Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

17 Mar

Who Will Go?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, Great Commission, Salvation, Service, The Good News.

In news from home, changes are taking place again in our lives. I suppose over the next few weeks, I’ll be able to share a little more information with you. Lest anyone worry, it is all for good. If there is anything I’m learning, it is that change comes to everyone, and it is of little use to try to deny or avoid it.
I was in Topeka, Kansas on Friday for a meeting. Some of the discussion centered on the real need for pastors in rural areas. The problem is, much time and money is being spent in urban settings, at the expense of rural ministry.
I arrived at the realization that I needed a Savior through the ministry of a small rural church. I pastor a small church, and even though it is in a town with a population of 92, it is considered a rural church. I personally can relate to the prophet Isaiah, who heard God ask, “Who will go?” and Isaiah said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).  In my case, I could answer “send me”, because I could be bi-vocational, but there are little churches in communities and villages where there are no opportunities for work. Those places need a pastor who is supported by other folks who have the means to enable him to answer God’s call to ministry.
There are people in these areas who desperately need the Lord, and the scripture asks the question, “How will they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15).
There are people in heaven today, who are there through the ministry of a tiny church in the middle of nowhere, but there are many others who may die without Jesus because there was no one where they lived to tell them about Him. The need is real, what can you do to help? The rest of the quote from Romans 10 reads, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
This is not an appeal for funding or commitment to become a preacher, but if you feel God is calling, you need to know He doesn’t dial any wrong numbers!
Serving Him,
Pastor Jerry

3 Mar

Contend for the Truth

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

I began to write this on Friday. It is now Saturday, and it is snowing lightly, the temperature is dropping, and I’m trying to think about spring. It may be my age, but I really don’t enjoy the cold. In the “old days”, we just went out and got our work done, in all kinds of weather. It seemed easier then. Now, on to some thoughts about God’s Word.

Jude, the brother of Jesus, urged his fellow Christians to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” Why? Because “certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (Jude 3-4).

Sound familiar? Every day, we see evidence that our culture is slipping away from any perception of the existence of a moral compass such as is found in God’s word. There is much evidence that many who claim Christ are watering down, or revising his gospel, in order to “keep up with the times.” The Bible warns us that these things will happen.

The Christian faith does not change with the course of time; we are still to contend for the truth. Those early disciples of Jesus Christ were killed for their faith. Believers around the world today are also dying for the same reason. Someone has said, “The church today has no right to insult the memory of the martyrs by making friends with unbiblical teaching which they bravely opposed with their lives.”

In the words of the apostle Paul to Timothy: “Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord” (2 Tim 1:8). “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (and women) of courage; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). When God’s people were faced with a powerful enemy, the prophet told them, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9).

Will we be popular when we stand for truth? Far from it, we will be scorned and mocked, called names and persecuted in other ways. Can we be any less committed than those who have gone on before? I pray we are not.

Standing on His truth,
Pastor Jerry

17 Feb

Just As I Am

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

Dear readers,

Last night (Sunday), we held another Valentine’s Dinner at the church. The meal was delicious, and the atmosphere warm and friendly. We were greatly entertained by Mr. Steve Swanson at the piano, sharing God’s perspective on love through music and song. Special thanks to all who decorated, and to the youth group for serving our guests. A big thank you also, to everyone who helped with cleanup. Plans are already being made for next year.

Lacking inspiration this week, I share the following: Charles Spurgeon, in a sermon given on February 17, 1861, said this: “When I stand at the foot of the cross, I do not believe in Christ because I have good feelings, but I believe in him whether I have good feelings or not.”

“The gate of Mercy is opened, and over the door it is written, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Between that word “save” and the next word “sinners,” there is no adjective. It does not say, “penitent sinners,” “awakened sinners,” “sensible sinners,” “grieving sinners,” or “alarmed sinners.” No, it only says, “sinners” and I know this, that when I come to Christ today, when I come to him, I dare not come as a conscious sinner or an awakened sinner, but I have to come still as a sinner with nothing in my hands.”

In the words of the song:

“Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come.” (Charlotte Elliot)

 

In a line from another favorite song we get this:

“Could my tears forever flow, Could my zeal no languor know,

These for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.

In my hand no price I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling.” (August Toplady)

Let us not complicate the gospel with our emotions or feelings. These are good things, but Satan can use them to give false assurance of salvation, and also to make sinners feel too bad to obey the Gospel and come to Christ.

In Christ alone is salvation. We bring nothing of value to the cross, but he values us highly. He gave his life for us.

Just thinking,

Pastor Jerry

 

 

3 Feb

Prosperity Gospel?

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

We had a rather uneventful week, something that is unusual for us. The next few days appear to be more of the same. I believe there will be at least six weeks of winter, and then it will be spring. This has nothing to do with a large rodent, it’s just the way God planned the seasons.

