tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16663594254700068292024-02-07T19:25:56.376-05:00Traditional Values from an Untraditional MindJoe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-43531613361000435032020-12-21T16:39:00.004-05:002021-12-24T00:03:45.077-05:00The Nativity in Context: The Before and After<p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Before</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s 430 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">bc</span>. The prophet Malachi has finished his
series of prophecies. Israel had went through cycles of rebellion—in the
wilderness after leaving Egypt, during the period of the judges when “every man
did that which was right in his own eyes,” and during the monarchies that led
to a split into two kingdoms, ultimately culminating in the exiles into Assyria
and Babylon. God had promised that a remnant would return to Israel, and they
did. Now, that remnant was also rebelling, and God, through Malachi, calls them
on it and tells them to return to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwadSaAzxz6DnXP6Y1UUdrU3CFmtCxWJvL9ZjlnU1WJ4GxnV54W0Dgr-jBLKygh8P_n71c-zwiSc4C8rqV95AK3lH5kXGnIBuiJLGyWsWt1KaJWdNAOJWiKeWmGjdt7v4E3u7cXIEIonBu/s350/nic1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="350" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwadSaAzxz6DnXP6Y1UUdrU3CFmtCxWJvL9ZjlnU1WJ4GxnV54W0Dgr-jBLKygh8P_n71c-zwiSc4C8rqV95AK3lH5kXGnIBuiJLGyWsWt1KaJWdNAOJWiKeWmGjdt7v4E3u7cXIEIonBu/w356-h237/nic1.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>And then,
silence.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For over 400
years, there are no prophets. God does not speak to His people. There was never
a period before like it. A lot happens in this time, as kingdoms rise and fall
as Daniel predicted. But one thing that does not happen is a word from God meant
for all to hear. Years turn to decades, and decades to centuries. Traditions
continued, but nothing new.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">While the
silence continued, a nation waited for something promised in the future, as
more people likely forgot or doubted it would ever occur. God had told the
ancestors of a coming King that a King would come from Judah and be the
rightful heir to David’s throne. The prophet Isaiah said He would be God among
us, born from a virgin. The prophet Micah said He would be born in a small town
outside of Jerusalem called Bethlehem. These words hung over all humanity as
the years went by.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Could we
understand the weight of this silence felt by the world who might have thought
God had finally given up on them? We cannot, because that silence was forever
shattered by what came next.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The unraveling
of this plan had really begun all the way back after the fall of man, when a Conqueror
was promised who would come as a man and crush the head of Satan and suffer
harm in the process. But this began to pick up speed when God spoke on an
individual level.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">One man named
Simeon knew of the prophecies about a Messiah and had complete confidence that
God would fulfill His promises. The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not
die until he met this Messiah. His entire life began to center around this
hope. When he is finally introduced, he is ready to die.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Then God
sends the angel Gabriel to a priest named Zechariah, who tells him that he and
his wife, both elderly and never able to have children, were going to have a
son to prepare the way for the Messiah. Gabriel appears next to a young virgin
named Mary and tells her that she is pregnant with the Messiah, and when Mary’s
fiancé, Joseph, fears infidelity, Gabriel goes to Joseph and confirms what has
happened. Joseph is a direct descendant of King David.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">These
experiences would be rare enough, but must have been overwhelming in light of
the centuries before. These individuals grew up in a time when God had not been
heard from for hundreds of years. They knew the scriptures, so you might
imagine them asking their parents about the stories contained in them when God
moved in clear ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_A8LrmgVtt3XFBIg0ZJRzGOH5R-V691iEEAV0VDMPTb7fvwyl054qXSkcnTsr2mbbRi8vluy2ne3uYgvttca17299YuDw8_zft45ExtePeRLzS1lNyLDnUhwP2gFNwJHiawkQQ7FMw1w/s1350/nic4.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_A8LrmgVtt3XFBIg0ZJRzGOH5R-V691iEEAV0VDMPTb7fvwyl054qXSkcnTsr2mbbRi8vluy2ne3uYgvttca17299YuDw8_zft45ExtePeRLzS1lNyLDnUhwP2gFNwJHiawkQQ7FMw1w/s320/nic4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist rendering of the prophet Malachi</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“Today I
studied when God struck an entire army with blindness because His prophet was
surrounded and prayed for deliverance. Have you ever seen God do something like
that?”<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">No, the
parents would have to admit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“What about
my grandparents, or great-grandparents? Have they even seen a prophet?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“I am afraid
not. You see, God does not move or speak like that anymore. There is an old
family story that your great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great
grandmother heard the prophet Malachi preach about the Day of the L<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">ord</span> and Elijah coming again. But that is
the last we heard.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Perhaps
Joseph was told about how he was the rightful heir to David’s throne, but how Judah
had not had a king since King Zedekiah was captured by the Babylonians almost
600 years ago, and now the family lived in poverty. There was a promise that a
King would again come from their family, but that was said a long time ago in a
different era.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To see the
full glory of God Himself coming in humility to be a personal God with us, we
need to understand the deafening silence that was destroyed by it, never again
to return. Seemingly out of nowhere, God begins to move in tangible ways again.
The door was blown off the hinges when this long-promised Messiah was born and angels
filled the sky proclaiming it (in Bethlehem), scaring the robes off the
shepherds who had obviously never experienced it, if they thought it even possible.
Thirty years later, the Messiah Himself burnt the house down when He walked
into the temple and said He was the fulfillment of prophecy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Messiah
came and filled four books in the New Testament with the things He said and
did. Then He sent the Holy Spirit to inspire twenty-three more and to continue
speaking to us to this day. For the record, we’re still pretty rebellious, but
that nature hasn’t stopped God from speaking and giving of Himself—giving everything.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">The After</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
scriptures were very clear about the purpose of God’s dwelling among us. The
full meaning of Christmas is found in Good Friday and Easter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Isaiah prophesied
that the Messiah would have the sin of the world placed on Him and be killed as
the atoning sacrifice, attaining forgiveness and freedom for those who couldn’t
attain it themselves. The psalmist said He would be pierced, thirsty, scorned,
and abandoned. The psalms also said He would be delivered to the Gentiles for
execution, and those executioners would cast lots for his robe. That Messiah
who came to Bethlehem carried a cross to Calvary, facing a brutal physical
death, but much worse, facing God’s wrath for the sin of all mankind.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sgPhZQ64JnphMFGEeDLVo_U4rLSKI5oP6mdAYM4RGCCddAPlaP4hX1EIunPc0ch_bc898wqQhxw6r1dJpa0xDT84F0Kk84kJAUfL6X3_mpYUCWCHmK_0S5CI_mGQb1j-83pGzuEN3NJX/s511/nic3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sgPhZQ64JnphMFGEeDLVo_U4rLSKI5oP6mdAYM4RGCCddAPlaP4hX1EIunPc0ch_bc898wqQhxw6r1dJpa0xDT84F0Kk84kJAUfL6X3_mpYUCWCHmK_0S5CI_mGQb1j-83pGzuEN3NJX/s320/nic3.jpg" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And in that
moment, Jesus became the final Passover lamb. He became the bronze serpent
lifted up so that others could look on Him and live. All the Old Testament
imagery and prophecies found their meaning in Him. And three days later, His
resurrection became every bit the miracle His birth was. The journey of
securing righteousness and eternal life for mankind had begun when the virgin
conceived, and it finished in a miraculous breath.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Up until the
period of silence, God had been speaking throughout all of history without
taking on human flesh. Jesus’s incarnation was more than just His way to teach
us on a personal level. He was born to be a sacrifice. This was not lost on the
people involved in the nativity story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When Simeon
prophecies after meeting the Messiah, he says that Jesus is born for the “fall
and rising of many in Jerusalem,” will be a sign opposed, and that in the
future this birth would cause a sword to pierce Mary’s soul. The prophetess
Anna prophesied of His redemption of mankind. Zecheriah prophesied of His
salvation. Mary and Joseph were told He would save people from their sin, and
Mary in praise acknowledged the prophecy that had come before Him. The magi,
when they arrived later, brought Jesus gifts that foreshadowed the crucifixion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I have at
times looked past the nativity, seeing the crucifixion and resurrection as most
important. It is true, Jesus coming to Earth in and of itself does not
accomplish salvation, and the crucifixion and resurrection accomplish the purpose
of it. But let’s not look past the incomprehensible miracle that a God who
watched countless cycles of rebellion saw fit, from the very first rebellion,
to not just put up with us, but come down to the middle of our mess and walk
among us as one of us, without ever giving up His deity. The God of Creation
experienced the pain, heartbreak, and day-to-day struggles that we do. The King
of Glory came as a helpless baby, and even as a baby was worshipped because
some people just got it—He wasn’t ordinary. He was the only one who could do
what He did, and He did it. His coming broke a silence we will never experience
because what He accomplished while He was here among us made Him our personal
