Archive for the ‘God’s Word’ Category
19
Feb
Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Culture, Faith, False teachers, God's Word, Gospel, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom. Leave a comment
Hello friends,
It is good to look at the calendar and realize that spring is finally coming into view. The overnight temperatures are keeping the ice in great shape for those who are dedicated to winter-time fishing. As for me, I will wait for those warm spring days to get in the fishing mode. Now, on to today’s defense of the gospel.
Here is a headline: New York Minister Named First Executive Director of Omaha’s ‘Bold’ Tri-Faith Initiative.
Now, this should get our attention as Christians. Reading on, we find that on this organization’s property, there is a mosque, and a synagogue, with a church under construction. The executive director, we read, is from a liberal denomination in New York. He believes these diverse groups can work to bring about peace. Obviously, those promoting this, and who claim to be Christians, have no concept of God’s word. This is a line of thinking today that says we should just give equal legitimacy to every religion. This is not from God.
Scripture clearly instructs God’s people not to be involved with false religions. There are both Old Testament and New Testament commands for God’s people to be separate from all other faiths.
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is here between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God… Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” To those who disputed his claim to deity, he said, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.” (John 8:42).
Regarding the gospel message, John had this to say: If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house and welcome him. Anyone who welcome him shares in his wicked work (2 John 1:10-11).
Jews do not recognize Jesus Christ as Messiah, and Islam sees as enemies both Christians and Jews. Do not be deceived.
Contending for the faith,
Pastor Jerry
12
Feb
Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Culture, Evil deeds, Faith, False teachers, God's Word, Gospel, Judgment, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom. Leave a comment
It was a little warmer Sunday, although the temperature early was several degrees below zero. A little warm-up in the afternoon was welcome. There were several families and individuals enjoying some ice fishing on the lake. I am beginning to hear rumblings that people are tired of winter, but someone reminded me today that winter actually got a late start here. Temperatures were well above normal all the way up into November.
I keep reading of those who claim to be Christians promoting views of the Bible, of God and Jesus, that are nothing short of the devil’s lies. Many of these people are in positions of authority in churches, but they preach a different gospel than that given to the writers of Scripture. There are many warnings in the Bible dealing with those who would twist God’s word something he never intended. They claim to speak for Him, but are far from Him.
Here is a warning from the prophet Isaiah: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own opinion and clever in their own sight.
Isaiah 5:20-12
Their reward, as seen here, is woe. Used here, the word woe, refers to judgment. Jude, in the New Testament wrote about these false teachers. “For 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 4).
Jude, with a sense of urgency, encouraged his readers to, “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). The apostle Paul: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1).
A number of these false teachers started well, and have attracted large numbers of followers. Now, they have drifted far from the path of righteousness, and those who listen to their teaching do not even know it. Be very careful who you listen to, and to the message they are presenting. All teaching should be measured up against Scripture.
Contending for the faith,
Pastor Jerry
15
Jan
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Obedience, Truth, Uncategorized, Witness, Worship. Leave a comment
As I read my Bible each day, every now and then a verse, or even a phrase will catch my attention. It happened again this week. As I was reading in Genesis 17, I saw these words; God said no! I suppose I was reading without really paying attention, but those three words stopped me short. What? God said no?
God told Abraham that he and Sarah would have a child, but Abraham thought he had a better plan. “Abraham said to God, ‘If only Ishmael were acceptable to you!’” But God said “No. Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac.” God said no! His promise still stood, and he would do what he said. Abraham just needed to wait on the Lord’s timing.
I wonder how many times we, in spite of his promises to us, thought we had a better plan? His answer is always the same: No! Just wait for my timing. God was patient with Abraham, but insisted He would carry out his plan for Abraham’s promised heir. It was up to Abraham to be patient, waiting in faith that God would do as he said.
Malachi 3:6… I the Lord, do not change. Also, God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he not promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19)
1 Samuel 15:29; He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.
Paul speaks of the Christian’s faith as “a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” (Titus 1:2)
If God should say no to your plans, rest assured, he has a better plan for you. Remember these words from scripture. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21). “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Truth,
Pastor Jerry
8
Jan
Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, God's Word, Gospel, Great Commission, Judgment, Possessions, Salvation, The Good News, Uncategorized. 2 comments
Dear readers,
In recent columns, I have mentioned our unseasonably warm temperatures. That has all changed. The temps of the past few days have been frigid at best. A warm-up will be welcome.
