Autumn

The daylight just doesn’t seem to have that same strength to stretch as far into the summer evenings as it did. In the North East, there is a chill in the morning air, with welcome warmth as we make our way to the midday. Further north, apple pickers are enjoying the beginnings of color changes in foliage along with the landscapes. This is a beautiful season when all the fall colors are on display like a prized handmade quilt for us all to enjoy. I hope where you are, changes are happening around you. Things that help you see the ebb and flow of life, and help you to appreciate the seasons and unique gifts they bring. I encourage you to go out apple picking or grab that pumpkin for a great pie or two. Smell the air, listen to the birds, and hear the children laugh and giggle as they run through the orchard abandoning all fear. But most of all, just feel alive today, feel grateful for all you have, and the ones you love, and somehow love yourself back…Enjoy!

-Al

Baptism Testimony

This is a transcript of my testimony before I was baptized at First Baptist Church of Tarrytown in New York. Sunday, September 8, 2013

Good Morning,

My name is Al Yerks. My wife Veronika and I have been attending First Baptist Church since June of this year. We are so pleased to be here today to make a public profession of faith through the waters of baptism. We are also anticipating exciting times ahead as a church here at First Baptist.
Jesus tells us in Luke 5:32; “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

27 years ago I asked “Jesus into my heart” at a meeting of Christian Businessmen. I was told that as a result of MY decision to follow Jesus, life would be perfect and smooth sailing. (I believed them because I wanted it to be so) As many of you sitting here this morning can attest, life is never perfect, or a smooth sail. But our God is perfect, and the winds and waves are subject to His command.

Over the years I did everything that was outwardly Christian, I was a Youth Pastor, a Deacon, A Small Group Home Fellowship Pastor, and even a drummer in a praise band. But I was not truly a Christian. I did all the right things, said all the right words, listened exclusively to Christian music, attended church every Sunday, and even Wednesday night services because that was the right thing to do. But I had never repented of my sins and learned to trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. With all that ministry involvement, still, I was not honoring God’s Kingdom.

In July of 2012, my dear Uncle Frank was dying and I had no real words of encouragement, and nothing to share with him (or anyone) about Jesus or our eternal souls. The well was dry! Sure, I could have told him that God loved him, but I had no internal prompting to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it was not my own, no Holy Spirit living inside of me to testify of God’s Good News of hope, reconciliation, salvation and eternal life.

After my Uncle’s death, I began a search to find the truth. I happened upon a Christian TV show called “Wretched” named after the line in the hymn ‘Amazing Grace. “Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me.” I began to watch the show every day, it was practical and humorous, and it would so often hit me right between the eyes and in my very heart with the Gospel of Jesus Christ that had somehow eluded me all these years. I checked out the Wretched website to get more information about the ministry and of this interesting man, who was sometimes funny, but life and death serious when it came to salvation and sharing of The Gospel.

The website was taught by the host Todd Friel, called “Are You Really A Christian?” I listened, and it convicted me that I had never repented of my sins, or trusted Jesus as I would a parachute to save my life in an emergency jump. I had formed a god into my own image to justify, and suit my lifestyle. I continued to willfully sin all those years as a so-called Christian, never “wrestling” with sin because I was not truly regenerated. Using the 10 commandments as a mirror showed me God’s standard, and how on my own, I failed and fell miserably short of His glory. So, to truthfully answer the question: “Are You Really A Christian” I had to say no, I was not!

July 11, 2012, is the day I finally came to the end of myself, tear-filled and on my face before a Holy and Just God. I repented (by turning from my sins, and turning to the amazing Savior Jesus Christ) for it is by grace alone, through Faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone that I humbly stand before you today a Christian, wretched and sinful, yet saved by God’s amazing grace.

Who Are You?

It’s so amazing to listen to music from thirty or forty years ago on a modern contraption like an iPod. The sound quality is so amazing. Lately, I have been on a really huge “Who Kick” while working out at the gym. How mind-blowing is that, remembering all the bad behavior back in the day listening to The Who and now on an elliptical machine making up for all that bad behavior. It sort of redeems The Who for encouraging all the rebellion and anger, bringing them into the present to assist in my wellness plan. The fire in their music remains as powerful as ever, just positively harnessed this time around. A rebellion against the bulge, and anger at myself for allowing the horizontal spread.

I am enjoying the musical trip down memory lane. Remember the people, the hanging out, and the hard-learned lessons. I see now that all the good, as well as the bad experiences, are the life builders that contributed to who I am today.

Music held such an integral part of my early years. I was exposed to so many different genres. I was able to appreciate most and allowed them to permeate and echo throughout my very being. I am fascinated by the brain's memory system that can totally recall the sights, smells, sensations, and the people that were in your world when you heard a particularly meaningful song for the first time, or at a critical period of your life.

Today music still plays a major role in my life. Very rarely do I drive anywhere without music playing. I’m surprised I haven’t deployed the airbag banging on my drum set steering wheel as hard as I do. I even have a cymbal hanging from the sun visor, one of those fundraising paper poppy’s the VFW makes and sells around Memorial Day.

