Archive for March, 2020

30 Mar

It Is Well

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Faith, Peace, Trials, Worship.

Hello friends,
I trust this finds everyone well. We are well, although occasionally we get on each other’s nerves a bit. We are all going down a path we’ve never been on, but we have hope this isn’t going to be forever. Still, I have to remind myself to be patient in this. At least we don’t have to entertain small children, as some of you are doing. If that is your situation, hang in there!

As we wait for a return to normal times, I’m reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. He was writing from prison, and wanted the church to be united in its purpose and to let the focus be on the Lord Jesus. The following verses are not necessarily applicable to our current situation, but there are lessons here for us.

To the church, Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!… Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus…”

Concerning his own situation, he rejoices in the support of the believers, then says this: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Finally, he writes these words to the faithful believers, “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 4:4-19).

As we are encouraged by Paul’s word, consider the words of the old hymn;
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And as the prophet said, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:18).

In His loving care,
Pastor Jerry

23 Mar

Be Encouraged

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Creation, Faith, God's Word, Hope, Sin, The Good News, Worship.

Hello friends,
Another week has passed. We are experiencing typical March weather. It is a time of transition, and nature seems unable to decide. I am sure from past springs, that this will eventually bring about green grass and flowers if we are patient.

The Covid19 saga continues this week. Most of my pastor friends addressed the Christian response to this in their Sunday sermons. Thank God that we have the means to connect through technology, so that churches can meet in spirit, if not in person.

If you spend much time with social media, you will certainly be discouraged. My answer to this confusion is to go to the Word of God for truth and encouragement.

First of all, let us not forget that God is on His throne, He is still in control. “In the beginning God”, is how the Bible story begins. Read Genesis 1:1. In Colossians we are told that Jesus “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17).

You may be asking; did God create this virus? Scripture tells us because of Adam’s sin in the garden, the creation has been corrupted. “To Adam, God said, “cursed is the ground because of you. Through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you…” (Genesis 3:17-18). This virus, along with all other plagues and pestilence, and natural disasters is evidence of this curse. Someday God will make it all right.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Jesus Christ, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:4-5).

The Bible describes a time when God will bring a new heaven and earth; “No longer will there be any curse” (Revelation 22:3ff).

Be encouraged, God’s people have hope.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

16 Mar

Fear Not

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Culture, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Hope, Peace, Salvation, Trials, Truth, Witness.

Hello friends,
It has been an interesting week, to say the least. On a personal note, I saw the cardiac surgeon for a checkup. He says everything looks good, and to continue rehab. The weather continues to follow the pattern we have come to expect for the month of March.

Our topic for the week will be the Covid19 virus. A lot of people have written on this topic, but all have different platforms and different readers. So, here are my thoughts on the virus pandemic, and what our response should be from a biblical perspective.

As Christians, our view of this should be one of dependence on God’s word and His promises. Along with that, we must point people to Jesus. In the face of uncertainty, our message is that He is the One in whom we trust, not just for here and now, but for eternity.

Jesus had these words for those concerned with the future as recorded in Luke’s gospel. “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5). He has more to say beginning in verse 22; “Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear… Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (verses 22-26).

The promise of God is that those who trust Jesus for their eternal salvation will never be taken from Him. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?… “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, (including viruses), will be able separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39). Salvation is found in no one else, not governments, scientists, or political leaders.

Trusting Him completely,
Pastor Jerry

9 Mar

Rescuing the Helpless

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Culture, Evil deeds, God's Word, Judgment, Sanctity of Human Life, Truth.

Dear friends,
It has been 4 weeks since my surgery. Rehab is going well, and I will see the heart surgeon this week. Some signs of spring are appearing, people are beginning to get their cabins ready for the new season, and the activity level is picking up. Most people are ready for some warmer weather. The forecast seems to be saying there will be some winter weather yet to come, but at this time of the year, it should be short lived.

It seems every day, there is a new crisis somewhere in the world. Much of what people are stressing over has been built up in the media far beyond what is factual. I don’t want to downplay the seriousness of the viral threat, but much of what is being presented is exaggeration. People get focused on what might happen, and forget the things we can actually do something about.

For example, there is a lot of press given to protecting the environment, saving trees, snails, and all other kinds of flora and fauna, yet the number of human lives lost from abortion is swept under the rug as if they don’t matter. The Bible tells us to be stewards of the creation, and this is a good thing. However, I believe we as a nation will be judged by God, not for what we’ve done for the planet, but for having allowed this great sin of abortion to be the law of the land.

In Jeremiah 32:35, we read, “They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it enter my mind, that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.”

Of course, we don’t have pagan idols like Molech; today we are sacrificing our infant sons and daughters to the idols of convenience and personal choice. Christians must become more and more involved in pointing out this modern idolatry, and give voice to the voiceless.

“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person (or nation) according to what they have done?” (Proverbs 24:11-12).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

2 Mar

Prepare Now

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Assurance, End Times, Eternal Life, God's Word, Judgment, Peace, Second Coming.

Dear friends,
I hope you have been enjoying the warmer temperatures. I know I have. Wednesday, when I saw my cardiologist, he said to see him in six months. My cardiac rehab begins this week, so it is onward and upward from here, I guess. Again, thanks for all the prayers, cards, calls and visits. You are all a blessing to me.

Spring is coming, I know because the geese are pairing off, and will soon be nesting. I hope it is not like some years, when I have seen those geese sitting on their nests in a raging blizzard. By all reports, if the weather holds for a few days, Lake Ericson will begin filling up for the new season. The water level has been down in anticipation of final repairs at the spillway.

The news, if you watch it at all, is not very positive most days. From the political craziness to the virus that by some accounts is threatening civilization, one wonders where we are headed. In the Christian worldview, none of this is random or meaningless. God has told us there is nothing that is out of His control, and nothing that catches Him by surprise. Our responsibility, is to trust Him in all things, beginning with trusting His Son for our salvation. Once we know Jesus as Savior, He promises to hold us in his hands, never letting go no matter the circumstances.

You see, the whole world is to be judged for rejecting God. Only those who are His, will be saved from that final judgment. Much of what we are seeing is part of what the Lord spoke of as the last days. As his return draws closer, we will see more of the same.

Jesus’ disciples had many of the same questions that we have. They wanted to know when Jesus would return. He said they would hear of wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:4-8). He went on to say, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (verse36). “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (verse 42).

I’m not saying he will return tomorrow, but I am saying we all need to be ready when he does come again.

Trusting Him,
Pastor Jerry