“For God so loved the world.” Think about the enormity of that statement. The world. The whole world. 
That means everyone.  God loves everyone in the entire world. That means he loves the drug pushers. 
He loves the thief. God loves the atheist and the agnostic.  He loves the couple living a homosexual
lifestyle and He loves the man dressed as a woman, claiming to be a woman.  That means he loved me
even when I was one of those “long-haired, hippie people”of the 1970’s. He loved you when you were a
non-believer, or disobedient Christian.  Aren’t you glad that God loves the entire population of the
world?
But don’t mistake His love for weakness or permissiveness. God demands accountability from His
creation.  You see, when God created you, He did so with purpose and forethought.  He created you for
a reason…He had a plan for you.  Every part of the relationship He has with you is designed to get you to
that place in life to carry out that plan. And…here’s what we really need to understand…that plan will
bring you the utmost happiness in your life.  God loves you that much!
Which of us can know what plan God had for the transgendered person or that thief.  What was God's
plan for the person selling drugs on the street or the prostitute?  What was the atheist created to be or
to do?  We find it difficult to love them because we only see them in their present state of life. God,
however, sees them as they were created to be. He sees their potential…and He wants them to achieve
it.
The next time you see that person living a life that contradicts the Word of God, try to imagine them in
the role God made them for.  That lesbian couple may have been created to raise a family of Christian
children.  The drug addict may become a much-loved school teacher.  Maybe the thief would be a
respected member of society, organizing youth groups.  Perhaps if we could see God’s creation through
His eyes, we, too, could love the “World”.
Say good things about your Savior and His church.

I just watched a video of a dog dancing.  Not just a puppy wagging its tail and kind of shuffling, either. A
dog on two feet doing difficult dance moves. I was amazed…he was pretty good.  Of course, the dog
wasn’t really dancing. It was an Artificial Intelligence generated video.  It was cute, though, and thanks
to that technology, I’ve watched babies singing, animals talking, and pigs flying. But, folks, it looked so
real!
Those types of videos have taken over social media, it seems.  Unfortunately, other “doctored” videos
flood the internet; many times, causing anger and confusion. Politics and religion have become fodder
for the people who put together these types of videos. And another downside to the quality of the
videos is that people can do and say stupid stuff and later claim it was AI generated.  We honestly don’t
know who and what to trust, do we?
I’ve heard people say that there is no proof that Jesus performed miracles, such as healing a blind man
or walking on the water.  That there is no proof He was murdered on the cross yet rose back to life a
short time later. But those same folks would dismiss an actual video, if one existed. So, I choose to
believe eyewitnesses…wouldn’t you?
When the writers of the Gospels say that they saw, with their own eyes, those miracles, I believe them. I
like what John said: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen
with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the
Word of life.” (1 John‬ 1‬:1‬ NIV‬‬). They didn’t see it on Facebook, Instagram, or X.  They experienced it in
real life in real time. So, yes, I chstick to the Bibleoose to believe them.
While I do get quite a kick from watching dogs dance and politicians backpedal previous statements, I’ll
stick to the Bible, God’s Word, as my source of truth.  I’ll let it teach me good from evil, right from
wrong, and instruct me how to treat people.  I believe it many times over than what I see and hear
online.
Say good things about your Savior and His church

There was quite the commotion a few days ago when a large group of people interrupted a church
service to protest the fact that a pastor of that church allegedly works for the U S Immigrations and
Customs Enforcement (ICE).  One protester, who said she was ordained clergy, said that if the people of
that church were more worried about the protesters “than they are about the atrocities that we are
experiencing in our community, then they need to check their theology and they need to check their
hearts.” Interesting thought, isn’t it?  Well, is she right or is she wrong?  It depends.
It depends on who you believe. One side claims that ICE agents are nothing more than a modern day
Gestapo, kidnapping people off the streets (even American citizens) and harassing people of color who
they routinely detain and take into custody. The other side says that ICE agents are government officers
simply attempting to do the job they were hired to do: enforce immigration law by arresting people who
are in the nation illegally.
One protest organizer said this: “If you got a head — a leader in a church — that is leading and
orchestrating ICE raids, my God, what has the world come to?”  I wonder if she would have the same
attitude toward any other church leader who was a public safety officer, such as police or sheriff’s
deputies, if they organized and conducted drug raids?  Or Sex trafficking raids? Probably not…because,
as my friend Richard used to say, “in my humble but correct opinion” this is purely politically driven. The
folks don’t care so much for the illegal immigrants as they care about opposing our current
administration.  They got much more coverage by interrupting a church service than they would have
gotten by simply holding signs at a downtown intersection.
At Church on the Bluff we have had several families over the years who have immigrated to the U.S.
Some moved here and became citizens, others had work visas and were here for a limited amount of
time, and we loved them, fellowshipped with them, preached the Gospel to them. Never once did we
ask about immigration status because I just assumed they were here legally…plus I’m not in the habit of
doing ICE work. 
But…are we, as a church, being un-Biblical if we support law enforcement arresting illegal immigrants? 
Are we not following Christ if we support the law?  If I thought for a minute that ICE was kidnapping
innocent people, sending them to filthy prisons where they are underfed, or abused in any way I’d be
the first to speak out.  But that’s not what is happening and supporting legal arrest of illegal aliens does
not make me a hypocrite. God bless America.
Say good things about your Savior and His church.