I will admit I watched the Super Bowl. Afterward, I wondered why I wasted the time. I did not watch the half-time show, since I was pretty sure the Gaither Vocal Band was not on the program.

If you read these commentaries each week, you know my purpose is to share the truth of God’s word. You also know that I am an observer of social media, in particular Facebook. Today, I will share some of those observations.

First, I see Christians who re-post those memes that promise blessing for reposting, and missed blessings for scrolling past them. I believe superstition is at the heart of these things. I, also believe, God is more concerned with whether or not we trust him to provide our needs, than if we are faithful to re-post everything that pops up on our Facebook page. In fact, He has stern warnings about following superstitions and man-made traditions. “Have nothing to do with godless myths (superstitions) and old wives’ tales; rather train yourselves to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7).

The second thing is the number of professing Christians who follow the teaching of the prosperity gospel preachers. God does not promise health and wealth to everyone, and if this is my best life, why am I looking forward to heaven? We are promised trials and suffering if we follow Jesus Christ: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds…” (James 1:2), and, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith…may be proved genuine…” (1 Peter 6-7).

Here is an insightful comment from an article on the so-called prosperity gospel: “The very thought that God owes us a relatively trouble-free life, and the anger we feel when God doesn’t act the way we believe he is supposed to act, betray a heart that expects God to prosper us because of our good works. That’s the prosperity gospel.” (9Marks Journal)

Meditating on His Truth,
Pastor Jerry

13 Jan

In Defense of Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Sanctity of Human Life, Truth.

Dear friends,

It is good to return to a “normal” schedule after all the busyness of the holiday season. We’re probably not any less busy, but it is at least somewhat predictable from week to week. This week, I have an appointment with the dermatologist to see about a spot on my lip that isn’t healing. After having a cancerous spot in the same area a few years ago, I tend to be a bit cautious about these things. Also, this week, Alex hopes to get his learner’s permit to drive.

Each year, as January rolls around, we are reminded that since 1973, abortion has been legal in this country. We are also reminded of the millions of unborn who were sacrificed on the altar of convenience. It is a sad commentary on our culture when we have to have a Sunday set aside to recognize the Sanctity of Human Life. Somewhere we have discarded God’s command that all human life is sacred. From Genesis to Revelation, God placed a high value on people at all stages of life. He has not changed.

The following is from an article by Russell Moore, president of The Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, written last January: “I hate Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, because I’m reminded that we have to say things to one another that human beings shouldn’t have to say.

  • Mothers shouldn’t kill their children
  • Fathers shouldn’t abandon their babies
  • No human life is worthless, regardless of skin color, age, disability, or economic status.

The very fact that these things must be proclaimed is a reminder of the horrors of this present darkness.”

God says, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). As human beings are created in the image of God, killing a person is an attack on God: “…in the image of God has God made man” (Genesis 9:6). The Bible places a high value on all human life, including the unborn.

I pray we, the people, would repent of the sin of abortion, and return to the moral and ethical standard of our God and His Word, the Bible.

In defense of the innocent,
Pastor Jerry

16 Dec

Going Home

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

It is the Christmas season, a time when people everywhere make plans to go home for the holiday, and reunite with family members. For the past week I have ministered to families who have experienced a loved one take the ultimate journey home. Their departed ones have gone to be with their Lord at Christmas time.

As hard as it sounds, I believe Christians have reason to celebrate Christmas, even in the midst of mourning the loss of a loved one. I will explain why I believe this is so.

First, scripture tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, as we live here on earth, we are strangers in a foreign land (1 Peter 1:1; 2:11). The word used for strangers can be understood as “aliens, or temporary residents”, meaning that this world is not our home. Philippians 3:20 states, “our citizenship is in heaven.”

And, Jesus came to earth as a baby; God taking on human flesh, come to save His people from sin. The truth of this is what we celebrate at Christmas. However, He did not come to remain a precious infant in a manger. He came to die on a cross for our sins, and to be raised from the dead, in order to make a way for our salvation and to give us eternal life. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life.”
So, at this joyous season of the year, we can celebrate in the midst of sorrow, knowing that our loved ones are finally home. We will miss them, but we rest secure in the knowledge that they will be spending Christmas in the presence of their Savior and Lord, and we who know Him as Savior will be reunited with them, when we, also, are “finally home.”

Believing Heaven’s Promise,

Pastor Jerry

18 Nov

Praying to Whom?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, Prayer, Salvation, thanksgiving.

