Archive for the ‘Judgment’ Category

20 Mar

Turn Back Now

Posted by sandhillspastor in Attributes of God, Change, Culture, Evil deeds, God's Word, Judgment, Repentance, Salvation.

Dear friends,
As the ice disappears in Lake Ericson and migrating birds are the new thing to watch, we are more and more anticipating Spring! Warmer temperatures are in the forecast, with a chance of rain. This is good news for sure. The winter has been long, but better days are coming. Green is my favorite color this time of year; green as in grass and leaves, with colorful flowers to follow.

Milrae’s recovery from the knee replacement continues with no major issues. She will begin P.T. this week and we pray it goes well. Thank you all for prayers on this journey.

Each week we see evidence of what the Bible teaches about mankind’s rejection of God and the teachings of Scripture. There is a wholesale denial of the creation order and His plan for humanity. These range from demands for unlimited abortion to assisted suicide. From the destruction of the covenant of marriage to all kinds of deviant behavior, and the acceptance of all manner of sinful acts.

There is little respect for our fellow man, with assaults and murders being everyday occurrences. Along with those, we can throw in total disregard for the possessions of others. The Ten Commandments are not even seen as ten suggestions, they are ignored altogether.

What does God say about all this? In those Ten Commandments I mentioned, He says we are to have no other gods before Him. Next, He says we are not to make idols. Right away we see that God wants our total allegiance; nothing is to take His place in our worship. The truth is, man has made the self as his god, and earthly pleasures and possessions of all kinds to be idols.

When the self becomes most important, our relationships with other people are damaged, sometimes beyond repair. Think of abuses to spouses, children, or parents. What about disrespect for authority or for the possessions of others. One does not have to look far to see what has happened.

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness… For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:18-22).

For Him,
Pastor Jerry

23 Jan

God Knows

Posted by sandhillspastor in Evil deeds, False teachers, God's Word, Judgment, Sanctity of Human Life, Ten Commandments.

Dear readers,
Well the big snow has come. The storm Is gone, but the snow will be with us for a while. It has been a good long time since we have dealt with this much snow. I am glad machinery has improved over the years, but even with that a snowfall of that depth leaves us with the realization that we are pretty puny in light of the power of storms.

Today we see people dismissing the Word of God as mere superstition, or a manmade list of rules, even denying that God exists. If they acknowledge Him at all, they say the Bible is irrelevant and does not apply in our time. It seems they are just laughing at God and He is doing nothing to defend Himself.

Those who promote the taking of human life as “health care” are ignoring God’s command against committing murder. Others insist that marriage can be anything other than a life-long covenant between a man and woman. They are basically thumbing their noses at God. Although it appears they are evading judgment, God says there is a final judgment coming which no one can avoid.

The psalm writer Asaph had an enlightening moment, and he wrote these words:
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
Therefore, pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves in violence.
From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth…
They say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”

“When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their destiny.
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!”

He closes with these words: “Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge” (Psalm 73:3-19, 27-28).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

30 May

The Presence of Evil

Posted by sandhillspastor in Evil deeds, False teachers, Gospel, Judgment, Sin, Spiritual Warfare.

Dear readers,
It’s another of those early deadline weeks, so this is being written on Saturday. The lake community was busy this weekend. Fun and games were enjoyed by many, and there was a family friendly movie after sunset. Summer, I believe, is officially open for business.

Once again, evil has reared its ugly head in our country, there is nothing else to call it. If a person murders children, or any human being, that person can be called nothing but evil. It is satanic. People come up with all kinds of excuses for this behavior, but the main reason is the presence of evil in the world.

I believe the evil that is so often in the news is a direct result of the lack of knowledge of God and his will for mankind. We have taken God out of the schools, and out of much of the public square. Churches are teaching that if we love everyone, it will be a world of peace.

Scripture has a different view. In Genesis chapter six, there were only a handful of people who acknowledged God for who He was. Scripture records that “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time (verse 5).

Paul said, “As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one… There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:10-12, 18).

John calls Satan the evil one. “We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Paul reminds us that “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

What we must do is return to teaching biblical values and morality to our children, in order to turn them from disobeying God to trusting in His commands as set out in His Word.

The full solution to evil awaits the coming age. God will vindicate His children and wipe away their tears (Revelation 21:4).

For Him,
Pastor Jerry

21 Feb

Some Good News

Posted by sandhillspastor in Faith, Freedom, Judgment, Praise, Second Coming, Truth.

Hello friends,

I am recovering from my bout with Covid. The return to normal is testing my patience, but I am feeling better daily. The biggest hurdle has been a lack of energy; my want to and my can do are miles apart. It is still a challenge to make my mind focus on writing, and I may revert to a previous article this week, instead of coming up with an original thought. After twenty-some years of this, there should be something in the archives that will apply to today. After all, God’s word is unchanging and endures forever.

