Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Who hasn’t wondered what heaven will be like? If you are like me you have had an image at one time in your life of an angelic afterlife. The Bible provides a strong Christ-like understanding of heaven. Author Lee Stroble provides us with two kinds of heaven based on evidence in scripture. One, the intermediate state, described by Jesus in Luke 23:43, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This is a place after our bodies die, but our spirit remains alive and is in the presence of the Lord. Luke gave us this example and Christ was dying on th...
Both my grandfather and grandmother were fond of saying, “Oh for heaven’s sake.” Lately, in SW Montana, I have not heard the expression. A poll of Americans finalized in November of 2021 by the Pew Research Center revealed that approximately 75% said they believed in heaven, while of those who categorized themselves as “religiously unaffiliated” only 37% claimed to believe in heaven. The subject of heaven brings up many important questions. Funerals continue to be one of the largest gatherings of people, following the death of a loved one...
“When will I die?” is almost a universal question. After all, at some point, we do die. I try to approach the topic with sensitivity. I do understand that as this column reaches readers some are dealing with the death of a family member or a friend. Certainly, our families and communities have grappled with death in the past and it is part of life. Still, it tops the difficult subject list. The Bible reminds us, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27). There’s no escaping this reality. Can we h...
Most readers are familiar with the name Timothy McVeigh, and to remind you, in 1995 he was convicted for the Oklahoma City bombing. What many of us forget is that the prosecution’s case against McVeigh had no eyewitness testimony. However, the circumstantial evidence was clear: Fingerprints on a sales receipt for ammonia nitrate, clothing and ear plugs that implicated him, a knife containing chemical evidence matched to the truck used; Ryder rental agent’s testimony of McVeigh renting the truck. Strong circumstantial evidence convicted McVeigh....
Over the centuries those who are skeptical of Jesus Christ, and specifically his resurrection from the dead, suggest that his followers perpetrated a major hoax. For the Christian we understand that Christ’s resurrection is a hinging factor for all we believe; because if Jesus did not rise from the dead, our hope is unfounded. What’s a person to do? I would suggest like other biblical apologists that we look at the evidence and examine the case like a crime scene. First, looking at Christ’s direct teachings, we discover that in Mark 8:31 Jesus...
Peter Stoner, philosopher and mathematician at Pasadena College a few years ago, described the probability of Jesus Christ fulfilling just 8 of those 300 Messianic prophecies are described in the Old Testament record. “Try to visualize this probability, if you mark one of ten tickets, place all of the tickets in a hat, thoroughly stir them, and then ask a blindfolded person to draw one, his chance of getting the right ticket respectively is 1 out of 10.” Now: follow him and my notes: “Now suppose we take 10 17 (that is ten times ten, times ten,...
The winning side in a court case usually has the preponderance of evidence on its side: eyewitness testimony, clear detail of either innocence or guilt, and corroborating evidence and exhibits all assist the jury to determine its decision. We hope that truth comes to the surface. But, speculation is only guesswork. “Truth,” said Stephen Vincent Bennet, “is a hard dear to hunt.” The New Testament Gospels have outside support from history itself. In fact, accurate accounts had been building within the Greek culture for more than 300 years....
Our society is all too familiar with court cases. Just panning recent history, people were more interested in a possible sex scandal instead of judicial review when Clarence Thomas was nominated to the Supreme Court. More than a summer consumed all the networks when OJ Simpson stood trial for murder. Recently Johnny Depp won against his ex-wife, and I don’t care. Now, seriously, as a third-generation follower of Jesus Christ, I encourage people to carefully examine the Bible. One can view it much like a court proceeding; collect the claims, e...
“Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs,” Ecclesiastes 5:15. Throughout history our common heritage shares these two most common experiences: birth and death. Modern medical advances have allowed for some changes in regard to fertilization and conception, but a woman’s womb is still the standard home for a baby up to the point of childbirth. Now some would argue that we seldom experience death “naked,” but their argument is empty. Solomon’s point is fundamentally true; we are born with nothing and take noth...
Worship takes on several meanings in a wide range of contexts. As Christians, we need to focus on the Biblical understanding of worship; nothing more and nothing less. Our culture is inundated by “worship” experiences that embrace entertainment rather than reverence or wonder of God. Instead, we opt for a concert-like setting where we rely on the band to put us in awe of the music itself or the performers. Additionally, there are unrealistic expectations intertwined throughout our society where people wish to be blown away by the music, pre...
We all approach life at different speeds and angles, and our philosophy certainly varies. That being said it’s common knowledge that a person can accomplish more in partnership. Yes, relational conflict can impede action plans or goals. However, the fact remains; that there is great strength in numbers. King Solomon understood this principle well, that’s most likely how he accomplished many tasks during his years, teaming people together to achieve a specific goal. He rightly states, “Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: Two are b...
Some matters are timeless, seen through the generations, and noticeable in every culture. Certainly, the clock ticks forward and we see continuous advances in technology but for the most part, humans are predictable throughout history. We tend to make poor judgment calls. For example, court cases can leave one’s head spinning, unjust outcomes. Due to some technicality, killers may walk freely or blatant criminal acts are overlooked. True victims can watch in dismay with a judicial system that is seriously broken. Sadly there are some cases w...
