Tag: Jesus

Hope for All

Written by amerrill on January 31, 2017. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Hope for All

If you’ve spent much time in California during the past few years, you know how desperate we’ve been for rain. Thankfully, the long-awaited downpour we’ve had this winter seems to have quenched our state’s five-year dry spell. We needed the rain because our land is dry and thirsty. This is true spiritually for our state—and our entire nation as well.

We are a dry and thirsty land spiritually. We have the highest percentage of people who do not believe in God in this country than we’ve ever had before. More people are atheist or agnostic than ever before, which means there are more people who have no understanding of the presence of God in one’s life. Many of our institutions mock God. We have people whose needs go unmet every single day because of apathy and greed. Pornography and abortion are like a plague in this country. Religious liberties continue to be stripped away from people of faith. And instead of “In God we trust,” it has become “In man we trust, or “In self we trust.”

We have lost our way politically—as we can clearly see from the unprecedented vitriol and ugliness of this past election, on both sides equally. Moreover, I’ve never seen our nation so divided racially. Just look at the comments section of most news articles on social media and you’ll see how quickly people begin to spew hateful prejudices against one another. It must grieve the very heart of God who has made us all in His image (Genesis 1:27). He has called us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to consider others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

We’ve lost our way economically and morally; we are a bankrupt nation. Our federal government is close to 20 trillion dollars in debt. That’s $170,000 per tax payer. But we are not just bankrupt economically; we are bankrupt morally. There is the breakdown of the family unit, which causes us to be relationally challenged. We have more people who are being engulfed and enslaved by addiction to drugs, alcohol, and pornography. And we are living in times of terrorism. There seems to be a tragic attack just about every week somewhere in the world or on American soil.

Because there is so much discouragement around us, God put it in my heart that “Hope for All” would be our theme this year at Shepherd Church. Last year, our theme was “Love God, Love People.” This year is about offering hope to a broken world. The year 2017 at Shepherd is for people who are lonely, lost, confused, broken, disenfranchised, discouraged, afraid, or empty. It’s for people who are addicted and hopeless, desperate and searching. I want people know that they are loved. I want people to know that they are valued and important—that they matter; that they are respected, cared for, wanted.

The parables in Luke 15 demonstrate how much God cares for those who are lost and without hope. A shepherd loses a sheep. A woman loses a valuable coin. A father loses his son. Each of these people did whatever they could to find that which was lost, and they serve as pictures of Jesus Christ’s love and compassion for the lost. In Luke 19:41-44, Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. In Matthew 9:35-36, Jesus went through the towns and villages and—

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Our Lord has great compassion for those who are sick, hungry, thirsty, naked, and oppressed. We see throughout the Gospels that everywhere Jesus went, He offered hope to the hurting. He came to this earth to love and forgive; heal and redeem; restore and save. We need to model Christ’s example.

I want people to look at our church and say, “There’s a church that cares for people. There’s a church that doesn’t throw aside someone who is addicted, but helps them. There’s a church that’s willing to sacrifice for others. There’s a church that has the best volunteers in America—they serve and they welcome everyone. They hold no prejudices. They see others as better than themselves. There’s a church that offers hope to all people. There’s a church that strives to love like Jesus.” If you would like to learn more about the hope that is found in Jesus, please join us at Shepherd Church.

Let Freedom Ring

Written by amerrill on January 9, 2017. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Let Freedom Ring

The New Year offers the promise of fresh beginnings. There is something about January 1 that gives us the motivation we need to start making changes or commitments we’ve abandoned the previous year. We tell ourselves this year is going to be different, and we feel confident and hopeful.

But sometime around mid-February or March, we lose focus. Perhaps it’s all those Valentine’s Day chocolates or Easter eggs! But we find ourselves making the same old choices and feeling discouraged or defeated. What we long for is freedom from bad habits and mindsets, and yet we come up empty.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, I want to encourage you today with a passage of Scripture from Galatians 5:1, which reads, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

In this letter, the apostle Paul addresses a group of churches in ancient Galatia, a region in modern-day Turkey. Some legalists had crept into the church and tried to convince Christians that in order to receive salvation and eternal life, they must also observe certain Old Testament laws such as circumcision. Paul wants to set the record straight that God’s grace comes from faith in Christ alone as he wrote this epistle to the Galatians. He outlined two important truths—freedom from the law and freedom from sin. And these two points are equally significant for believers today:

1. Freedom from the law. Have you heard the expression “fallen from grace”? It is often used to describe what happens when a celebrity or politician has been caught in a scandal, but the expression actually originates from the Bible. In Galatians 5:1-12, Paul warns Christians not to attempt to be justified (to be made right with God) by the law. He says that whoever does so has “fallen from grace,” meaning they are not relying on the grace of God for salvation but the work of the law. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love,” Paul writes in verse 6b.

