PASTOR’S PONDERINGS JULY-AUGUST 2026

Pastor’s Ponderings…

“All things being equal…”  We’ve all used that phrase at one point or another.  But is it always a fair statement; is it always a true statement?  Are all things always equal?  Of course we would have to say no, all things are not always equal.  Sometimes they are.  All people are created equal.  Our country’s Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”  The Bible is always true.  The ground is always level at the foot of the cross.  All people are invited equally to come to Jesus.  And as long as we are in these days of grace, there is always room for one more in the kingdom of God.  Here on earth anyway, gravity always works, I’m pretty sure.  You can’t breathe without air, if your heart stops you’re dead, you need food and water to live, and it’s never fun to empty out the diaper pail.  Whether you like it or not, these are all absolutes.  Some things are always true, but not all things are true.  (And just because someone believes it, that doesn’t make it true).  And on the flip side, just because less and less people believe the Bible, that doesn’t make it less true.  Truth is not leaking out of the Bible over time like a slow leak in a balloon just because less and less people believe it.  So what do we do when the truth of God’s Word is being replaced by falsehoods, lies and misconceptions?  For example, when you hear someone say, “There are many ways to get to heaven,” is that a true statement?  Do all roads lead to the same place?  Or when someone says, “It doesn’t matter what you believe, it’s all the same God.”  Now I understand that many times when a person says these things, they are trying to be kind and not hurt someone’s feelings.  But is it kind to let someone believe a lie?  Is it wise to allow someone to rest in a false hope because of a misconception they have about Spiritual things?  I suppose it’s one thing to see someone with a mosquito on their arm and not say anything, but most of us would probably try to swish it away.  How much worse to remain silent when someone is believing a lie about spiritual issues that may very well affect where they will spend eternity.  Or what about the person who believes they will get to Heaven because of their good works, and because they are a good person?  We who know the Word must stand on the Word.  And as Paul says to the Ephesians in chapter 4:15, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the

Head, into Christ.”  It’s always good to remember that if what’s being said doesn’t agree with the Word of God, then don’t believe it.  When someone says that all roads lead to Heaven, we must remember what Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except by me.”  And speak the truth in love.  When someone says, “It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you’re a good person.”  We must remember what Peter said before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  And speak the truth in love.  When someone declares with false hope, “You get to heaven by your good works.”  We must remember the words of Paul to the Ephesians, chapter 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”  And speak the truth in love.  We must be mindful of the fact that where people will spend eternity has everything to do with what they believe, and where they place their hope while they are on this earth.  These are the days of God’s grace, and God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  But a very real part of our calling as Christians in these days of grace is to know the Word, to stand on the Word, to remain in the Word, and to speak the Word, which is the truth, in love.  Is it worth letting someone remain in false hope of where they will spend eternity?  Is it really love to not speak the truth in love?

We stand together, looking for His soon return,

Pastor Steve