God not just for those thirty-some years, but forever. Understanding the
buildup to the Christmas miracle and the purpose for which it was done gives it
full meaning, and should reignite the wonder of the nativity.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-88420912763972719182020-03-16T21:39:00.000-04:002020-03-17T09:52:56.235-04:00Beach Reach 2020: "So Much Better Your Way"This was
spring break #7 for me, and each one has been used as a mission trip. I sometimes
hear that we are “giving up our spring breaks” for ministry, but there is
nothing I would rather do with it. This was my fourth spring break on Beach
Reach, where we go to Panama City Beach to share the gospel with spring
breakers—our peers—through running a van service, serving a pancake brunch, and
hitting the streets of the city at night.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE27r0lcEH_VfvUYVHU91UIb8ClZuQ7aOiiwPyXjwi_setEtx_6MS6QNTIldv1AuzQqbFuexWNV2C1HVaD_x47od42rxT_nz7joMRZLEsXat8AWauzDeEanHBLfkbbc58XmCULvpi02t6/s1600/IMG2163385543041038285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1126" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE27r0lcEH_VfvUYVHU91UIb8ClZuQ7aOiiwPyXjwi_setEtx_6MS6QNTIldv1AuzQqbFuexWNV2C1HVaD_x47od42rxT_nz7joMRZLEsXat8AWauzDeEanHBLfkbbc58XmCULvpi02t6/s400/IMG2163385543041038285.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One might
consider it laudable to spend every spring break on mission, but I know it’s a
story of grace. I was continuously humbled by the thought of God using me in
this capacity when I knew I’d be on the other side of it if He hadn’t taken
hold on me. Who am I to be placed in this position? (More on that later.) I am
also humbled by, and want to express my gratitude to, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bcmatnku/?ref=br_rs">BCM</a> for allowing me on
the trip and covering most of my costs, and to <a href="http://living-church.com/">Living Church</a> for covering the remaining
costs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This
particular trip was preceded by a minor internal crisis. The other non-student
leaders on the trip included a full-time associate campus minister, a house
church pastor, a full-time pastor, and a full-time student pastor. Then there’s
me, a third-year law student. Of the other leaders, one is in his 40s, one in
his 30s, and two are in their late 20s. Then there’s me, the 24-year-old. I
wondered what had possessed them to make me a leader when I seemed to be the
odd one of the group. In reality, I knew that God doesn’t use us based on our
status and he equips us for what He calls us to. I spent a lot of time in
prayer (as I did generally for the trip) and talked to <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/06/the-importance-of-fostering.html">Seanna</a>
who made some good points as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
While I didn’t
need any certain status to validate me, it turned out that later that week I
was asked to serve as the logistical coordinator for the trip, which is
something I’m good with and enjoy, and it turned into a really cool role for
the week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As often
happens on these trips, it was a slower start for me in terms of ministry. It left
me wondering whether it was something wrong with me or bad luck, but those
thoughts didn’t affect to the extent they did in the early part of <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2019/03/beach-reach-2019-more-to-come.html">last
year</a>. But a handful of good conversations came out of those nights.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first
night in the vans, I was driving and we had the opportunity to minister to a
group of six girls. Several were Christians and we were able to encourage them
in sharing the gospel with others they knew down there that week and pray over
them. One revealed her grandfather had just been diagnosed with cancer. (It
amazes me how open people are with us during our ministry time.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The second
night I was on the streets and our creativity and outgoingness opened up some
conversations. The fun one was hanging out outside an ice cream parlor. I
figured I’d check out the flavors but found it had just closed. I sat back down
and called over to a table of people, asking them whether it was worth coming
back later. Our conversation about ice cream eventually turned to a
conversation about God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Later that
night I was called out to by someone in a minivan, a rapper and his manager
asking me to buy a t-shirt. I bought his mixtape to have a conversation and was
able to share about what we were doing down there and prayed for him. Later I
was able to have a similar interaction with a random person walking by because
I recognized the Kansas State logo on his shirt (thank you college sports).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another thing
I worked on early in the week was listening to God and speaking over people
what He gave me. Another aspect of the ministry time (which runs 9 pm to 2 am,
and often later) is that a quarter of the entire group (which had about a dozen
groups from various campuses and ministries) is in the prayer room at any one
time, praying for requests from people on the streets and spending time in God’s
presence. It is some of our favorite times. For some in the group, receiving a
word from God was a new thing, which it would have been at that stage of life
for me as well. God used me to minister to several people in our group during
those prayer times and pray over them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwPniNgAeS1zD6jUQyuDIJF4OLM6V0cofYLxKWmr6ScQwHWsR5k6LBN1HafuhPSFNqX0Uo3GjK-g-_QJuqh7UmoLc8mWHWF7BuF7bOItqioxLHlzqon9aNnouyavtMyMAnUYh8SMTg4Lb/s1600/IMG7570426771849695464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1126" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwPniNgAeS1zD6jUQyuDIJF4OLM6V0cofYLxKWmr6ScQwHWsR5k6LBN1HafuhPSFNqX0Uo3GjK-g-_QJuqh7UmoLc8mWHWF7BuF7bOItqioxLHlzqon9aNnouyavtMyMAnUYh8SMTg4Lb/s400/IMG7570426771849695464.jpg" width="400" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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There were
definitely some odd moments during the week. My first night driving, I had
someone vomit for the first time in my van while I was driving. It was not the only
time. Thankfully, Sarah from our group had put together kits for such
instances, so thanks to her because it worked well. My other night on the
street, my group was outside Waffle House and were approached by a man who was
clearly high, and eventually made the girl with us uncomfortable. When he
approached a couple other people, offering to give them his pants, we took the
opportunity to make a discreet exit. As we walked past the corner of Waffle
House, there was a knock on the window, and when we looked over a girl in the
corner booth flashed us. There was also the feeling that we were living in a
bubble, because it was a normal Beach Reach but in the world around us there
were schools and universities closing and shifting to online classes, stores facing
stockouts, and coronavirus spreading around the world. We also realized that, since
we were having contact with hundreds of people from around the country who were
also having contact with hundreds of people from around the country, we were
prime suspects to contract the virus ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I share
these experiences to give a full picture of the things we encounter on Beach
Reach, but know that the things God did make whatever weird things happen like
nothing. And, honestly, my last two night of ministry were a lot of fun and we saw
some crazy moves of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I had Sara,
Wyatt, and Colt with me on Wednesday and we were on the streets for about six
hours. Things were slow early on; we got into a handful of conversations that
didn't go very far. I did have the opportunity to encourage another group we
ran into who were also not having much luck. But even though there wasn't a lot
happening, the group was a riot. We laughed and danced to music we’d hear and
yelled greetings to people we’d pass. Wyatt kept yelling at motorcyclists to do
a wheelie. The way we were dressed and had fun made us unsuspecting Beach
Reachers and made us approachable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
At about
1:15 am, we knew we still had at least 45 minutes left. I had the group sit on
the porch of a closed restaurant and was just honest with them about our
tiredness. We walked about six miles that night over six hours, and it was late
in the week. Some of us had spent more than two hours cooking for the group
dinner we’d had earlier. But we all took turns praying, and I said something
along the lines of, “God, we’re really physically and socially tired, but our
time isn’t up, so please guide us. And it’s really hard to start conversations
right now, so please bring us one if you want us to have one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We agreed
that God was pointing us in the direction of a road that was a bit dark, but
eventually led to a busier area. I was thinking we’d encounter someone in the
deserted part and I could tell them God brought us to them, but we got to the busier
area without seeing anyone. We walked past the ice cream parlor that was
closed, then by Club LaVela. Club LaVela used to be the biggest club in Panama
City Beach (and the country) and maybe the most popular spot. However, after Hurricane
Michael the club has been closed the last two spring breaks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we were
walking by LaVela, we spotted a man face-down on the ground. Someone from
another group tried to talk to him, and he barely responded and said he was
just sleeping. My group stayed, and when I tried to talk to him he didn’t
respond. Wyatt flagged down a sheriff’s deputy, who woke him up and told him to
find a ride. I started talking to the man, and learned he had been drinking
with a friend and when he refused to get in the car since his friend was
planning to drive, his friend left him. He decided to just lay down and pass
out. He wasn’t too interested in talking right away; I asked if he needed a
ride or had anything he wanted us to pray with him about, and he said no to
both. I told him we’d be over within eyeshot waiting for our own ride (it was
now after 2 am) if he ended up needing a van.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Providentially,
there were delays in picking up the street teams. After standing there maybe
five or ten minutes, the man called me over and asked if he could get a ride. I
said that when we were picked up he could come with us and we’d drop him off.
