Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

27 Jun

Proof of Change

Posted by sandhillspastor in Assurance, Bible, Change, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Grace, Obedience, Politics, renewal, Repentance, Salvation, Truth, Uncategorized, Witness.

The month of June is almost over, and I haven’t spent any serious time fishing. Along with that, we have only had the camper out once this year, and that was mostly to see if everything worked. Maybe living beside the lake is a hindrance to both fishing and camping. Could that be it? Note: If you have ever wanted to know more about this place called Lake Ericson, check out the current edition of Nebraska Life Magazine.

It is being reported on some media sources that a certain presidential candidate has recently become a Christian. It is not my place to judge a person’s heart, but I can go to God’s word and read verses that help us to know if a person is truly a follower of Jesus Christ. We can pray these reports are true, and the Bible tells us we can know if a person is a Christian. I will share some of the evidences of true belief this week.

A new Christian is not perfect. Neither are older Christians. We all have the tendency to sin, even after being spiritually reborn. But here are things we should see in one who calls himself a follower of Jesus Christ.

The first step, confession, is found in 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. “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). Confession is to first confess to God that I am a sinner, followed by confessing that Jesus is Lord of all.

Confession is followed by repentance. This is a change of direction. To repent is to stop going away from God, and to turn toward him. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17)! The evidence of this change shows up in what is called the fruit of the Spirit. It consists of these: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). There are others, but space here is limited.

Finally, we know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands (1 John 2:3).

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

20 Jun

Jesus First

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized.

In local news, the lake community is getting geared up for its centennial celebration. The summer’s events start July 2nd, so make plans now to be at Lake Ericson for that weekend.

This week’s devotional thought concerns the tendency of our culture to center on the wants of the individual. We are in a time when many people seem to think the world revolves around them. There is a “me first” attitude. Sadly, this line of thinking is present in the body of Christ. This is nothing new, but perhaps it is more prevalent than in years past.

When Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, He is not calling them to a life of ease and entitlement, but to a life of sacrifice and suffering. The Christian life isn’t about me, it is about Him, and His will for me. Our prayer should be “Thy will be done, not my will be done.”

It is very clear in the teachings of Jesus and his disciples that the Christian life is not a life of unending prosperity and good times. Here are some examples. First, from Luke’s gospel. “Then he (Jesus) said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). To take up one’s cross daily, means one must be willing daily to give up his own wants and desires and follow Christ at any cost. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). This doesn’t sound like what some are teaching today.

Peter, spoke to believers when he wrote, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice…” (1 Peter 12-13).

A.W. Tozer, a preacher from the past commented, “In many churches Christianity has been watered down until the solution is so weak that if it were poison it would not hurt anyone, and if it were medicine it would not cure anyone!” Tozer died in 1963, but his words describe our current situation with incredible accuracy. May we take heed, and turn back to the truth of God’s word.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

13 Jun

The Remedy

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Cross, Evil deeds, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Obedience, Salvation, Sin, Temptation, The Good News, Uncategorized.

It seems every conversation begins with a discussion of the weather. Hot and windy are two words that come to mind in describing last week. We did receive some showers of rain here Sunday evening and early Monday morning.

Virginia Creeper, aka woodbine, is a plant that grows in many places. Just across the street from our house is a large lilac bush. A woodbine plant at some point had taken root under the lilac and grew to cover the top of the lilac. The woodbine plant does not attach itself to the host plant, but uses its host as a trellis to climb. Instead of taking nutrients from the host plant, it just cuts off the sunlight, effectively killing its host.

We can see a parallel in the Bible’s definition of sin in the life of a person. Much like that vine, sin in our lives blocks out the light of God’s word, and the commands of Jesus to walk in the light of His truth. It keeps us from growing and if left unattended, it can lead to spiritual death.

Let us see what the Bible says regarding the effects of sin, and its remedy. Referring to someone giving in to the temptation to sin, James wrote this: “After desire has been conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15).

In another place we read, “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:2). Again, Jesus speaking, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46).

By the way, the remedy for ridding the lilac of the invader, was to cut the woodbine plant off near the ground, and apply weed killer to the stump. The remedy for sin is the application of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, where his shed blood won the victory over sin and the devil.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Let us then walk in the light of His salvation, separating ourselves from the darkness of sin.

In His Light,
Pastor Jerry

6 Jun

On Aging

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Christian Living, Fellowship, God's Word, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Uncategorized.

Hello all,
Last Friday, I found myself sitting with an old friend in front of an eating establishment in a neighboring town. We were just sitting and talking about the old days…Wait! I’m not that old am I? Oh, I do remember something in the Bible about wisdom and gray hair. “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding” (Job 12:12); “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old” (Proverbs 20:29). Maybe that describes my friend and myself after all.

On the subject of aging, hearing loss is part of that process, especially for those of us who have had long-term exposure to noisy tractors, etc. Last fall, I became the owner of hearing aids, and the audiologist told me I would hear sounds I hadn’t heard for a while. What he said is true, and they do work well in a one-on-one situation, but in a crowd of people you hear mostly noise.

