5 Aug

The Wrath of God

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

As we get older, we find ourselves bemoaning the fact that things are just not the way they used to be. Sometimes new things are better than the old, sometimes not. In the past, I have at times been critical of what is called Contemporary Christian Music, or CCM. The reason for that criticism has been the lack of sound biblical doctrine in a fair share of that style of music, as compared to the older hymns.

This past week, it was reported that a major church denomination had elected not to include a modern hymn in its new songbook, because a line in that song was deemed offensive. The offending part of the song mentioned the “wrath of God”, and the committee decided that didn’t fit their image of a “loving God.” I’m quoting the article here: “Not wishing to portray a wrathful God, the committee requested permission from the song’s writers to change the line to speak instead of God’s love.” Permission was denied, so the song was removed.

There are those who insist the God of the New Testament is different than God in the Old Testament. They would have us believe only in the Old Testament does it speak of the wrath of God. In the New Testament, from John’s gospel to Revelation, we read of God’s wrath. We also read of God’s love.

Here is the truth of the matter: According to the Bible, sin arouses God’s wrath and demands payment. God is the righteous judge. He is also a loving and just God; in fact he loved the world enough that he sent his only Son to die that we might live. Jesus paid the penalty, God’s wrath was appeased, and all who will believe are saved. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

We sing of the wrath of God, and of the cross, and of the blood of Jesus. These do not exclude God’s love, they magnify it! And, we can sing: “In Christ alone my hope is found…On that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied…Here in the death of Christ I live!

In Truth,
Pastor Jerry

29 Jul

Come.Follow.Go.

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

I’ve been reading some good books this summer. More than one of them addresses the tendency of western Christians to downplay the importance of the lordship of Jesus Christ. Most want to claim Him as Savior, but few want to let him be Lord of their life. They may give lip service to His lordship, but are unwilling to let him have complete control.

We seem to say, “it’s alright to ask Jesus to save me, but I want to retain control of my life.” It’s the idea that, “I’ve got my ‘fire insurance” to keep me out of hell, but as far as actually following Jesus, no, thank you.”

When will we finally quit playing games, and get down to living out the commands of Jesus?

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he tells his disciples, “Come, follow me”. For three years, then he taught them how to live as his followers, and as he is about to be taken up to heaven, he says, “Go, and make disciples….” (Matthew 28:19). The biblical text could read, “Go, and while you are going, make disciples of all nations.”

Everyone who claims Jesus as Savior, has not only the responsibility to respond to His invitation to “come, follow”, but also to obey the command to “go and make disciples.” What did He say about how people would know those who are his disciples? If we obey his commands (1 John 2:3). It follows then, that the Christian will be sharing the gospel, making disciples and teaching those who come to faith in the Lord because of their obedience to His Word.

It has been said we are to “preach the gospel, and use words if necessary.” I don’t believe very many people have ever placed their faith in Jesus because of the actions of a Christian. Scripture says “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Let’s be about the business of telling folks about the Lord Jesus. It is a command, not an option.

In His Love,
Pastor Jerry

22 Jul

Believe the Book

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

We’ll be taking a couple of days off to try out the camper. This is a trial run, the first since we acquired it last fall. It’s been awhile since we have gone camping, so we’ll see how it goes. I can tell you we aren’t going far, just in case it doesn’t work out.

As I was learning the ins and outs of getting the camper ready, I found the owners manual to be almost useless. There are references to procedures that do not apply to that particular piece of equipment. And, nowhere does it give specific instructions on how to connect the supply hose to either use city water, or to fill the supply tank. Even more important, there is no label identifying the connection to flush the “black water” tank. In a few days, I’m sure I’ll be able to rewrite the manual with more than general information.

I’m glad God’s instruction book gives us clear instructions about how to live, and about the way we are to maintain our relationship with Him. The ten commandments leave no doubt about His will for us. Read through them. They are quite specific, and notice–they are not called the “ten suggestions.”

Commands given by Jesus, and in the writings of the apostles leave no doubt about Christian living, though many people today claim the Bible is not clear on many issues. I don’t think the Bible could be any more clear when it speaks of how a Christian is to conduct themselves. Here are just a few examples:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). “We should not be idolaters…We should not commit sexual immorality…and do not grumble…” (1 Corinthians 10:7-10). “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).

I could give a more complete listing, but our space here is limited.

