Archive for the ‘The Good News’ Category

1 Apr

He has Risen Indeed

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Resurrection, The Good News, Truth.

Hello friends,

I trust you had a great celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday. Our day started with a sunrise service at Lake Ericson, then breakfast at our church. We finished with worship at the regular time. All in all, it was a blessed time of celebration.

We are reminded at this season of Easter that God provided the way to restore our relationship with Him through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, we are all sinners in need of a Savior.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).

Lest we get the idea that we can work our way to heaven, the scripture tells us this: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given its proper time” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Jesus said this: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well” (John 14:6-7). To the Jews who questioned His claim of divinity, He said, “I and the Father are one.” (John 1:30). His answer enraged them to the point that they were ready to stone him, but His time had not come.

Some other scriptures that point to Him as the only way to heaven are these: 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 (Ephesians 2:8-9). 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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (Romans 10:9-10).

This is our message for today. He is risen, He is risen indeed. Hallelujah!

To God be the glory,

Pastor Jerry

19 Feb

Finding Good News

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

Hello friends,

Winter appeared for a few days last week, but warmer weather is in the forecast. I’m sure no one is complaining. I am off to have cataract surgery on my other eye Thursday. Getting the first one done made me look forward to getting the other one fixed.

I read something this week that I thought worthy of sharing with you. It goes like this; “If you want good news, turn off the TV and open your Bible.” I might add turn off your phone, put down your game controller, etc. Now, I am as guilty of those things as the next person, but the Lord emphasizes the need for us to be in His Word. Scripture has much to say about reading and heeding the words in God’s Book.

God’s word lights our path, that is, it shows us the way to live. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

God’s word sets us free. Jesus said this: If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free John 8:31-32. In another place, He says, “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” He is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, where God is teaching Israel a much-needed lesson.

God said to Joshua, as Israel was about to enter the promised land, “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 written in it” (Joshua 1:8).

We are told to meditate on the word of the Lord. The word meditate gives the idea of a cow chewing her cud, thereby reducing the grass to usable nutrients. Many of the psalms mention meditating on the Word. Here are a few: I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds (Psalm 77:12). May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 104:34). I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done (Psalm 143:5).

What might be keeping you from opening your Bible and reading and heeding God’s instruction book? There is Good News in it.

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

23 Oct

God is Still on His Throne

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, End Times, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Peace, The Good News, Trials.

Dear readers,

Our weather has been a bit average this week. Just three words dry, mild, and sunny would cover it well. We are still waiting for the arrival of the new great-grandson; perhaps there will be something to report next week.

The cold bug found me early in the week, and I do not wear it well. I’m somewhat of a wimp when it comes to sneezing, coughing and all that goes with it. The thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that it only lasts for about a week. I was once told by my doctor that a cold lasts for a week if you treat it, and seven days if you don’t. So here we are.

The world news doesn’t get better. Every day there is new evidence of a world that seems to be spiraling down to destruction. Are we living in the end times as described in the Bible? The only answer I have, is that scripture tells us that the earth will be destroyed at a point that only God knows. We cannot know when the end will come, only that it will. Jesus told his disciples, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it you are not alarmed. Such things must happen , but the end is yet to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:6-7).

The apostle Peter wrote this to the believers: 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 a shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:3-6).

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33.)

Whatever is causing you to be apprehensive about the future, remember this; God is still in control of every circumstance.

In His grip,

Pastor Jerry

10 Jul

Storms of Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Creation, Eternity, Faith, Heaven, renewal, The Good News.

Dear friends,

After the long 4th of July holiday weekend, it seemed like just three days later we arrived at another weekend. By all reports the long weekend was a success. A large number of residents and guests enjoyed a great fireworks display and many memories were made. During the week we received some nice rain. Early Friday morning my gauge showed an even two inches. It was very much needed, and there is room for more. On the flip side, there were damaging storms in the panhandle with hail that destroyed crops.