Maybe it is much the same for hearing God’s voice. If we haven’t heard from Him for a time, it may be time to get away from the noise of the crowd (think world), and tune in to what He is saying. I don’t think hearing aids are necessary to hear God’s voice, but you do need to get away from the loud sounds of the busy world.

Elijah the prophet, heard God’s voice at the mouth of a cave. In 1 Kings we read of his experience. After spending the night in a cave, the word of the Lord came to Elijah, asking why he was there. Elijah is told to stand on the mountain as the Lord passes by. We read this, “Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks… but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake… after the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there 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 19:9-13). Then he heard the Lord speak.

Has it been some time since you heard the gentle whisper of God’s voice? Just find a quiet place and listen.

In Him,
Pastor Jerry

30 May

Reflections

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Culture, Evil deeds, Forgiveness, Freedom, Giving, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Memorial Day, Obedience, Service, Sin, Uncategorized.

As I write this morning, it is Memorial Day. Yesterday (Sunday), here at the lake, there was a program honoring our veterans and those who gave all for our country. It was interesting to hear some of the veterans tell their stories of service, and I was reminded again of the sacrifices made to keep our country free. At the same time, I was reading on social media of the vandalism of patriot displays and cemeteries around the country. It makes one ask, “what is wrong with people today who have no respect for these things? Actually, the answer is found in the Bible. It starts in the hearts of people. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it” (Jeremiah 17:10)?

As I look out my window, I see the lake. Its surface is completely still this morning, and reflects the trees along the edge, and the sky above. It is much like a mirror. Many years ago, somewhere I remember reading that the color of the water on a given day, is a reflection of the sky. Sunny days, it appears to be blue. On gray cloudy days, the water is seen as dark and gray. I think this relates to my opening comment concerning the behavior of people. What we see in their words and actions are a reflection of their heart.

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

Christians are to reflect the character and actions of the Lord Jesus. We are to be a mirror image of the One whose name we bear. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…” (Romans 8:29).

“And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:49). “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness…” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

It is not possible for any person to consistently exhibit right behavior without Christ in his or her heart. It is hard enough sometimes for the Christian to do so.

Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

23 May

The Answer

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Blessings, Culture, Eternal Life, Family of God, Fellowship, Freedom, God's Word, Gospel, Marriage, Obedience, Sin, The Good News, Truth, Uncategorized.

Over the weekend, we participated in the wedding of a great young couple. I would describe it as a perfect example of marriage, as defined in the Bible. Two young people, committed first of all to their Lord, and then to each other. Congratulations to Adair and Anita Ballagh. You have set the bar high for those who are watching.

I enjoy the early part of the day; those first hours after sunrise are the best. Sunday morning, I was listening to a sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He had some good thoughts that apply to current times, maybe even more so today than when he preached.

He related that in his time, people were asking, what is the reason for the violence and all the unrest that is going on? His one-word answer to the question was this: Ungodliness! We do not have to look very far today, to see that he is right. In a godless society, immorality rises, when men exhibit godly behavior, morality returns.

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, when people turn their backs on the Bible, its instruction concerning morals, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, immorality is rampant. I ask, is this not a picture of society in our day?

We are failing to see the real problem, and in doing so, we miss the remedy. People who behave badly are told to “just be good.” If that doesn’t work, some try medication, or someone suggests it is a psychological problem and they call in mental health people to find the cause.

Here is the truth: The problem is the same as it has been since the Garden of Eden. Sin! People just can’t be “good.” Do you remember what the scripture says about being good? “There is no one righteous (good), not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God…. there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10-12).

John the Baptist introduced Jesus as “the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9).

So then, the answer to the problem of sin in the world is Jesus Christ!

Standing on His Truth,
Pastor Jerry

16 May

Who Will Go?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Best Life, Bible, Blessings, Change, Faith, Fellowship, God's Word, Obedience, Service, Uncategorized, Work.

Saturday evening, several church family members, old friends and some new friends gathered at the church to help me celebrate my retirement as the pastor of Sandhills Baptist Fellowship. It was a great time of fellowship and celebration. I have many fond memories of our time in that ministry. Now, we can wait to see what God has in store for us in our “retirement.” I hope to have time to write down some of those memories, and maybe someday have something in print to share with you all (or, y’all). There were good times and bad, but the good greatly out-weighed the bad.

Also, on Friday, we had visitors from our far distant past. Some friends we hadn’t seen in almost forever, were passing through and stopped for a brief visit. How good it was to see them and find out what has been happening in their lives.

As our ministry at the church here ends, I try to remain attentive to what God might have for us to do in the future. I again go back to the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah had a vision of God in His temple, and heard the voice of the Lord ask the question, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah replied without hesitation, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

I believe God has a call on everyone’s life. It starts with the call to receive His gift of salvation, and to follow Him. This is followed by a call to serve Him in some way. Many people think once a person accepts the gift of salvation, that is all that is necessary, but listen to Paul’s words to the church at Ephesus: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 4:10).

