Archive for the ‘The Good News’ Category

13 Oct

Spot Free Rinse

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Faith, Forgiveness, God's Word, Holy Spirit, renewal, Salvation, Sin, The Good News.

We have the new cabinets installed in the house. This is the beginning of a complete kitchen remodel. Now that the house is only a mile or two away, I hope to actually finish some of these projects. What a blessing it is not to have to drive 75 miles to enjoy our little “cabin”.

I will be leaving Monday to travel to Hutchinson, Kansas for the annual meeting of our two-state Baptist Convention. I’m looking forward to some inspirational messages and fellowship with old and new Christian friends. It is also good to be part of the process of determining the direction our convention will be take in the future. I’ll be returning home Wednesday in time for our men’s Bible study.
It is interesting how little things can sometimes provide a theme for a devotional thought. We were in a car wash last week, and when the wash cycle neared the end, the sign came on that said, “Spot Free Rinse.” I’ve seen that little phrase before, but this time it seemed to mean something other that the fact that the car would dry spot-free.
It reminded me of the cleansing that takes place in the heart and soul of a person who comes to faith in Christ. Let’s take a look at some verses that I found.
This is from Paul’s instructions to husbands, “…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing of the word” (Ephesians 5:25-26). Regarding salvation, Paul wrote to Titus, “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
As Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, he told Peter, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean” (John 13:10). When someone is saved, his sins are forgiven; but when the believer does sin, he does not need to start over, he only has to do what is taught in 1 John 1:9–“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
A “spot free rinse!” Something we all can use from time to time.
Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

6 Oct

Birthdays

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

Hello everyone,

Today marks another birthday anniversary for me. I would try to ignore it, but people keep sending birthday greetings by email and through Facebook. I appreciate the sentiments, and thank my Lord for allowing me these 70 years. I’m excited to see what else He has for me.

We’re still working to get the house ready for winter. We still need our furnace and AC to be connected, and for the contractor to finish up the concrete work. In the meantime, we have been hanging some new cabinets to replace the ones we took out after the move.

While reflecting on the past years, I find we have been ministering here in Ericson for just over 15 years. In addition, I’ve had the privilege of writing these articles and devotional thoughts for almost 12 years. Today, as it has been since the beginning my intention is to introduce people to the Lord Jesus, and to build up and challenge those who already know Him.

I was thinking about the remodeling of our lake house, and how it might relate to our walk with Christ. Here is the thought: When we come to faith in Christ, he doesn’t begin a remodeling project. He makes us a whole new creation. It is not an upgrade, it is a new beginning.

Although I’m now 70 in human years, I was spiritually reborn 32 years ago. Here is what the Bible says about that.

A man named Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions about eternal matters, and this was Jesus’ answer to him: “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). Further, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Romans 10:9. “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.” Then this: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

These are verses that are near and dear to my heart. I pray that you, also, will consider them for yourself.

Celebrating in Him,

Pastor Jerry

29 Sep

Rescue the Perishing

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

It is a pretty morning here. I’m looking out at the lake, and it is just like a mirror—no wind, and the reflection of the trees in the water is perfect. The house move is slowly progressing. We now have running water, electricity, and the septic system is functional. Heating and air-conditioning are expected to be ready soon.

This thought came to me this morning: If we were as dedicated rescuing lost souls, as we are to rescuing every abandoned pet and endangered wild animal, the world would be changed. What if we were as concerned with seeing people saved from the fires of hell as we are with saving whales and snails?

The apostle Paul had that kind of heart for his fellow Jews. Listen to his words: “I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel” (Romans 9:3).

Further on in Romans, we read: “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1).

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Then, Paul asks the question—“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? (verses 14-15).

Jesus’ final words to his disciples (and to us) are these: 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

I may have used this quote before, but it is still relevant: “If every person in the world had adequate food, housing, income; if all men were equal and every possible social evil and injustice were done away with, men would still need one thing: Jesus Christ!”  [J. W. Hyde]

People are dying daily without Christ. Does that bother us? It should.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

15 Sep

The Response to Persecution

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, End Times, Evil deeds, God's Word, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Second Coming, The Good News, Truth.

Hello friends,
We are experiencing some fall-like temperatures lately. If nothing else, folks are reminded that winter is not too far away. There is a sense that we need to get busy finishing up those summer projects.

You are all aware of the events taking place around the world. Christians in other places are facing persecution and even death for their faith. Other people who are not Christian are being killed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. What are we to think of these things?

The Bible is clear that these things will be present in the world because of sin. Someday, the Lord will return and make everything right, but in the meantime, what are we to do?