Nature is unpredictable, and we are told in the Bible that God’s creation is broken. We are also told that at some time future, the earth will be restored to newness, and those who believed in Jesus for salvation will get to experience this new earth. All this is of little consolation to those whose crops lie in ruin, but better times are coming. Many years ago, we were looking at a bumper corn crop, when a hailstorm near the end of July left only bare stalks. As they say, if it weren’t for next year, farmers and ranchers would give up. So, the next year, we harvested a nice crop of corn again.

To quote a passage of scripture; “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently (Romans 8:22-25).

God will have the last word, as reported by the apostle John in his revelation from Jesus: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I say the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people” (Revelation 21:1-3).

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

19 Jun

Justified

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Best Life, Blessings, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Peace, The Good News.

Dear readers,

We have received wonderful rain! Amounts vary, but most places near to us have seen some moisture. Friday and Saturday our gauge showed just over 1.5 inches. The garden is happy! The camper has been cleansed of the evidence left behind by some mice who lived there last winter. We are now ready for the next adventure. Several memories were made on the last journey, most of which centered around the absent mindedness of a certain elderly man.

The Bible tells us that when a person puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, that person is declared righteous because God sees that person as being covered by the righteousness of Christ. The term used is justification. What follows are some results of the believer being justified in the eyes of God.

We have peace. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) There was a time we were God’s enemies because of unbelief, now in Christ we have peace with God (Romans 5:10). Peace with God means our problem with sin has been settled by the blood of Christ.

We have access to God. “Through whom we have gained access by faith into the grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:2a) Before our salvation we were condemned; but now in Christ, we have perfect standing before God and can enter his presence (Hebrews 10:19-25).

We have hope. “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2b). The unsaved person is “without hope” (Ephesians 2:11-12). Through faith in Christ, we have the sure knowledge of eternity with him.

We have confidence in the trials of life. “Not only so, but we also rejoiced in our sufferings” (Romans 5:3). We know for certain that in those trials God is with us, because of our relationship with Christ (Romans 5:3-4).

We experience the love of God. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God showed us his love at the cross when Christ died for those who were without strength, who were ungodly, sinners, and enemies, thus proving His great love.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ, who came as the only one who could save us from our sin. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

In Him,

Pastor Jerry

27 Mar

A New Life

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Calling, Faith, Gospel, Praise, renewal, Salvation, The Good News, Witness.

Dear friends,
The days continue to pass quickly. When next we meet it will be April, the month of spring showers. At least we can hope winter is over by then. After those showers, we will be blessed with flowers and all the other good things that follow. Did you see a bit of poetry there?

At this time of the year, I am reminded of new life. As I see the new plant growth, new baby calves along the road, and later many other signs of new beginnings, I am drawn to consider the new life we are given through faith in Jesus Christ.

It was in the spring of the year, when on a Sunday morning in May, I first trusted Him with my life. It was at the closing of a sermon on Romans chapter 10, verses 8-13. Those verses read; But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 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 it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (made right with God), and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Up to that point I thought I had my life pretty well ordered. As the pastor concluded his message, he invited those who had not done so to place their lives in God’s hands and confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. At that precise moment, I realized that I needed a Savior and prayed to receive his gift of salvation. That began a change in me that could only have been brought about by a Holy God. That is my testimony and I stand by it these 40 plus years later.

Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? If not, may you surrender your life to the Lord Jesus today? It is not too late.

In His unfailing love,
Pastor Jerry

3 Oct

It’s God’s Plan

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Eternal Life, Planning, Salvation, The Good News.

Dear readers,
We have been enjoying the cooler weather, but the drought lingers on. The forecast is for possible precipitation mid-week. We’ll see if that prediction is true. The garden seems to be on its last leg. For whatever reason, the tomatoes just didn’t produce this year. Lately, the deer have been pruning the tomato and pepper plants. As with all agriculture endeavors–maybe next year!

I was able to attend our local church association meeting Sunday evening. It is exciting to hear what the Lord is doing through His churches in our part of the world. Small churches are making a difference in the lives of many in rural Nebraska.

