March 15
Bible Reading: John 11:45-57
John 11:53, “So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.”
Acts 3:15, “You killed the Author of life.”
Christ’s crucifixion marked history’s most sinful and despicable crime. In his second sermon, the Apostle Peter indicted his own Jewish brethren for the offense, saying, “you killed the Author of life!”
He is the Author of Life! He has life in Himself and is the only One having the power to impart life. His own words and deeds proved the truth of that. As He said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:11). Lazarus lay dead and rotting away until Jesus called Him forth from his tomb. People witnessed what happened. Some believed as a result. But others ran off to tell the Pharisees.
The chief priests and Pharisees heard and gathered for a meeting. At the top of their agenda, they had the question regarding what was to be done with Jesus. By this time, Jesus had been performing all kinds of miracles over the course of a couple of years. The Author of Life bettered the lives of all whose life He touched. But the council was blind to truth and hard-hearted in their unbelief. That He fed the multitudes or healed the sick or gave sight to the blind or raised the dead made no difference to them. They were more politicians than religious leaders, and their chief concern was their hold on power, not concern for the people. Though he would not have realized the underlying truths of his prophesy, Caiaphas argued for Jesus’ death based on a forewarning he had received. The council met and debated the issue and decided their best course of action was to put the life-giver to death (John 11:53). They were evil men with an evil plan, but their plan would fail. Turned out you can’t put the Author of Life to death, for when they tried, He rose again (Acts 3:15)!
That awful council meeting stands as a stark reminder that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). The evil one and his minions are still hard at work, blinding the minds of the unbelieving and plotting against the believing (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:12). But praise God that in Christ, we stand victorious, “for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4)!
They had sought to put life to death, but through His death He “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10)!
CHRIST AROSE
Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave he arose;
with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior,
vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord! [Refrain]
Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! [Refrain]
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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