Archive for the ‘Truth’ Category

26 May

Free to Obey

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Faith, Freedom, God, God's Word, Law, Memorial Day, Service, The Good News, Truth, Worship.

We are still in need of beneficial rains. I know there are some folks who would share if they could, because of their over-supply. I also know that God will provide in his good and perfect timing.

 

I trust you have taken time this long weekend to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country. Did you also take time to pray for our current leaders and military personnel? Did you thank God for the privilege of living here and enjoying the many freedoms we have?

 

Our sermon this week asked the question, “Do we have too small a view of God?” I believe we do. How many of us contemplate the thought of meeting God in a personal way? What if we could get a glimpse of his majesty, his power and his holiness?

 

Let’s consider Israel’s response to the Lord’s appearance on Mount Sinai. Smoke, fire and earthquakes accompanied God’s coming to the mountain. The people were so afraid they asked Moses to intercede on their behalf. Here is their request: “Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey.” (Deuteronomy 5:27).

 

The majesty of God showed in the thunder, earthquakes and lightning as He came down to the mountain. His power showed in delivering His people from Egyptian slavery. His holiness exposed the sins of Israel, and it does the same for us.

 

God is the same as He has always been. He has not changed, and he demands and deserves our obedience. This is not for salvation. Remember, the law follows salvation. Once saved, God wants us to be obedient to his commands. His law is not the ten suggestions, but the Ten Commandments. It is not there for our salvation, but as a guide to living a Christ-like life.

 

The real lesson here is this: We need to see God in all His glory, infinite in size, power, and holiness. We also need to see God in Jesus Christ humbling Himself on a cross for our salvation.

 

The redeeming work of a holy God redeemed Israel from Egyptian slavery, and led them to desire to obey Him, and it is the redeeming work of Christ on the cross that empowers us to obey God today.

 

Free in Him,

Pastor Jerry

19 May

Why the Law?

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

This week in church, we looked at three facts concerning God’s law. Our focus was upon the Ten Commandments. What was God’s reason for giving them to Israel, and by extension, to us?

First of all, we need to understand the law was not given to provide a means to salvation. Salvation was promised to Abraham as a result of his faith in God’s promise (Genesis 15:6); the Law came along some four hundred years later.

So, if the Law does not provide salvation, what is its purpose? Deuteronomy 10:12-13…”What does the Lord ask of you but to fear the LORD your God…and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

The Law is given for our own good. It provides guidelines for living. It is not a fence to deny us freedom. It is there to give us the freedom to live as God wants us to live.

The Law was given in love, because God loves and protects His people. The Law demands perfection, but due to the sin problem, we cannot be perfect. Jesus Christ took care of that on the cross, and His love empowers us to exhibit that same love in our relationships with other people.

The commandments concerning adultery, murder, stealing, and covetousness and… “Whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8-10).

To sum it up; the Law was given in love. The Law demands perfection. The end of the Law is love.

In His love,

Pastor Jerry

12 May

Prayers, or Positive Thoughts?

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

I have seen and heard people make statements similar to this: “I’m sending love and positive thoughts.” If I may, I’d like to share some of my thoughts about this.

I understand the sentiment of “sending love”, which would convey the idea that the person making the statement did so out of love for the recipient. But what are “positive thoughts”, and what comfort do they bring? At other times, well-meaning people offer to pray for a situation and I wonder, do they pray to the God who answers prayer, or do they even know Him?

Let’s look at some scriptures concerning prayers that God hears.

Proverbs 15:29…”The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”

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.” James tells us ‘the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

The righteous person, as defined in the Bible, is one who is in right standing with God. Right standing with God is obtained only by placing one’s faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Romans 1:17 reminds us, “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, “the righteous will live by faith”, also, in Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38, and others.

I believe the only prayer of an unbeliever God is obligated to answer, is the prayer of one who confesses his sin, asking God for forgiveness, and accepting Jesus as his or her Savior. My purpose in writing this devotional is to cause us to stop and consider whether or we have that relationship with God that makes our prayers truly effective.

As always, your questions or comments are welcome.

In His love,

Pastor Jerry

28 Apr

Dusty Tools

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

We received a couple of showers of rain Sunday. It was not a large amount, but it was appreciated. Our prayers go up in behalf of those areas that experienced severe weather yesterday.
I had my regularly scheduled visit to the dental hygienist last week. At the end of our time she asked if I had a Water Pik. I admitted I did, and she said it would help to use it. I the asked her, “Oh, it doesn’t help to just have it sitting on the back of the sink?” Her reply– “No, not really.”
I’m reminded of some other beneficial tools in our house: The exercise equipment that no one uses, and other tools purchased with good intentions, still in their original packaging.

Here is a follow-up thought. What one item of great benefit to every person, is probably present in almost every home, yet is seldom used? Might it be the Bible? Just like the tools for healthy living mentioned above, the one tool we have available to us for improving our spiritual health is rarely put to its intended use.
If you have followed my thoughts for a period of time, you know I place much emphasis on reading and studying God’s Word. In a world that is becoming more antagonistic to the Christian faith, I believe it is imperative that we become people of the Word; that we must study the scriptures in order to know how to answer those who challenge our beliefs.
Here are a few verses in which we are encouraged, if not commanded to study our Bibles: 2 Timothy 2:15…”Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.”
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:16-17).
A final word concerning the need for Bible study. Do not take for granted everything some preacher says. Follow the example of the residents of a place called Berea. When the apostle Paul preached to them, the Bible says, “They welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
In His Truth,
Pastor Jerry

