NOT WITHOUT TROUBLES

August 29

Bible Reading: Acts 14:19-23

Acts 14:22, “…saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

This verse brings to mind John Bunyan’s classic allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress—one of the most read books of all time.  The book tells the story of Christian’s journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.  A journey in which he faced many spiritual trials and challenges, including despair, temptation, persecution, and fear.  Christian ultimately overcomes them all and is brought safely to his destination. Charles Spurgeon loved the book, saying: “Next to the Bible, the book I value most is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. I believe I have read it through at least a hundred times. It is a volume of which I never seem to tire; and the secret of its freshness is that it is so largely compiled from the Scriptures.”

John Bunyan was greatly influenced by his own trials in the writing of his book.  As a young adult, before coming to faith in Christ, he experienced intense spiritual turmoil in his struggle with his own sin burden.  Later, as a lay Baptist preacher, authorities imprisoned him for 12 years for preaching without a license and refusing to stop holding church meetings.  During his imprisonment, he suffered immensely from separation from his family, particularly his blind daughter, who he loved dearly.  Bunyan’s wife, Mary, died in 1656, leaving him with four young children, including his blind daughter.  His second wife had to manage and care for the children during his long imprisonment.  Even after his release, Bunyan continued his preaching and writing under the threat of re-arrest and fines.  His life and his allegory speak to the true nature of the calling of every Christian. 

Paul wasn’t declaring something new when he said, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God,” for Jesus had said the same (John 15:20, 16:33).  Peter explained to his persecuted readers they should not be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12).  We are all called to follow in Jesus’ steps, and His path is one filled with troubles (1 Peter 2:21).  But it leads to a place where there will be no more sin or pain or sorrow or death or troubles of any kind. 

“God has never promised that we would miss the storm, but He has promised that we would make the harbor!”

AS WE SAIL TO HEAVEN’S SHORE
Storms may rise on seas unknown
While we journey towards our home
Surely we’ll learn what grace is for
As we sail to heaven’s shore.

Send us strength, oh, Pilgrim Guide
Sin would drown us in its tide
Be close at hand and go before
As we sail to heaven’s shore

Holy Spirit, lead us on
Give us courage, bring the song

Lord, we trust Your Father’s care
Will convey us safely there
Open or seal off every door
As we sail to heaven’s shore

Straighten our course with every prayer
Let heaven’s breezes speed us there
And grant us mercy evermore
As we sail to heaven’s shore

Draw us near, oh, finest Friend
From dawn’s light to evening’s end
Each passing day, we love You more
As we sail to heaven’s shore
As we sail to heaven’s shore.

Artist: Steve Green; Songwriters: Greg Nelson, Phill Mchugh.

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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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