There was quite the commotion a few days ago when a large group of people interrupted a church
service to protest the fact that a pastor of that church allegedly works for the U S Immigrations and
Customs Enforcement (ICE).  One protester, who said she was ordained clergy, said that if the people of
that church were more worried about the protesters “than they are about the atrocities that we are
experiencing in our community, then they need to check their theology and they need to check their
hearts.” Interesting thought, isn’t it?  Well, is she right or is she wrong?  It depends.
It depends on who you believe. One side claims that ICE agents are nothing more than a modern day
Gestapo, kidnapping people off the streets (even American citizens) and harassing people of color who
they routinely detain and take into custody. The other side says that ICE agents are government officers
simply attempting to do the job they were hired to do: enforce immigration law by arresting people who
are in the nation illegally.
One protest organizer said this: “If you got a head — a leader in a church — that is leading and
orchestrating ICE raids, my God, what has the world come to?”  I wonder if she would have the same
attitude toward any other church leader who was a public safety officer, such as police or sheriff’s
deputies, if they organized and conducted drug raids?  Or Sex trafficking raids? Probably not…because,
as my friend Richard used to say, “in my humble but correct opinion” this is purely politically driven. The
folks don’t care so much for the illegal immigrants as they care about opposing our current
administration.  They got much more coverage by interrupting a church service than they would have
gotten by simply holding signs at a downtown intersection.
At Church on the Bluff we have had several families over the years who have immigrated to the U.S.
Some moved here and became citizens, others had work visas and were here for a limited amount of
time, and we loved them, fellowshipped with them, preached the Gospel to them. Never once did we
ask about immigration status because I just assumed they were here legally…plus I’m not in the habit of
doing ICE work. 
But…are we, as a church, being un-Biblical if we support law enforcement arresting illegal immigrants? 
Are we not following Christ if we support the law?  If I thought for a minute that ICE was kidnapping
innocent people, sending them to filthy prisons where they are underfed, or abused in any way I’d be
the first to speak out.  But that’s not what is happening and supporting legal arrest of illegal aliens does
not make me a hypocrite. God bless America.

I listened to parts of a congressional hearing and was disturbed by what I heard concerning the place of
God in our national laws. A liberal senator said that if we view our rights as coming from God, it would
be the same as the Muslims establishing Sharia law in a nation…even our nation.
I was amazed that a sitting senator did not know the difference in laws based on Christian principles and
Sharia law. In our very constitution we are told that our rights come from God, not government. But
look at the government that was built on Godly principles: Freedom, individuality, love, harmony,
generosity, and peace. Christianity doesn’t force their religion on anyone; it must be a free will decision
by each individual. And…there are no legal or societal repercussions for not being a Christian.
Our nation believed that God would honor our worship, provide for our protection from hostile peoples,
and bless us with wisdom and fortitude. If…if…we tried to live by His Word. Keep in mind that Jesus
didn’t call for wars or force to increase His church. Always, it was the gentle call to accept Him as Savior.
Sharia law, however, does call for violence and war against non-Muslims. It subjugates women and
children as it puts them on a lower level than men and gives them no rights or recourse. If the honorable
Senator compares a Christian nation with a Muslim nation, he is either lying or ignorant.
Say good things about your Savior and His church
Bro. Tony

When I stand on my front porch during the winter, when leaves have fallen, I have an excellent view of
the interstate, I-459. It is an amazing sight, especially at nighttime when all the vehicles have their lights
on.  There is a steady flow of cars, trucks, 18-wheelers, motorcycles, and motor homes. And when I say
steady, I mean it. I have tried counting them over a 30 second period, but they are so numerous and so
fast that I lose track. 
But it’s not the cars that I concerned with.  Every vehicle had at least one person in it and I dare say most
had more than that.  That is an enormous number of people. As I watch them zoom by, I wonder about
them.  Where are they going…and why?  Where have they been and what were they doing? Who are
the people in the cars and what is their life like?  Is a divorced dad on his way to pick his kids for “his
weekend”? Is someone going to work at a job they hate? Or better, perhaps a family going out to eat to
celebrate a birthday, or a young couple having a “date night”.  Perhaps someone is going home after a
long day and looking forward to some rest. 
The fact is, there are a lot of possible scenarios, too many to imagine. But here is another fact; a more
important one:  God knows what everyone is going through, no matter what it is, and He is the reason
for joy and happiness and the solution for every problem. During good times, celebrate Him and rejoice
in Him.  During the dark times, turn to Him and rest in Him.  He has made the promise that He will not
leave us or forsake us. 
So, as I look at all the traffic rushing up and down the highway, I wonder how each person is relating to
God…how each person is relying on Him in their particular situation.
Say good things about your Savior and His church.
Bro. Tony

