NO GOD, NO GOOD

MARCH 14

Psalm 53

Psalm 53:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.”

On April 8, 1966, Time magazine published a provocative cover story titled “Is God Dead?” The article explored the challenges theologians in that day faced in making God relevant in an increasingly secular society. With science seemingly offering alternative explanations for the world, religion seemed to occupy less space in people’s daily lives.

The issue stirred significant backlash from both the general public and religious communities, with much of the criticism focusing more on the eye-catching cover—featuring bold red text reading “Is God Dead?” on a black background—than on the article’s content itself. Four decades later, The Los Angeles Times included the “Is God Dead?” cover among the “12 magazine covers that shook the world.”

However, as the psalmist reminds us, the atheistic sentiment behind the Time article is not a new one. At its core, sin represents a rebellion and antagonism toward God, preferring His non-existence. Without God, however, there would be no moral standard—no right or wrong—and no force to check humanity’s most selfish and sinful impulses (Romans 1:18-19).

Goodness and God are inseparable. God is good, and all that He does is good (Psalm 119:68). Apart from His influence in the hearts of men, there can be no true goodness on earth. In His absence, evil and darkness will prevail. Those who dismiss His existence foolishly forfeit the opportunity to experience His goodness, particularly the forgiveness and transformation He offers, enabling us to do good. 

Trace all true goodness back to God, for apart from Him there’d be none to be found (James 1:17).

Application questions: Twice the psalmist declares “there is none who does good.”  How are we to understand this statement?  Why are some prone to deny the existence of God despite the clear evidence to the contrary?

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