Archive for the ‘Evangelism’ Category

3 Nov

The Light of the World

Posted by sandhillspastor in Discipleship, Evangelism, Gospel, Salt and Light, Salvation, Witness.

Hello all,
Another month has rolled around. With it comes the change back to Standard Time. I, for one, would prefer to have it set one way or the other and stop this twice-yearly craziness.

It seems the world is becoming a darker place at a rapid pace. I’m not referring to the length of daylight hours, but to the sense of spiritual darkness. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Isaiah, referring to the coming Messiah said, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in darkness, a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). Jesus references this prophecy in Matthew chapter 4; “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (vs 15-16).

Speaking of Jesus, John wrote, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).

In writing to the church at Thessalonica, Paul said, “But you brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of the dark world, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

The good news is this: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:90).

As we share the gospel with others, we may hear these words that were spoken to me many years ago; “You pointed toward the light and I followed. I was confused and lost, and you pointed the way.” Words that warm my heart even today.

For Jesus,
Pastor Jerry

3 Mar

Know What You Believe

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Evangelism, Faith, Gospel, Wisdom.

Dear readers,
Winter may be returning, stay tuned. We have enjoyed some spring-like weather this past week, but it appears this will all change in the coming day. We would certainly welcome some moisture, even if it comes as the frozen kind.

As I contemplate what to write this week, I am drawn to the fact that there are a lot of people who criticize Christians and the Bible, but they have never opened a Bible to see for themselves what it says. They may go to church occasionally and hear a sermon based on a couple of verses, but that is all the Bible they know.

The scriptures tell us that faith comes by hearing, but it is also important to study the Bible for ourselves. There were many false prophets in Old Testament times who were preaching feel-good messages, and God had harsh words for them. “But which of them has stood in the council of the Lord to see or hear his word? Who has listened and heard his word” (Jeremiah 23:18).

If we don’t examine the scriptures for ourselves, it is easy to be led astray by false teaching. The psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Joshua was told by the Lord, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).

A passage of scripture we heard in our worship this morning reads, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!… Consequently, faith comes by hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:13-15, 17).

The Word of Christ is the Bible. Read it every day, then study and meditate on what you read; how else will you be able to defend your faith? As the saying goes; believe what you know and know what you believe!

For Him,
Pastor Jerry

18 Nov

What is a Disciple?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Discipleship, Evangelism, Fellowship, Obedience, The Good News.

Dear readers,
How about this weather for mid-November? From the forecast we can expect a change soon. This week will be a bit less busy than last, with only one doctor’s appointment compared to three last week.

Christians are expected to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Pastor J.D. Greear has some thoughts on this subject.

“A disciple is a:
Worshiper. A disciple seeks to know, love, and obey God above all else. It has been said, “Worship is not part of the Christian life; it is the Christian life.” Everything starts with this.
Family member. A disciple is not just a believer. They are a belonger. The church is not just an event you should attend but a community and family you belong to.
Servant. A disciple is one who has taken on Jesus’ posture of service to the world, who uses any power, position, or privilege they have to serve others.
Steward. A disciple manages God’s gifts for God’s purposes. Your money and time and talents were given to you not for your own purposes but to serve God’s kingdom.
Witness. A disciple recognizes that it is their responsibility to make disciples for Jesus. Matthew 4:19 says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (ESV). That means when you accepted the call to follow Jesus, you accepted the call to bring people to Jesus.

Are you a disciple maker? Are you intentionally bringing someone else along as a disciple? In the New Testament, the verb “make disciples” applies to helping someone with the initial act of conversion as well as helping them grow spiritually the rest of their life. You are supposed to be involved in every stage of that.

You may think you don’t know much about the Bible and that you’re not super talented, but it doesn’t matter. Jesus doesn’t care as much about your natural ability as he does your availability to be used by the Holy Spirit. You may still be growing, or you may even be a brand-new Christian. Every disciple of Jesus can be a disciple maker. Every Christian is born to spiritually reproduce. Today can be the beginning of a whole new disciple-making lifestyle, where you intentionally walk with other Christians through every stage of spiritual growth and help them become a disciple making disciple.

That is the kind of life that has an impact on eternity.”

For Him,
Pastor Jerry

7 Oct

Excuses, Excuses

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Christian Living, Evangelism, Obedience, Stewardship, Witness.

Dear friends

October has arrived, and the thought of winter coming sends a chill through these old bones. We will certainly enjoy whatever warm days remain before then. What follows is from a devotional by Pastor Greg Laurie titled “A Plethora of Excuses.”