Using the reasoning, “the Bible isn’t relevant to our times”, some folks are even “rewriting” the Bible, but I can tell you they are going to be in trouble someday. God has specifically addressed this issue in Revelation 22:18-19… “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book…”

Unlike the owners manual for our camper, you can believe the Bible, it is God’s inspired, unchanging Word.

Trusting His Word,
Pastor Jerry

15 Jul

Where Is God?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Eternal Life, Faith, God's Word.

In the dark times of trial, we cry out to God for him to intervene. We plead for His help and assurance, or even for a miracle. We may reach the point when we echo Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane; “Please, take this cup from me.”

In the face of an impossible trial, we might wonder if God is there, or does he even see or care about our situation? Someone wrote the following during an extreme trial in their life: “In the pain of the situation, when I closed my eyes to pray, I envisioned an empty throne. There was no answer, only a cold silence. Years afterward, I had the thought that the throne was empty because the one who fills it had stepped down to sit beside us as we cried.”

If you are in that dark place today, may you find encouragement in the following:

When in rough waters, He is in the boat with you. (Luke 8:22-24). His is the gentle whisper in the stormy night (1 Kings 19:11-15). God is everywhere you are (Psalm 139:7). He shields you with his everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27). He will never leave you, or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He has prepared a place for us and will take us there for eternity (John 14:1-4).

Keep in mind here, that these promises are for His children; for those who believe in the name of Jesus, and confess him as Lord and Savior, will receive eternal life (Romans 10:9-10).

Child of God, he is not absent in your time of trial. He is very much in it with you, and he will bring you through. Depend on it.

Held in His everlasting arms,
Pastor Jerry

8 Jul

Coffeehouse Worship

Posted by sandhillspastor in Uncategorized. Tagged: , , .

Sometimes I see things posted on social media that just stop me in my tracks, so to speak. Here is an example: A person visiting a certain city for the weekend asked help locating a church to attend. This recommendation for one church appeared… “they make great lattes (and you can drink them in church).”

What? I thought we were talking about finding a church, not Starbucks. I believe the Lord would have us choose a church based upon the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the proper worship of a holy God.

The object of our worship is Almighty God, Creator of the universe. This is worship: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (1 Chronicles 16:29).

Who may worship the Lord? “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false” (Psalm 24:3-4).

Jesus, speaking to the woman at the well, had this to say concerning worship of the Father… “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).

Paul, in Romans 12:1, had this to say: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.”

For true worship,

Pastor Jerry

1 Jul

Bringing Up Children

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living.

Dear friends,
Surveys and the statistics they produce are indicating that more and more, fewer and fewer young adults are attending worship services on an regular basis. Not all churches are experiencing this, but very many are. It seems there is a general feeling that “religion” is not relevant to the times, or that it is simply unimportant.

I believe for one thing, that there is a mindset among our young and not-so-young men that says “church is for women and little kids”. I wonder then, if it hasn’t filtered down to where young mothers consciously or not, have decided if Dad isn’t going to take part in the spiritual nurturing of the family, then why should she give up her “precious hours”, to do work they should be sharing?

Our church conducted a Vacation Bible School last week. The majority of children who attended were brought to the church by their grandparents. In another time, mothers brought their kids to VBS, and stayed to help out with various activities and to provide snacks for the kids. Not so anymore.

I thank the Lord for godly grandparents who will take the initiative to take their grandchildren to Sunday school or to Vacation Bible School when mom and dad are too busy with their own lives.

The Bible instructs parents, and specifically fathers, to teach children the ways of the Lord: In Mark 10:14, Jesus said, “Bring the little children to me.”

Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:4 are, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

I’m not here as a prophet of doom, but I believe parents must bring up children in the knowledge and instruction of God’s moral law and his truth. If we continue down the path we are on, not only is the church in serious trouble, but the culture as well. I do not believe it is too late, but that time is coming.

Praying for revival,
Pastor Jerry

24 Jun

Weed Control

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, God's Word, Holy Spirit, Sin, Temptation.

I was able to get back to finish spraying last week. The good news is the cost of repairs for the Arctic Cat were minimal. A guy needs a break once in awhile, and I thank the Lord for that blessing.

The weed spraying thing always brings to mind what the scriptures say concerning our battle with sin. In the case of this weed called Leafy Spurge, we probably will never see it eliminated, but with the properly applied herbicides, we can keep in under control.

It is very much the same when it comes to the temptation to sin. Temptation will always be with us, because our enemy, the devil, will not give up trying to ruin our witness for the Lord. However, properly applied, the Word of God will help us to keep him and sin under control.

