Archive for the ‘Eternal Life’ Category

15 Jul

Where Is God?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word.

In the dark times of trial, we cry out to God for him to intervene. We plead for His help and assurance, or even for a miracle. We may reach the point when we echo Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane; “Please, take this cup from me.”

In the face of an impossible trial, we might wonder if God is there, or does he even see or care about our situation? Someone wrote the following during an extreme trial in their life: “In the pain of the situation, when I closed my eyes to pray, I envisioned an empty throne. There was no answer, only a cold silence. Years afterward, I had the thought that the throne was empty because the one who fills it had stepped down to sit beside us as we cried.”

If you are in that dark place today, may you find encouragement in the following:

When in rough waters, He is in the boat with you. (Luke 8:22-24). His is the gentle whisper in the stormy night (1 Kings 19:11-15). God is everywhere you are (Psalm 139:7). He shields you with his everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27). He will never leave you, or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He has prepared a place for us and will take us there for eternity (John 14:1-4).

Keep in mind here, that these promises are for His children; for those who believe in the name of Jesus, and confess him as Lord and Savior, will receive eternal life (Romans 10:9-10).

Child of God, he is not absent in your time of trial. He is very much in it with you, and he will bring you through. Depend on it.

Held in His everlasting arms,
Pastor Jerry

27 May

Remembering

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

Today is Memorial Day here in the U.S. It is a day set aside to stop and pay our respects to those who have served in our country’s armed forces. As we pause today to remember those who have given their lives to defend our freedom, let us remember also, the One who died to free us from the bondage of sin.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). He said these words just hours before he was to die on the cross. I believe this kind of love can also apply to love of country and of one’s fellow man, as evidenced by the willingness of many in uniform to give their lives for their country and for their comrades in arms.

Jesus took this to the extreme when he chose to die, not only for his friends, but for his enemies. In Romans we read: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Reading on, we find that when Christ died for us, we were God’s enemies (verse 10). But his death reconciled us to God. By placing our faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, we become children of God (John 1:12).

We thank God for all those who have served our country, and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. And even more, we give thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, who died so that we might live.

Remembering,
Pastor Jerry

22 Apr

Are You Ready?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Eternal Life, Evil deeds, Faith, Salvation.

Tragedy struck our nation again last week. From the atrocity of the bombing in Boston, to the tragic explosion in Texas, many people have questions; from why do these things happen, to does God care? And some may even be questioning God’s existence.

If anything, the events of the past week remind us of the need to be ready to meet the Lord. Rather than try to fix blame or to ask why, let us be reminded that life is fleeting and that man knows not his time. Instead of asking why the Lord would allow these things, perhaps our first thought should be, “If I was taken suddenly from this life, where would I spend eternity?

In Luke’s gospel, we find some people questioning Jesus about some folks from Galilee who had been killed by the Roman ruler Pilate. Here is the conversation: “Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them–do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:1-5).

In other words, he says our concern should not be whether there was some underlying reason for the tragedy, but to consider whether the questioners were ready, should their lives suddenly end.

I believe Jesus’ message is clear. The priority established is not to determine guilt or innocence, but to first make sure of our eternal destination. When death comes, whether through tragedy or natural causes, are we ready to face our Creator at the judgment day? That is the question.

Again, we are reminded, “Now is the day of salvation!, Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” There may be no tomorrow..

Just Thinking,
Pastor Jerry

15 Apr

Saved!

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

When I began this weekly devotional, I would write it in Word, then paste it into my e-mail client. These days I just compose it in Gmail. In an earlier version, if I left without saving my work, the work would be lost, and I would have to try to remember what I had written and do it over. I constantly worried about whether it was saved. I now have the updated version, and it is continually saving the copy as I’m writing. If leave the program to do something else, when I return it is still there. It is comforting to know my document is saved without any extra effort from me..

I could compare this to our salvation as believers in the Lord Jesus. When we come to Him, confessing our sin, and place our faith in Him, He says “Saved”. When we wander off the path, he says “Saved”. When we return to him, still he says, “Saved.” Nothing further is required of us. In other words, the person who has genuinely taken Jesus Christ as his Savior cannot lose his or her salvation.

I am convinced of this because of what I read in the teaching of the New Testament. Jesus, speaking of those who believe in Him, says this: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29).

Also, the apostle John, in his first letter, wrote this: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
 
I believe also, that the true Christian will not use this knowledge as a license to sin. Our belief in eternal security allows us to persevere as we run the race, that is, to live the Christian life in every situation, whether it be easy or hard. As the song says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.”
Saved!
Pastor Jerry
 

8 Apr

Faith Alone

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Salvation, The Good News.

Now and then, I will hear a person say something like this: “I believe in God. I try to be a good person, and live a moral life. I go to church, and I would hope God will let me in.”

I want to say, “You say you believe in God. You try to be a good person, you live a moral life, and you hope it’s enough to get you into heaven? Do you know that this is wasted effort? God says you cannot earn your way to heaven by being good.

Hear his word in Isaiah 64:6… “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts (good works) are like filthy rags.” We cannot claim righteousness by our good works. We are made righteous only by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and his righteousness.