When it comes to sharing our faith and reaching out to others with the gospel, we tend to offer a plethora of excuses as to why we cannot do it. Maybe the reason we don’t try to win people to Christ is because we really couldn’t care less.

Now, that isn’t true of every Christian. But it is true of a lot of Christians. “It’s not our problem. We are set. We’re happy. Go work out your own problems.”

That is the way many people in the church feel. We don’t want to be bothered with it. We just don’t care. We hear so much about the need for evangelism. We hear sermons on how to do it. And we engage in programs designed to mobilize the church to do it. But all this is of no consequence if we lack one simple essential: a burden and a concern for unbelievers.

One of the most important things of all is motivation. We must have the motivation to share our faith. And if we don’t have the motivation, we are not going to do anything.

So, do we really care? Do we really care about people who don’t know Christ? Do we really care if they go to Hell? Does it really matter to us?

Everywhere Jesus went during His earthly ministry, He was mobbed by people who were pushing and pulling and always wanting something from Him. They wanted healings, like the woman who had spent all her money on doctors and still was sick. So many wanted a touch from the Savior.

But Jesus saw their deepest need. He saw where they were hurting the most. He saw behind the facades, behind the defense mechanisms people put up. Jesus heard the real cry of their hearts. And He had compassion on them.

Matthew 9:36 says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (NLT).

If we are going to be used by God in any capacity, we have to develop something called compassion. We have to care.

In Truth,

Pastor Jerry

23 Sep

Fishing Stories

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Christian Living, Evangelism, Witness.

Dear friends,
September is moving along. The first day of fall came around Sunday morning, so we can expect some cooler weather in the future. I continue to adjust to my new regimen and will have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday.

I have a couple of fishing stories for you this week. The first is from a few years back. I was fishing for northern pike in our lake and one particular fish would chase my lure, but not take it in his mouth. Each time he would turn away at the last second. The water was clear, so I could see what was happening. Eventually, however, he took the bait, and I landed him. I was reminded at that point that the devil will tempt us in many ways and will keep doing so until we fall into some sin. Our response should be to refuse his temptation and flee to a safe place.

The other fishing story comes from the Bible. As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers. Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Later we are told Jesus tells those same disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

What sort of bait do we use as fishers of men? Perhaps it is a poor analogy, but as Christ followers we are commanded to take the Good News to a lost world. The gospel message is our bait, if you will. It is a fact that few people respond to the invitation to follow Christ on the first ‘cast’. The result of accepting the gift offered by those who are fishing for men is eternal life, not some frying pan.

We are told in Scripture to flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

Finally, submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:7-8).

Good News,
Pastor Jerry

5 Aug

Opportunities

Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Calling, Evangelism, Relationships, Witness.

Dear friends,

It’s hard to believe August is here already. I don’t know if we are having fun or just being busy, but time flies. I am slowly adjusting to my new medicine regime. I seem to sleep a lot during the day and my night sleep suffers because of it. Even so, God is good and blesses us every day.

I have discovered that spending time in the hospital gives me many opportunities to share my faith with others. I have had many deep spiritual conversations with various nurses in the middle of the night. During my recent stay, I was able to give encouragement to a man facing surgery for brain cancer. He was moved to a different floor, and I never saw him again, but he heard about Jesus and the way of salvation.

During another hospital stay, a nurse asked me to pray for her vision to establish a ministry to the Haitian people in Florida.  She was herself Haitian. This happened in the middle of the night, and I was blessed to pray with and for her.

No matter where we are or in what situation we find ourselves, the Lord puts people in our way so that we can share the gospel message with them. I am reminded of the words of the apostle Peter in his first letter to the church: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

This is the reason for our hope: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Pray for the Lord to reveal those to whom he would have you share your testimony of the gospel message. I will leave you with this thought… If God answered all the prayers you prayed last week, how many new people would be in his kingdom?

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

5 Sep

Harvest Fields

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Evangelism, Family of God, Gospel.

Dear friends,

Once again I find that plans can change without warning. Now and then I write one of these from some hospital room, as is the case this week. I got up early Saturday morning feeling a little different, went to the ER in Ord and ended up in Kearney with some heart issues. Diagnosis; a-fib and a small pulmonary embolism (clot). Sunday I had a heart cath that showed my previous bypasses are still open. Sooo—going forward it will be blood thinners and beta blockers. I’m glad I listened to the “small, still voice”.