Many times we get discouraged when we see evil running rampant in the world. A passage from the prophet Malachi is appropriate for us to consider in our present context. At the end of Malachi in the Old Testament, God speaks of coming judgment through the words of the prophet: “Surely the day is coming, it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire. Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall” (Malachi 4:1-2).

If you have ever been around calves that have been in a small pen for any length of time, and have seen them released into a larger pen or pasture, you can relate to the picture this brings to mind. They are so happy to be released, that they run in large circles with their tails in the air, leaping and kicking with obvious joy. What a picture of God’s children when they are freed from the cares of this sinful, corrupt world system!

Whoever said the Bible doesn’t relate to people in the Sandhills, and to ranchers and cowboys? It’s not all about sheep and shepherds!

I pray you keep this picture in mind as you are experiencing the everyday trials that come upon us. There is coming a day when those who are faithful to God will rejoice as calves that have been released from their stalls. What a day that will be!

Looking for His return,

Pastor Jerry

26 Jul

Where Will You Be?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Culture, Eternity, Faith, God's Word, Judgment, Rest, Reward, Salvation, Trials.

Hello friends,
Summer is still here, as evidenced by the temperature forecast for this week. It was a busy weekend at the lake; the campgrounds were full and the river was crowded with tanks, kayaks, and other floating devices. The swimming area was busy, as is usual on sunny days. We are beginning to enjoy some produce from the garden. We wait for this season with anticipation, and have never been disappointed. It has occurred to me that the Labor Day holiday is a mere six weekends away. Where has the summer gone?

Every week, I search for a topic for these articles. There is no shortage of things to catch my attention, but which ones to comment on? From the Christian point of view, it seems more and more there is an anti-God mentality. At every point, the culture is downplaying the existence of God, and the need to follow His teaching. Jesus Christ is seen as nothing more than an ordinary human being, who lived a good life, or even a good teacher, and His followers are painted as being out of step with the times.

The following statement is a quote from Dr. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Theological Seminary: “I think convictional conservative Christians are in the predicament of being considered by the world, to be what we are not accustomed to experiencing and that is, they’re looking at us as people on the wrong side of history, people on the wrong side of morality, people on the wrong side of all the revolutions that are running their course these days.” (World Magazine, 7/16/21).

I believe that the One in charge of history will eventually show the world the true side of history. He will prove that He is who He says He is. And everyone who ever lived will bow at His feet and acknowledge His lordship. Those who know Him will be rewarded, and those who rejected Him will be judged. This doesn’t mean life for His followers will be easy, but that they will be on the right side at the end.

“For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written:
“’As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God’’’.
“So, then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10c-12).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

1 Feb

Now Is The Time

Posted by sandhillspastor in Culture, Eternal Life, God's Word, Gospel, Judgment, Repentance, Salvation.

Dear friends,
From its beginning, this writing project has been designed to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, and the salvation He brings.

Our current cultural experience is making His message more urgent than ever before. The Bible is very clear; our only hope for eternity is to confess our sins to the Lord and ask His forgiveness, believing in His finished work on the cross. As it is written in God’s Word… “For all have sinned and fall 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).

Many people today are claiming to know Jesus, but their words and actions deny any real knowledge of Him and who He is.

These are the ones mentioned in Scripture who plead their case at the judgment, but Jesus has said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23).

Those who condone the murder of children in the womb, claiming to be doing God’s work will be among those condemned, along with a long list of others who have not confessed their sins, nor have they repented of them.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives” (1 John 1:8-10).

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9).

It is simple; admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to God, repent, that is turn from your sin, and believe in Christ as your Savior and Lord. It is the most important decision you will ever make!

For Him,
Pastor Jerryggg

13 Jul

Where Are You Headed?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Change, Eternal Life, Eternity, Faith, Judgment, Righteousness, Salvation, Witness.

Hello faithful readers,
Last week, I told you I was going to have a procedure to repair a weak spot in my aorta. That has been done, and from all reports, it was successful. I thank you for each and every prayer said on my behalf. God is good, all the time.

It was another busy weekend here at the lake. It is encouraging to see so many families enjoying all that the area has to offer. We did receive nearly two inches of rain this week, some got more, some less, in any event it was very much appreciated.

These are uncertain times for most people. What with the covid19 virus, political unrest, economic worries, or whatever might be on your mind, many are concerned about the future.

As a young man, I didn’t spend a lot of time contemplating the future, well maybe as far ahead as my next meal, or the weekend. Thoughts of spiritual matters were very far from my mind even into my thirties. I tried to be just enough better than others I knew, so that if there was judgment at some point, I would surely be good enough to make it through.

