Category: Bayside

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he responded: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ c 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ d 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two… Continue reading A Final Thought November 17, 2020

Normally, there is a well-established rhythm to life on our island.  Knowing and understanding what that rhythm is allows us residents to have a general plan for our year, as we know from past experiences when the island will be busy, when it will be slow, and when there will be moderate levels of activity. … Continue reading Pastor’s Perspective November 12 2020

There’s a popular saying that states “You are what you eat.”  While there’s considerable merit to that, I think it becomes even more applicable to our lives today when we change it to “You are what you consume.”  What we put into our bodies nutritionally definitely matters, but what matters even more is what we… Continue reading Pastor’s Perspective November 5 2020

Today is the day that Americans go to the polls and vote.  In the run-up to this election, there has been considerable discussion about how a Christian should vote, with strongly held opinions to be found in both of the major parties on the ballot.  Thankfully, there is no election to determine who the Messiah… Continue reading A Final Thought November 3 2020

“But that is the way that we’ve always done it” is a common phrase used by people when a tradition is threatened.  We are creatures of habit, and when our habits are shared by enough people in regards to particular events or ways of doing things, we may begin to think more formally and collectively… Continue reading Pastor’s Perspective October 29 2020

I remember hearing a story on the radio years ago about a list that identified the most influential people in history, with Jesus named as the second-most influential.  When the author of the list was asked about that particular ranking, he responded by saying that Jesus would have easily been at the top of the… Continue reading A Final Thought October 27 2020

Tuesday morning, just after sunrise, I was walking down a dirt road with our dog for our regular morning stroll when we came upon a juvenile copperhead snake slithering across the street.  It is quite common to see the distinct imprint of a snake crossing when we are out walking, but it is unusual to… Continue reading Pastor’s Perspective October 22 2020

When Jesus warns his audience in the Sermon on the Mount about being on the lookout for the false prophets who would be ravenous wolves disguised as sheep, his warning comes directly on the heals of his saying that we must make a choice between one of two roads.  One road is wide and easy,… Continue reading A Final Thought October 20 2020

Election day is less than three weeks away, although many have already cast their ballots either through early voting or absentee ballots.  At some point on or after election day, the winners of the various offices will be announced and, at some point after that, those people will be sworn in to their positions.  Presently,… Continue reading Pastors Perspective October 15 2020

As a source of moral teaching, the Sermon on the Mount must rank as one of the greatest messages ever proclaimed.  Lessons about forgiveness, not judging or condemning others, seeking reconciliation, and the importance of keeping your word (among other lessons) are topped off by the all-encompassing lesson on morality that is known as the… Continue reading A Final Thought Oct 6 2020