From the Treestand to the Testimony

This Sunday, Ernie brought a message that blended everyday life, personal testimony, and powerful truth from God’s Word. It started with a reminder that our testimonies matter — not just because they celebrate what God has done for us, but because they strengthen the faith of everyone who hears them.

He shared from 2 Corinthians 1:20, reminding us that every promise of God is “yes and amen” in Christ. When we share how those promises have come alive in our lives, we help others believe that God’s Word is true for them too.

Ernie then turned to Luke 17:11–19, the story of the ten lepers. Ten were healed, but only one came back to thank Jesus. That man didn’t just receive healing — he was made whole. Gratitude and faith opened the door for something deeper than physical change; it brought restoration inside and out.

Ernie shared a personal story. While hunting during archery season, the Lord began speaking to him — right there in the woods. He talked about how easy it can be to justify our choices, even when we know they aren’t right. “It’s okay, God will forgive me,” we tell ourselves. But obedience matters. Small compromises can slowly dull our hearts to God’s truth.

He pointed to Romans 13:1–2, showing how God calls us to live under His order — even when it’s inconvenient. Every authority, he reminded us, is established by God. Disobedience doesn’t just bring earthly consequences; it impacts us spiritually too

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Ernie compared it to his time in the treestand. When you sit still long enough in the cold, you start to stiffen up. The same thing can happen spiritually. When we isolate ourselves from others, stop connecting, or let gossip and bitterness creep in, our hearts can grow cold. But when we step into the light of Christ, warmth returns. The Son begins to reveal what’s been hiding in the shadows.

He encouraged us to hold onto truth — referencing Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth and sell it not.” Truth costs something. It takes humility, obedience, and a willingness to change. But it’s worth every bit of effort it takes to walk in it.

To wrap up, Ernie reminded us of 1 Peter 2:9 — that we have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. As we walk with Him, His light exposes what needs to change, heals what’s broken, and reveals who He’s shaping us to become.

God is still speaking — in the church, in our homes, and yes, even in the woods. The question is: are we quiet enough to listen, grateful enough to turn back, and bold enough to walk in the truth He shows us?