Then he began to open up about his life. He said he didn’t even know how he ended
up “here,” speaking of his physical location and his spot in life. He repeated that
several times. He had kids about our age, his marriage was in a bad spot, and
while he drank it had never ended up like this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I asked him
if he had considered that Providence had brought him here so he could have this
conversation with us. We believe God uses situations that aren’t ideal to bring
people to Him and remind them that He pursues us in our messes, even if we
create them. He told us he made a lot of money but it was completely meaningless.
And maybe the most striking thing and one of the most seamless transitions to
the gospel I’d heard, “You know, I believe in God, and I pray, but I am so
lost.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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During our
talk with him, I had explained the work that Jesus did, and I said, “There is
nothing that has happened to you or that you had done…” My intent was to say, “…That
Jesus didn’t already know when He went to the cross, and He went anyway.”
Instead, he filled it in with, “…That he can’t forgive.” My response was, “…Yes.”
Then I told him that the resurrection gives the power to have victory over
those things. Once we were eventually in the vans (close to 3 am), Nick was
also able to talk to him some. In four years, that was a pretty unique experience
to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The last
night was a whirlwind. I got our van together—consisting of Caleb, Paul, Emma,
and Wyatt—at the beginning and started praying. We made the vow we’d made last
year and should have made earlier in the week: no one leaves the van without
hearing the gospel. Not holding them hostage, but on our end we had the
determination to get there before they left. I’m praying and we haven’t even
gone online yet when someone knocks on the window, asking for a ride. He had
been left at the club by his friends and wanted to get back to his hotel. This
made him open, and we quickly got to the gospel on what was a pretty long ride.
He shared with us how he goes to church and would consider himself a believer
but his life doesn’t show it. He was familiar with what Jesus has done but I
was able to explain to him the purpose of the cross and the freedom that should
come with a relationship with Him. We continued talking for a while after we
got to his hotel, and I asked him if he wanted to settle that and surrender right
there, and he said he did. I don’t know exactly where his heart is still, but I’ve
been in contact with him and can hopefully continue that conversation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next
group was two very drunk men who were rather crass in their conversation. When
they got in the van, door man Paul had them sit next to him, because I would
have thrown them out if they turned their attention to Emma. I knew we had a
short ride and needed to cut through the noise. Emma boldly asked what they
knew about the gospel. One mentioned a Bible verse he likes from Isaiah, “Here
I am, send me.” I told him that’s why we were here, sent to them to carry God’s
message.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a
couple conversations I was able to jump in, I was content to listen to the
others. They absolutely went for it. Every single group that got in the van, I’d
hear three people talking and explaining the same gospel in their own way. And
this wasn’t just a monologue; they were answering questions and finding out where
people were in their lives. I heard Paul explaining at one point that Jesus was
either right, a liar, or a lunatic. We took one group to Waffle House and sat
there 20 minutes continuing conversations. Then we took a group to a hotel and
sat there 40 minutes continuing conversations. God gave favor in all of this in
that no one told us to move. Four of the six at the hotel got out at some point
but the other two kept talking. Then two more people approached me and asked
for a ride, and I said they could hop on in and we’d leave once the others
left. Wyatt, who had been left without anyone to talk to for a few minutes,
immediately started talking to them. All of them are underclassmen, and I was so
proud of them and so encouraged to hear their conversations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It really
amazed me to be in that place. Late on that last night I was telling Ashleigh
that when I met her almost three years ago neither of us would have thought we’d
be having a hand in this week. But even looking farther back, and I say it
every year to the group, I know I’d be on the other side of this were it not for
God’s grace. I was in tears the last night of worship with that idea weighing
on me. Jesus changed our lives and we want to see that in others’ lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za-yGR3sbNw">This song</a> was not even
played at Beach Reach, but it’s a good summary of what we see and how we
respond:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hallelujah, You have saved me<br />
So much better Your way<br />
Hallelujah, great Defender<br />
So much better Your way<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaW_5FKZoFgVGxoxveM3QocQ5-1Nm5Qq9iVWFi2GpBknBVt-tEcLjK2XPJyfmrEr574ZhT4apFp1LyXlbYKZwRmEdT5EuKOQTBLdGCh5OqJjot4tzTJNraPXJxR49fgMa84Z9DhLeky_y/s1600/IMG6869526879499662983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1126" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaW_5FKZoFgVGxoxveM3QocQ5-1Nm5Qq9iVWFi2GpBknBVt-tEcLjK2XPJyfmrEr574ZhT4apFp1LyXlbYKZwRmEdT5EuKOQTBLdGCh5OqJjot4tzTJNraPXJxR49fgMa84Z9DhLeky_y/s400/IMG6869526879499662983.jpg" width="400" /></a>I saw people
seeking satisfaction in alcohol, drugs, and sex, and thought, “So much better Your
way.” I saw people searching for and not finding hope in fleeting things and
thought, “So much better Your way.” I look at people around me seeking
satisfaction in personal ambition, progressive ideals, social justice, alcohol,
and temporary pleasures, and think, “So much better Your way.” I know that this
could just as easily be me, and say, “So much better Your way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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See, it’s
not that we’re better. It’s not that we give up our spring breaks for mission
trips. It’s not that we serve our peers. It’s not even that we look out for
people that aren’t looking out or can’t look out for themselves. We aren’t
saved by our works and they don’t suddenly become part of our identity after
salvation. It’s all God, every step of the way, in every work done in His name,
in every person that passes from death to life, in every life devoted to Him,
throughout our lives and ringing through eternity. From Him are all things and
to Him are all things, and everything was created for Him. Our lives point to
Him, and all that we do is through Him and for Him and finds meaning in Him.
And we carry His name to the people He sends us to.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-89084859283571483502019-12-30T17:06:00.003-05:002019-12-30T17:06:43.062-05:00Old Lessons on Faith for Our New Circumstances<br />
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The last few years have involved constant change and uncertainty. This,
however, has molded me, brought rich blessings, and increased my faith. My
experiences are far from unique, but they have taught me these lessons. They
are timeless lessons, and they still apply to our changing lives as they did to
the people in these Bible stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The formations of this post began this summer in the house church I
attend from something the Spirit revealed to me while we were discussing faith.