I had my sermon prepared early, but no one volunteered to deliver it. Not to worry though, it will still apply next week. God’s Word applies to all of life every day all the time. Christians are commanded to take gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world. Jesus told his disciples “the fields are ripe for harvest”.

When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”(Matthew 9:46-48). They were to pray for workers to harvest souls, but they had a responsibility to work the harvest, as well. We, also are called to pray for gospel witnesses as we work the ripening fields of our day.

Where are these fields in which we are to be working? Someone has said we need to be looking at who is in front of us. These are those whom God has placed in our immediate path. This weekend, I have had several chances to share my witness and testimony with those who haveprovided for my care and treatment. What harvest field has the Lord placed you in? The supermarket? The school or playground? What about the livestock auction or a campground?

In doing this, I have found new Christian friends! The possibilities are endless. Who is in front of you? What is preventing you from joining the harvest? Just some thoughts from my crazy weekend.

Blessings to all,

Pastor Jerry

16 Jan

Lights in the Darkness

Posted by sandhillspastor in Body of Believers, Christian Living, Culture, Evangelism, Obedience, Salt and Light, Witness.

Dear friends,
Have you been enjoying the milder weather? I am content with high thirties and low forties for daytime highs at this time of the year. The snow lingers, but is slowly melting and this is good news. Every nice day means we are closer to spring, however there is plenty of time for more cold and snow. Here at the lake there are still those hardy souls ice fishing. The long nights are maintaining the ice quality needed for safety.

Over the years, I have stressed the need for Christians to be involved in everyday life.

Pastor Greg Laurie shares this: “Commentator G. Campbell Morgan wrote, “Organized Christianity which fails to make a disturbance is dead.” Wherever the apostle Paul went, there was either conversion or a riot. In Thessalonica, religious leaders complained to the city council, “Paul and Silas, who have turned the world upside down have come here, too” (Acts 17:6 CSB).

It seems that there was never a dull moment with the first-century followers of Jesus. They didn’t have modern technology at their disposal. Thomas didn’t tweet. Paul didn’t have a television show. Peter didn’t use social media. Yet, in a relatively brief period of time, these disciples changed their world. They permeated their culture.

Tertullian, a Christian leader who was a contemporary of these early followers of Christ, made this statement about the first-century Church: “We have filled every place among you—cities, islands, fortresses, towns, marketplaces, camps, tribes, town councils, the palace, the senate, the forum; we have left nothing to you but the temples of your gods.” Tertullian was pointing out that the Church had permeated everything, even Caesar’s palace.

Today, we need Christians who will go out and make a difference. We need more Christians involved in the arts, making great films, and creating graphic design. We need Christians in politics, godly men and women in places of authority, because the Bible says that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice (see Proverbs 29:2). We also need Christian doctors, Christian lawyers, and Christian businesspeople.

In the first century, all believers understood that they were called to do their part. So they left their comfort zones and took risks. In the same way, the believers today need to go out and let their light shine in our present culture. We need believers who will turn the present world upside down.”

For Him,
Pastor Jerry

26 Sep

Gone Fishing

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Christian Living, Discipleship, Evangelism, Great Commission, Obedience, Witness.

Dear friends,

We have been enjoying some cooler temperatures, the only thing missing is a good soaking rain. I believe we will see those rains in due time, but we still need to be persistent in prayer that the Lord will send them. There is not much news on the home front, just a grocery shopping trip now and then.

The annual Lake Ericson fishing derby was held this past Saturday. After signing in, and after a pancake and sausage breakfast, the teams headed out to the lake. As I observed the preparations, I saw an illustration of what the church should look like. I’m speaking of the church as followers of Jesus, sent out into the world. The men and boys who entered the derby had come earlier in the week and spent time finding out where the fish were. On the day of the contest, they were prepared with the right tackle and a fair knowledge of the habits of the fish they intended to catch.

After breakfast, did they sit around talking about fishing? No, they got in their boats and went fishing. Catching fish is the reason they are fishermen. It would be silly to just sit around the table and tell fish stories.

Jesus gave his disciples instructions, using fishing as an illustration of what they were being sent to do.

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:16-18).

Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus appeared to his disciples and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:18-19).

Christians are called to go, that is they are sent by their Lord to go out into the world and be his witnesses; to present the good news of salvation to all people, in order to bring them into His “boat”.

It is pointless for Christians to just sit around after church and talk about the need for evangelism. Let us go out and fish for those who need to hear of Jesus.

In Him,

Pastor Jerry