The Pastor’s Point

This morning, the first text message I received was from a dear friend who informed me that our local crisis pregnancy center (Heart To Heart) had been vandalized over the weekend.  It is certainly not the first news you want to receive as you start the week.  To be honest, this news was not at all surprising; yet, it was still so devastating to hear.  Even in our rural part of the country, there are those who are so angered about not getting their way that they would dare take it out on an organization whose sole purpose is to help women and children (and provide a safe alternative to abortion). After the Supreme Court ruling this past week which overturned the federal right to abortion and left the matter to be decided by each state in the union, the response from those all over the country have been mixed.  Many have celebrated this decision as a great victory for human rights (specifically, the right of unborn children to live).  Others have mourned this decision as a devastating l

The greatest privilege we have in this life - and indeed for all eternity - is to have a relationship with our Creator.  There is absolutely nothing more important and nothing more essential to our lives than this one thing.  Jesus said, " And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent ." (John 17:3)  Walking with God is the single-most important thing that any of us can do with our lives. All throughout the book of Genesis, there are given genealogies of the early generations of people who inhabited the earth.  As you read through these lists of names, most of them come without anything of significance being attached to them.  But, when there is a break in the list, it is usually because of one significant thing that stood out. See if you notice it. "And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD." (Genesis 4:26) "And Jare

The times in which we are living are difficult to say the least.  Never before has the line been more clear that divides conservatism from liberalism.  Yet, even in both of these camps there is even more division and debate regarding how far to go in standing for the issues of our day.  So many groups claim to have the "truth" -- a truth they believe everyone ought to submit to.  In all the confusion, it is hard to know what to believe or where to stand on the pressing issues of our day.  Like Pilate had to say after his conference with Jesus Christ, we are often compelled to wonder, "What is truth?" (John 18:38)  Jesus gave us the resounding answer, "Thy word is truth." (John 17:17)  Mind you, the Word of God (the Bible) is not a truth, it is the truth. Our nation was established on the truth found in the principles of the Bible.  To this fact, our founding fathers have amply testified.  Some have accredited President George Washington with saying, "

There is a great debate going on in our country today that centers around the subject of patriotism. On one side of the argument, there are those who feel that, because of all the perceived social injustices taking place in our country, they need to spurn the symbol that represents it - the American flag.  On the other side of the argument are those who, in spite of all of America's faults, still want to honor the sacrifices of those who have given their lives to provide for us the liberty we enjoy in America. This is a heated debate. And, I dare say, that I am writing to a group of people who find themselves on both sides of this argument. For a few moments, let's set aside our own opinions on the matter. As Americans, let's objectively consider some truth that can guide us. The Biblical Importance of a Symbol As we begin, we must first establish a fundamental truth regarding the importance of symbols. In 1943, the cult known as the Jehovah's Witnesses presented a case

Having lived in Colorado the past several years, one of the most beautiful places I have discovered are  canyon rims.  These are highly elevated points that overlook deep valleys, often with a river or stream flowing through it.  If you have ever stood on the edge of such a rim, you know the beauty and serenity of such a place. Perhaps the most well-known canyon rims are found at the Grand Canyon, yet you can find breathtaking rims all throughout the mountain west.  The locals often refer to these rims as "points." In fact, many landowners often refer to a specific canyon rim on their property as being their "point."  (And every landowner seems to at least have one.) What I love most about such "points" is the view. You can see for miles and miles away.  From such a point, you get a greater perspective of the land surrounding you.  They are truly special places. This is precisely the reason I have chosen to name this blog "The Pastor's Point."