Have you ever heard of “lay by time”?  I was fortunate to pastor two churches that had a lot of farmers. 
There is a time of the year when they are not cultivating, planting, or harvesting. They referred to that as
”lay by time”. They still had stuff to do, but it wasn’t as rushed. In fact a lot of churches had their yearly
revivals during that time.
January and February are like “lay by time” for churches.  The very busy holiday season is over.  Its
usually very cold. And church folk are tired. But don’t let your spiritual life “lay by”.  Church attendance
is still important and Bible study is always needful. Don’t neglect your relationship to the Lord, or your
opportunities to serve.  
On a different note, I wrote in another column about my favorite movie “A Christmas Carol” and all pf its
remakes. Well, they made a new one and I watched it. The “Scrooge” person was a “church going lady”
(they made several references to that).  But instead of dealing with poverty and sickness, the mistreated
folks were in the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants. In other words it was “woke”.  I shook my head in
disbelief as I watched.  But by the time it was over, the mean, grouchy, hateful Christian lady was cured
of her prejudices and every one lived happily ever after.
Unsurprisingly, it has been announced that another adaption, to appear in 2026, presents a “fresh look”
at the story.  The fresh look?  It will deal with the mistreatment of migrants. Really. I can’t be for certain,
but I wouldn’t doubt that Christianity will be mocked in some way.
Say good things about your Savior and His church.

I want to thank everyone that worked at, or sent supplies to, our annual Lights on the Bluff community
event.  It was a tremendous success; the community really showed up. And…..you guys really showed
out.  I saw so many big smiles on the faces of our guests, especially the children….and there were a lot of
children.
I’ve been asked several times why we go through all the work that it takes to have Lights on the Bluff. 
That is an excellent question.  It is a lot of work and a lot of us are getting older. As far as I know we
haven’t attracted any new members from the attendees.  So….why do we do it?
First, community.  We want people to know that we care about our community. We want to give them a
wonderful experience that helps them to make special memories with friends and family. People then
have an incredibly positive impression of our church. Many people told me that they appreciated us
doing it and several said it is an event they look forward to each year.  
Then there is publicity.  You may not have given thought to our location.  The church is barely visible
from the two main roads coming through Bluff Park.  Not a lot of people drive by the church on a daily
basis.  Unbelievably, even with our sign across from CVS, people in our community do not even know we
are here.  I spoke with a young man once who lived in the apartments below the church for two years
and he didn’t know there was a church on the hill!  But this event even makes people look us up on a
map so they can get here.  (A quick “thank you” to Natalie for her tremendous work getting Church on
the Bluff “out there” in the public eye.)
Then there is uniqueness.  I don’t like to use the word “compete” when I speak of our sister churches in
Bluff Park, because we are not in competition with them.  Their success is our success because we are all
seeking to grow the kingdom of God. But let’s face it: we can’t compete with them when it comes to
community events like a fall festival or an Easter egg hunt. They have a lot more resources and
manpower. They can have pony rides, live camels, and the like.  We can’t touch that.  But the Hay ride,
make and take ornament, free hot dogs and a place to roast marshmallows, cupcakes, and even boiled
peanuts?  We can do that, and we can do it well.
Let me share with you a funny sight.  I watched as one little boy roasted marshmallows.  He would roast
two at a time, and while eating them, would grab two more and begin roasting them.  I watched as he
ate eight of them and he was still going strong as I walked away. (And he could have eaten as many as
he wanted; if we ran out, we would have gone over to the Pig and picked up some more). But I
wondered if he slept at all over the next couple of days…. that’s a lot of sugar!
So, yes, we will do it again.  Thankfully, we have a year to rest!
 
Say good things about your Savior and His church
Bro. Tony

My favorite secular Christmas movie is, without a doubt, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Did you
know there have been over 200 theatrical and television productions of the novel? I have seen several
of the versions, and I like them all. In fact, I have already watched one this year.  
A few years ago, it dawned on me that, while it isn’t a religious writing, it reflected the three steps one
must take to be saved. The ghost of Jacob Marley, his old business partner is the “proclamation” to him
of the gospel. The Ghost of Christmas Past brings about some conviction. The Ghost of Christmas
Present allows him to confess (that he isn’t a very good person).  The the mysterious Ghost of Christmas
to Come brings about repentance. Boom! Ebenezer Scrooge becomes a new man.
I believe that Dickens was somewhat of a Unitarian, drifting away from any religion that did not strongly
emphasize a social gospel that was geared toward the poor and destitute. But in “A Christmas Carol” I
see that somewhere inside, he saw that it was conviction, confession, and repentance that would allow
a person to truly change. If he had only thrown God in the mix, we would have a Christian classic,
wouldn’t we?
But then I had a different thought. If Dickens had interjected any sort of religion (but especially
Christianity) into the story many…many…people would have discounted the book automatically even
though the story and ending would have the same relativity the same: being convicted of sin, confessing
sin, and repenting of sin will allow you to become a new person.
You see, he left out what Scrooge was really doing. Scrooge was a sinner, not simply a man with a selfish
and self-centered mindset. Truly, Scrooge was lacking one final, but important step:  Asking for, and
receiving God’s forgiveness.
Conviction, confession, and repentance.