"American Sniper"

"American Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper is all the rage.  Is he a real-life hero or a real-life coward?  The buzz is intense, pro and con.  And apparently there’s no in between.

Only 10 years ago, “The Passion of the Christ" which brought in nearly $84 million during its opening weekend was considered a blockbuster despite the media’s lack of attention to its success; however, “American Sniper” has absolutely crushed that mark by grossing nearly $119 million total in its short release.  

Between 2004 and 2014 the world has radically changed, hasn’t it?  In 2004 the world was challenged to look at the real-life story of a man named Jesus making a decision about life and death to save a lost and endangered world.  Today, our endangered world is now intrigued by the real-life story of an American sniper making decisions about the life and death of others through the lens of his sniper scope, hoping to save them from a real and unsuspecting danger in our world, terrorism; Hero or Coward?  That appears to be the debate.  

But what grabs my attention is the stark contrast of how God saves the world and how we must now try and save it…let’s not fool ourselves and believe that words alone will save this lost world; Jesus tried a diplomatic approach with Pilate, but he rejected God’s argument of salvation for a lost world when he turned to Jesus and said, “What is truth?”  Don’t get me wrong, politicians, ambassadors, diplomats and even American snipers can help bring a temporal peace to this lost and destitute world, but only One can bring true salvation and lasting peace.  And that is, the Prince of Peace, the King of Truth, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, Jesus, the Christ!  I wonder what we will be talking about 10 years from now?  

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                               John 14:6 

"His Year"

Happy New Year!  It’s what we say at this time of year, isn’t it?  Often just words though.  Just like the guy passing by you in the cereal aisle at the grocery store.  He makes eye contact with you, and in that awkward moment you say, “How’s it going?”  But before he can respond, you’re half way down the aisle exploring the special on pop tarts.  He didn’t really care you asked, and you didn’t really want to know how he was doing.  So why say it…just words…it’s what you’re supposed to say, right?  It’s a new year so you’re supposed to say it.

As the horns, whistles, fireworks, and confetti canons blast, you can hear the shouts of “Happy New Year” resounding everywhere; a hopeful recognition that this year will be different, but that hope often fades quickly.  Soon, very soon, the excitement of a Happy New Year becomes the blah reality of simply “Another Year.”  My prayer is that 2015 will be “His Year” in your journey.  Start your new year under new management.   Turn the same old, same old “Happy Another Year” into a refreshing “Happy New Year” by committing yourself to making it “His Year”!   His way will keep you celebrating long into this next year!

”Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                     Psalm 37:4

“Cataracts”

After cataract surgery, I lay around the house with an awkward pair of glasses over my eyes to lessen the discomfort of the bright lights around me, but that quickly opened me up to some good-hearted family ribbing.  “Wow, Dad looks like a thug” one kid text, while another walked in laughing saying, “Hey Ray Charles, how are you feeling?”   In the midst of my recovery, I had a whole new opportunity to “look” at things differently…literally.  I certainly appreciate the testimony of the blind who celebrated, “I once was blind, but now I see.” Grant it, to a much less extend.

Nevertheless, you and I celebrate Christmas.  We’ve heard the story.  It’s old news, but familiar news.   A baby a manger, no room for him in the inn, but an angel appears and directs the lowly shepherds to witness His birth.  They make the choice to find the Savior and worship Him.  Yada, yada, yada.  Could the years of seeing the old story of Christmas played out in our lives leave us today with a complete reversal of the blind man’s fate?   I once could see, but now I’m blind.  Has the long, slow development of a cataract clouded our ability to see the real meaning of Christmas? The Answer is simple….if you’ve truly come to worship Him and been changed by His Presence in your life, your eyesight is probably fine; however, if you just can’t see it, and things are blurry and out of focus this season, then maybe it’s time for surgery. 

"Let's go to Bethlehem and SEE this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

                                                                                                                                                                                 Luke 2:15

Epic: Black Friday vs. Thanksgiving

What was once a routine win for the “Thanksgiving” enthusiasts has now recently turned into an epic battle with the “Black Friday” warriors!  Past seasons saw easy victory for the people who saw autumn as the perfect time for reflection and thanksgiving, but slowly and consistently avid bargain shoppers and retail giants have exploited the consumers thirst for a bargain and pulled even in the fight for supremacy in the mid-fall classic.

Have big sales, bargain prices, and month-long campouts at retail door fronts become the victors in the hearts of people who once made it a priority to stop, remember, and make an intentional effort to reunite with family and friends to reflect on God’s goodness in their lives?

As you’re flooded with advertisements this Thanksgiving Season, don’t forget that a God who shed His grace on Thee, America, deserves our gratitude and thanks.  I hope Thanksgiving wins out in your heart this season.  What’s your game plan?

…in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“The Blog-O-Sphere”

Where is it?  Who is it?  Is the “Blog-0-Sphere” made up of intelligent life or mind-numbed robots?

When I see and read a blog, and then return back later to see the flavor of those who respond, it often provokes a plethora of emotions.  Sometimes their passive indifference which invokes a simple, “OK” when I read it;  while other times, I become inflamed and aggressive, blurting out, “Are you kidding me?”    The range of my emotions and responses can vary:  intriguing, challenging, boring, pointless, serious, inflammatory, interesting, and if I can be honest, sometimes really stupid and irrelevant.

In the blog world everything is anonymous.  Not just the people but often the purpose.  What is the real purpose in the “Blog-O-Sphere”?   How would YOU answer that question?  Do you want to be provoked, encouraged, or admonished?  Do you want to be actively involved or a passive bystander?  What’s relevant in your world, in the corner of your internet galaxy?  What shape and form should a spiritual blog take on.  Is it the thrill of a challenge, the simulation of debate, the fresh thought of a new idea, or the encouragement of an uplifting story?  I guess, I’m asking what makes a blog meaningful in YOUR spiritual life?

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, ² turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, ³ and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, ⁴ and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, ⁵ then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  ⁶ For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6

About Us

We are so excited that you have found your way to LifePoint Church.

In an age where people are asking questions about God and spirituality...we believe that the ultimate answer can be found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

We believe that the point of life is to know and enjoy God in every way and we can only do that through the life changing truth of the Gospel.

Jesus put it this way...

"This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." - John 17:3

Welcome to our church! We hope you will find this information helpful and useful in your journey to find the point of life.

-Pastor Tate