The calendar says it is now December. This month our theme is “Behold Your King.” One of the ways to behold Jesus this Christmas is to make a commitment to draw near to Him daily, no matter how busy life gets. There are many tools to help you to Behold the King. Here...

I got the phone call on Wednesday night, just before dinner. Dan Kazarian had passed away. He died on Tuesday while eating breakfast. It was quick. It was unexpected. And his daughter was relieved that he hadn’t suffered. Dan is now with His Savior and his dear wife,...

A week ago we were in Mammoth, fishing. The locals said we encountered great weather – an “Indian summer.” Well, my experience with that weather pattern is a little more heat during the day than we felt. But, hey, Mammoth in the 60s in November, I’ll take it....

It’s been just over one month since I was given the opportunity to talk about passing the baton. In the time since it has been so encouraging to see how this church continues to grow together. Just last week we held our annual Harvest Festival. This is perhaps our...

Halloween has come and gone for 2019. I always break out in a small smile when that celebration is over. Why? Because at its best, Halloween has become a celebration of the mindless paganism our ancestors wisely turned their backs on. But now the best holidays are in...

Every once in a while, the Back Page ought to provide practical advice. I wish I was smart and clever enough to provide witty banter every week, but I’m not. The kids have left the nest, so my best material went with them. Parenting is great fodder, at least for me. I...

I had walked by this place while I’d been alone in Jerusalem. And I scoffed. It bothered me that here in the land of Jesus, there’s a place devoted to Santa Claus. Come on, no Santa here. When we were out on an evening excursion for gelato, we walked by this house...

Twenty-five years ago this week, I preached my first sermon here at Peninsula. The message was a blur, but I still have the notes and may just preach it again someday. It was no barnburner; I can guarantee that. How do I know? Because I’d used my two best sermons to...

Every once in a while, it is great to hear a fresh perspective on life and the Word. This week, we hear from Brett MacKenzie, fireman, paramedic, Jesus lover. This is all Brett. Thanks, my friend. — Pastor Jim I’ve been thinking about something for a little while now...

I am back in Palos Verdes. But, I’m not sure what time it is. My body says one time, the brain quite another. Such are the joys of international travel — and it’s common to us all. I’ve just started thinking about the start of the trip, the Uganda part. When I was in...