The reason why the law cannot save a person is because it’s burdensome and heavy. It’s impossible to obey it all because there are 613 laws in the Old Testament. It’s kind of like the links in a chain—if one link is broken, you’re sunk. You are obligated to obey the entire law (v. 3). The religious law is restrictive and keeps you from running a good race (v. 7). Paul makes the point that those who wish to steal our freedom in Christ are persuasive and cancerous (v. 8-9).

2. Freedom from sin. In verses 19 through 21, Paul lists various sins. There are sexual sins, religious sins, and relational sins. The law points out these sins, but Jesus provides freedom from all sin. Paul writes in verse 13-15:

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

God’s grace—and our faith in Jesus Christ—is not a license to sin. Paul warns that the spirit and the flesh are in constant conflict with one another, and those who gratify their sinful nature will not inherit the kingdom of God (v. 21b). Instead, he beckons us to walk, live, and be led by the Spirit of God. That is where we find true freedom—the chance not only to start over but also to transform our minds and hearts for good.

If you would like to learn more about the freedom we have in Christ, please join us for weekend services at Shepherd Church. We would love to have you!

Don’t Lose Hope This Political Season!

Written by amerrill on October 24, 2016. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Don’t Lose Hope This Political Season!

Every four years, our country goes through a season in which it seems every effort is made to divide Americans and separate them into two major categories: red and blue, Republican and Democrat, right and wrong. I am, of course, talking about election season. Sadly, Americans are exposed to round-the-clock news coverage of divisive attacks and mudslinging—and this presidential election has probably been the worst in the history of our nation.

The attempt to build walls of discord and disunity is as old as the creation of the world. When Satan deceived the first man and woman, which caused them to disobey God, their sin separated them from a life of fellowship and unity with God in the Garden of Eden. The Lord still loved them. No doubt about that. However, there is always a consequence to our sin.

Sin—wrongdoing by disobeying God’s Word—not only separates us from God, but it also separates us from each other.

It’s the root cause of the hatred and “us versus them” mentality that is so rampant in our country today. This division—these walls of hostility—exist all over the world. Between brothers and sisters, neighbors, churches, political parties, husbands and wives, parents and children, coworkers, and former friends.

It must grieve the very heart of God when He looks down upon people who were made in His image, and yet despise each other and create barriers between one another.

In Ephesians 2:11-22, the apostle Paul talks about the division that existed between Jews and Gentiles. He uses this to build upon and to illustrate the separation we have from God before we accept Christ. He says that before we become reconciled to God through His Son, Christ Jesus, we were “excluded from citizenship” in God’s Kingdom; “foreigners to the Covenants” (God’s truth); and without hope. (See verse 12.)

The good news is that peace is possible!

In this passage of Scripture, we find the word “peace” three times. Here is what we learn about peace…which is the key to bringing down the walls of hostility in our hearts and in our nation:

Jesus is our peace. Ephesians 2:13 says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” Peace is not the absence of conflict. Peace is the bringing together of two entities to become one. Peace means being whole—nothing broken or missing; inseparable. Through Christ’s selfless act on the cross to die for the sins of the world, He has become our peace.

Jesus is making peace. Ephesians 2:15b-16 says, “His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” The Bible teaches that we are one in Christ. The problem is that Satan loves to create division and prejudice. However, Jesus Christ is the ultimate peacemaker and reconciler. He abolishes enmity and hostility. Hallelujah!

Jesus preached peace. Ephesians 2:17-18 says, “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” Jesus preached peace no matter how close a person was to God through their observance of the Law, or how far away they were from Him through their sin. He went through the towns of Israel to share the good news of His coming. And in fact, the prophet Isaiah preached about Jesus long before He arrived, saying, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

In this political season and always, don’t lose hope! Jesus Christ is the hope of the nations, and the only way to break down impossible walls and to usher in peace.