I then drew out that and two other stories in the first few weeks of a Cru
community group I lead for graduate and professional students at Ohio State
with my friend Chelsea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During Jesus’s public ministry, He sent His disciples across the Sea of
Galilee ahead of Him. A storm came while the boat was in the middle of the sea,
and in the midst of the storm Jesus shows His presence, as He always does. While
His disciples were fighting the storm they may have forgotten He knew what they
were going through, but He reminded them He was there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, Jesus comes walking on the water, and has to tell his disciples it
is Him because they think He is a ghost. He tells them not to be afraid. Then
this is where Peter steps out in faith:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBilT_nvz8wMQl1IpBJ7tcVOX5nnltaXAvP4rrQIG1zpQ1jqu1fA30PptEpHoiI_yAFCSAU0jA_Ma8fx1Rr_TJALZD0udVwGaDs7oRmhmRXqxksDARRfG4xm2B9v66eys9C55FMhejhQu/s1600/faith1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBilT_nvz8wMQl1IpBJ7tcVOX5nnltaXAvP4rrQIG1zpQ1jqu1fA30PptEpHoiI_yAFCSAU0jA_Ma8fx1Rr_TJALZD0udVwGaDs7oRmhmRXqxksDARRfG4xm2B9v66eys9C55FMhejhQu/s400/faith1.jpg" width="400" /></a>And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to
come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the
boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he
was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus
immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O
you of little faith, why did you doubt?” –Matthew 14:28-31<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now a lot of people like to criticize Peter and use him as an example
of faithlessness, but we should remember that he was the one of the twelve that
stepped out of the boat. He knew great works could be done through Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And he does walk on water. Peter is able to look at Jesus and do what
was thought impossible for a human to do. His actions show an immense amount of
faith in who Jesus is and what He can do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peter’s problems begin when he looks away from Jesus and at the storm. “But
when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink…” In what would
normally be a scary situation (not just on a boat in the middle of the sea in a
storm, but <i>outside</i> the boat in the middle of the sea in a storm), Peter
did not feel fear in Jesus’s presence. But when he forgets about Jesus being
there, he becomes fearful. When he looks at the situation around him instead of
Jesus, he begins to sink.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What’s the lesson? <b>In the midst of a storm we can be okay—and see
incredible things done—if we look at Jesus instead of the circumstances.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Jacob was raised with everything. He was the grandchild of Abraham, who
was very wealthy, and son to Isaac who inherited and furthered that wealth. His
family had status and respect. He was the favorite of his mother, Rebekah, and
she helped deceive his father, giving Jacob the blessing of the firstborn
instead of Esau. But this created a problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his
father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my
father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” But the words of
Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her
younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about
you by planning to kill you. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee
to Laban my brother in Haran… –Genesis 27:41-43<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rebekah sends Jacob away. That night, for the first time in his life,
Jacob is all alone. The man who had everything finds himself alone, in an
unfamiliar place, without any of the comforts or securities he was accustomed to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he came to a
certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one
of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place
to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the
earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were
ascending and descending on it! And behold, the LORD stood above it and
said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac.
The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your
offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to
the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your
offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you
and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I
will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Then Jacob awoke
from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did
not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is
none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” –Genesis 28:10-17<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was a story particularly pertinent to my community group, as
people who had just moved to a new city and university, away from home and friend
groups, in a demanding program, with everything changing and everything
uncertain. But this can be true of many situations. We all face these times in
our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWLEH1KahKMSC9hgyLFxAtMGUOsmoxhEDr7sfQUQT4pV4Y2qH-DAcb5RwxEFTiwwNHJtrV5TvYKGwOWKZaz3YwnsOdXf9c6sht_GSSbBMyEm4boqYS-BXi1Do8cRo2ZjSt3YSM31In2nu/s1600/faith2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWLEH1KahKMSC9hgyLFxAtMGUOsmoxhEDr7sfQUQT4pV4Y2qH-DAcb5RwxEFTiwwNHJtrV5TvYKGwOWKZaz3YwnsOdXf9c6sht_GSSbBMyEm4boqYS-BXi1Do8cRo2ZjSt3YSM31In2nu/s400/faith2.jpg" width="400" /></a>While everything changes around him, driven from home, his life in
jeopardy, journeying to an unfamiliar place, Jacob lays down to sleep with a rock
as a pillow. And there, in that place, God meets him. God comes to him in a
dream and shows him angels ascending and descending between Heaven and Earth—which
Jesus says in John 1:51 is our prayers going up and answers coming down, with Him
interceding for us. God tells Jacob He will fulfill His promises and He isn’t
going anywhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jacob is fleeing for his life and leaving everything he had known, and God
reveals Himself. “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” <u>In
the middle of his difficult circumstances, Jacob almost misses that God was
there all along.</u> And God would be there for whatever would happen in the
days ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>When everything is upside down, changing, and uncertain, we serve an
unchanging and certain God who meets us in that place.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Abraham had waited decades to see God’s promise fulfilled. God had told
him that he, though his wife Sarah was barren, would have a descendant, and
that all the Earth would be blessed through him:<o:p></o:p></div>
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God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and
you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an
everlasting covenant for his offspring after him….But I will establish my
covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” –Genesis
17:19, 21<o:p></o:p></div>
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God says His promise will be fulfilled and promises that it will be fulfilled
<i>through Isaac</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After many years of waiting (and some lapses in faith), God gives them
Isaac. Thirty more years pass. Isaac is grown but he is not married and has no
children. Abraham still has no descendant through Isaac. Then God makes an odd
command:<o:p></o:p></div>
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After these things God tested Abraham and said to him,
“Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son
Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a
burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” –Genesis
22:1-2<o:p></o:p></div>
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Abraham obeys without any recorded questioning:<o:p></o:p></div>
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So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and
took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for
the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On
the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. –Genesis
22:3-4<o:p></o:p></div>
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He builds the altar and raises the knife to kill Isaac (vv. 9-10)
before the Angel of the LORD stops him (vv. 11-12).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now Abraham had to think through his obedience in this situation. God
was commanding something unusual in light of what He had said. But Abraham knew
one thing: God had made a promise. God promised him that he would have a son,
Isaac, that his descendants would come <i>through Isaac</i>, and all the Earth
would be blessed <i>through Isaac</i>. That meant that whatever God had planned
in commanding the sacrifice, Isaac was going to come out of it because God hadn’t
fulfilled His promise yet. And Abraham knew better than anyone that God always
fulfilled His promises.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We learn more about Abraham’s mindset in Hebrews:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhubWGJJHVMN5HqLPQW3W6vWGn2foBbZfEOd6P-Tnjzp8kzHyvwXi2coQ7pa1y4CkczB3S-KqBmqfKQ0UKn1QwwzDiy8CY5kZfgKF5WHw3vSUjpNhVDlT6OoO9aaIWxCCSR4fRh790PWpe/s1600/faith3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhubWGJJHVMN5HqLPQW3W6vWGn2foBbZfEOd6P-Tnjzp8kzHyvwXi2coQ7pa1y4CkczB3S-KqBmqfKQ0UKn1QwwzDiy8CY5kZfgKF5WHw3vSUjpNhVDlT6OoO9aaIWxCCSR4fRh790PWpe/s320/faith3.jpg" width="320" /></a>By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and
he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of
whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He considered that God was able even to
raise him from the dead</i>, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive
him back. –Hebrews 11:17-19 (emphasis added)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Abraham trusted God to fulfill His promise so much that he figured God
would just have to resurrect Isaac after he was sacrificed. This is even
crazier because there was no record of anyone being raised from the dead before
this point. Abraham believed God would do something unprecedented rather than
believe that God would fail to keep a promise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many would not have blamed Abraham for refusing to follow a command
that didn’t make sense, or at least questioning God. God’s plan seemed to go
against His promise. How could Isaac be sacrificed when he is supposed to have
descendants? It took tremendous faith for Abraham to trust God when it looked like
God Himself took a sure promise and commanded its failure. But Abraham knew a
way had to be made, because God is faithful. <b>Faith is trusting God when His
plans seem to run contrary to His promises.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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These lessons were learned thousands of years ago, but we’re still
facing the same circumstances. There are still storms. There are still changes
and uncertain circumstances. There are still times when God’s plans seem to run
contrary to His promises. But we serve a faithful God who always fulfills His
promises, even if not in the way we expect or want. Let His faithfulness be the
driving force of our faith in Him. Let faith arise in the storm. Let faith
arise in the change and uncertainty. Let faith arise when God’s plans don’t
make sense in light of His promises. And may we see the impossible done as we
follow Him into all He has planned for us.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-51355795031038723642019-08-09T11:25:00.004-04:002019-08-09T11:27:01.415-04:00Resurrection at the Requiem: A Call to Christian Graduate and Professional Students<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66uvZBShzU5eTyJ86-RmEn0Dq02x0UqEmhQdi5naiQrGTyNwWFks1-TwOhMBMeEKgu0Z8-CfsUvzkfYecGF7Zr_7KWFNxxuNg4jmzUGSQJab4Zn6dFlvy8mVouPbbURkX8maD89a4gRhh/s1600/b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1000" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66uvZBShzU5eTyJ86-RmEn0Dq02x0UqEmhQdi5naiQrGTyNwWFks1-TwOhMBMeEKgu0Z8-CfsUvzkfYecGF7Zr_7KWFNxxuNg4jmzUGSQJab4Zn6dFlvy8mVouPbbURkX8maD89a4gRhh/s640/b1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">It’s a message that has been continually on my heart for the last two years. I’ve explained to some friends that it feels like I’ve unlocked something that few others have. But I so want them to have it.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{167}" paraid="1453794322" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">It’s not always that fun to be a graduate or professional student. You work full-time hours but pay instead of get paid. A lot of your friends your age </span><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">have</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a salary and not homework. You feel weird because you’re in your mid-twenties but still a student. You have increasingly more responsibility but the benefits don’t seem to match.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{173}" paraid="727238535" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But in the annoyances and difficulty my faith has been elevated to a reckless level. I’ve spent the last two years trudging through law school, never knowing what my next year will look like until the current one is almost over. Every year is spent trying to figure out the next.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">And when the uncertainty is maximized, faith is maximized. And it’s such a freeing place to be.</span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{179}" paraid="1936731437" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">As I thought about how I could articulate my life and what I desire in others’ lives, God placed the word “requiem” on my mind.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{191}" paraid="534847563" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was scarcely familiar with </span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">the term, and when I double-checked its </span><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">meaning</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I didn’t understand why it was that word, of all words. But I prayed and was instantly given clarity. Here it is:</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">noun</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{216}" paraid="2011055856" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">(especially in the Roman Catholic Church) a Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{220}" paraid="2088014802" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{222}" paraid="130860555" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">My heart is grieved when I look around at the death in the lives of graduate and professional students. I’ve heard people talk about the best places to have mental breakdowns. I’ve </span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">seen excessive drinking in an attempt to relieve pressure and insecurity</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{226}" paraid="1150965634" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{228}" paraid="2054975962" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But the hopelessness is widespread. Eternal hope isn’t found apart from Jesus, so we should expect that there will be people who don’t know Him who are <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/03/beach-reach-how-god-moved-in-my-life.html" target="_blank">struggling with their identity</a> and unable to find peace. But this is something I see in Christians just as much.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{232}" paraid="725070961" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{234}" paraid="974440122" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Maybe there isn’t alcohol or drug abuse, but the hopelessness is there. Christian students are falling victim to pessimism. They’re falling victim to insecurity and struggling with their identity. They have fear of the future because it is uncertain. So many are in misery and doubt.</span><br />