It has always been my intention when writing these articles, to take a life experience and relate it to a passage, or theme from the Bible. My ideas have come from personal experiences, but also from television commercials, news headlines and other sources. For instance, here is a headline from late December: “Flames threaten rich California enclave; residents flee”
I bear no animosity toward those who have been successful, but there is a picture here of a biblical teaching. If their fame and fortune could save them, these folks would not have fled in the face of those wildfires. The truth is, when the flames of a forest fire come, no matter what your station in life, you flee to safety.
The Bible speaks of the fire of hell as punishment for those who reject God’s salvation. Escape from that penalty comes by placing one’s faith in the Lord Jesus. How is this for a headline? “Thousands flee the fires of hell, run to Jesus for salvation!”
Let’s start of the New Year by examining our priorities and putting the really important things first. Jesus said this, concerning possessions: “Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). Also, “Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
From Revelation 20:15; If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
There is good news! Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. (John 1:12). When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2)
We have compassion for those who have lost possessions in the fires, are we as concerned for those threatened by the fires of hell? We should be.
Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry
1
Jan
Posted by sandhillspastor in Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, New Year, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Worship. 2 comments
Once again, we say goodbye to the old year, and prepare to welcome another. I wonder, if there was no calendar, would we notice the transition? Probably not, and this says to me there probably won’t be much difference between December 31 and January 1.
As the year 2017 comes to an end, and as I contemplate the events of the past 12 months, I am reminded of something a friend told me. He said, “the world has gone mad!” It has been several years since he said it, but it is even more true today.
Another statement I heard from an ‘old guy’ back in the early 70’s still holds true today: “Someday, the Lord will come again, and straighten out this mess!”
However, in spite of all the discord and strife we see happening, along with the disappearing morals and self-worship that is evident, there is truth, and there is hope.
First, there is a God in heaven, and he is still on his throne. Nothing is happening that is going to surprise him.
Secondly, His word is true, and he promises to come and judge all the unrighteousness in the world.
Thirdly, and not the least, is the fact that he has provided a means to escape the coming judgment.
The promised Savior of the world, whose incarnation we just celebrated, died for our sins. And as we confess our sins, and believe on his name, we will be saved.
Knowing this, I can wish all of you a very Happy and Blessed New Year!
Pastor Jerry
11
Dec
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Body of Believers, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, Forgiveness, God's Word, Grace, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Repentance, Salvation, The Good News, Uncategorized, Witness, Worship. Leave a comment
Dear friends,
My good wife and I have been dealing with colds this week and to be honest, I just haven’t felt like writing. I have this article I recently came across, and would like to share it with you.
God hears and answers every prayer, but there are a precious few to which he always says, “Yes.” The prayers always answered positively are the prayers which explicitly ask God to deliver on his promises to us. God will always say Yes when we ask him to do his work through his word.
I have found at least six basic prayers God will always answer.
1. Glorify yourself through me.
The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
2. Forgive me.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
3. Reveal more of yourself to me.
I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord (Jeremiah 31:33–34).
4. Give me wisdom.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him (James 1:5).
5. Strengthen me to obey you.
As you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure(Philippians 2:12–13).
6. Spread your gospel to the lost.
This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).
How do we know God will answer these six prayers? Because he says he will in the first place, and then, even more, because these prayers sum up what God has promised to do through the gospel. This is what God has said he would most surely do.
Be blessed,
Pastor Jerry
4
Dec
Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Christmas, Culture, Faith, Giving, God's Word, Gospel, Possessions, Praise, Truth, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Witness, Worship. Leave a comment
Hello friends,
We have endured another week of very mild temperatures. Somehow, I feel we will pay for these at some point. It has been good for putting up those remaining outdoor Christmas decorations, though.
I’m doing something different this week. Since Black Friday and all the other special shopping days are past, I thought it might be helpful to think about the following article from the “Babylon Bee”, a satirical news site that pokes fun at current culture.
Headline: Nation Repents of Thanksgiving with Day of Violent Pillaging
U.S.—Unable to fake contentment and thankfulness for one more second, citizens across the nation awoke Friday and immediately set out on a frenzied mission to violently pillage and strip bare all nearby retail locations, determined to acquire any discounted goods they desired, by any means necessary, numerous reports confirmed.
Pillagers beat each other with various weapons and instruments, wrestled on the floor like animals, and even exchanged gunfire in some locations, all in the name of taking hold of material goods they desired.
Sources confirmed that the unfettered violence occurred less than 24 hours after these same people sat around tables with family and friends, over large meals, and gave thanks for the many blessings in their lives.
“12 hours of gratefulness annually is way too much for the majority of humankind to stomach,” experts revealed amidst the day’s chaos. “What we see on Black Friday is just human nature’s standard, guttural reaction to the annual tradition of acting like the world does not revolve around them for one whole day.”