5 Things Every Believer Needs to Know

Written by amerrill on September 26, 2016. Posted in Blog. No Comments on 5 Things Every Believer Needs to Know

If you are a parent, you probably know what it is like to have a persistent son or daughter continually ask you for something they want. It could be a brand new toy or an athletic shoe that just came out on the market. It could be permission to go to a party or a concert with friends. Right or wrong, the child can become relentless in asking because they feel that the desired item is important.

In Ephesians 1:17-23, the Apostle Paul begins his letter to believers living in the city of Ephesus with the words, “I keep asking God…” He wants God to bless them with five important things. Paul was a man whose life had been radically changed by an encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He became a great leader in the Church, authored nearly half of the New Testament, and was imprisoned and killed for the faith.

So when Paul wrote about how he unceasingly asked God for something, much like a child petitions his or her parent, our ears ought to perk up. We ought to investigate what it is he found so important that he asked and asked God to give it Christians living at that time.

When we examine these five requests, we find that all five are still immensely pertinent for modern-day Christians. So without further ado, here are five things every believer needs to know, according to the Apostle Paul:

1.) To know God better.

In Ephesians 1:17, Paul wrote, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” The spiritual wisdom and revelation we receive are for the purpose of knowing God better. If you want to get to know someone better, you will spend time with that person. You will also spend tough times with that person. The best marriages are two people who remained lovingly committed to each other through thick and thin. The same is true for our relationship with God. Don’t give up on Him when the going gets tough. He is the one who will see you through it!

2.) To know our hope.

Verse 18 says, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…” The hope Paul spoke of does not mean “hope so”—like if someone asks you if you are going to heaven when you die, and you say, “Uh, I hope so.” This word in the Bible comes from the Greek word elpis, which means “confidence” and “expectation.” It is a motivating force to purify our lives and hearts before the Lord. (See Ephesians 2:12-13, 1 Peter 1:3, and 1 John 2:28ff.)

3.) To know we are God’s inheritance.

As verse 18 continues, Paul mentions “the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…” He wants the Ephesians to know that they are God’s inheritance. In worldly terms, we wait patiently to receive an inheritance from a relative, but this verse tells us that we are God’s inheritance! God is waiting for you! He sees you not for what you are now, but for what you’ll become.

4.) To know God’s power.

In verses19-20, we see that Paul wants believers to know “[God’s] incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” The same power that rose Jesus from the grave can resurrect a dying marriage, relationship, or impossible situation. If you understood this truth you’d never live another day in defeat (see Philippians 3:10).

5.) To know that everything is distant second to Jesus.

Lastly, Paul wrote, in verses 21 and 22 that God raised Jesus Christ “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church…” Nothing compares to Jesus. He is above every nation, ruler, celebrity, and political candidate. No accomplishment, accolade, or achievement comes close to what Christ did, in love, for us on the cross. Let this truth take away any worry you may have today, and put your trust in the name of Jesus.

If you would like to know God better and the hope we have in Jesus Christ, please join us at Shepherd Church. Visit www.shepherdchurch.com for services times and locations.

15 Ways to Pray for One Another

Written by amerrill on June 27, 2016. Posted in Blog. No Comments on 15 Ways to Pray for One Another

“How should I pray?” This is a question I have been asked many times as a pastor. I have shared with people that praying is like having a conversation with God. If you were talking with a close friend over coffee, you would probably express gratitude, worries and concerns, hopes and plans, and—if you’re really honest—your regrets and where you hope to improve. You would ask your friend for advice. You would also pause and listen to what your friend had to say. Prayer is similar to that.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” James 5:16 instructs, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

[Photo by Adi AlGhanem on Flickr]

We are also given this encouragement in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

These verses tell us that prayer is worthwhile. It is effective. It brings us peace and connects us to God our Father and Creator. Prayer should become a daily exercise and commitment just like any other important routine in our lives.

If you are wondering where to start or what to pray for, here is a starter list. It is by no means a complete list, but one that may guide your prayer time. Cut it out and put it somewhere that will remind you often to talk with God and receive His peace:

