It's Not Complicated

 

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

Appearances

 

Hello friends,

We continue to receive nice rains. This pleases the gardener in the family but calls for more frequent mowing of the lawn.

Last weekend was interesting, as we experienced the demise of our old refrigerator and the adventure that followed. A new fridge was brought in that was identical to the old one… it did not work. Another one was then delivered that worked as was expected. There is a spiritual lesson here for us. I love it when the Lord gives me illustrations for these weekly messages.

Not everything is as it appears on the outside. Here was a brand-new fridge that was of no use to anyone, even though on the surface it looked shiny and new. This reminds me of a story in the Old Testament. God had instructed Samuel to select one of Jesse’s sons as the new king of Israel. As Samuel began to interview each of them God told him, “Do not consider his appearance or his height… The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). When David was presented to Samuel, the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power” (verse 12b-13­­).

Jesus warned his followers: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:15-20).

Peter described false teachers in this way; “They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2 Peter 2:1-2).

Looks can be deceiving. It is what is on the inside that matters!

In Truth,

Pastor Jerry

Making Plans

 

Dear readers,

The summer season is upon us. The traffic level is increasing here at the lake, and it is good to see people enjoying the lake life. We have been working in the yard on the warmer days and even I am okay with that. We will be planting our little garden soon. It takes both of us to get one person’s work done; I guess that’s part of aging.

 

High school and college graduations have been the topic of discussion lately. High school graduates are looking forward to college or perhaps finding a job. College grads are looking to the beginning of a career in their chosen field. Both are stages of life and part of a journey. Grandson Alex graduated Friday from Mitchell Tech, concluding another chapter in his life.

 

The plans he had made earlier in life didn’t turn out as expected, but this is just a reminder that our plans don’t always go as expected. God has something to say about this in His word.

 

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9) Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21). It is important to include God in our plans. As we do that, He will guide us in the way he wants us to go. It may not be the easy way, but in the end, we will see the outcome He has planned for us.

 

In the book of James, we read the following: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15).

 

As a youngster, Alex was interested in engineering and robotics. He graduated from welding school, but his health was affected by the welding environment. He went back to school and graduated with an associate degree in Automation Engineering Technology, also a degree in Automation Controls/SCADA. Go figure.

 

It has been said if you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans!

In Christ,

Pastor Jerry