Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 218
When was the last time you lost something? A common question around our home is, “Where are my keys?” Losing something can be quite distressing, sometimes confounding, when you blame someone else and find the keys in your coat pocket five minutes later. LOL. Jesus’ existence in history was to fulfill God’s ultimate act of love, as Christ gave up His life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Albert Einstein said, “As a child, I received instruction both in the Bible and the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am...
If you’ve ever built a home or embarked on a major home remodel project, I bet you’ve crunched the financial numbers to see if you can make ends meet. Recently, the cost of goods and services, especially construction supplies, has spiked. One thing is for certain: No one generally sets out to start a project only to abandon it halfway through the process. Sometimes, this occurs either for economic reasons or personal reasons. An interesting example is the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea. in 1987. Construction began as this mag...
In Luke 13, there are four scenarios, three parables, and one life story to help readers understand God’s timing better. I’ll be the first to admit that there are times when my faith is weak, and I have trouble trusting God’s plans as they unfold. It’s important to recall that chapters in the Bible are interrelated; they are “addresses” that assist us in finding certain passages. Interestingly, Luke 12 brings to our attention the unexpected return of Jesus Christ; we need to be prepared. That theme continues into chapter 13, including t...
A burglar broke into a house late one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables, when a voice in the dark said, ‘Jesus knows you’re here, and he’s coming back.’ He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze. When he heard nothing more, after a bit, he shook his head and continued. Just as he was pillaging through the jewelry box on top of the dresser, clear as a bell, he heard a voice.... saying, ‘Jesus is watching you, and he’s coming.’ Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically,...
One of the well-known phrases of Jesus, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34), is both powerful and thought-provoking. However, the context is even more revealing if we take the time to understand Christ’s statement. This teaching was sparked by a question from a nearby listener, “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ Jesus replied, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’ Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all...
Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous said, “A hypocrite is one who sets good examples only when he has an audience.” This statement mirrored many of Jesus’ warnings centuries ago. He didn’t mince words; He was a truth teller confronting the lies of legalism, which subtly crept into the lives of religious leaders of His day. He taught His disciples to be on guard for hypocrisy. “Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: ‘Be on your guard against the...
Jesus was a master teacher who utilized numerous object lessons to help listeners better understand the difference between truth and a lie. In the Bible, light is often equated to truth, while dark is associated with a lie. Jesus also stated that He is “the light of the world” (John 8), signifying He came to reveal the truth and dispel darkness. In Luke, we read these words of Jesus, “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand so that those who come in may see the l...
The subject of prayer has been discussed and debated for decades. Rather than wading too deep into that minefield, I’m more interested in focusing on Jesus’s teaching on prayer. His authority and perspective matter most. When reading and interpreting Scripture, staying within the context is imperative; twisting Christ’s words happens far too often. Let me give you a prime example, "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who s...
In today’s column, I want to introduce you to two sisters, Martha and Mary, also sisters of Lazarus. Most readers are familiar with their life stories, whereas many are unfamiliar with some of the cultural backgrounds involved in these ladies’ lives. Luke gives us a glimpse. “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made...
One of the most well-known illustrations in the Bible includes the Good Samaritan as shared by Jesus. We often surmise that the principle is centered on how to help those in need, whereas the context principle Jesus is communicating is a bit different. Of course, giving to those in need is a Biblical value and something Jesus promoted. Stop and re-read Christ’s words again: “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How d...
The American Christmas tradition has become focused on gifts, especially a consumer-driven mentality that can end up misguided and self-centered. I’m not opposed to gift giving; our family shares in this tradition; however, we taught our children early on that Christ is the reason for the season. The single most important gift we can ever receive is salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s unmerited favor given to anyone who calls on the name of Jesus to be saved. Such a gift is understood as grace. For some time, I’ve been digging deeper into...
The famous actor and comedian Tim Conway said, “If following Christ has never cost you anything, you’re not following Him.” Of course, salvation in Jesus is a gift that costs us nothing; repentance and faith allow us to receive God’s unmerited favor. The “cost” Tim and others refer to reflects what it means to be dedicated to Christ. As our lives are transformed, we make decisions that affect our relationships and life decisions to honor God. During Christ’s time on earth, it was common for people to express their desire to follow Him, y...
Most of us are uneasy when it comes to opposition. The degree of opposition also plays a factor; lesser degrees can be tolerable, while greater degrees can sometimes be seemingly insurmountable. When sharp differences come between us, the potential for that relationship to deteriorate is high. How do you generally handle opposition? Jesus certainly knew something about opposition; opposition existed from His birth in that manger to His death on the cross. After His public ministry started, even community members of His hometown of Nazareth,...