Music can change your mood or refocus us on the things in life that are important. Country music has gotten a bad reputation over the years as being just about drinking, cheating, losing spouses, dogs, respect, hair, or even your truck. There may be some of that, but mostly it’s about family and hometown life. A simpler place, and a welcome respite from time to time. Or maybe your thing is to crank up some Kaskade, Deadmau5, or Lady GaGa and do a little club dancing. Sometimes I get in the mood for classical music to whisk all my stress away. A little jazz on a hot summer day has been known to cause a cooling effect, bringing the mind to a cooler more peaceful place.

It’s all good as they say, depending on the mood you’re in or where you want to go. What you’re listening to is a reflection of who you are on the inside right now.

So...who are you?

Thank You Todd/It's All About God

Recently my wife and I were driving around town and listening to Wretched Radio's Friday, August 2, 2013 podcast. I stopped to gas up my Silverado as I was a few ticks away from the glow of the red empty indicator light. While pumping the petrol, I turned up the volume so I could cut through all the peripheral noise and hear the Wretched show. Continuing to pump the gas, Todd was talking about The Tomorrow Clubs Children’s Ministries in Ukraine and that he was sent a beautiful hand-painted plate from the Tomorrow Clubs Founders Paul and Cindy Marty. He mentioned the Answers In Genesis MEGA Conference 2013 in Sevierville, Tennessee July 22nd -25th. He went on to say that during the conference he had met many people associated with Ukraine. He mentioned me (by name) and the fact that my wife Veronika is from Ukraine, and that Creation Today President Eric Hovind’s wife Tanya is also from Ukraine. Todd actually informed us at the conference of our Ukrainian connection with the Hovind's and suggested that we meet. The Hovinds are really nice, down-to-earth people with three beautiful children. It was nice for me to hear our wives speaking in their native Russian. I always enjoy that connection with my wife.

I fear (a bit) that I am coming across as a name dropper…maybe I am a little, after all, I make no bones about being a wretched and sinful man. I have to confess when I heard Todd say my name on the broadcast I was overjoyed. (Just ask the other patrons at the gas station who thought that by the happy hoot I let out, I must be on fire) What an honor it was to be named by a brother in Christ that I hold in such high regard, and named in the same sentence as the likes of Eric Hovind.

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

I can’t help but think of my first meeting with Todd Friel at the Answers MEGA Conference in Sevierville, Tennessee. I was nervous to meet the man that had such a profound impact on me spiritually, introducing me (in a real way after 25 years as a false convert) to Jesus Christ. I waited behind a few people who were chatting with him. He was so pleasant, focused, and gracious to those he was talking to. And boy is he TALL! Finally, it was my turn to say hello, so I reached out my hand to him and asked if I could introduce myself. He shook my hand and I said. “I’m Al Yerks.” With that, he gave me a big smile, eyes full of genuine joy as if he knew me all his life. He released my hand and gave me a huge bear hug saying “It’s so nice to finally meet you.” You see for the past year and change I would write to him about everything from becoming a true Christian through the Wretched program struggles to find a church, theological conundrums, no snarks as of yet, just sending in news items for him to use on the show. We chatted for a bit, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

One day shortly after I was saved, Todd recommended (on-air) the John MacArthur Study Bible with “Johnny Mac’s” commentary. I bought one and it has been an amazing tool to study God’s Word. On another show, Todd was so descriptive about how deliciously sweet Honey Crisp apples are that my wife and I had to try them and we loved them. Because Todd presented The Tomorrow Club in Ukraine, we trusted God to sponsor a club in my wife’s native land. Because of Todd’s appearance at the Answers MEGA Conference, we traveled to Tennessee and were blessed beyond our imagination. All the Biblical information presented points to the fingerprints of an amazing Creator. Every speaker that took the podium confidently proclaimed the presence of Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. But the most profound thing to me is the fact that a merciful and long-suffering God saved a false convert like Todd Friel. He was then empowered by the Holy Spirit and obedient to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a false convert like I was for 25 years. Don’t get me wrong, I know Todd is as sinful a man like the rest of us; he is the first to say that he holds the title “the Chief of Sinners”. But despite our sinfulness, Todd always points to the cross of grace, and we must look for the forgiveness of sin through repentance, faith, and trust in Jesus alone. Repentance fills the heart of the one who experiences God’s kindness. It spills to overflow and through repentance and trust in the Savior, we are saved as we believe by faith that the word of God has proclaimed that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father.

Maybe it’s immature of me to smile like a schoolboy as I recall my meeting with Todd, and his mention of me on Wretched Radio as it still rings in my ears. I wonder if maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned it at all. Maybe I should be more humble, more spiritual. I believe God orchestrates everything in our lives, good or bad for our ultimate good. Really if you think about it, even though I was involved, all this it’s not about me and it’s not really about Todd Friel.