Imagine my surprise to find out that none of my preconceived notions of self-righteousness were going to impress a righteous and just God! As I started attending the little church down the road, I began to learn what the Bible really said about sin and my standing with God. Starting with Adam and Eve, every person is born with a sin nature. We have been separated from God by our sin, and we can do nothing on our own to restore that relationship.

Hear the word of the Lord; As It is written, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3: 10-12).
“There is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The answer is Jesus; “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved… for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

Forever His,
Pastor Jerry

1 Jun

An Encouraging Word

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Culture, Evil deeds, God's Word, Judgment, Prayer, Wisdom, Witness.

Dear friends,
Another week has passed. Springtime activities are picking up speed, and the weekends here at the lake are filled with families enjoying the water and the community in general. The four kittens that were born in a box in our carport are growing and nearing the time to go to their new home. The lawn is doing quite well after the rain and warmer days. I fear I will have to mow more than once a week for a while!

Where do I start with writing commentary on our current national situation? The Bible says men are sinners, and those who would argue otherwise have no ground to stand on. It doesn’t get better with time either. In truth, the only remedy for all this sinful behavior is found in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in God’s Holy Word.

Some have wondered if we might be in the last days? Technically, we have been in the last days since Jesus returned to heaven. Each day since then, we have been moving toward His second coming. No one knows the day or the hour, as He said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). (v 44)

In Romans, chapter one, Paul writes concerning godless people: For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened… They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice… Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them (Romans 1:20-32).

This cannot last forever, therefore take heart. God wins. This is why the writer of Hebrews says to believers, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). And, pray for America!

Standing on His promises,
Pastor Jerry

9 Mar

Rescuing the Helpless

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Culture, Evil deeds, God's Word, Judgment, Sanctity of Human Life, Truth.

Dear friends,
It has been 4 weeks since my surgery. Rehab is going well, and I will see the heart surgeon this week. Some signs of spring are appearing, people are beginning to get their cabins ready for the new season, and the activity level is picking up. Most people are ready for some warmer weather. The forecast seems to be saying there will be some winter weather yet to come, but at this time of the year, it should be short lived.

It seems every day, there is a new crisis somewhere in the world. Much of what people are stressing over has been built up in the media far beyond what is factual. I don’t want to downplay the seriousness of the viral threat, but much of what is being presented is exaggeration. People get focused on what might happen, and forget the things we can actually do something about.

For example, there is a lot of press given to protecting the environment, saving trees, snails, and all other kinds of flora and fauna, yet the number of human lives lost from abortion is swept under the rug as if they don’t matter. The Bible tells us to be stewards of the creation, and this is a good thing. However, I believe we as a nation will be judged by God, not for what we’ve done for the planet, but for having allowed this great sin of abortion to be the law of the land.

In Jeremiah 32:35, we read, “They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it enter my mind, that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.”

Of course, we don’t have pagan idols like Molech; today we are sacrificing our infant sons and daughters to the idols of convenience and personal choice. Christians must become more and more involved in pointing out this modern idolatry, and give voice to the voiceless.

“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person (or nation) according to what they have done?” (Proverbs 24:11-12).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

2 Mar

Prepare Now

Posted by sandhillspastor in Advent, Assurance, End Times, Eternal Life, God's Word, Judgment, Peace, Second Coming.

Dear friends,
I hope you have been enjoying the warmer temperatures. I know I have. Wednesday, when I saw my cardiologist, he said to see him in six months. My cardiac rehab begins this week, so it is onward and upward from here, I guess. Again, thanks for all the prayers, cards, calls and visits. You are all a blessing to me.

Spring is coming, I know because the geese are pairing off, and will soon be nesting. I hope it is not like some years, when I have seen those geese sitting on their nests in a raging blizzard. By all reports, if the weather holds for a few days, Lake Ericson will begin filling up for the new season. The water level has been down in anticipation of final repairs at the spillway.

The news, if you watch it at all, is not very positive most days. From the political craziness to the virus that by some accounts is threatening civilization, one wonders where we are headed. In the Christian worldview, none of this is random or meaningless. God has told us there is nothing that is out of His control, and nothing that catches Him by surprise. Our responsibility, is to trust Him in all things, beginning with trusting His Son for our salvation. Once we know Jesus as Savior, He promises to hold us in his hands, never letting go no matter the circumstances.

You see, the whole world is to be judged for rejecting God. Only those who are His, will be saved from that final judgment. Much of what we are seeing is part of what the Lord spoke of as the last days. As his return draws closer, we will see more of the same.

Jesus’ disciples had many of the same questions that we have. They wanted to know when Jesus would return. He said they would hear of wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:4-8). He went on to say, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (verse36). “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (verse 42).

I’m not saying he will return tomorrow, but I am saying we all need to be ready when he does come again.

Trusting Him,
Pastor Jerry

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