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{238}" paraid="2704955" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">There is so much more for us. Jesus didn’t go to the cross for us to live like that. </span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{244}" paraid="1259357993" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{3fa14e51-115c-4b59-a2d4-6c2ebd5d014f}{246}" paraid="741756432" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> –Galatians 4:31-5:1</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{1}" paraid="1443054037" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{3}" paraid="304349657" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Yes, that’s talking about freedom from sin. But </span><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">lack</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> of trust in God is sin. He calls us to trust Him.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{7}" paraid="363872076" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{9}" paraid="748901690" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> –Joshua 1:9</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{17}" paraid="620907282" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">For the righteous will never be moved;</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">he will be remembered forever.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He is not afraid of bad news;</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> –Psalm 112:6-8</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{43}" paraid="1312360950" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{45}" paraid="457337050" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Therefore</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 9.5pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-fontsize="12" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: super;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-fontsize="12" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: super;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? </span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Therefore</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. </span><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Therefore</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. –Matthew 6:25-34</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{69}" paraid="1296531374" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{71}" paraid="1997335416" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And He gives us every reason to trust Him.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{75}" paraid="1853650443" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{77}" paraid="1216892469" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">So</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> we can confidently say,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“The Lord is my helper;</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I will not fear;</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">what can man do to me?”</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> –Hebrews 13:8</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{107}" paraid="470222054" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{109}" paraid="656017102" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives </span><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">do</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> –John 14:26-27</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{121}" paraid="1751174809" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">God sent His Spirit to remind us who we are and <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit-how-it-betrays-whose-we.html" target="_blank">whose we are</a>. And I think a lot of Christian students will comfort themselves with these words, but it’s a momentary thing. Then back to worrying. Then it's time to take our eyes off Jesus and look at the storm and the waves.</span><br />
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">No. We’ve been set free from that.</span><br />
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><i>Lord I come to tell You I love You. To tell You I need You. To tell You there's no better place for me than in Your arms. To tell you I'm sorry for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuWv5Vfp3IA" target="_blank">running in circles</a>, for placing my focus on the waves, not on Your face. You're the only one who brings me peace.</i></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{55824929-f029-4b22-8b21-cb5d84deccff}{208}" paraid="1412455743" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">If God never did one thing for us</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> apart from redemption</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, all His goodness and faithfulness would still be wrapped up in </span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">that</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But He doesn’t just stop there. He heaps on grace. He gives strength in weakness, and light in darkness, and life from death. Why do we run back to the grave? In our flesh it might seem more comfortable, but it’s not where we belong anymore. We aren’t who we were. We’ve been completely remade.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{133}" paraid="2071999873" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{135}" paraid="687339027" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I faced this battle for a while. I was coming off <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/05/thank-you-nku-and-goodbye-sort-of.html" target="_blank">what still might be the best year of my life</a>, though the last year has rivaled it. My senior year of college was crazy, and <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/07/god-giver-of-peace.html" target="_blank">the summer after crazier</a>, but it was so full of growth and joy. I left my home of four years to continue school for another three in a different place. Placed on that was everything else I was bringing in and adjusting to the expectations and workload of a professional program. I felt lost at times. But I’m found in Jesus. In that </span><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">time</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I learned to trust Him on a level I’d yet to experience.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{139}" paraid="103817699" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{141}" paraid="1804231598" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">A friend had a vision</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> that nearly brought me to tears not that long ago. Deep in the woods was a cottage,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> which he said was a place of comfort and refuge,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and when he knocked on the door, I answered. I said, “Hello, come in, how can I help you?” He asked, “How do you live out here alone?” I responded, “I’m not alone. The Lord is with me.”</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{151}" paraid="1595888792" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{153}" paraid="1024116622" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">That same night, God brought me back to a place He’s brought me often. I’m on the edge of a cliff, unable to see what is beneath due to fog. But Jesus is there with me and tells me to jump. The first time I was there I questioned Him. I didn’t know what was below or what was going to happen. But I knew He was leaping with me, and that was enough. The next thing I saw was a person on a foggy street. Only one streetlight could be seen, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">but </span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">when she arrived there another could be seen. She never knew what was at the end of the street, but the path immediately before her was illuminated.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{161}" paraid="227899715" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{163}" paraid="502550576" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">God guides in short lengths. That’s where faith is the strongest. I’ve learned there is so much freedom in not knowing the future but knowing the God who knows the future.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW137650011" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{169}" paraid="1629662467" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">We’re talking about the God who raises the dead. The God who predicted events hundreds of years before they occurred. The God who parted waters. The God who sent His Spirit in power to move in the church age. Do you think He can’t handle your crazy life?</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{175}" paraid="2071498947" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">It really is possible to gain such a trust in God that you do not worry about your future career, or your exam grade, or your unexpected expenses. Faith is more than belief. It’s a gift given to every believer that allows us to trust when </span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">it</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> look</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">s</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> stupid to others</span><span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. It’s not blissful ignorance. It’s <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/01/without-me-ye-can-do-nothing.html" target="_blank">believing God’s track record</a> and that He’ll do again what He’s done before.</span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW137650011 BCX0" paraeid="{2ef3d725-fc7b-471a-b63f-31a7e9f7e841}{192}" paraid="512243774" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Some of us have attended the requiem of our lives. The requiem of our social lives, the requiem of our free time, the requiem of the control of our futures, the requiem of hope, the requiem of confidence. The only requiem we need to attend is that of our will and our skewed view of ourselves, because that died when we took up our crosses. Jesus has resurrected us, and we’ll never be the same.</span><span class="EOP SCXW137650011 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-4857024229686700342019-06-18T23:28:00.001-04:002019-06-19T11:07:24.753-04:00Albania Mission Trip: All the Earth Will Shout His PraiseBy many accounts, the time leading up to the Albania mission trip and
the time immediately following were/are disastrous. Logistics fell apart,
finances didn’t add up, and illness plagued several. In the midst of my own
illness and financial problems, and the general business of life that seemed to
not allow for significant preparation, I was told there would be a verse or
short passage that would sustain me in the final days before we left.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinILpfhAdT1AxWxjrVotRgJpVOAsIsuiBRo7bfHZUDXN-Z3j7W3sGT5VBSr_ZP1b56ebTjuIbuFmzK6YuTz1ujQXxd6pot51Kf-7HxNywJeMUnj7_zAI312WDA22rm3lDKYJKNKmxtGjdV/s1600/albania6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinILpfhAdT1AxWxjrVotRgJpVOAsIsuiBRo7bfHZUDXN-Z3j7W3sGT5VBSr_ZP1b56ebTjuIbuFmzK6YuTz1ujQXxd6pot51Kf-7HxNywJeMUnj7_zAI312WDA22rm3lDKYJKNKmxtGjdV/s400/albania6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group and missionaries with children at a village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next day, I found this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
I am convinced that
any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that
is about to be unveiled within us. –Romans 8:18</blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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All the suffering and groaning of creation is real, and painful, and
confusing, but God was going to show up, and the problems we faced along the
way would pale in comparison.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The night of our last meeting, I had what seemed to be the flu and a
depleted bank account from rent and flight payments. But a week later, I spoke
to Dustin & Gabi about what had occurred since that night. After people
prayed over me, the second day of the flu was better than the first. By the
third day, it was gone. This would usually take me at least a week to overcome.