Here is a verse of scripture that caught my attention this week:1 Peter 3:12…” For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

I read, and sometimes hear, people promise to pray for a person or situation. I also know some of these who would pray, and I wonder, to whom do they pray? I hope it is the God of the Bible, because if it is any other god, those “prayers” are just wasted effort. The above verse from Peter’s letter indicates that God hears the prayers of his people, not those who deny his existence. Proverbs 15:29 reads, “The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”

The word “righteous” indicates right standing with God. No one is righteous in God’s sight without having placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Only then are we in right standing with God, and only then does he hear our prayers. Romans 3:22 says this: “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” James tells us, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

As a footnote; as far as the prayer of an unbeliever goes, I believe the one prayer God is obligated to hear is when that person comes in confession and repentance, asking for forgiveness and inviting Christ into his or her heart. It is that person who God hears, and whose prayer he answers.

It is indicated in other places, that there are things that hinder the prayers of God’s people, but that will wait for another time.
In His amazing love,
Pastor Jerry

11 Nov

Religion or Relationship?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Eternal Life, Faith, Salvation, The Good News, Truth.

I admit to checking facebook more than I should. Every now and then, a post will just grab me and the only thing I can do is to comment on it from a Biblical perspective. This morning, I read a statement from someone I do not know. Here is a paraphrase of what he said: “I’m going to attend church today, maybe a little religion is what I need these days.”

The man who posted this, named the “church” he would be attending, and I can almost guarantee what he would find in that setting is “religion” that is totally dependent on man made ritual and tradition.

Religion has been described as “man’s effort to reach God.” In the context of this idea, I have to return to the statement made by Jesus. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). In reality, the person needs Jesus, not religion. There are many “churches” that offer religion. What really matters is not religion, but a relationship with God, and that is only available by placing one’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul warned of religion based on man-made tradition. These are his words in Colossians 2:8; “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Proverbs 16:25 tells us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Man’s efforts to save himself are futile. Salvation is not found in man-made religion, but in a personal relationship with the Son of God. “There is no other name given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Religion or relationship? Which do you claim today? I pray you have made the correct choice.

In His amazing love,

Pastor Jerry

27 Oct

Are You Ready?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Salvation, Second Coming, The Good News.

Can you beat this fall weather? This is one of my favorite seasons. The down-side to this time of year is that winter is just around the corner, in fact, it may come this week. This leads to the realization that preparations need to be made for freezing temperatures. In light of this fact, I spent some time Monday at Lake George winterizing the lawn sprinklers. And, here at home, the camper has been made ready for storage.

The Bible has something to say about being prepared for winter: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:6). Preparing for winter is a good idea for all of us, and it involves storing up provisions for a long winter.

Perhaps the most important preparation is the one we make for our eternal destination. Jesus had this to say concerning his someday return: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44). “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7).

If your preparation for eternity consists of doing good works, let me give you a tip. No one gains access to the throne of God by doing good works. Why? Because no one can earn their salvation; it is a free gift of God, made available to all who will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This should be a familiar verse: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8). Referring to the Old Testament, the apostle Paul asked, “What does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). You see, even in the Old Testament, people were not saved by following the law, but by faith in the promised Messiah, just as people are today.

How are you preparing for your eternity? Are you storing up treasures on earth, or are you counting on the riches of heaven, made available through the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross?

“Jesus is coming back one day, ready or not.” (Passion Network)

Prepared,
Pastor Jerry

16 Sep

It’s Not About the Building

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Faith, God's Word, Great Commission, The Good News.

Dear Friends,
We spent Saturday and Sunday at Lake George. We had planned to stay through Monday, but as someone once said, “the best laid plans”… I’m sure we’ll get another opportunity. I was asked recently, “just where is Lake George?” The short answer is: 9 miles north of Rose, Nebraska on highway 183. Now everyone knows.

There are some who believe I can’t be separated from my pulpit on Sunday morning. It is not true. Thanks, Tom Huffman, for filling in for me. I did enjoy the day off.

While in the neighborhood, Milrae and I spent a couple of hours in the basement of the Historic Rose Church. We were installing a new light in the basement, in preparation for insulating and drywalling the ceiling. It is hoped that this project can be completed sometime soon.

I wonder at times, as we endeavor to preserve and maintain the old centers of worship, if we have left out something very important. When the population base is reduced to very small numbers, and the people show no interest in spiritual matters, are we making a building an idol? The psalmist says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Maybe this applies to his “house”, as well? Have we forgotten to include the Lord?

On the other hand, God spoke to the prophet Haggai, chastising the people of Israel for neglecting His house. “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains in ruins” (Haggai 1:4)? It is true, I believe, that we need to maintain a presence for the Lord in a community. I also believe we need to include the Lord, by being in constant prayer for his guidance and his provision in the effort.

Lastly, we press on, because in any area, no matter how thickly or thinly populated, there are people who need the Lord. We are called to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. Even to the scattered residents of the Nebraska Sandhills. Would you pray for the unreached people in the lesser populated areas of our state, and for those who are willing to invest in them?

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

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