God has been so merciful and exceedingly kind to us all, sending Jesus to die in our stead. This is all about our God; this life is all about Him and for His glory. As we read through the Bible’s Old & New Testaments, we read of the great men and women of faith, builders of the church yet, the Bible is not about the created but about the Creator.

No matter how old we get, or how mature in the Lord we become, we need to remember that the road of sanctification is filled with great joys as well as hard times that God uses for growth. God molds us and shapes us into who He calls us to be. I want to recognize in this life that there are so many small blessings that bear the infused imprints of a living God. He lavishes upon us so much blessing that we should be filled with excitement every waking moment, empowering us to share Him with the lost and dying world around us. Maybe one of those Heavenly blessings can even be that brief encounter with that spiritual mentor God raise up and used to reach us with the good news of Jesus. Those people are special, not perfect, but special to us. Don’t be afraid to admit it, and if you have the opportunity, tell them, encourage them, and bless them.

Please Forgive Me...

Father,
Please forgive me for all my senseless complaining...I am deeply ashamed and without excuse.
I am so very grateful for the undeserved mercy You have liberally lavished upon me.
Because of You, I lack nothing, yet in my selfishness I demand everything.
Oh, wretched man that I am, minute by minute of every day I find myself in desperate need of my Savior Jesus Christ.
You O Lord have never caused Your shadow of turning to darken my path or allowed me to stumble too far from the narrow way. I have never been alone for Your Spirit dwells within me, leading me homeward with each passing moment.
Today, at this moment, I praise you for who you are, and with full acknowledgment of who I am not, I praise You.
You alone are King of the universe, and as Thomas before me, I worship you as my Lord and my God.
-Al

Post-Christian America

I recently watched a video called “Freedom Is Not Free: A Soldiers Pledge.” It made me tear up, not only because of the incredibly patriotic and inspirational words and visuals of Ronald Reagan but mostly because the America that President Reagan loved so deeply is no longer that "Shining City on a Hill".

America has become a post-Christian nation, and collectively we have turned our backs on the One true and living God that blessed us with this fertile land. In our lack of gratitude, we have succeeded to defile and desecrate America beyond recognition with our national sins. God will not stand for any other affection our hearts will place above Him, not even national pride. He will tear down nations if that nation refuses to bow its heart and knee before Him.

As people of faith, we act according to the word of God, and must not be swayed by the ever-changing world around us that leads only to destruction. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us and will remain with us even to the end of the age.

There is, however, a silver lining to this dark cloud, and that is as Christians we have great hope in Christ, and we must remember this is not our home.
All the horrible events unfolding before our very eyes should cause our hearts to turn more profoundly to Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. If we focus on Him, we will find ourselves excited for that which lies beyond the pale.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 (NKJV)

Bride & Groom

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, [a] nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners

will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV)
[a] - 1 Corinthians 6:9 That is, catamites (noun a boy or youth who is in a sexual relationship with a man.)

It is not just homosexuality per se, it is all that God has deemed as sin that keeps us from a right relationship with Him, and makes us enemies of God. So, if the criteria are people loving each other, what if three people love each other? Should they be free to marry as well?

The institution of marriage is to be a picture of Jesus Christ (The Groom) and The Church (The Bride) made up of all His followers that repent and put their trust in the Savior. That is the Good News we are dead in our sin, owing to a debt we cannot pay therefore earning Hell and separation from A Holy and Righteous God. BUT, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

I beg you to consider the free offer of salvation while you still have breath. When your life is over, so are your chances to repent, and trust the Savior Jesus Christ who died so that you may live guiltless today and live forever with Him in paradise.
Choose Jesus Christ and Live!

In It...Not Of It

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NKJV)


Wow, with all that is happening in the world today, Supreme Court rulings, the deeming of all that is evil to be deemed good, and visa-versa.
We are living in some very different times than when I was growing up carefree with no worries about the government or entities within dismantling everything we hold sacred.
I find myself battling a bit of depression at times, seeing all the evil that no longer lurks around the fringes of darkness, but out in broad daylight for all to see, and we are forced to accept it as normal.
There’s plenty more to follow I’m afraid. Be strong and courageous!

The 16th chapter of John reminds us that we are not left alone in all the craziness, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer to lead us into all truth, pointing us to Jesus when all around us seems murky and bleak. He is our beacon, our lighthouse for such a time as this.

We must remind ourselves that this is not our home and that we are in this world but not of it. Jesus said in John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” I want to be homesick for Heaven and have a renewed focus on the Great Commission’s mandate to win souls for Jesus Christ while we still have time. Life is short compared to eternity. James 4:14 says: “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

My prayer today my Brothers and Sisters in Christ are a simple yet difficult one. May we love the Lord Jesus with all our hearts, minds, and strength, and love those dying around us enough to share the Law of God that convicts them of their need for a Savior, and boldly proclaim the truth of Christ’s Gospel to save their eternal souls.