ON TRIAL FOR A TRUTH

November 6

Bible Reading: Acts 24:10-21

Acts 24:20-21, “Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

Put simply, the gospel message is that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  This “gospel of the glory of the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:11) represents the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

First proclaimed by Peter on Pentecost, the message of Christ’s resurrection was the Spirit-borne message that worked like a glorious sunrise to spread life and hope in Jesus to Jerusalem and beyond.  It was the message that Peter and John boldly proclaimed despite threats against them, for they could not “but speak of what (they) had seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).  A great persecution later spread the message to Samaria.  And then through Peter to Cornelius and the Gentiles (Acts 10:40). God saved Saul and called him to take the message to the Gentiles on his three missionary journeys.  The message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was at the heart of what he proclaimed.  That good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, who died for our sins and rose from the dead, stands triumphant through this age as the great message of hope amidst the ever-constant bad news associated with living in this sin-broken world.

There can be no true Christianity apart from the message of Christ’s resurrection.  John MacArthur put it this way: “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single greatest event in the history of the world. It is so foundational to Christianity that no one who denies it can be a true Christian…A person who believes in a Christ who was not raised believes in a powerless Christ, a dead Christ. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then no redemption was accomplished at the cross and “your faith is worthless,” Paul goes on to say; “you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).”

As Paul understood it, he was on trial for the statement he’d made (Acts 24:21).  He was on trial that day for that statement, but he faced countless other “trials” because he refused to be moved from the truth of Christ’s resurrection.  By His grace, God brought to you that same great message of hope.  There’ll come a day when you’ll trade hope for sight in the presence of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:50-57).  The good news of Christ’s resurrection is the message, above all others, worth sharing—no matter the cost!

“No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.”—Josh McDowell

MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD
My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Calvary

Refrain:
For me He died
For me He lives
And everlasting life
And light He freely gives

No merit of my own
His anger to suppress
My only hope is found
In Jesus’ righteousness [Refrain]

And now for me He stands
Before the Father’s throne
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own [Refrain]

His grace has planned it all
‘Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive [Refrain]

Unknown's avatar

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.

Leave a comment