I continually found sources of money I didn’t realize I had to sustain me:
extra cash I’d brought from Columbus, extra money in my PayPal account, Kroger gift
cards, even being randomly handed cash. And I recognized God’s faithfulness to me
in light of my last semester. This spring was the biggest class load I’d ever
taken. I felt strongly, though, that the most important thing was to walk in
what God had for me. That meant taking weekends away, going on a mission trip
over spring break, and staying involved in ministries throughout the week. In
the end, I did far and away the best I’d ever done in law school despite taking
so much time away from studying. It doesn’t add up apart from Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAL9IvWoLt7PlIPzrwJ5xkMA2UxKBojTUJjOmVF-EKJRay7_YHkhLjX8x1GajwU2Z1Es06y1vjm6iQz7JBveYmmcbR8aF5GL0ffevNG74lpLSGbwiEI6bXAnHQlKC6B2Ztw06tsJP1Ml_/s1600/albania3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAL9IvWoLt7PlIPzrwJ5xkMA2UxKBojTUJjOmVF-EKJRay7_YHkhLjX8x1GajwU2Z1Es06y1vjm6iQz7JBveYmmcbR8aF5GL0ffevNG74lpLSGbwiEI6bXAnHQlKC6B2Ztw06tsJP1Ml_/s320/albania3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet bunker on the Adriatic Sea</td></tr>
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For those of us coming back to the U.S. afterwards, we continued to
face problems. In the Tirana airport, with all of us on a 50-hour run with
three hours of sleep, Nathan became sick and he and Ben almost missed the flight.
We had to go through security and customs in both Italian airports even though
they were only layovers. I became sick in Florence, Italy, and have only hazy
memories of our layover there. We almost missed both those flights. In
Philadelphia, we had hours of delays that culminated in a flight cancellation.
This caused me to miss work on Monday. When we returned to Northern Kentucky on
Monday night after midnight, Seanna’s car was missing. She and I were up until
three a.m. trying to track it down. I awoke Tuesday morning with a horrible
illness that prevented me from leaving the house, something illness rarely does,
and missed another day of work. This illness continues even as I write.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuzcNMItdz-awmFh0CJ2mEMTxL-v8OTqFv3LFRjpOEsni79Tr7APPDxRcI0W1Dow5dfjXRyYZNrKPfhSuBqgl5VWgAjTxiKii4tAvuKTLhPNmOFv2X45yq9cqc-Z7BWC32rm81-ngQViF/s1600/albania4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuzcNMItdz-awmFh0CJ2mEMTxL-v8OTqFv3LFRjpOEsni79Tr7APPDxRcI0W1Dow5dfjXRyYZNrKPfhSuBqgl5VWgAjTxiKii4tAvuKTLhPNmOFv2X45yq9cqc-Z7BWC32rm81-ngQViF/s320/albania4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Service with a Roma group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But in the midst of the madness, we can choose to view our problems through
the lens of God, or God through the lens of our problems. We choose to alter our perception of our problems because of God rather than alter our perception of God because of our problems. He is faithful, and good, and we know
His heart for us. Our prayer for favor in the line for Nathan and Ben in Tirana
and delays on the plane were granted, and we all left Tirana together. We were
given favor in the Italian airports with workers there to specifically make
sure we got through on time. Our flight cancellation gave seven of us another
day together to explore Philadelphia, and Seanna a chance to see her sister who
lives nearby. Even today God continues to provide for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What Hell meant to break us has failed and will continue to fail. We
declare God’s faithfulness over our situations, even when they aren’t what we
want and even when we don’t understand them. Even now not all of these problems
have solutions, but God’s track record tells us He won’t fail us now. No
suffering takes away from what He has done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqHXJ2PQUbKWLspy60Rf2bHQqa-mDxVwVk0vzBGA1_NZz5bRtVsc6BKBw271eZ5ELGshhEJHrsBxyFJFqoo1FPMHni8ZgIeu_5UJh_HW9h0QB7wJPnBqrs4lDMEHXbgT_xckpvKdh4Z-R/s1600/albania5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqHXJ2PQUbKWLspy60Rf2bHQqa-mDxVwVk0vzBGA1_NZz5bRtVsc6BKBw271eZ5ELGshhEJHrsBxyFJFqoo1FPMHni8ZgIeu_5UJh_HW9h0QB7wJPnBqrs4lDMEHXbgT_xckpvKdh4Z-R/s320/albania5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art outreach on the city square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The trip to Albania was actually my thirteenth mission trip. I’ve had
the opportunity to go to Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania,
Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, D.C., Virginia, and California.
