BE A BEREAN

September 17

Bible Reading: Acts 17:10-15

Acts 17:11, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

My good friend was struggling to understand a difficult passage in the Bible, so he asked his pastor about it.  The pastor’s response surprised him; instead of offering his own opinion, the pastor told my friend that it would be more beneficial if he searched the Scriptures for himself to gain an understanding.  That encounter has since worked to bear much fruit, for in the many years since, he has built a well-founded understanding of the Scriptures, which is clear in his ability to teach and his extensive Bible knowledge.  There’s a difference between knowing what we know because some human has told us and knowing what we know because the Spirit has taught us through the Word!

The Jews in Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica because they heard eagerly and examined carefully.  To be a “Berean” is to follow in their example, just as 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 encouraged us to do: “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”  We are exhorted to “test everything,” by passing it through a “but what does the Bible say?” filter.  That’s what the Bereans did!  They listened attentively to what the Apostles were saying, but then they measured what they said against the standard of the Scriptures.

Those folks did not possess any Bible study tools like us, but they had, in the “analogy of Scripture,” a principle that we all have if we own a Bible.  Put simply, the principle states that the Scriptures are the best interpreter of the Scriptures.  Since all Scripture is inspired, all parts of the Bible are equally inspired (2 Timothy 3:16).  Scripture doesn’t contradict itself, and that reality can help in the study of the Bible.  Most Bibles cite cross references alongside the Bible text.  It’s good practice to look those up, comparing Scripture against Scripture in gaining an accurate understanding.  The key is to guard the treasure of a heart that longs for truth (1 Peter 2:2).

A more noble response to the Scriptures is to hear eagerly and examine carefully.

SPEAK, O LORD
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your holy Word
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory

Teach us, Lord, full obedience
Holy reverence, true humility
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of Your purity
Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see
Your majestic love and authority
Words of pow’r that can never fail
Let their truth prevail over unbelief

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds
Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
That will echo down through eternity
And by grace, we’ll stand on Your promises
And by faith, we’ll walk as You walk with us
Speak, O Lord, ‘til Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory

Songwriters: Keith Getty / Stuart Townend
Speak, O Lord lyrics © Thankyou Music, Thank You Music Ltd.

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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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