God’s call on our lives led us to Ericson. Pastor Kurt Kinney has now taken the leadership role at the church, and our ministry will change directions. As we wait for the Lord’s leading for the next chapter in our lives, I will continue writing these articles and listening for His voice. As the old song says, “When the Savior calls, I will answer. I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.”

The correct answer to the question, “Who will go?”, is this: “Send me!”

In His grip,
Pastor Jerry

9 May

The Bible Is Not Buffet

Posted by sandhillspastor in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, God's Word, Gospel, Law, Obedience, The Good News, Uncategorized, Wisdom.

Good day,
It’s a lovely morning here on the shores of Lake Ericson. I’m reminded of an old Johnny Cash song, as we were blessed with a little more rain last evening… “Five Feet High and Rising.” We have two rain gauges about 30 feet apart. One showed 1.25”, and the other one, 2.50”. Go figure.

High school graduation was held locally this past weekend. We attended several receptions afterward, and the food selection at each one was different and delicious. People were able to select food items that appealed to them, and free to pass on others. The secret, I find, is to pace oneself, and not eat your fill at the first place. This is good advice for those attending multiple post-graduation events on the same day.

There are those folks who approach the Bible as if it were a buffet, or a supermarket. They pick and choose those parts that satisfy their appetites, and leave the rest. I have news: The Bible is not a buffet. I believe we can liken it to the spiritual equivalent of a completely balanced diet. God told his people long ago that “man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3).

The apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, said, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

In the Psalms, we read “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8). “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103).

God gave Moses these instructions for the people of Israel: “Assemble the people… so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 31:12).

Going back to Paul’s instructions to Timothy, we read; “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” (2 Timothy 2:15). Correctly handling the Word would include using the whole Bible, from cover to cover.

The Bible is not a buffet. Christians are not to pick and choose which parts to obey. All scripture is useful and to be used.

On His Word,
Pastor Jerry

2 May

On Staying Together

Posted by sandhillspastor in Body of Believers, Christian Living, Family of God, Fellowship, Obedience, Temptation, Uncategorized.

Dear readers,
It looked like the same song, second verse this weekend, as we continued to receive rain. Many of the yards in the community look like ponds.

The resident geese have been bringing their goslings to the grassy areas along the Boulevard here at the lake. I have noticed some of the goslings have disappeared. I suspect they may have been eaten by the Northern Pike that inhabit the lake. It seems sad, but it is the way of nature. As we watch these geese and their goslings swimming across the lake, the little ones will sometimes lag behind, or even go off in a different direction from the rest. It is easy to see how one might become a pike’s lunch.

As I have observed these goose families, I am reminded that the Scriptures tell Christians to stay in close fellowship with other believers, in order to keep from wandering off the path. Peter tells us our enemy the devil is like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

In the book of Hebrews, we are told “Let us not give up meeting together, but let us encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10:25). I believe this would indicate we are to help the stragglers and those wandering from the path.

Paul’s instructions to the Galatian church include these words: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently” (Galatians 6:1).

“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). “We urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). I believe these passages point out the dangers of either straying from God’s path, or getting separated from the fellowship of believers. Those who lag behind or insist on setting out on their own risk being devoured by the enemy. In the case of goslings, it might be a predatory fish or even a coyote or raccoon. The believer separated from Christian fellowship may fall into the devil’s trap.

Christians are to participate in the fellowship of believers, but we also have a responsibility restore those who have drifted away.

Blessings,
Pastor Jerry

25 Apr

More Change

Posted by sandhillspastor in Change, Faith, God, God's Word, Gospel, Rest, Service, Uncategorized.

I am able to tell you today that this past Sunday was my official last day to preach at Sandhills Baptist Fellowship. The pastor search committee of the church has found the person they believe to be God’s man for the job. I had requested some time ago that they begin the process, as I felt the Lord leading me to pursue other interests.

I will continue to write these articles, and seek other ways to be involved in ministry. But, for the immediate future, we will finish moving into our house at the lake, and finding homes for all the items we don’t have room for. Then comes some time camping and just relaxing.

I am sure that God has more for us to do. I find no solid reference in the Bible to what we in America call “retirement.” In fact, the only reference I find is to the Old Testament priests retiring at age 50, then assisting the younger priests in their work (Numbers 8:25-26).

There are other passages that indicate God intends for us to commit to the long-haul as we serve and obey Him. Neither does He at some point stop His work in the believer’s life. Here are some scriptures for us to meditate on this morning.

Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The apostle Paul tells us God has work for us to do. After he tells us our salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, he says this: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Again in Philippians, Paul tells the believers there, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13).

I have many great memories of these years at SBF, and we have been blessed to serve here, but we will move on, seeking and following the Lord’s leading, as we go forward. I would not change these last 15+ years for anything, but we must go forward, running with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1).

Simply His,
Pastor Jerry

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