But Albania was my first international mission trip. I didn’t want to pass up
that opportunity, especially with this group and with evangelism as the goal. So
many fun memories with the people there, from exploring the coast of the
Adriatic Sea to visiting Sophie’s coffee shop to games we made up and played
throughout the week. The makeup of the group was no accident, and the ten of us
worked with some awesome missionaries and Albanians along the way. Across the
world felt like home because my family was there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea1NCXlVaYnnIsYp4azInYDoeoudsfFc5rwjSDWRhvE_iI1Qnb4BnUeXjSEhg0ynBHyFMlx_UzBa6pb3sd78CZl2A8KmZ3w5fJydfU9OgCJ6PcCrDG1os2iRjg76NMNy2rT4NjGjLtt62/s1600/albania1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea1NCXlVaYnnIsYp4azInYDoeoudsfFc5rwjSDWRhvE_iI1Qnb4BnUeXjSEhg0ynBHyFMlx_UzBa6pb3sd78CZl2A8KmZ3w5fJydfU9OgCJ6PcCrDG1os2iRjg76NMNy2rT4NjGjLtt62/s320/albania1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Service at a village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our work in Albania took on one of two forms. The first was evangelism
and relationship building, which were planned mostly by us, and the second was helping
existing ministries and missionaries. Our concern over the language barrier was
alleviated, as it rarely interfered with what we did. We were brought to
English-speaker after English-speaker in Tirana, mostly students close to our
age. Our first outreach in the city square led my group to three high school
students with the opportunity to explain the gospel and pray over them. Our
last one led me to someone close to my age, explaining that there is a personal
God who loves us and wants to have a relationship with us, a truth that is
sometimes lost on a majority-Muslim country. Even outside of official evangelism
time, we had appointments to do the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps my favorite evangelistic outreach was our art outreach. I have
no traditional artistic ability in the slightest, but many in our group did,
and we saw that as no coincidence. Set up in the city square, people flocked to
us. Everyone there had stories of people they were able to talk to. One of my
favorite attributes of this group is the ability to attract people wherever we
go. We are known by our love for each other and for others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOweVMn0OB7vi4DBFSr30lRu22th8SenJgMVcrX305xTDVcsembKwkPF3qQ6MuAWyREUdYD-0tfWndMeef1GH2jQ2gtsprufT5bzanXchp7p1ieTSBGolsaxXNNGv3V3quPJoKNL5D0M9/s1600/albania2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOweVMn0OB7vi4DBFSr30lRu22th8SenJgMVcrX305xTDVcsembKwkPF3qQ6MuAWyREUdYD-0tfWndMeef1GH2jQ2gtsprufT5bzanXchp7p1ieTSBGolsaxXNNGv3V3quPJoKNL5D0M9/s320/albania2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids service for the Roma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So many awesome relationships were formed that night. We genuinely
cared for the people we met, and they wanted to get to know us. Our goal in
being out was to share the gospel, but it flowed naturally in the course of our
conversation with people—conversation about school, dreams, experiences, fears,
hobbies, and friends. I talked to Ani for a solid two hours that night. She
shared her desires for university, her wading through finals, her hopes of
moving abroad, and her ways of coping with the stress of school. I sympathized
with her on many of those things. We talked about our experiences in our
respective countries. And I shared with her that a personal God who loves her
so deeply came to Earth to face the punishment for our wrongdoing so that we
could have life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The work with existing ministries was particularly humbling. Throughout
the week we were continually introduced to missionaries who have sacrificed to
follow the call of God wherever He had them go. It showed us the value of
community. It demonstrated the purpose for faith. And above all, it continued
to remind us that God does not show partiality. A group of Americans standing
in the villages and outcast Roma communities of one of the poorest countries in
Europe never had the slightest thought that we were better than. The love of
God extends to all of us. We all begin under condemnation and are all offered
grace. We need the cross as much as anyone. The same Spirit living in us lives
in the Albanian believers. Sin makes us all equally hopeless and the cross and
resurrection makes us all equally children.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That might be the biggest takeaway from the trip. The beautiful
symphony of voices in multiple languages lifting up the name of Jesus is the
embodiment of Heaven. All the Earth will shout His praise. All share the same
Father, every tribe and nation adopted into the same family. Every tongue
confessing that Jesus is Lord. The love of God spans all borders and social
classes, and we’re all in desperate need of Him. This trip constantly reminded
us of that.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-29394304251365364192019-03-17T16:10:00.000-04:002019-03-18T10:06:32.080-04:00Beach Reach 2019: "More to Come"I really <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/03/beach-reach-2017-gods-providence-our.html">formed
a love for the ministry at Beach Reach when I was in college</a>. It is so
humbling to see God’s grace in my life in light of all that goes on in Panama
City Beach during spring break. I know it could be me if life had taken a
different trajectory, and it’s that attitude and a desire to see others’ lives
changed the way mine has been that drives me and everyone on my team.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was exciting to be back on Beach Reach this year after <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/03/justice-ride-spring-2018-i-signed.html">missing
last year</a> due to schedule differences. This time my spring break lined up
with Northern Kentucky’s, and I was blessed to join the team as a leader. I was
also blessed by my parents, grandparents, the Flannagans and Moores from back
home, Merle from my church in Columbus, and the Leighters who I know through Christian
Legal Society, from their generosity in providing funding for the trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUPQdrydaIkRm3piEZGQyQi4Qnmm1Ydw0L0wGwumLykKSvvBqhuB7Wk4n-sejmwdvhTZyWLJuSnZc3ckwH3bdgXI88Ckl1_x5RWlAZ9aruyn0hoc02tjBBiYbXxgsEUxBXvRHvoMrrL7-/s1600/IMG1502718579154246193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUPQdrydaIkRm3piEZGQyQi4Qnmm1Ydw0L0wGwumLykKSvvBqhuB7Wk4n-sejmwdvhTZyWLJuSnZc3ckwH3bdgXI88Ckl1_x5RWlAZ9aruyn0hoc02tjBBiYbXxgsEUxBXvRHvoMrrL7-/s400/IMG1502718579154246193.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As Dustin said, we didn't have an official group picture, but this probably summed it up best.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And finally, I was so happy to be on Beach Reach with a number of close
friends I never thought I’d have the chance to share it with. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/05/thank-you-nku-and-goodbye-sort-of.html">Dustin</a>
hadn’t been in ten years and doesn’t have a spring break. I’d tried to pull in <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/06/the-importance-of-fostering.html">Monica</a>
for several years, and it worked out this time. I didn’t even know Bailey or Ashleigh
the last time I was on Beach Reach, and Bailey was a last-minute addition. But
God worked it out for them to be there along with many I’d worked with before.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was the most impactful Beach Reach I’d been a part of, both on the
group and the spring breakers. It is exciting to see the work and change that
is happening within the BCM and Northern Kentucky community. This team was
ahead of anything I’d seen and really jumped into the ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a quick overview for those that don’t know, <a href="https://beachreachlive.com/">Beach Reach</a> takes the spring break of
Christian college students and uses it to go to popular spring break destinations
for our peers. We hit the streets late at night and offer free rides to get
people to places safely, and provide a free pancake brunch in the mornings and
afternoons. We also added in disaster relief for the damage from Hurricane
Michael. But all our ministry to the spring breakers is to create opportunities
to share the gospel with people. That is the point of the trip. The night
ministry goes 9 pm to 2 am and is divided in half, and every team will either
be on the streets, in the vans, or in a prayer room.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the months of prayer and fasting leading up to Beach Reach, God had
continually told me that He was going to heal the brokenness of the group, not
just of the spring breakers. That really broke through on Tuesday night.</div>
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It had been a good trip up to that point. Sunday night we started in
prayer that was so needed, then I hit the streets and my team spent the entire two-and-a-half
hours talking with one person. Monday night most of us were off, and we used
that time to share testimonies and then hear from the one team of our group
that went out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That was good momentum, but for me it slowed on Tuesday. It started out
with the pancake brunch, and nothing seemed to work out for me. I went to talk
to one table of spring breakers and someone beat me to them. I talked to two
different tables of people as they were about to leave. Then a friend of mine
at the drink table got into a conversation, so I jumped in to do that. I gave
the people in that conversation my sunscreen and game card but didn’t get a
chance to talk. Later, I decided to jump in line behind a couple guys and talk
to them. But there was a delay of when they got their food and when I did, and
when I got it they’d been stopped by a couple others, and that turned into a
great conversation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The support role is an important one in those situations, but I wanted
to have an opportunity to talk. I took that frustration into the time
afterwards, and I spent some time in prayer asking God to show up that night. I
had the opportunity to be on a street team again with Ashleigh and our friends
Isaac and Kelsey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ_4t3ITRD40z1DMMtUWBvchOoUz_35VVZgk0V_MH3pqrk_CSFVrClktW_44EeVfIGbcieCmc9iwKQZU18-0cgPztFR7enIqE3xipWZ4aFVQ6xMXVHqSHI15VOcetrMbUvpIgSvv52zEW/s1600/20190310_143114+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ_4t3ITRD40z1DMMtUWBvchOoUz_35VVZgk0V_MH3pqrk_CSFVrClktW_44EeVfIGbcieCmc9iwKQZU18-0cgPztFR7enIqE3xipWZ4aFVQ6xMXVHqSHI15VOcetrMbUvpIgSvv52zEW/s400/20190310_143114+%25281%2529.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the hurricane damage in Panama<br />
City Beach. It was worse in Panama City<br />
and even worse a little farther west.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It didn’t go as planned. We felt God pushing us down a dark street, and
we walked by a wooded area. Isaac saw a scarf and something else that looked
like a jacket. We also heard clanging that sounded like it was from the woods.
Isaac and Ashleigh got a dark feeling like something was really off, fearing a
sexual assault was taking place. We stood outside that area for a while, trying
to figure out what to do and whether a spiritual feeling and circumstantial
evidence was enough to call the police.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a while, a man on a bike came out of the woods. I went into the
woods, called out, and walked around. I found evidence of a homeless person living
there, but no evidence of anything more. It seemed explainable that the scarf had
just been lost and the man on the bike was just cutting through. That didn’t really
ease Ashleigh’s and Isaac’s feeling, and we stopped to pray for a while.
Ashleigh expressed that she was mad that we had to even worry about sexual
assault and was questioning why God would ever allow it to happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The rest of the night was pretty uneventful. I was questioning myself. Were
we supposed to go down the dark street and hang around the woods for half an
hour? Did God have a purpose I didn’t see, or was it actually my own thoughts
and not His leading?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I took these thoughts into what was supposed to be our shift in the prayer
room. This is when I saw God’s intricate <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/03/beach-reach-2017-gods-providence-our.html">Providence</a>
unfold. I happened to shuffle out of the house next to Ashleigh. She was still
upset by what had happened. Dustin came up along side us and we figured it was
something we needed to talk through before going into the prayer room. We
looked for a place to stop, and after looking at a couple places, we finally
said, “Let’s just stand by the Gaga Ball pit.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Soon our friend Zach joined us, and the four of us talked for a while.
