Archive for the ‘Christian Living’ Category

18 Mar

Sin In The Camp(er)

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Forgiveness, Sin, The Good News.

I don’t remember if I mentioned we bought a used camper last fall. When we got it, we knew it had some issues with water damage. Upon further examination, there was much more damage than first appeared. What we saw on the surface did not prepare us for the internal damage that had been done. I had planned to do the work myself, but we decided to take it to the camper repair place. They are doing a great job of restoring our “bargain” to usable condition.

Isn’t that just like what happens when we allow a small amount of sin such as anger, or bitterness to creep into our lives? It doesn’t seem to be a big deal on the outside, but left alone it can spread until it destroys everything on the inside.

In a spiritual sense, sin has the same effect on our lives as did the water that crept into the walls of our camper. Whether it is jealousy, envy, anger, bitterness, immorality, profanity, or any number of things I could mention, it starts out small and seemingly harmless. It then begins to spread until it takes over completely. There is no way we can get rid of it without help. The only one who can bring about restoration of the soul contaminated by sin is the Lord Jesus Christ. “Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14).

If someone had taken steps to prevent the water from entering the camper walls, much damage could have been prevented. We, as Christians, also need to take preventive measures against sin creeping into our lives. Here are a few suggestions from Scripture: Flee from evil desires (2 Timothy 2:22). Resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9). Keep away from temptation (Galatians 6:1). Be in prayer (Mark 14:38).

And, if we find that sin has crept into our life, here is the remedy: “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).

Faith in Christ is the remedy for removing the stain and guilt of sin in our lives. There is no other.

Because He lives,
Pastor Jerry

11 Mar

Sin’s Definition

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Evil deeds, Forgiveness, God's Word, Sin, Truth. Tagged: , .

Dear friends,
On the home scene, life remains busy. If there is a time in life when we are not busy anymore, it hasn’t appeared on my horizon. The change to daylight saving time supposedly gives us more daylight hours, and I’m going to need every minute.

I think it is clear to most people that it is not popular these days to talk about sin. Sin, as described in the Bible, is minimized, glossed over, white-washed, or ignored, but few people are willing to call it disobedience to God’s commands.

Here is a case in point: The television series “The Bible” is airing this month. I did not see all of the first installment, but I will. I did read a review of that episode. In it the reviewer stated that people watching it would get the idea that Sodom and Gomorrah were judged and destroyed for their lack of hospitality. When I read the account in the Bible, I come away with the understanding that those two cities were destroyed because of rampant sexual immorality, including the sin of homosexuality, and others. There were not even 5 people in the cities who met God’s standard of righteousness.

I believe the lesson here for us is this: If we don’t preach and teach that every word in his Book is faithful and true, we are setting ourselves up for a similar judgment at some point. Those ten commandments are not the “ten suggestions.”

Sin is sin. To call it anything else is to call God a liar (1 John 1:10). The good news is Jesus Christ died on the cross to provide forgiveness of sin, no matter what the sin. God forgives all who come to him on the basis of the shed blood of his Son. The end result of this, according to the apostle, is that the one who trusts in Christ will not continue in his or her sin. “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9).

Let us call sin what it is. Follow that up with confession. Confession is agreeing with God that we are sinners. Then, ask his forgiveness, trust his Son Jesus to save you, and as Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.” And if you should sin again, which you may very well do now and then, do as we are instructed in 1 John 1:9… “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Forgiven,
Pastor Jerry

4 Mar

How To Know God

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, God's Word, Truth.

Hello friends
Well, here we are at the beginning of a new week and a new month. Reflecting on the past week, I wonder if it was really productive, or just busy?

Could I be allowed to wonder if our spiritual life sometimes is the same way? How many people actually have a daily Bible reading and study time, and of those who do, how many rush through, just to be able to check off another thing they have done? Do we ever think how different our lives would be if we would set aside time for some serious, in-depth study of God’s Word?

I’m sure this sounds like a topic I’ve written about in the past, but when we consider the problem of Bible illiteracy in the world today, I believe it is worthy of our attention.

In any relationship, how do we get to know the other person? The answer is, we spend time with them. If you are “in a relationship”, as many will post on their facebook page, do you not want to spend every minute of every day with that person? Of course, you do. How else do you get to know them in a personal, intimate way? It is the same in our relationship with God. If we want to know Him in the personal, intimate way that He desires, it is imperative that we spend as much time together with Him as possible.

How then, do we get to know God like that? The first thing we need is a Bible. It should be one of the more modern, easily readable versions that are available today. Most of us just don’t “get” the King James language of the older versions. Then set aside a period of time each day for the reading and study of your Bible. Keep a notepad and pencil handy for taking notes. Write down questions you may have, or things that catch your attention. You may want to take these things to your pastor for further clarification.

