South Berwick and Wells Christian Church

06/19/2026

Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Jesus warns about the future in Mark 13:13: “And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” The latter part of this verse instructs believers to stand firm (“endure”) even as we approach the prophesied “end.” Some read this statement and reach the wrong conclusion that Christians can lose salvation. As a practical matter, if it were possible to lose salvation, all of us have already lost it, for no one is perfect (except for God, of course). As a theological matter, the situation is even worse, for it involves heresy and blasphemy. If God can lose believers, He is not God – but He is God, and He keeps His promises to keep us (John 10:28-30; 13:1; Romans 8:28-29; I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 7:25; I John 2:1; Jude 24; and many others). Thus, this verse cannot be about that which is not possible – the loss of salvation or, as is more accurate, God’s loss of saved people. What then does this statement mean? Jesus is telling us that genuine Christians will indeed persist to the “end,” no matter the opposition or oppression. “The perseverance of the saints” is a common theological phrase that expresses this basic truth. There are some who call themselves Christians but who, sadly, have never called upon Jesus for His eternal forgiveness. These nominal believers are not believers at all; as unbelievers, they will not (and cannot) stand firm: “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9b – New International Version).

06/18/2026

Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
In Mark 13:13, Jesus further instructs His followers about the future: “And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” This general attitude against God’s people does not point to a single event but is an ongoing, settled decision by many to oppose Jesus and His followers. In Biblical terms, hate is far more than an emotion (although it includes strong feelings); it is a choice to oppose something or someone. Studies in the United States have found that it is culturally acceptable to choose against only two groups of people – Christians and Jews. Disparagement of and discrimination against these two groups do not bring widespread condemnation. Jesus told His disciples – the first Christians – that they would “be hated of all men for My name’s sake”; people who decide against Christ will also decide against Christians. For example, I know of an accomplished professional man who states openly that he does not believe that Christians should be allowed to vote. Such ignorance and intransigence cannot be easily overcome. The hatred of the Jewish people (not only in the United States but throughout the world) is also extraordinarily illogical, for they are a tiny minority. However, because the Messiah was Jewish and because large numbers of Jewish people will convert at the end (Romans 11:26-27; Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5), Satan stirs up man’s hatred against them. Jesus’ predictions continue to come true, but His woe is upon those who choose hate rather than Him.

06/17/2026

Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Jesus continues to instruct His disciples about future events: “Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death” (Mark 13:12). This statement of fact is one of the most distressing in the Bible. Family difficulties are nothing new (Cain’s murder of his brother Abel comes immediately to mind – see Genesis 4:1-12), but Jesus prophesies that the intensity of these conflicts will increase and that they will involve the pernicious power of corrupt government. Turning in family members who disagreed with governmental policies was common in Communist regimes (and, sadly, still occurs). Such denunciations in Islamist dictatorships occur with regularity around the world today. Other types of totalitarian governments also encourage this vile behavior. In the United States, we have not been subjected to this type of deadly despotism. However, in the manufactured coronavirus panic (if you are wondering if manufactured modifies coronavirus or panic, the answer is both), leftist leaders in certain states established so-called tip lines – really, rat lines – so that fearful followers of oppressive autocrats could curry favor and help to destroy basic freedoms. Christians are not called to be toadies to tyrants, nor are we called to turn on our families. Jesus’ predictions will continue to come true, but woe to him who is part of the fulfillment of wickedness.

06/16/2026

Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
We return to Jesus’ instruction to His followers regarding the future: “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost” (Mark 13:11). The immediate context is that of Jewish converts to Christianity being brought to synagogues for interrogation and punishment: “But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten” (verse 9a). We need to keep this context in mind, for some erroneously teach that Christians today do not need to study the Word of God but simply need to wait for God the Holy Spirit to supply insight. This benighted misinterpretation ignores the context. Furthermore, it overlooks the historical fact that the New Testament was not written down at all when Jesus uttered these words (and would not be completed until some six decades after Jesus’ words). Moreover, the entire Bible is given to us through the work of God the Holy Spirit: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21), and “All scripture is given by inspiration of God [God-breathed], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16-17). Thus, we need to study the completed Word of God: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15); we must also rely on God the Holy Spirit to help us correctly understand the Bible: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (II Peter 1:20). Then, we will “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15b).

06/15/2026

Melodic Mondays

Those of you who know me know that I love music even though I am not musical myself. I listen to good music as often as I can. It is beneficial to the brain, valuable to the vocabulary, and strengthening to the soul. Isaiah 12:2-3 is a lovely passage that includes this soaring statement of surety: “The Lord JEHOVAH [YAHWEH] is my strength and my song.” This could be translated, “God is my mountaintop and my music.” Yes, He is! Each Monday, I want to study this subject and suggest a song to listen to. Anyone reading this devotional has easy access to any song. (I am an exception because I do not go on a computer or other information device.) If you do not like my suggestion (and we all have different tastes), you can think of or search for one that speaks to you. Then, it can become a source of encouragement throughout the week.
Revelation 5:8-14 is a favorite source for songwriters. It pictures Jesus as “the Lamb” (verse 8) receiving the praise due Him in heaven. Included are the “many angels… ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (verse 11). The prolific Isaac Watts wrote the hymn “Hallelujah to the Lamb” based on this passage (and Revelation 7:9-12). I especially appreciate the line, “Ten thousand thousand are their tongues, but all their joys are one.” Let us listen to a version of this venerable hymn by the Salvation Army.