When was the last time you heard the phrase, “Repeat after me,” or spoken it? Somehow, we all find ourselves on one side of this scenario: repeating some direction or question with the phrase. Other times, we’re on the receiving end of the phrase, either catching or missing the point. Frustration can surely add to the dilemma when communication breaks down. Jesus often found Himself communicating some direction or teaching with His disciples only to be frustrated with their lack of clarity or even disobedience. It’s important to note that Jesus...
Upcoming PUBLIC HEARINGS & ORDINANCES REVISIONS to address town concerns at Dec/Jan Council Meeting: • Ordinance 2024-5 RV/Camper living • Ordinance 2024-6 Vehicle living ARE YOU AWARE? Whitehall Town Public Works tests water 2x per month to ensure proper drinking standards are met. In late October, the water needed chlorination due to bacteria presence in relation to system being opened for parts replacement. Such bacteria (not E.coli) wasn’t abnormal due to new construction....
Throughout history, numerous views of Jesus exist. Likewise, the same is true today, depending on your audience. Christmas is fast approaching, and many of us acknowledge that this holiday is all about Jesus; others consider Christmas a time of giving or cheer minus Christ. Ultimately, the question is up to each individual to decide whether to accept the claims of Jesus Christ. I’m certainly not ashamed to share my beliefs regarding Jesus; the foundation of my faith rests on the Bible and solid historical evidence that affirms Christ’s cla...
One of the couple extraordinary scenes in the New Testament includes the days when Jesus miraculously feeds thousands of people; two separate accounts occur, all of which are recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Numerous other miracles occurred as Jesus interacted with people. He defied normal logic yet was down-to-earth and practical. Let’s focus on Luke’s account… “When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds...
Communities, large and small, have been turned upside down for various reasons, including political unrest, crime, natural disasters, economics, and more. Word travels fast, whether living in the 1st century or the 21st century; that’s the nature of humanity. However, technology seems to have enabled this to occur at lightning speed today. If you’ve ever thumbed through the Bible, particularly the first four books of the New Testament, a reader quickly recognizes that the earthly ministry of Jesus turned communities upside down. Word of mou...
Town of Whitehall water update: To inform the public, another round of chlorination will start on Monday, November 25. 2024. The recent test shows coliform bacteria above DEQ required levels; please note that this is not E. coli. This procedure is not abnormal in light of major construction on the water system in recent days; contaminants do get into the closed system. Those sensitive to chlorine may want to drink bottled water until the system is clear....
In last week’s Connecting Point column, I raised a valid question about what authority and power Christians have today. My challenge to you as readers is to properly interpret and apply the Bible and cautiously refrain from “reading” ourselves into the text too literally. Here’s what we read in Luke 9:1-6: “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: ‘Take nothing for the journey...
I’m a staunch proponent of proper Biblical interpretation and application; holding such a position establishes a strong foundation for theology and life practice. Since Christ created the church with the first-century apostles and disciples, confusion or chaos wove into Christian circles as false teachers; this is why sound teaching is vital. Most importantly, we should understand that not every teaching available is from God, false teachers still exist (John 4:1-3). One area of debate over the past two decades has been what authority and power...
When was the last time you were interrupted in a conversation or action you were carrying out? Most of us don’t like interruptions. I marvel at the example of Jesus, He ministered to people with ghreat compassion but did so in wisdom and truth. He certainly wasn’t a pushover when the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to pin Him down with their legalism. He stood strong when the opposition pressed and had this incredible ability to connect with hurting people. In the greatest sense, Jesus was a multitasker, after all the Bible refers to Him as the...
As Jesus' ministry began to flourish, people in the region sought Him out, many in great need. Jesus’ compassionate response is well noted in the four synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). On one occasion in Luke 8, Jesus was en route to minister to a hurting family, but a welcomed interruption significantly changed the course of another woman’s life. “As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and...
In October 2023, I had the privilege of working alongside Pathfinders, 12 volunteers from around the U.S. who specialize in building churches in impoverished nations. This was my first trip outside of our country, other than a day trip to Canada as a child. Wow, was Peru a cultural shock for me. Yurimaguas is nestled along the southern edge of the Amazon jungle, with a population of approximately 60,000. It is about 22 hours north of Lima. Of course, we flew from Lima to Tarapoto and then...
The extraordinary miracles Jesus performed in the short three-year time span speak loudly to who He is, even in the present day. It’s important to understand that eyewitness accounts, as recorded in the Bible, provide verifiable evidence of Christ’s character. I’ve drawn much of your attention as a reader to Luke’s account, in this week’s column I want to explore more in-depth details from Mark. “Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, He went...