Also, spend time in prayer. This is nothing more than conversation with God. He has spoken to us through his Word, the Bible. We speak to Him by way of prayer. As you study and pray, God will become more personal to you, and he will reveal himself and his ways. Then, you will no longer be biblically illiterate

There is a new television series dealing with Bible stories. As you watch it, take notes, then go to the Bible and see if it measures up. Whether it is a preacher, Sunday School teacher, or a television miniseries, we need to compare what we see and hear with God’s written word. His Word is Truth, and it stands the test of time, every time.

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

18 Feb

Worship

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, God, Worship.

Our devotional topic for the week is worship. Man was created to worship. People worship all kinds of things, but it was God’s plan for his creation to worship Him. It seems today that worship is reserved for sports figures, movie, music and television stars, our jobs, our children, our cars, (in ranch country it might be a new “truck”), or any number of other things.

God still desires to be the exclusive object of our worship, and the reality is this… we will only be satisfied in worship when our worship is totally directed toward God. The first two of the Ten Commandments establish God’s right to be the only true God, and that He alone is to be worshiped (Deuteronomy 5:7-10).

It seems to me that we have lost much sincerity in our worship of God, and I have to think it is because we have a watered down idea of who He is. Somewhere we have gotten the idea that God is just a kindly grandfather that wants us to be happy, and that worshiping him is optional. I believe if we have a right concept of who God is, and if we will comprehend His glory and His majesty, worship will naturally follow. When we read in the Bible of men who have come into the very presence of God, we see that their response was dramatic.

Isaiah said, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” (Isaiah 6:5). When Ezekiel was in the presence of the glory of God, he fell face-down (Ezekiel 1:28). John, writing of his experience in Revelation, and recognizing the Lord, said, “When I saw Him, I fell at his feet as though dead (Revelation 1:17). And there are others I could mention.

Oh, that we would have this view of worship when we come into our churches each week! Would we not see a dramatic difference in the way we worship and in the way we respond to the preaching and teaching of the Word?

Just Wondering,
Pastor Jerry

11 Feb

Stand Firm

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, Sin.

We’re spending this Sunday afternoon waiting for the remnants of our first real winter storm of 2013 to fade. We didn’t receive a lot of snow, but we did get nearly a half-inch of rain last night, and the wind is blowing hard. Further north and west, they are dealing with some significant snow and wind. I remember those times when our days were spent feeding and caring for livestock. And, I am glad that for me, they are over.

There is increasing pressure for evangelical Christians to accept “same sex marriage”, and a host of other sinful behaviors. Our reaction cannot be to hide in a cave hoping it all goes away. We must stand firm on God’s Word. I believe his people must not compromise his truth. As we are pressed more and more to conform to the ways of the world, it seems appropriate to revisit some instructions from several of the apostles’ letters in the New Testament.

Paul, writing in Romans 12:2… “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Peter, in 1 Peter 1:14… “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (This scripture calls us to live godly lives.)

John, in 1 John 2:15..”Do not love the world or anything in the world.” Also, chapter 3, verse 7: “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.”
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (false teachers), because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Finally, “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:5).

Do not let the world mold you into something contrary to God’s plan for your life. We, who are called by His name, cannot compromise on these issues and stay true to our Lord’s calling. We must speak the truth, and do so in humility and in love.

In Truth and Love,
Pastor Jerry

4 Feb

On Baptism

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Eternal Life, The Good News.

It is time again for a devotional thought for the week. These are meant to encourage you, or to teach the truths of the Bible. They may even be controversial, but my prayer is that the reader will gain a new understanding of God’s plan, and apply it to his or her life.

I recently received a response to an article in which a question arose concerning the relationship of Christian baptism to a person’s salvation. I want to briefly share what I believe the Bible teaches.

In every New Testament reference to baptism following Jesus’ return to heaven, it is shown as something a person does as a testimony to their faith in Christ. It is symbolic of a person dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ. Being placed under the water, or being sprinkled, whatever the case may be, indicates being buried. Then, coming up out of the water identifies that person with Christ’s resurrection and a new life.

Salvation comes first, then baptism. Therefore, I believe baptism is for the person who has reached the age of complete understanding of the concept that he or she is a sinner in need of a Savior, and is able to make that choice on their own.

In Acts 2:38, following Peter’s sermon the people asked “what shall we do?” Peter responded, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you…” And in verse 41, “Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Then, in Acts 8:12-13, we find “when they believed, they were baptized.”

It follows then, that the infant or toddler, or the person with reduced mental ability is not going to be condemned because they passed into the next life without experiencing baptism. I believe those are welcomed immediately it the arms of Jesus.

On the other hand, a person with the capacity for full understanding of sin and its consequences, will be held responsible for their acceptance or rejection of Christ’s offer of forgiveness of sin. Whether or not they have been baptize has no bearing on their salvation. This I believe.

