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Archive for the ‘Ministry Updates’ Category

Of Men and Legos … (March 2021 Update)

Posted in Ministry Updates on March 11, 2021|

Legos first appeared in 1946 in Denmark, but they never really gained popularity until the 1970s when they began to add various themes to their blocks. Since then, Legos has been one of the most popular toys for children (and adults) of all ages. Why is this? In fact, Legos were not alone in their popularity. Before Legos, there were plenty of other “construction toys.” Many of us can remember the hours spent creating with Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets, and other popular building sets. In fact, even without these “sets,” children from the dawn of civilization used blocks of wood and stones, mud and sand to build their creations. But why? I think there is one simple reason – we were created in the “image and likeness of God.” 

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Posted in Ministry Updates, Uncategorized on January 16, 2021|

In the Year King Uzziah Died (January 2021 Update) 

Those ominous words come from Isaiah 6:1. For Isaiah and the nation of Israel, the death of King Uzziah was a national and a spiritual tragedy. It is difficult for us to imagine what the death of Uzziah meant for Israel and Isaiah. Uzziah had served as King of Judah for 52 years from the time he was just 16 years old! He was the best and most popular king since King Solomon. His rule had meant peace and prosperity for Israel. But now everyone was concerned about what would happen to Israel, especially since the newest superpower, Assyria, was threatening invasion. It appeared that Israel would fall apart. It was a time of great national crisis. But it was also a time of great personal crisis for many, including Isaiah. Uzziah was the only King that Isaiah had known in his life. 

But it was also a time of spiritual crisis. This beloved leader, in his final days, had overstepped his power. He wanted to be named the High Priest as well as King. He was warned not to do so, but he entered into the Temple and to offer the holy incense. The Lord struck him with leprosy because of his great sin. And Uzziah had to leave Jerusalem and live in seclusion until the day of his death (2 Kings 15). The actual penalty for violating the sacred place of the temple was death (Numbers 18:7). Instead, God struck Uzziah with leprosy, a disease that has been described as a living death. Uzziah had done great things for Israel but, in the end, his pride and arrogance lead him to a disgraceful life and a lonely death. 

First, in his distress, Isaiah went into the temple and what he saw there was that God was still seated on the throne (Isaiah 6:1)! No matter how tragic things appear on earth, God is still seated on the throne. And he also noticed that “the train of His robe filled the temple.” This indicates the majesty of God. Isaiah sees God seated like a King ruling over all. He not only saw God “seated” on His throne; he saw that God’s “train filled the temple.” These are scenes that portray the majesty of a Holy God. God is King and He rules over all that happens in the world. The occasion for Isaiah’s vision was the death of King Uzziah. With the death of Uzziah, the destiny of the nation of Israel was in question and Isaiah was concerned. But when Isaiah “saw the Lord high and lifted up,” he was reminded that – no matter what was happening on earth – even if evil and chaos might reign for a while on the earth – a thrice holy God was still seated on the throne. In difficult times, we need to take time to go into the temple and remember that our majestic God is still seated on the throne. 

The past few months have been difficult ones for everyone. The events of the past week probably leave us all wondering what the future will hold. The truth is, only the Lord knows. In fact, that is a comforting truth. Not only does the Lord know what will happen, He was not surprised by any of the events of the last few months that have surprised all of us. He was in control and He will continue to be in control. But what should be our response? Look at Isaiah’s experience in Isaiah 6. (more…)

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! (Christmas 2020 Update)

Posted in Ministry Updates on December 13, 2020|

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! (Christmas 2020 Update) 

There are few times in the year that compare with the Christmas season. It is a time of joy and wonder for people of all ages and generations! But the season is nothing compared to the mystery and the reality of Christmas. There are three events that define Christianity – the Birth of Jesus, the Cross of Jesus, and the Resurrection of Jesus. Each of these is unique to Christianity. No other religion claims their founder died to pay for their sins and then rose from the dead as proof of this payment. No other religion has such a great and risen Savior! 

But why is the celebration of His birth so special? It is because the Cross and the Empty Tomb would be meaningless without the Incarnation of Jesus. Christmas is not about trees and lights and presents. It is about the most amazing event in human history. It is about the Incarnation – God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)! And no other religion claims that God became man. That’s why Christmas is so special. That’s why it is truly “the most wonderful time of the year.” 

However, we must understand why Christmas and the celebration of the Incarnation is so important. Most Christians would say that the Cross and the Resurrection are the two essential elements of Christianity. Without them, Christianity would not exist. That is true. But Christmas (or the Incarnation) is equally important! Without Christmas, the cross and resurrection would have no significance. Let me explain. (more…)

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“Government, Bah Humbug! …” (October 2020 Update) 

Posted in Jim Ehrhard, Ministry Updates on September 30, 2020| 1 Comment »

“Government, Bah Humbug! …” (October 2020 Update) 

Why does government exist? There are many opinions about government. Especially during election years, people espouse all sorts of opinions about government. But why do we have government? There is really only one reason – because of sin. Now I know that when I write that, many of you are thinking, “That’s right. Preach it! The problem with government is sin – sinful politicians, godless laws, and sinful corruption and unfair taxes.” Some will even say that government is a “necessary evil.” And many will say, “it is time to do away with government all together.” 

But that is not what I mean at all. Government exists because we are all sinners. If there was no sin, there would be no need for government. Government exists because sin exists. When sin passes away in eternity, there will be no need for government. But until there is no sin, government is an absolute necessity.   (more…)

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“Lies and Deception …” (September 2020 Update) 

Posted in Jim Ehrhard, Ministry Updates on September 4, 2020|

“Lies and Deception …” (September 2020 Update) 

It’s that time again when the eyes of all Americans turn to the elections. In American elections, there are many things that are unpredictable. But one thing we can be sure of – we will all hear a lot of lies and deceptions! And it’s not just from one party but it seems to be the “nature” of (most) politicians to use exaggerations, lies and deception to get themselves elected. In fact, unfortunately, an old joke is mostly true: Question: How do you know when a politician is lying? Answer: His lips are moving! Fortunately, there are a few politicians who do not fit this joke – unfortunately, they are few! 

But what is the reason for this? What is the source of all these lies and deceptions? And more importantly, how can we navigate this election year and avoid falling for the lies and deceptions?  (more…)

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