I have been building a dog house, and no, it’s not for me as someone asked. This project has reminded me of the importance of having a plan with clear instructions. Making it up as you go along is harder than being prepared. The old adage is true; When all else fails read the directions. It is the same when planning for eternity. Getting to heaven on your own isn’t just hard, it’s impossible! You might build a dog house by your own effort and ability, but you can’t save yourself.

Regarding our salvation, there is no self-help guide. There is a plan, though. God has provided a way to eternal life and it has nothing to do with me doing it on my own. Salvation comes only by placing my faith in Jesus Christ and his death, burial and resurrection. There is no plan B, no other way to God except through Christ our Lord. His instructions are plainly stated in the Bible.

The Bible says this, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus, when speaking to Nicodemus, said, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to be children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12-13).

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).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

20 Jun

Some Good News

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Salvation, The Good News.

Dear friends,
As we enter summer’s heat, prayers would be in order for some timely rains, specifically without hail or damaging winds. We have had enough of those for this year.

Have you heard any good news lately? It is hard to find good news these days if we look at the world and all that is taking place around us. It is easy, it seems, to focus on all the bad and overlook any positive reporting. Maybe it is a lack of good news, but it is possible we are looking in the wrong places.

There is good news in the Bible, much good news in fact. God called his creation good, but Adam sinned and brought judgment on man and on creation. In spite of this, God had a perfect plan to redeem both man and creation. He would provide a way for man’s sin-debt to be paid, leading to the salvation of sinful man and the restoration of the created world.

The plan God had for paying man’s penalty for sin would require a perfect sacrifice, which God himself would provide. That perfect sacrifice would be God’s own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is good news.

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

John the Baptist introduced Jesus by saying, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world… I have seen and testify that this is the Son of God.” The next day John was with two of his disciples, and as Jesus was passing by, John said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29-36).

More good news from a familiar passage: “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:16-19).

Good News!
Pastor Jerry

25 Apr

Wind Power

Posted by sandhillspastor in Faith, God's Word, Holy Spirit, The Good News, Trust, Truth, Witness.

Dear friends,
As I write, there are fires, wind and even a snowstorm happening in our great state. As the advertising says; it’s not for everyone… but here we are! I’m getting along in years, but I don’t remember ever having this amount of wind and little or no rain as a result.

Speaking of wind, the topic of every conversation these days; no one has ever seen the wind. We know it is real, because we can see the results of its work. We can see it turning a windmill to pump water into a stock tank for thirsty cows. The wind pushes sailboats across the water and lifts kites into the air. The wind can also cause damage. We have all seen the destruction of hurricanes, and even strong straight-line winds as we have been experiencing here in Nebraska.

The Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit as being unseen, yet giving visible proof of His existence. When a man named Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, Jesus told him, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked.

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8).

At the moment of a person’s salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell, or live in that person. The Spirit will begin to make changes in that individual’s life. Although perhaps not immediate, there will be noticeable change for the better that can only be attributed to a power greater than oneself. To his disciples, Jesus said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

The Holy Spirt…like the wind, you cannot see Him, but you can see His work. I can testify to that fact in my own life.

In His grip,
Pastor Jerry

18 Apr

Easter Reflections

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Blessings, Easter, Eternal Life, Family of God, Resurrection, Salvation, The Good News.

Dear readers,

Here is a sure sign of spring at Lake Ericson…kids with golf carts. This is not a bad thing, as it is good to see families enjoying the lake. Also, there were campers here this weekend. This reminds me to remind those who are contemplating camping at the lake, there are no campfires allowed until further notice. This is due to the extreme drought conditions in the area.

We, along with millions of other Christians, celebrated the resurrection of the Lord Jesus on Sunday. Because of our belief and faith in his finished work on the cross, we look forward with great anticipation to that day we will meet him face-to-face. As the old hymn says, “What a day that will be!”

It is a story I never get tired of hearing or telling. The idea that God would provide His Son as the sinless sacrifice for the whole world is impossible to grasp by our little minds. Yet, we are told in his word, that this is exactly what has taken place.

The following verses speak to this fact: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God, though our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:6-11).

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (Galatians 4:6).

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God (John 1:12-13).

In His unending love,
Pastor Jerry

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