In His love,
Pastor Jerry

28 Jan

Help for the Helpless

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, Work.

Here is our thought for the week. Most people have heard the saying, “God helps those who help themselves.”  Almost everyone has the idea that it comes from the Bible, but it doesn’t. It is not in the Bible, and it is totally false.

I have seen no scripture that would indicate that God helps those who help themselves. As long as we’re helping ourselves, who needs God? It’s when we reach the end of our rope, and we’re dangling out in space, that we finally cry out, “God, help me!” We have nothing to offer God, and we are powerless to help ourselves. Only He can deliver us from ourselves and our sinful nature.

When I was convinced I was doing something for myself, and that God was blessing me because of my wit and wisdom, He showed me that I had nothing to offer in the way of self-sufficiency. It was then I learned what the Bible really says.

We find it in John 15:5. Jesus is speaking:”I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Here are just two more verses. “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles”. Also, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:6, 18).

Jonah, who we visited recently, called out to God from inside the big fish and was rescued.

Perhaps the apostle Paul said it best. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Does God help those who help themselves? No! It is quite the opposite. God helps the helpless.

In His grip,
Pastor Jerry Continue reading →

14 Jan

WiFi from Heaven

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Prayer.

We are trying to get back into some sort of regular routine, but I wonder, how do you get into a routine when three days in succession you are at a variety of doctor’s appointments? Maybe next week!

The cold weather returned at the end of the week, but it brought some moisture with it, so we are thankful.

I don’t know how many of you would remember the old song “Turn Your Radio On.” Here are a few lines:
“Everybody has a radio receiver
All you got to do is listen for the call
Turn your radio on, turn your radio on
If you listen in you will be a believer
Leanin’ on the truths that’ll never fall
Get in touch with God, turn the radio on….
Turn your radio on and glory share
Turn your lights down low
And listen to the Master’s radio
Get in touch with God, turn your radio on.”

I saw the following post on Facebook this morning, and was suddenly taken with the thought that we’ve come quite a distance from “Turn Your Radio On.”

With a little editing, here is what I read: “Prayer is like WiFi. It’s invisible, but it has the power to connect to the One you need.”

I know about WiFi. I’m too frugal to pay for a data package for my cell phone, so I search out places with free WiFi, so I can check email and stay in touch with my Facebook friends.

Why do I think prayer might be like WiFi? Because we can communicate with Someone who is unseen, through an unseen power. It is in Jesus’ instructions concerning prayer: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).

Prayer is not the same as WiFi, in that it is always available. There is no need to find a hotspot. You are always connected, anytime, anywhere… even in a whale. From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me… when my life was ebbing away I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple” (Jonah 2:2….7).

Continually connected,
Pastor Jerry

7 Jan

New Day Dawning

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, Forgiveness, The Good News.

Hello friends,
We have recovered from whatever it was that had us in its grip over Christmas. Last week Milrae and I were able to enjoy several days at the lake, as Alex was still with his dad. Along with getting a couple of little projects done, there was time for an afternoon of catching up with old friends, and a little ice fishing time. I did catch a couple of small pike, which are now in our freezer.

As I write this, it is early Monday morning, and the eastern sky is getting light. The clouds are varying shades of pink and blue, and I’m reminded again that each day is a gift from the Lord. There is a passage of scripture that comes to mind. It is in the Old Testament book of Lamentations. Now Lamentations is not often thought of as a book that gives a lot of hope, but these few verses stand out.

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:21-26).

Isn’t it great to know that because of God’s love we are not destroyed on the spot? He continually gives us another opportunity, the dawning of a new day, to get right with him. It is because of his great compassion for humanity that he sent his Son to provide the way to salvation. We deserve nothing but condemnation because of our sin, but our compassionate and loving God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish. Is this the day you begin a new life with him? Or perhaps renew your fellowship with him?

Waiting for the Son,
Pastor Jerry

31 Dec

Looking Ahead

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, The Good News.

Dear friends,
It’s the last day of 2012! Instead of looking back, I’d like to direct your attention to some Biblical perspective on the New Year.

For a devotional thought this week, let’s remember that no matter what happened in 2012, or what the new year will bring, God is still on His throne. Let us not live in the past, because it cannot be changed. Let us have the attitude of the apostle Paul: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

For, as Peter writes in his first letter, God has “given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…and into an inheritance…kept in heaven for us…and we rejoice even in trials because we are receiving the goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls” (1 Peter 1:3-9).

In the words of a song from the past, “Yesterday’s gone, and tomorrow may never be mine…”, but I know this: If tomorrow never comes, what matters most is “what have I done with Jesus?

One more thought from scripture that would apply here, from Ephesians 5:15-17: “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (hint: Read John 6:40).

May you have a Blessed and Happy New Year,
Pastor Jerry

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