Provided to YouTube by DistroKidHallelujah To The Lamb · The Salv...

06/14/2026

https://youtu.be/TRHkMfNAriw

Pastor Charles Jepson - June 14, 2026

06/14/2026

Sermon Snippet – Eagle Euphony

INTRODUCTION – Isaiah 40:28-31 is a well-known and beloved passage. It closes with the imagery of a soaring eagle: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles” (verse 31a). This memorable word picture provides us with needed encouragement.

1. WE DO NOT LIKE TO WAIT
In Isaiah’s day, the nation of Israel was an agricultural nation. Even the wealthier people were generally connected to and dependent upon successful farming. Waiting for a harvest was a major part of their culture. As mankind has progressed in technology, we have increasingly been separated from the concept of waiting. Today, most people in our country will wait only seconds before scrolling to or clicking onto something different. Our brains are being altered so that impatience and hastiness are becoming normalized. The people of Isaiah’s day were familiar with waiting but still needed to be exhorted to greater patience. How much more we need that continuing education now! Psalm 37:1-9 is one exposition of this subject (note especially verses 7and 9), dealing with the seeming soaring of the wicked. Their wicked ascendancy will end. Their negative example causes God’s people to pause, reflect, cogitate, and trust (verses 3 and 5).

2. WE WILL SOAR
Our soaring will not be the temporary reign of the ungodly of Psalm 37. Rather, our “strength” will not hurt others. We all desire more physical strength – better health – and perhaps God will bless us that way. Perhaps He will not (II Corinthians 12:1-10). We do know that whatever measure of physical strength we enjoy is a gift from God (James 1:17) and should be cherished. The same is true of emotional, relational, vocational, and financial strength. Let us not lose sight, though, that the meaning of “strength” in the context of the book of Isaiah is spiritual. The message is that anyone can continue to mature spiritually, to trust more fully and to live more consistently in the ways presented to us in the Bible. We can soar in the spiritual realm, no matter what our physical limitations may be. We will soar one day, certainly, right into heaven (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).

3. WE ARE LEARNING THAT WE ARE NOT THE ONES DOING THE ACTUAL FLYING
Verse 29 tells us that it is God Who “giveth power” and “increaseth strength.” Exodus 19:4 explains the dynamic: “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself.” We are not like the mythological Icarus, flying too close to the sun and plummeting to death. No, it is our Lord soaring and carrying us. We are resting on Him and in Him. He can be trusted to keep us from falling (Jude 24-25).

CONCLUSION – How can we be certain that He will always bear us up? John 3:14-15 and 12:32-33 tell us that Jesus was “lifted up,” not to soar through the sky but to die on the Cross, “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (I Peter 2:24a). He has carried our sins away; thus, we can be sure that He will carry us forever. Let us trust in Jesus, God the Son, for His eternal salvation, and let us rest on His “eagles’ wings,” everlastingly secure.

06/13/2026

Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
In Mark 13:10, Jesus provides this pithy promise regarding the future: “And the gospel must first be published [preached] among all nations.” In the midst of ongoing hatred and extraordinary persecution, the Gospel message of salvation through faith in Jesus will continue to be presented. Romans 10:13-15 emphasizes the necessity of preaching (which has been minimized in some modern churches): “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!’” Verse 17 succinctly concludes, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Thus, Biblical preaching is an essential aspect of Christianity and will be until the very end. Even at this end, the Gospel will be preached in a most unusual manner to everyone in the world: “And I [John] saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people (Revelation 14:6). May our churches remain faithful in preaching the Gospel – the only message that can bring lost souls to eternal salvation.

06/12/2026

Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
In His answer to the disciples’ interest in the future, Jesus makes this personal application: “But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them” (Mark 13:9). Much of the book of Acts reads like an exposition of this verse (for example, Acts 4:5-22; 5:27-42; 12:1-19; 24:1-27; 25:1-27). Synagogues were places of worship in the Jewish faith (although they were not to replace the Temple in any way). They were also sites of judicial proceedings, for the local religious leaders exercised considerable legal power. If people were deemed to have broken laws, they would be brought to a synagogue, judged, and, if found guilty, immediately “beaten.” Since all of the early disciples were Jewish, Jesus was providing them with this specific warning so that they would be better prepared for this coming persecution and would not think that they were spiritual failures if they were treated in this manner. A similar general principle applies to all Christians: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12). As in the first century, such staunchness of faith is an irrefutable “testimony.”