Archive for the ‘Truth’ Category

4 Nov

Creation

Posted by sandhillspastor in Attributes of God, Bible, Creation, Faith, Truth, Worship.

Dear friends,
Now that the time has changed back to standard time, we can adjust to a new schedule, only to have it change again in a few months. Where is the sanity in this?

On Saturday, we made the trip to Broken Bow to visit the Bone Yard Creation Museum. I heartily recommend this as a very informational and educational place to experience. The exhibits and information shared will give you new insights into creation and provide ways to counter the evolution argument. Everything I saw pointed to the truth of the Bible and the Genesis record of God’s creation.

I have heard most of the arguments against a literal six-day creation, and I trust the Bible when it says God got it done in six days. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). And in verse 31 of chapter one and verse one of chapter 2, it says, God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day… Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in their vast array.

The heavens attest to the truth of creation. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands, Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

Romans 1:20; “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.”

In Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, we read these words concerning Jesus Christ: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17).

Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness” (Psalm 150:1-3).

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

29 Jul

The Unchangeable Word

Posted by sandhillspastor in Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Salvation, Truth.

Hello friends,

Update on my health issues… I am slowly adjusting to the new med schedule and gaining back some of the strength lost after spending ten days in bed. I expect to be back to ‘normal’ in a few weeks. I’m thankful the Lord has allowed me to be back home in the place I love. Now, on to the devotional thought for the week.

In a world that is trying to create a “new” Jesus and twist the scriptures to say things God never intended, perhaps we need to review some important truths. There seems to be no end to the ways people try to soften the message of the gospel, or to make up their own set of rules for life. I will share some truths that cannot be denied, no matter how hard they try.

First, we are told many times in the Bible that there is only one God. “For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you (Isaiah 47:13). “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols (Isaiah 42:8).

The Word of the Lord is unchanging: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations (Psalm 33:11). Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens (Psalm 119:89). All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal (Psalm 119:160).

Jesus is unchanging. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings (Hebrews 13:8-9a).

Finally, salvation is through faith in Christ alone. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6). For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6).

In Truth,

Pastor Jerry

27 May

It’s Not Complicated

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Gospel, Repentance, Salvation, Truth.

Dear friends,

There were a few cooler days last week; also, beneficial rain and more than enough wind for me. The flags along the Boulevard and around the carousel were a fitting display for the Memorial Day weekend. Many thanks to those who purchase the flags, and to those who put them out on special days. There are many volunteers who make all this possible, you know who you are.

Ice maker connections: Why are they so complicated? There are a multitude of connection combinations that confuse the issue. It seems there should be a universal standard to connect the water line to the refrigerator.

Many people think the gospel is complicated, but it is not. The message is simple, but many are unable to see the simplicity of it. I believe the problem is that they can’t grasp the concept that they don’t have to work their way to heaven.

Men will make comparisons, thinking “I’m not as bad as the next guy down the road, so God will surely choose me over him.” This is the thought that we can get to heaven by our good deeds or our good works. Here is the truth from Romans… “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24).

Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “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. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Salvation leads us to do good works, but good works have never saved anyone.

The simple gospel message is found in John 3:16; “For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Did you get that? All mankind is born with a sin nature because of Adam’s sin in the Garden. None are sinless and the wages of sin is death. The gospel is this: Admit you are a sinner, Believe on the Lord Jesus and Commit yourself to his lordship. It’s as simple as ABC.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

29 Apr

Beware of False Doctrine

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, False teachers, God's Word, Truth, Wisdom.

Dear friends,

We were spared from the rough weather on Friday. We did get an inch and a half of beneficial rain. We keep the victims of the tornadoes in our prayers and give thanks for safety in the storms.

The Bible warns of false teachers in the last days. We are seeing more evidence of this. Almost every day, we read of someone bending the truth of God’s word to fit into his or her personal agenda. Paul warned his readers: “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

In 2 Peter 2, we read: There were indeed false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved ways, and the way of truth will be maligned because of them. They will exploit you in their greed with made-up stories. Their condemnation, pronounced long ago, is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep. Verses 1-3.

Paul warns against false teaching in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: 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.

So, how do we combat the false teachers who lead people away from the truth? Paul gives this advice to Timothy: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:15-16.

To be able to recognize false teachers and their false gospel, we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word. Read the Bible. Find a good Bible study group. Attend a Bible believing, Bible preaching church. Check out what the pastor or Bible study leader tells you. Be like the folks at Berea. In Acts 17:11, we read concerning the church there; “For they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

For Truth,

Pastor Jerry

8 Apr

Knowing God’s Word

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Culture, Faith, God's Word, Stewardship, Truth.

Hello friends,

Rain! We’ve been needing some rain and Saturday rain came. It was accompanied by some fierce winds, but with no apparent damage here at the lake. The gauge here at the cabin on the corner showed .70 inch. At this time of year, we usually need rain. As the old saying goes; “April showers…” Before you know it, we’ll be mowing the lawn again.