Marriages and Families – May the Lord help men to step up and become godly men who serve Christ, honor their wives, and lead their family. May He help women reflect the love of Christ in all situations and give them peace and strength for the challenges of each day.
Singles – May the Lord help single men and women not to compromise their faith or purity and not to run ahead of what He has planned for them.
Children – May the Lord watch over them and protect them from the forces in this world that aim to lead them down the wrong path. May God raise up a generation of young people that will shake up this world for Christ.
Pastors, Churches, and Ministries – May the Lord cause our churches to make disciples of all nations as Jesus instructed us to do, preaching God’s Word in an uncompromising manner. May they lovingly serve the poor and afflicted.
Peace – May God bring peace to the Middle East and protect Israel.
Global Economics – May the Lord settle the economic turmoil in Europe, and grant wisdom to the corporate leaders steering our major global industries. Whether they are coordinating international agricultural supply chains, developing the best online casinos, or managing multinational renewable energy firms, may they operate with integrity and provide stable, dignified livelihoods for their employees.
Underground Church and Persecuted Christians – May the Lord give His mercy and protection to the underground churches, and may He strengthen and encourage those who are being persecuted for their faith—especially those in India, China, and Egypt.
Revival in America – May the Lord bring a much-needed revival to America, that we would care more for the spiritual than the material.
The Poor – May the Lord cause us to care for those who are less fortunate than we are and to let our love for them be known.
Government – May the Lord place into administration those who have a holy fear and reverence for Him and the truth of His Word, the Bible.
Military, Police, and Fire Fighters – May the Lord protect the men and women who courageously serve our nation and strengthen the families who support them.
Entertainment Industry – May the Lord prompt those who work in Hollywood, the media, and the entertainment industry to use their talents for God.
Missionaries – May the Lord bless and empower missionaries who serve around the world to lift high the name of Jesus.
Financial Needs – May the Lord provide for those who are hurting financially and help each one to believe in His laws of giving and biblical stewardship.
City of Los Angeles – May the Lord help Angelenos to change the world, as we lead others to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

Father, thank You for the power of Your love, grace, and mercy. May the personal relationship we have with You be a testimony that You desire to have that same relationship with others. Thank You for loving us and never giving up on us. Forgive us whenever we fail You, and speak truth into our lives when we take our eyes off of You. Help us to repent, to turn completely to You without hesitation. May we read the Bible with passion and conviction, and see our trials as blessings as You shape and mold our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Does Your Schedule Honor God?

Written by amerrill on May 26, 2016. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Does Your Schedule Honor God?

Three words summarize the lives of Americans: overwhelmed, overscheduled, and exhausted. Many people have a passion to work and be productive. In fact, God instilled that desire in us. There are many Bible verses, especially in the book of Proverbs, that talk about how hard work—as opposed to laziness—is beneficial to us and pleases the Lord. Work enables you to achieve, provide for your family, and support your church and charities through financial giving.

Work in and of itself is not bad. The problem lies in our tendency as human beings to mistake busyness for work—and to so overfill every moment of every day that we ultimately squeeze God out of our lives. In doing so, we neglect the fourth command in the Ten Commandments that the Lord gave to Moses. God must have known our propensity to put work in front of Him when He said in Exodus 20:8-11:

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

The word “Sabbath” is rooted in the Hebrew language and literally means “rest.” As much as we try to fight it, like a two-year-old fighting a nap, we need to rest. It’s the way God designed us. So He blessed the seventh day of the week and made it holy—set apart—for Himself. God generously gave us six days, and the seventh day is His.

Our great-grandfathers called this day “the Holy Sabbath.” Our grandfathers called it “the Sabbath.” Our fathers called it “Sunday.” And we call it “the weekend.” But the Sabbath does not mean it’s a day for us to sit on the couch, watch sporting events, and eat takeout food. It’s not a day to go shopping or to the beach because that’s what we may find restful. It’s a holy day, and it’s a continual call to worship.

Leviticus 23:3 shows us that the Sabbath is a day of sacred assembly: “‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord.’ It’s a covenant of rest to commemorate the finished work of creation.”

Equally important, the Sabbath is a day to commemorate the fished work of redemption. Just as God rested from His work at the beginning of the Old Testament, His Son Jesus rested from His work at the beginning of the New Testament. Jesus’ work was bringing the message of salvation—by preaching the truth and healing the sick—and ultimately offering His life on the cross for the sins of the world. Hebrews 10:11-14 explains:

Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.But when this priest [Jesus Christ] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

By honoring the Sabbath Day and keeping it holy, we honor not only God’s command, but also His rest from His magnificent work in creation and Jesus’ rest from His redemptive work on the cross. If you would like to worship with us at Shepherd Church, our service times are Saturdays at 5:00 and 6:30 pm and Sundays at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 am at our Porter Ranch campus. We also have campuses in Agua Dulce, West L.A., and Woodland Hills.