Here is what Jesus said about this kind of behavior: Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4).
“And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after such things, and you Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:29-31).
Perhaps this might give us pause, as we consider the real meaning of Christmas in the days ahead.
Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry
20
Nov
Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, Families, Freedom, God's Word, Grace, Praise, Prayer, thanksgiving, The Good News, Uncategorized, Worship. Leave a comment
Dear friends,
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
What is the Thanksgiving holiday? It has always been about giving thanks to God, our Creator and Provider, for all things good. These would include crops harvested, good health, a roof over our heads, a warm bed to sleep in, food on the table, family, country, and especially thanks for our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
Most people understand saying please and thank you, as a matter of being polite to one another. And, most people thank other people for kindnesses shown, for gifts at birthdays and Christmas, and at other times, as well. But when it comes to a thanksgiving holiday, who do those who do not believe in the God of the Bible thank for all their blessings? Think about that.
Who indeed, can we thank for the very breath we breath, if not a Creator? What sense could it make to thank some pool of primordial soup, as some see the beginning of life? The Bible says “In the beginning, God”, that is good enough for me, and I will praise Him to the end of time and beyond.
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:1-5).
Jesus said it: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
The chorus to an old hymn comes to mind at this time of year:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
May you have many blessings to count this Thanksgiving Day,
Praising Him,
Pastor Jerry
13
Nov
Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Blessings, Body of Believers, Christian Living, Faith, Family of God, Fellowship, God's Word, Gospel, Praise, Prayer, Salt and Light, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized, Witness, Worship. Leave a comment
Last week it seemed somehow we skipped fall, and went right into winter. Those balmy Indian Summer days evaporated into cold and snow. I know, we haven’t had any great amount of snow, but really, I had hoped for a longer time of nice weather. One thing is for sure, I am not in control of the weather!
We got to go back to our old neighborhood church this past Sunday. I was invited to preach in the absence of their regular pulpit supply person. If you are so inclined, you might pray that little congregation could soon get a new pastor. There is much talk about reaching rural America with the gospel, and that church goes beyond most folks’ concept of what is rural. Sybrant Community Church is soon to celebrate its 100th year as a church. That this church is still in existence,qq is a testament to the faithfulness of God to His people. It is a gospel witness in that community.
Teachers of another gospel, one that is completely different from that of Jesus and His apostles, have been around since the beginning of Christianity. Now, it seems to me that we are witnessing these false teachers in increasing numbers. As many contemporary churches are trying to accommodate all the unbiblical ideas and even heretical teaching, in an attempt to “reach more people”, the gospel is being watered down and even ignored. Many people are being led away from the truth by these people.
The apostle Paul had harsh words for the church in Galatia. He wrote, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all” (Galatians 1:6-7).
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine…. They will turn their ears from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 2:2-4).
Folks, that time is here. Pray for, and join with those who proclaim the truth of God’s Word. Spiritual warfare is real.
In Him,
Pastor Jerry
6
Nov
Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Christian Living, Death and Dying, Eternal Life, Eternity, Evil deeds, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Grace, Heaven, Prayer, Salvation, The Good News, Trials, Truth, Uncategorized. Leave a comment
Dear friends,
November is under way. Don’t look now, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner, to be followed by another new year.
Once again, the news headlines remind us of the fragility of human life. Once again, we are reminded that we need always to be prepared to meet death. Once more, we are reminded as the Bible tells us, life is a vapor. Once more we see the urgency of making a decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.
A group of people told Jesus about a group of Galileans, brutally murdered by Pilate. His response may have taken them aback. His answer was, “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 of Siloam fell on them—do you thing 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).
There was widespread opinion in Jesus’ day, that such things happen only as punishment for specific sins. Jesus refuted this notion but nevertheless emphasized that every person must repent or else perish spiritually for eternity. To repent, means to agree with God that you are a sinful being, accept Christ as your Savior, and allow His Holy Spirit to bring about change in your life.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary states; “Jesus’ point was that being killed or not being killed is no measure of a person’s unrighteousness or righteousness. Anyone can be killed. Only God’s grace causes anyone to live. Death is the common denominator for everyone. Only repentance can bring life as people prepare to enter the kingdom.”
Again, His message was repent of your sins and receive His salvation through faith in Him, or you, too, will perish, meaning to spend eternity in hell.
So, in light of this, each person should examine themselves to determine if they have genuinely trusted Jesus for his or her salvation. We do not know when our time on earth is done, but we can have the assurance that when this life is over, our destination is heaven and an eternal home in the presence of God our Savior, through faith in His Son.
In Him,
Pastor Jerry
sandhillspastor 