As I spend time in the company of Christians, the more I understand that many lack knowledge of what the Scriptures say. I would expect those who don’t know anything about the Bible or its message to be ignorant of what it says. I’m not involved with many social media platforms, but the things I read show a surprising level of illiteracy when it comes to God’s Word.

God’s Word is quite specific regarding the need for the Christian to be well-schooled in its message and purpose. Many years ago, I was challenged to read the Bible from beginning to end in a year. The result was that I did so several years in a row. I highly recommend it as a worthy endeavor. Now to those scriptures that relate to the subject.

First, it shows us the way to live: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Paul challenged Timothy to, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (1 Timothy 2:15). “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (3:16-17).

The writer of Proverbs stresses the benefits of knowing God’s Word, which brings wisdom; “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity (Proverbs 3:1-2).

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

In closing, don’t depend solely on the preacher’s words, but get into the habit of reading the Bible for yourself. It will bring a greater knowledge of God’s Word.

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry

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

11 Mar

For the Innocent

Posted by sandhillspastor in Children, Culture, Evil deeds, Judgment, Sanctity of Human Life, Truth.

We have been shut in at home for the last week with a nasty cold, or some other virus. We are on the mend now but wondered a few times if we would survive. Weatherwise, it has been a mixed bag as is common in the month of March. We were spared the heavy snow that fell to our south and west.

I did not listen to what was called the State of the Union address last Thursday. From what I did hear and have read I am both saddened and angered at the total disregard for the unborn shown by our ‘President’, as he told of his support for the culture of death. The so-called right to abortion, or reproductive health, or whatever name is given to it does not exist. It flies in the face of not only common sense, but totally opposite God’s good purpose as written in His Word. I will let the Bible speak:

Exodus 20:13; You shall not murder.

When you offer your gifts—the sacrifice of your sons in the fire—you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. (Ezekiel 20:31).

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).

And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man (Genesis 9:5-6).

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (Psalm 127:3-5).

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 according to what he has done (Proverbs 34:11-12)?

When will people wake up to the horrible wrong that has been done in the name of women’s rights? Who is speaking up for the baby’s right to life?

In defense of the helpless,

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

18 Dec

Listening For His Voice

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, Obedience, Prayer, Trust, Truth, Worship.

Dear readers,

Merry Christmas to all. It was a quiet week at our house. We had a few appointments to keep but stayed home otherwise. We enjoy this thing called retirement, but in that we try to find things to do around home that keep us from growing stale, so to speak.

In this busy time of year, we can be overcome by the sounds that come at us from every direction. There is a lot of ‘noise’ in the world that distracts us from the important things. As I get older my memory sometimes brings up long-forgotten memories of situations and conversations. I’m not one to dwell on the past, but still there are those memories.

In a recent conversation, I was reminded of a time in the far distant past. Some folks, including myself, were engaged in small talk around the dinner table. One of the group, a professional truck driver was asked if he had a radio in his semi. His answer was, “No, I listen to the truck engine, that’s what is making the money!

In the Bible, we are told to listen for the voice of the Lord. For this to happen, we need to have a quiet time when we turn off the loud sounds of life to hear what is important. Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

Basically, it says turn off the distracting sounds and listen for God to speak. Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.”

The prophet Elijah was needing a word from God. As he stood on the mountain this happened:

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Finally, some advice from the Lord Jesus: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen.” (Matthew 6:6).

Just listening,

Pastor Jerry

16 Oct

Pray for Israel

Posted by sandhillspastor in Calling, God's Word, Judgment, Obedience, Truth.

Hello friends,

Rainfall total for last week at our address was 2.25 inches. Some places had more, others less, but it was well received. We moved the camper to Mitchell, SD last week in anticipation of the arrival of a new great-grandchild. It will serve as living quarters for great grandma as she helps with the new little one. I am sure there will be an update to this story soon.

Unless you have been hiding under a big rock, you know that Israel has been under attack from her enemies lately. There are those who wonder, what is the big deal with Israel? One has only to read the Bible record to see that God has a special relationship with the people he calls his own. Through Isaiah the prophet, God said this to Israel:

But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, my friend—I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are my servant; I have chosen you; I haven’t rejected you (Isaiah 41:9).

I am the Lord. I have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will hold you by your hand. I will watch over you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6).

Now this is what the Lord says—the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine (Isaiah 43:1).

God’s good plan was for Israel to be His shining light to the rest of the world. He would bring salvation through the Lord Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. Israel rejected the Savior, however and God sent Jesus’ disciples into the Gentile world with the message of salvation through faith in the promised Messiah. This did not mean God was finished with Israel. In fact, God promised to keep a remnant of Jews who would acknowledge Christ as the Messiah.

Those who would destroy Israel will be judged by God eventually. God’s words to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).

For Him,

Pastor Jerry

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