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”: (Romans 3:23); “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”: (Romans 6:23); “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

I feel as if I must shout it out. PLEASE UNDERSTAND! YOU CANNOT BE SAVED BY BEING GOOD, or by joining a church. Not by giving a certain amount of money, not by your abilities, or even by your good looks! God, speaking through the apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, says this: “You are saved by faith not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Jesus’ own words are, “I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). In Acts 4:12, Peter, speaking in the power of the Holy Spirit says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Someone once said, “Do what you like, you will never save yourself.” It is a mystery to me why we have to make it so hard. Jesus Christ died once for all. There is no other way.

In His Truth,
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

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

3 Dec

Advent

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

The warm weather continues. The comment was made today in church, that with the shortage of livestock feed, we can be thankful that the cattle are consuming less on these mild days. I can report that my knee surgery is done, and the pain of the injury is gone. The pain I have now is much less severe, and hopefully healing follows. It appears I will soon be able to resume taking care of business.

Yesterday (Sunday), marked the beginning of the Advent Season. For most, it is a countdown to Christmas, and a reminder of the incarnation, or the first coming of the Lord Jesus. As I look at the things going on in the world today, I am convinced that we need to be looking for the second coming of our Lord. It is well and good to anticipate the Christmas season, but also to look forward to the promise of a time he will come for his people.

God promised that he would send a Savior, which he did when Jesus became a human baby. And while Jesus did everything necessary to save us when he came the first time, he also promised to come again. Then all God’s promises will be completely fulfilled. So again we are waiting. Waiting patiently for God to fulfill his promises is what it means to have faith.

I’m not one to dwell on the subject of the second coming, but it really is something to think about. For the Christian, it will be a time of rejoicing as we see the Savior face to face. For all who do not believe, it will be a time of dread and sorrow.

Jesus has promised to return and judge the world: “When the Son of Man comes n his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left” (Matthew 25:31-33). The rest of the chapter tells us the sheep will be rewarded with heaven and the goats will be judged and sent to eternal punishment.

Jesus is coming again! Are you ready?

Watching and waiting,
Pastor Jerry

15 Oct

Winds of Change

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

I have noticed a change in the air. Our winds have taken a northerly direction in the last few weeks. It is something that happens this time of the year. Along with the winds come other changes. The leaves turn from green to yellow and orange, some are even bright red. It is a signal of a larger change, one that is moving us from summer, through fall, and into winter.

Those who miss the changing of the season will be mighty uncomfortable when those winter winds come with their freezing temperatures, along with snow and ice.

The seasons of our lives change, also. This is not a new subject, but one we might need to consider again.

I believe, whether we want it or not, change comes into our lives regularly. Many times, we are forced to change because of circumstances. Occasionally, the Lord sends change our way to mold us into the person he wants us to be. I have found in my own life, that the best way to deal with change is to think of it in terms of a book that is being written. As one chapter closes, another opens for us.

The Bible deals very much with the subject of change. Abraham was called by God to pack up and move all his belongings to a place he had never heard of, much less visited. Daniel and his friends were taken into captivity. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and spent time in prison for a something he did not do.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, the writer tells us there is a time for everything, and most of it involves change.

And, the person who sincerely accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior will undergo real change. The Bible says if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17). Talk about change!

Finally, at the last day, we will all be changed ( 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). John tells us that we who believe will all be like Jesus. (1 John 3:2).

Change is inevitable. Don’t miss it. Let us be sure we are making and accepting those changes with eternity in view.

One more thing–God does not change, nor does his Word.

Changed because of Him,
Pastor Jerry

8 Oct

Visiting Hours in Heaven?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Faith, Heaven, The Good News.

Dear friends,
I experienced another birthday anniversary last week. There was no major celebration, but Alex took me to the cafe for breakfast, and my beautiful wife prepared a tasty lunch. Then, of course, there were a few cards in the mail, along with many Facebook greetings from friends. All in all, it was a good day.

Some time ago, I saw a comment that said something like this: It’s too bad there aren’t visiting hours in heaven. This brings several images to my mind, but really, how could this possibly be true? It is a nice sentiment, but “it ain’t gonna’ happen”. I know there are times we would like to visit those who have gone on before us, but let’s face it, there can be no such thing.

First, the only way anyone gets to heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ own words, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Second, for anyone to enter heaven, they have to die. In the words of the old song, “I’ll never get out of this world alive.” The Bible says, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that to face judgment. The judgment determines a person’s eternal destination. For the believer, that destination is heaven. For the unbeliever, the one who rejects God’s salvation, the destination is hell.

Thirdly, even if there were visiting hours in heaven, who would want to come back to this old fallen, sin sick world? You would want to stay there, because that is where Jesus is.

Last, but not least, if our reason to visit heaven is to see our loved ones, we are wanting to go there for the wrong reason. God gave us memories for a purpose. It’s because there are no visiting hours in heaven. Those memories are how we visit our loved ones.

When we enter heaven’s gates, it is forever.

Waiting to see Jesus,
Pastor Jerry

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