Our weapons against the tempter are a working knowledge of the Bible, backed up by the work of the Holy Spirit, who not only gives us strength to resist the devils schemes, but he also defends us in the courts of heaven. “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).

Finally, I direct you to the following; It begins with this… “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…” (read Ephesians 6:10-18 for the full armor list).

The temptation to sin will always be with us, but God’s word tells us we have the tools to resist. The secret to control is to put these tools to use.

In His care,
Pastor Jerry

17 Jun

Sowing Seeds

Posted by sandhillspastor in God's Word, The Good News.

I spent a couple of hours Sunday afternoon fishing at Ericson Lake. It was a very nice day, and as I sat watching the cottonwood seeds floating in the air and on the water, I thought if those all sprouted and grew to maturity, we would soon be engulfed in cottonwood trees.

The truth is, only a few of the millions of cottonwood seeds ever make it to full-grown trees. Some fall on the rocks around the lake, or on the road, and never sprout or grow. I suppose some are eaten by fish or birds. Others may sprout and become seedlings, only to die from lack of water or nutrients. A few will actually fall in a good location with good soil, and grow to maturity.

I’m reminded of a parable Jesus told to his disciples. He talks of a farmer sowing seed. Some of the seed falls on hard or rocky soil and never sprouts or grows, due to the hardness of the soil, or by being eaten by the birds. Some seed, however, falls on good soil and grows to return an abundant harvest for the farmer. He likened it to the proclaiming of God’s word. As Christians share the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus, it is much like planting seeds.

As Jesus explained the parable, he said, “the seed is the word of God’ (Luke 8:11). The farmer represents anyone who is sowing, or planting, the seed of the gospel. If that seed falls on prepared soil, it will sprout, take root and grow, returning a harvest at the proper time.

Is your heart prepared to receive the seed of the Word? Has that seed been planted it your heart? Has it taken root? Is it growing as it should?

I pray it is so.

Love in Christ,
Pastor Jerry

10 Jun

Weed Control

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, Evil deeds, God's Word, Sin, Temptation.

It is time once again for the semi-annual leafy spurge tour at Lake George. It is different this year in that I will be driving a different spray rig. We’ve moved from riding an ATV horseback style, to one with side-by-side seating for two. I hope this will prove to be a more comfortable ride. Time will tell if this is true.

I don’t know how many years we’ve been dealing with leafy spurge here on our place, but I doubt we’ll ever completely eliminate it. It will look like we’ve gotten rid of it for awhile, but one day you ride past a spot, and there it is again. I’m reminded then of the characteristics of sin.

Sin, as described in the Bible, is the result of our willful disobedience to God’s commands. It is a little like a noxious weed. It infiltrates our lives, and causes all kinds of trouble. We may confess it to Him, and turn from it, but somewhere, somehow, it will reappear and we have to deal with it again.

There are chemicals for spraying noxious weeds that are effective, but they must be applied to the problem.

To deal with sin, we must use proper procedures. Know first of all, that once we put sin away from us, the devil will not be satisfied to leave us alone. We will be tempted again. To be prepared is a large part of the battle. We need to be able to recognize temptation and stay away from it. How is that done?

Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). The Bible also tells us this: “But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The way we deal with noxious weeds, is to know what chemicals are effective, and how to use them. The way out of temptation is knowing God’s word and how to apply it in each situation.

The tools are available. It is up to us to choose whether or not to put them to use.
Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry

3 Jun

What’s In Your Mind?

Posted by sandhillspastor in Christian Living, God's Word, Sin, Temptation.

Some time ago, I made the decision to join Facebook. I sometimes wonder why I ever did such a thing? Some of the things posted there make me want to leave and never return. On the plus side, I often find material for these weekly articles.

Recently, I’ve notice two trends. One, there are a lot of really interesting recipes being posted, and two, it seems a number of people are concerned about healthy eating, and what they may or may not be putting into their bodies.

The question then arises, “how many people are as concerned about what they are putting into their minds”? From a pastor’s perspective, I suppose it is only natural to wonder about that. The scripture says “man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus rebuked the devil with this verse when he being tempted in the desert (Luke 4:1-4).

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). By doing these things we will be following Paul’s instructions to the Romans: “Do not conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

What’s in your mind?
Feeding on His Word,
Pastor Jerry

—
“Christianity isn’t all that complicated, it’s Jesus.” — Joni Eareckson Tada

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