I know there are those who think there is a political solution to everything that is going on, but the problems of the world will never be solved by political means. Politics cannot change the human heart, only God, working through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit can change the heart of man.

In Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus answered his disciples’ question concerning the end of time. Space does not allow me to quote it here, but you can read it in your Bible.

Persecution will come to the Christian. It is a fact. The apostle Peter wrote, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). John wrote in his first letter, “Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13).

What is our response? Pray first of all for the enemies of God and His people. Pray for their salvation and for God’s Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and bring them to faith in the One True God. In the words of Jesus, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Then, pray for our leaders. Paul, writing to Timothy said this: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Praying for our enemies is not an easy thing to do, but I believe we must pray fervently and without ceasing for God to bring about the heart change they so desperately need.

Praying,
Pastor Jerry

11 Aug

Do You Know Him?

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

Hello friends,
Here we are at the beginning of a new week. We have been blessed again with abundant rain. The gauge here at the parsonage read 2.20″ in a little over 24 hours. The temperatures have been pleasant, as well.

It appears we will be able to get our house moved to Lake Ericson in September. We don’t have an exact date, but we know the month. If all goes according to plan, the concrete work and the removal of some unwanted trees will take place this week.

In our Sunday worship over the last few weeks, we have studied  eight of the Ten Commandments, as found in Deuteronomy, chapter 5. During the course of my studying, I have been reminded of this truth: At the end of life, it will not matter how many of the Ten Commandments we’ve kept, that won’t be the question. When we stand before God, He won’t ask if we’ve been good, or if we have lived up to His law. Those things do not provide salvation. The law shows us first of all that we are sinners, and when we have confessed our sin to Him, the law shows us how to live. The thing that matters at the end, is how we responded to the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at some verses that convince me of this. Ephesians 2:4-9: “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved…For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the saints in Rome, wrote, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.” And in verse 30, “There is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”

I continue to write on this topic, because I am convinced there are people reading this who do not know their eternal destiny. They do not know Jesus as their Savior. The Bible is clear. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6).

Do you know my Jesus?

In His love,
Pastor Jerry

28 Jul

Why Wait?

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

Hello everyone,

I ran across a statement this week that caught my attention. “The fact that we cannot ‘save ourselves’ but have to ‘be saved’ is no excuse for anyone to sit back and hope for the best. God has revealed to us the way to be saved—by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16; John 3:16–17; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8) —and that step of faith is commanded, not suggested.

I was reminded of another quote I saved several months ago. It reads: “If every person in the world had adequate food, housing, income, if all men were equal and every possible social evil and injustice were done away with, men would still need one thing: Jesus Christ! (J.W. Hyde)

If you have been a reader of these devotional thoughts for any length of time, you know I believe every person is born a sinner, separated from fellowship with God because of his or her sin, and in desperate need of a Savior.

The New Testament book of Romans says, “As it is written, there is none righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  To the church at Colossae, Paul wrote, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior” (Colossians 1:21).

Here is the good news: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Based on the verses above, for a person to think they can depend on God’s good will to get them to heaven, is just foolish thinking. Jesus paid the price, the gift is free to us. Our only responsibility it to take the gift as our possession. In the words of an old song, “Why not come to Him now?”

Simply His,

Pastor Jerry

14 Jul

The Light of Truth

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

Hello friends,
Another week has come and gone. Our area got some beneficial rain, and
some places were on the receiving end of severe storms, including hail
damage to crops and other property.

In church news, Vacation Bible School was held this week. The number
of children available in our little town is small, but those attending
had a good time. We very much appreciated the two young ladies who
came to teach the lessons.

I am troubled by the increasing outcry from the more liberal voices in
our culture who seem bent on silencing those who would speak out on
behalf of Biblical truth and values. I have also been encouraged in
recent days by the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Hobby Lobby case.
Although one victory encourages us, the truth remains that the message
of salvation through faith in God and Jesus Christ is being shouted
down more and more.

God has clearly predicted these things in His word, as told by the
apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy. “For the time will come when
men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own
desires they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say
what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away
from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

In contrast, God’s people are told to be lights, shining the truth of
God’s word into the world. “You are the light of the world. A city on
a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it
under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to
everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before
men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in
heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm” (1 Corinthians 15:58). “Be
on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage, be strong”
(1 Corinthians 16:13). “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the
teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or letter” (2
Thessalonians 2:15).

Finally, in the words of James, “You too, be patient and stand firm,
because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8).

Standing on the Word of God,
Pastor Jerry

7 Jul

Moving On

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Change, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Holy Spirit, The Good News, Truth.

The celebration of our nation’s independence is over for another year. Ericson’s parade, and the fireworks at Ericson Lake, were great this year. I have heard there may have been a record number of entries in the parade. It’s amazing what happens when people work together for a purpose.