The drumbeat of war is sounding loud and clear. All the atrocities which are occurring in Ukraine are deeply troubling; certainly Russia, specifically Putin, is demonstrating to the world his self-interest. Ukrainians have fled in droves, while others are losing their lives standing up to the Russian military. Sadly, many people of various nations are suffering the consequences of this unjust act, including many in Russia and Europe. Present tensions are higher than most of us have seen in decades and the world is watching with much angst. Let...
Words are powerful, and the tongue can be used for good or evil. The Bible provides a vast amount of guidance regarding speech; “tongue” is mentioned over one hundred times. There is wisdom in keeping a close reign on our conversations, King Solomon recognized this when he wrote, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to be silent and a time to speak,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b). God’s Word is our guide and is intentional; knowledge is to be coupled with wisdom. One can have all the “head” know...
We are accustomed to holidays and the marketing madness. I’m certain you’ve seen the Easter baskets, Cadbury eggs, and plethora of other candies available? The other evening strolling through Target the smell of the sweets was quite overwhelming to my senses and I like those tasty morsels, but it was too much! By the way, I used restraint and didn’t purchase any junk food. Have holidays lost much of their meaning or at least their original intention? I’m afraid so and this concerns me as a follower of Jesus. Please understand I’m not an extrem...
When is the last time you noticed someone wearing torn and tattered work clothes? I see working individuals often sporting such attire; in fact, I’m the proud owner of some of those grease-stained clothes. My wife describes them as “shabby.” I’m certain you’ve also noticed that “ripped” jeans are also a fashion statement; it’s a fad that has come and gone at times. Thinking about this phenomenon, seldom do I hear my wife claim that our daughter’s clothes look “shabby.” Hmmm, what gives? Cultures are interesting, some practices shift dramaticall...
Dear Editor, I’m writing today first as a 20+ year resident and then as a recent town council member, these views are my own and do not represent the town council as a whole. We are very fortunate to live in a great community filled with quality people. Our city is experiencing some well-needed growth. Changes are never easy but we cannot escape reality. I for one welcome many changes because I wish for Whitehall to flourish. Over the years I’ve closely watched town government simply as a resident. Now that our children are grown and beg...
Have you discovered that life and its various “seasons” are beyond our control? Sure we can get accustomed to those changes by making personal adjustments, in addition to the arduous act of persevering. We learn to take every day one day at a time. I for one continue to learn by enjoying the journey, taking all the events of life in stride positive or negative. There have been moments when I’ve not always been optimistic, even encountering a heavy burden or two. What’s our story? King Solomon was not much different than us. Yes, he lived i...
Are we entering the later stages of what many have termed the COVID-19 pandemic? Maybe? Make no mistake this matter has been incredibly divisive all across the globe. I’ve had close friends die due to complications of this disease, others who have rebounded slowly, and many others who have fared rather well. Let’s be honest, in reality, all our lives have been affected by this issue in one way or another. My intention in bringing to light this hot button issue is not to further divide people or to silence any questions on either side of the...
Within the pages of the Bible, there are particular passages that leave us with questions. For the “brightest” and “best” scholars or the average Christian there is some common criteria used for proper Bible interpretation. Step one; understand the original author’s intent, context, and cultural background. Step two; understand the genre of Scripture; Narrative/Historical, Prophecy, Epistle, Wisdom, Poetry, and Apocalyptic. Step three; carefully determine the proper application. Many general principles taught by the original author can be br...
At fifty-one years old, I still find glory, fun, and contentment in our vast and wild Montana. Specifically, on my boating experiences, I have enjoyed small raft, one-man skiff, canoe, and kayak. I’ve been dunked by them all. I’ve never had the experience of sailing, yet and still, with little watercraft knowledge, I respect the wind. I recall one fishing trip on a small reservoir in the Pintler Range southwest of Anaconda as a child. My grandfather and father took me on many fishing trips. I was a nine-year-old. “How do you tie that hook...
I grew up watching the television series This Old House, a 1980’s home improvement show. With only one television in our home, our family accepted my father’s choice. The construction variety of the show was dad’s attraction. Now, I, too, dabble in my own home projects, and it’s very motivational. When I get done with a fence or patio, there’s just something about it. Moreover, I’ve had the pleasure of working side by side with my father on numerous occasions; in turn, I see the wisdom in doing the same with my wife’s and my children. Are...
Time directs our lives, including daily routines and special events marked by the calendar. From a personal perspective, time puts limits on us. God, on the other hand, is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. God is sovereign. His (and ours) course history. But, we humans from about twenty years old until we are 105 (as the old song says) see short windows counted as the present. When circumstance challenges us, our assumptions lead us to believe something is wrong. That is not necessarily the whole truth. God has a purpose in...
Estate planning isn’t always on our mind but many lawyers suggest that one should prepare for the inevitable. Families certainly experience shock after the death of a loved one, additional stress occurs when estate planning is absent. Some families are torn apart as possessions are divided while other families suffer extended grief navigating the long nightmare of legal matters. Is all this the legacy we long for? King Solomon casts light on his legacy, however, from a somewhat negative viewpoint. “So I hated life because the work that is don...
Most of us assume our decisions are mostly based on wisdom rather than foolishness, right? We can be our best cheerleader, maybe even pat ourselves on the back. In our search for wisdom, it is imperative that we too evaluate our lives often, and look to God and His Word for wisdom. Proverbs 13:20 implores us: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” If you think of a spectrum line with “Fool” on the left and “Wise” on the right, we probably put ourselves somewhere in the middle, probably more toward wisdom. N...
