October 15
Bible Reading: Acts 21:7-15
Acts 21:11-12, “And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, ‘Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.”
From his conversion, Paul was called to bear the name of Jesus and suffer for his sake (Acts 9:15-16). He received reaffirmation of that calling on many occasions, including here by Agabus. The Spirit was saying one thing through Abagus, whereas Paul’s friends were saying something else. What was Paul to do? What did he do?
During the English Reformation, Thomas Bilney, a Cambridge student, underwent a profound conversion to Christ after reading, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” This revelation opened his eyes to the truth that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ, and he became a powerful advocate for the Christian faith. However, the Counter-Reformation led to severe backlash, resulting in the execution of many reformers. Bilney was imprisoned and faced the choice to recant or be burned at the stake. Friends urged him to recant, and just two days before his execution, he felt immense internal conflict. Although he believed he was meant to die for his faith, he ultimately rationalized a compromise: “I will preserve my life in order to dedicate it to the Lord.” This decision led to guilt and confusion, causing him to stray from his beliefs. Consumed by grief, he collapsed in the arms of his friends, who recognized their part in his decline.
After several years of apparent apostasy, Bilney returned to his faith and became a fervent voice for Christ again. When arrested a second time, he stood firm. The night before his execution, he held his hand over a burning lamp, enduring the pain until he burned his finger to the joint. He declared, “When the flames consume me, I shall not feel them. This body may suffer, but it will lead to unspeakable joy.” The next day, Bilney descended into Lollard’s Pit, where many martyrs had perished. After praying, he embraced the stake and kissed it.
What can we learn from Bilney’s journey? His friends had led him astray in a moment of vulnerability. But like Paul, he ultimately determined to follow the will of God no matter where that led. When someone is determined to follow the will of God, it is important not to get in the way.
When someone is determined to follow the will of God, it is important not to get in the way.
MUST JESUS BEAR THE CROSS ALONE
Must Jesus bear the cross alone
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for ev’ry one,
And there’s a cross for me.
The consecrated cross I’ll bear
Till death shall set me free,
And then go home my crown to wear,
For there’s a crown for me.
Upon the crystal pavement, down
At Jesus’ pierced feet,
Joyful, I’ll cast my golden crown
And His dear name repeat.
O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
Ye angels, from the stars come down
And bear my soul away.
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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