We continue to prepare and plan for moving our house to the lake. We don’t expect any speedy progress, but it’s moving along. There will be many steps between the conception of the idea of moving the house, and having it placed on its new location. I will try to give you updates from time to time.

This reminds me of the Christian’s journey to spiritual maturity. It is a process and usually doesn’t happen overnight. However, if the desire to change is there, God will bring about that change.

The Bible tells us that when we are “born again”, there is a new spiritual birth. In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus said “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” He then explains that he is talking about spiritual rebirth (John 3:1-8).
The person who is born again is called a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Following this, as with any newborn, growth should follow.
The writer of Hebrews stresses the idea of growing spiritually in this way: Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go one to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1). We are also told it is a process “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of god and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
Moving a house isn’t a lot like the maturing of a Christian, but there is one similarity. At the end of its journey, the house will look the same on the outside, but it will be in a new place, with a new purpose, and with a new view.
The new believer looks the same on the outside, but a transformation has taken place through the working of the Holy Spirit of God. That person has a new relationship with God, a new outlook, and a new purpose in life.
Moved by Him,
Pastor Jerry

30 Jun

True Freedom

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Eternal Life, Freedom, God's Word, Law, Praise, thanksgiving, The Good News, Truth, Worship.

Vacation is officially over. I have to admit, taking those three
Sundays off from my preaching duties was refreshing. However, the rest
of the time seemed a lot like a normal routine. Even so, we enjoyed
our trip out west, and the opportunity to see some things beyond our
regular circle of vision.

We intend to take some short (two or three day) sight-seeing trips
around the great state of Nebraska. Maybe we’ll even return to some of
the places we missed in my hurry to get back home. Now that we are
somewhat accustomed to traveling together in a relatively small space,
it should be easier, and even more fun!

On Friday, this week, we celebrate our country’s adoption of the
Declaration of Independence 238 years ago. On this day, we should also
thank God for allowing us to be born in a land that gives us the many
freedoms that others in the world can only wish for. Freedom also
brings responsibility. As citizens of the United States of America, we
are free to live pretty much as we want to, within the boundaries of
the law.

Christians should be thankful for their dependence on the Lord. In
giving Him control of our lives, we are provided with freedom from
sin, and the freedom to live our lives without fear for our eternal
future. It has been said that once we place our faith in Jesus for our
salvation and submit to his Lordship, we can do anything we want, as
long as it is within His will.

We are not under the law as given in the Old Testament, Christ died
to fulfill the Law. The Law, then, becomes our guide for living as His
followers. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm,
then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of
slavery” (Galatians 5:1). “Live as free men, but do not use your
freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (1 Peter
2:16).

The previous verses apply to Christian living, but it seems to me that
they should apply to citizens of the greatest country in the world,
with respect to her laws.

Let us give thanks, for our country and to our Lord, as we remain
loyal and obedient to both. This, I believe, should be how we live
every day.

Free in Christ,
Pastor Jerry

9 Jun

Honor God’s Name

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, God, God's Word, Hypocrisy, Service, Sin, The Good News, Truth, Worship.

We have had a great week. It finally rained, and as I write this on Monday, it is raining again. Plans are moving forward to get our house at Lake George moved to Ericson Lake. We are excited about the move.

As noted last week, my wonderful wife and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary Saturday. Our church family hosted a carry-in dinner and helped us observe the occasion Sunday after church services. We were surprised by two of our very best long-time friends walking in the door, after they had called earlier in the day and informed us they wouldn’t be able to attend. They have been forgiven for their deception.

I will be taking a few weeks off from my church duties for a long overdue vacation, but will try to keep everyone informed of our activities through this newsletter. As it is with most preachers, it is hard to quit cold turkey, so I’ll continue to share God’s word in this way.
This week, we looked at the third of the Ten Commandments. “Your shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God…” (Deuteronomy 5:11). We saw there are three categories covered by this commandment:
1) Using God’s name flippantly. That is, using the Lord’s name as a curse, or any other unworthy manner. This would include those “nice” ways we use his name, such as saying “gosh”, or using the media shorthand “OMG.”
2) Using God’s name untruthfully. This would be attaching His name to something that goes against His word. Examples would be Christians who try to justify slavery, abortion, or same-sex marriage by twisting scripture to their advantage.
3) Using God’s name hypocritically. This is when our public witness doesn’t line up with the name Christian. As people who bear Christ’s name, we are to reflect his character in our daily living. If we do not, we are misusing His name.
In our word and works we are to live so the world can see Jesus, the One who is the true image of God. To do anything less is to “take the Lord’s name in vain.”
Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry
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