SPEAKING ABOUT JESUS

June 19

Bible Reading: Acts 4:13-22

Acts 4:19-20, “But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Simply for preaching the gospel, authorities kept John Bunyan, author of the Christian classic “Pilgrim’s Progress,” in prison for many years.  They offered to set him free, but only if he promised not to preach again.  His response?  “If you let me out of prison today, I will preach again tomorrow, by the grace of God.” And when they reiterated, they would not let him out unless he promised not to preach, he bravely answered, “If I lie in jail till the moss grows on my eyelids, I will never conceal the truth which God has taught me. “

Peter and John had upset the religious elite in Jerusalem. Those in power were much annoyed.  They arrested Peter and John and had them thrown in jail.  Peter and John had every reason to be afraid, but instead, they courageously proclaimed the truth.  By the Spirit, they feared God more than they feared their persecutors.

I can recall situations in my life where I should have stood up for Jesus but didn’t.  I failed, out of fear of what others might say or think, to take advantage of an opportunity to boldly speak of that which I firmly believe.  You can probably relate.  Whenever the temptation arises to remain silent instead of speaking up for Jesus, reflect on the example set by Peter and John.  On a previous occasion, Peter had denied even knowing Jesus, but Spirit-filled Peter had the Spirit-borne power to confidently proclaim the truth.  Through the centuries, many have stood in Peter’s place, of needing to decide what to say when told not to speak of Jesus.  Jesus commissioned us “to be His witnesses” (Acts 1:8).  It’s better to listen to Him. 

“Will you be bold in your witness by giving lost sinners God’s Word? Jesus will honor your service, and sinners will surely be stirred.” — Henry G. Bosch

SO SEND I YOU
So send I you to labour unrewarded
To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown
To bear rebuke, ot suffer scorn and scoffing
So send I you to toil for Me alone

So send I you to bind the bruised and broken
Over wandering souls to work, to weep, to wake
To bear the burdens of a world a-weary
So send I you to suffer for My sake

So send I you to loneliness and longing
With hart a-hungering for tthe loved and known
Forsaking kin and kindred, friend and dear one
So send I you to know My love alone

So send I you to leave your life’s ambition
To die to dear desire, self-will resign
To labour long, and love where men revile you
So send I you to lsoe you life in Mine

So send I you to hearts made hard by hatred
To eyes made blind because they will not see
To spend, though it be blood to spend and spare not
So send I you to taste of Calvary

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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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