, this is pretty deep stuff, but if there is no wisdom accumulated as we age, we haven’t been paying attention.

First, as I have previously noted, this past Friday marked the 55th anniversary of marriage for Milrae and myself… to each other. Lesson learned include: You will never see eye to eye on every subject. Neither of you is right every time. Patience goes a long way to making a long marriage. There are no perfect couples, ever. Learning to say “I’m sorry”, and “I was wrong”, are important phrases to remember.

Getting older is not as easy as one might think. I’m finding out I have much less energy than just a few years ago, and the things I can do take a lot longer than before. In the past, I could work from sun-up to sun-down, get eight hours of sleep and do it all over again the next day. Now, if I work a couple of hours, I need numerous naps over three days to recover. Ah, the pleasures of old age.

I did have a bit of encouragement this afternoon; our son called and asked a gardening question. I suggested he look in up on Google, and his response was, “You are my Google!”

I’m reminded of some scriptures relating to the topic of aging. Here are a few of my favorites.
“Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away… Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts” (Psalm 90:10, 12 CSB).
“The glory of young men lies in their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old” (Proverbs 20:29).

One more thought: This journey is meaningless, if we fail to include the Lord in our life. This I know. Do you know Him?

Blessings to all,
Pastor Jerry

3 Jun

On Marriage

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, God's Word, Marriage, Witness.

Dear readers,
We have arrived at the month of June! Official summer is just a few weeks away, and we are so ready. June is traditionally the month of weddings. I’m not sure why this is so, but outdoor weddings obviously wouldn’t be nearly as practical in winter months.

The Memorial Day weekend was busy here at beautiful Lake Ericson, and busy weekends will be the norm until Labor Day. The lake level has been down, due to some trees and other debris in the tree guard at the spillway, but those will soon be removed and the lake filled to its normal level. If you get a chance this summer, stop by the lake and see the beauty of this place. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Back to the topic of weddings, this past Saturday Milrae and I attended the wedding of a young man we’ve known for many years. What a God-honoring celebration it was. This young man and young lady are committed Christians, and their lives reflect that commitment. The ceremony was a testimony to the blessing that come from two people following God’s plan and purpose.

In case we need reminded, God’s plan for marriage is clearly stated early in the Bible. After God made Adam, He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make a helper suitable for him…” So the Lord God took one of the man’s ribs, then He made a woman and brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man”.
For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will be one flesh (Genesis 2:18-24).

On a personal note, somewhat related to this, at the end of this week, we will celebrate our 55th year of marriage. Those vows we made then mean so much more to me, than they did on that day so long ago.

Duane and Jessica, if you happen to read this, I pray you have a long and happy marriage. And know this, you have begun your journey in the best possible way.

Blessings to all,
Pastor Jerry