21 Apr

On Hollywood and the Bible

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

We received a little rain over the weekend. It wasn’t much, but we can hope this is the beginning of some late April Showers that will bring on those May Flowers.
There is a lot of discussion of new movies that have been recently released. I have some thoughts on these, and I will tell you up-front that I have not seen any of them personally. Some folks I respect have seen them, and I trust their perspective.
Here a just a couple of my thoughts based on others’ observations:
“Noah”. From what I have read and heard, there is very little material here that is actually based on the biblical account. It appears the film is grounded somewhat in environmental issues, including the idea that due to global warming there will be another flood that destroys the earth. As I read the Genesis account, God promised Noah there not be another flood. God said this in Genesis 9:15, “Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever a rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
What is promised, is that the earth will be destroyed by fire. Peter, writing in his second letter, says this, speaking of the flood: “By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:6-7).
“God Isn’t Dead”— I knew that. l didn’t even have to visit the local theater, because I read it in His Word.
This might be a good place to remind ourselves of what was revealed to John in his vision of the Revelation; “I warn everyone who hears the word of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).
Finally, I don’t believe we need Hollywood to explain the Bible to us. The Bible does a very good job of explaining and defending itself.
Standing on His Word,
Pastor Jerry

14 Apr

Resurrection is Coming!

Posted by sandhillspastor in Easter, Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word, Praise, Salvation, The Good News, Truth, Worship.

Saturday, it was 70 degrees, and a beautiful day. Sunday began with rain that changed to wet snow and high winds. The high temperature for the day was in the low 40’s, by late afternoon, it was near freezing. It must be spring in the Sandhills.

This week brings two events that mark the foundation of the Christian faith. Those two being Good Friday, and Easter. Good Friday is important because it was the day the Lord Jesus went to the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “He was delivered over to death for our sins…” (Romans 4:25). The apostle Paul wrote, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).
Easter (I prefer Resurrection) Sunday commemorates the raising of Jesus from the dead. Peter puts it this way: “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…” (1 Peter 1:3).
Without these two, our faith would be useless, and we would have no hope for eternity. Paul sums it up in this way: “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith…and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:14-17).
I’ll close with this little poem:
“Easter time is here again
and bunnies everywhere,
Don’t salute a substitute,
there is no holy hare.
So colored eggs and jelly beans,
don’t mean a bunny thing,
Cause bunnies do, what bunnies do
and have no gifts to bring
So Easter time’s the time to know,
a lie could not survive.
And here’s the proof in gospel truth;
JESUS IS ALIVE!”
[William F. Heffner]
Because He Lives,
Pastor Jerry

24 Mar

Life Demands Change

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

After last week’s little mystery statement, I suppose I should enlighten you a bit. As you may know, I am fond of saying “change happens”, and we can adapt or resist, but it happens. Several months ago, we decided to sell our Lake George property. As a by-product of that decision, we now own a small property at Ericson Lake, just outside of Ericson Village. I think that is all we can tell you at this point. More will follow at the proper time.

Over the last two weekends, I have attended a meeting of our two-state Baptist Convention’s Mission Board, and, what is called a “Normative Church Leadership Conference.” Both of these events had a measure of focus on the need for change. Churches face change as the culture changes. Church leaders see the need for change in means and methods of ministry, as long as the message stays true to the scriptures.

In our businesses, we must change to meet the demands of customers, and the requirements of governmental regulations. In our personal lives, change comes with the different stages of life: High school to college, newlyweds to parents, parenting to being grand-parents. The list goes on.

In our spiritual lives, we are to expect change, as well. When a person believes that Jesus paid for our sins through his death on the cross, and is spiritually reborn, we are told that person becomes a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As we grow spiritually, we are encouraged to leave the “milk” stage and move on to the “solid food” of the gospel, this, too, involves change (Hebrews 5:12-14). Also, the Word says we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This would involve changes in our attitudes and actions based on our deepening relationship with Him. “You were taught…, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). As we grow up in the Lord, change is not only good, it is necessary.

Changed and changing,

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

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

20 Jan

Living in Sin

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Forgiveness, God's Word, Marriage, Sin, Truth.

I had the privilege of officiating at a wedding this weekend. Weddings are such fun times, and I appreciate the chance to be involved. While researching my message to the couple, I came across these statistics: In 1990, 50 out of 1000 divorced or widowed persons chose to remarry.

In 2011, that number was only 29 out of 1000.
Here are a few other numbers from the article in USA Today. Unmarried couples of all ages are moving in together. According to 2012 census data, 37 percent of those who live together have been married before. Between 1990 and 2012 the percentage of unmarried couples living together more than doubled, from 5.1% to 11.3%. A generation ago it was called “living in sin”, today it is called “cohabitation.”
The reason I bring this up is to remind us that God had a plan at creation, and he has never changed his plan. The Bible says to live together outside of the bond of marriage is sexual immorality (the old term was fornication). There is no exemption for the divorced or widowed. I must insert here, that Jesus said divorce is a sin. The Bible also teaches that confessed sin will be forgiven (1 John 1:9). Also, according to scripture,the death of a spouse frees a person to remarry (1 Corinthians 7:39). We who are older may try to blame the younger generation, but who is their example? Retired people are also involved in cohabitation.
As always, I must apply scripture to my thinking, so here ya’ go: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality…For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4).
When we deliberately disobey God’s commands and refuse to repent of our sin, we are in danger of judgment. Those are God’s words, and his word is unchanging.
In His amazing love,
Pastor Jerry
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