JUNE 12

Christ in the Word

Bible Reading: Luke 24:25-27, 44-45; John 5:39

A co-worker and I were talking about puzzles the other day, as she was planning to take and work on a puzzle with one of our hospice patients.  Putting together a puzzle can be a time-consuming enterprise in working to figure out where each piece fits.  Bible study is kind of like putting together a puzzle.  There’s a lot of verses and passages and it’s sometimes difficult to figure out where they fit. 

In putting together a puzzle, it’s good to focus first on the edge and the corner pieces, since with those there’s at least some limitation where they go.  Building the outside frame of the puzzle will make it easier for the rest of the pieces.  It’s kind of like that with studying our Bible.  We need a framework in which to fit the rest of the pieces.  There are certain fundamental themes that run throughout the Bible that are founded on basic truths we learn about who God is and who we are.  Learning these will help us as we go!

The more you get done in working on a puzzle, the easier it gets, since there are less possible vacancies for the remaining pieces.  It’s common for a newly saved person to struggle with studying and understanding the Bible, but as with anything else, the more you learn, the more equipped you are to learn even more. There’s encouragement in that!

The biggest frustration for me in doing puzzles is when I’ve got a piece that seems to be the right one, but for whatever reason, it won’t quite fit where I want it to.  With Bible study, that’s arguably the source of greatest error.  We’ve got a piece (a preconceived idea of what we think the Bible says or what we want it to say) and we are determined to shove it into place no matter what. But context rules in Bible study–the context of a passage, the context of the book of the Bible, and the context of the Bible as a whole–if it doesn’t fit, then you are not understanding it correctly!

The biggest help in putting together a puzzle is the picture that’s on the front of the box.  It is that picture that ties everything together.  In looking at the picture, and at the colors of an individual piece, it’s sometimes possible to discern where that piece might go.  In studying the Bible, it’s imperative that we realize that above all else it’s a book about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  All the pieces in the puzzle have to do with Him!  It is through the Word of God that the Spirit of God works to unveil to us the beauty of the Savior!  

The Bible is all about Jesus Christ.  In the Old Testament books of the law, we read of the promises of Christ.  The other Old Testament books–history, poetry, and prophecy–anticipate Christ in their types, experiences, and prophecies.  The four gospel accounts have to do with the life of Christ.  The book of Acts and the epistles speak of the church of Christ.  The book of Revelation foretells the unveiling and coronation of Christ.  From beginning to end, the Bible is a book about Jesus Christ.  He’s there in the first verse, as the One through whom all things came into being (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3), and you’ll find Him in the last verse too (Revelation 22:21).  

The Bible is “the word of Christ” (Colossians 3:16).  Wherever we look in the book, we find Him!    And if His word “richly dwells within us” we are Spirit-led to worship and serve Him.  That’s why we need to be devoted to the Word!

God the Father is the giver of Holy Scripture; God the Son is the theme of Holy Scripture; and God the Spirit is the author, authenticator, and interpreter of Holy Scripture.

J. I. Packer

TELL ME THE STORY OF JESUS

Tell me the story of Jesus,
write on my heart every word;
tell me the story most precious,
sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels, in chorus,
sang as they welcomed His birth,
“Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth.”

Refrain:
Tell me the story of Jesus,
write on my heart every word;
tell me the story most precious,
sweetest that ever was heard.

Fasting alone in the desert,
tell of the days that are past;
how for our sins He was tempted,
yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of His labor,
tell of the sorrow He bore;
He was despised and afflicted,
homeless, rejected, and poor. [Refrain]

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,
writhing in anguish and pain;
tell of the grave where they laid Him,
tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender,
clearer than ever I see:
stay, let me weep while you whisper,
love paid the ransom for me. [Refrain]

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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