Dustin, Zach, and I answered questions and tried to explain why God allows bad
things to happen to His children and others. We continually had to preface
with, “This isn’t very encouraging, but…” The group leader, Matt, also joined
us and we all continued to talk. Ashleigh was grateful that we didn’t
compromise truth and were able to empathize with her as much as we were able.
She also noted that she was having that conversation with four men, which is a
testament to the dynamics of our group.</div>
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Then we began to pray. Let me tell you, I don’t think I’ve ever prayed
like I prayed this week. I’d never seen such expectant, passionate prayer from
a group. Dustin, Zach, Matt, and I began to pray over Ashleigh. She expressed
some of her fears, and we took turns speaking over her and praying over her.
Matt said that God wants her to recognize how much God loves her and how good He
is. He said he felt this funnel of God’s love over us. Soon we’re smiling and
laughing and jumping around and basking in God’s love, like we could physically
feel it surrounding us. While that was going on, Dustin also spoke to another
girl in our group and prayed over her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgwdr5oBANkrJJS1VF76ZrErndWiE_mnyJ5ELHhwEFooLdd02Jisnm5Cep1spOmoFQ-iNjuNgKmlP6SViaZ0dncUpvYV5xUAClI6gWsB2W4l_7Nqd_OJ0ivSyrNo-inU9fhMX8MKVhV9-/s1600/20190310_164716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgwdr5oBANkrJJS1VF76ZrErndWiE_mnyJ5ELHhwEFooLdd02Jisnm5Cep1spOmoFQ-iNjuNgKmlP6SViaZ0dncUpvYV5xUAClI6gWsB2W4l_7Nqd_OJ0ivSyrNo-inU9fhMX8MKVhV9-/s400/20190310_164716.jpg" width="225" /></a>People began to file out of the prayer room, which meant it was 2 am
and we’d been there two hours already. We pulled <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/06/the-importance-of-fostering.html">Seanna</a>
over and she jumped under the funnel. Soon we had 12 or 15 people from our
group standing around us, and we started pulling people into the circle and
praying for them, and praying generally that we’d recognize who we are in
Christ and that God would really move through the rest of the week. Then a
group from East Tennessee State showed up and it turned out we were on their
front lawn. They all jumped into the circle, and now we probably had 25 people
bunched up, speaking over each other and praying for each other. People are
confessing their fears and the struggles in their life and weeping as waves of love
and healing washed over us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we finished, we realized that it was 4 am, and people shuffled
back to their places. I grabbed Bailey and we walked over to a picnic area
across the street from our group’s house to tell her about the entire day that
had led up to that night. Meanwhile, across the street, a geyser had sprung up
a couple doors down from our house. Matt and Dustin in their curiosity decided
to check it out. As they were standing there, they noticed a couple spring breakers
walking by. Dustin asked where they were going, and it ended up being over two
miles away. We told them we’d drive them there in a van. On the way, Dustin
said we were up so late because God showed up, and we were able to share the gospel
with them and pray over them when we got to their place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we got back, it was 5 am, but it wasn’t easy to sleep. I thought
about everything that had happened that day. Most of it had been spent in confusion
and frustration. But I realized we had walked down that street to get Ashleigh
thinking about things that were weighing on her so she could get some clarity.
(And Isaac’s team the next night actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i>
prevent a rape of two girls that had been drugged.) That led to our
conversation with Ashleigh, where we happened to stand on the front lawn of
another group’s house. That entire night helped heal people in both groups that
needed it. Then, Bailey and I happened to choose a spot to talk that was in
view of the road, and a Providential geyser sprung up to keep Matt and Dustin
outside, where we then saw the couple we were able to share with. And when we
got back, the geyser was gone. Every specific detail of that night was ordered
by God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That night took us deeper in our relationships with God and with each
other. If there were any reservations before, they were gone Wednesday and
Thursday. I was over a van both nights, and we boldly vowed that not one person
who entered would leave without hearing about Jesus, and they didn’t. One group
we only had two minutes with, so we prayed with them and prayed that they would
get more time with someone else. Monica’s group talked with them for 45 minutes
at the end of the night, and we figured it out only after talking a few minutes
and realizing they were the same people. I can’t even recall everyone we shared
the gospel with those nights, but I recall clear examples of Providence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HRtNTyH5QGJBDORdle9reqKLQcdz5zdeHUc_KMgbXKYXQkA9xLKMLcauqEd4wvS1VdtfkoDQ2UAmWQbYUGo_PRGbuEIGuGItM8G4wcXfLhcgXjzX_p_dhO4bZfbHloRB0BgAj1EjEK6U/s1600/IMG_20190317_144913_053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HRtNTyH5QGJBDORdle9reqKLQcdz5zdeHUc_KMgbXKYXQkA9xLKMLcauqEd4wvS1VdtfkoDQ2UAmWQbYUGo_PRGbuEIGuGItM8G4wcXfLhcgXjzX_p_dhO4bZfbHloRB0BgAj1EjEK6U/s320/IMG_20190317_144913_053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Monica met a woman at Pier Park and offered the free rides, and my van
ended up picking her up. At a restaurant I met a group of fellow Ohio State
students that live a block from me. We had a NKU student in our vans twice, and
I was able to talk with a Kentucky student during one of those rides and pray over
her. The man we talked to the first night saw someone from our team the last
night. Everyone has multiple stories like this. I really felt that we were to
leave all the details and plans to God and just walk in obedience and complete
abandon. If there was a door to the gospel cracked, were we going to kick it
in. I’ve honestly never seen anything quite like it in ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was so awesome to be a part of this group and be able to influence
and be influenced. This is something that is sustainable wherever we go. If you
would, pray that this continues in the normalcy of our lives. Thank you to
anyone who supported or prayed, and I’m glad to bring back a good report.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Besides the healing of brokenness, my theme this week was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrqaGl5MJ-U">“More to Come,”</a> coming
from a song out of the Passion Conference this year. With all God was doing during
the week, we knew that every night He had greater things. He was going to show
up and blow the roof off our expectations. We prayed in faith and went in
faith, and He delivered. My words to the group were that God still has more,
and always has more, even in a different environment and different
circumstances. That may be the most exciting aspect of the week—the mission
continues.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-15606726588019711772019-01-25T12:13:00.001-05:002019-02-03T09:44:46.896-05:00The Shutdown, The Wall, and Illegal Immigration<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">While it may be denied, it is not difficult to see
that we have a problem with illegal immigration. I guess that says something
positive about our nation that so many people want to get in. But every crime
committed by an illegal immigrant—especially the more heinous and violent
ones—is a stain on our federal government, demonstrating its failure to protect
its own citizens. Not that it’s ever had a problem with failure before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">So I am in agreement that something needs to be done to
curb and stop illegal immigration. Let me explain the reasoning behind that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfJv4xH_Xg_qyWpmKWCSU5zK51mDRbP9aPVt97dKt9P3-AvIdjzepGD_2BA3xDqNc1dMRWSovQBr8Q2AY5vBGsFrubQGp87PqUNRa-IwjhB9xF3DmxMil8PE7ahyUyvSX6LH-7XOwCuT6/s1600/wall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfJv4xH_Xg_qyWpmKWCSU5zK51mDRbP9aPVt97dKt9P3-AvIdjzepGD_2BA3xDqNc1dMRWSovQBr8Q2AY5vBGsFrubQGp87PqUNRa-IwjhB9xF3DmxMil8PE7ahyUyvSX6LH-7XOwCuT6/s400/wall1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am sure there are people out there who want to
prevent illegal immigration because they have a bias against Mexican people and
other Latin Americans. But I don’t think that’s the majority view by any means.
The process to legal immigration, which we could argue is convoluted and could
be more streamlined, is designed to weed out violent criminals. By documenting
who comes to the U.S., we are able to deny people who will be a risk to U.S.
citizens. That’s what any country would do. It is not bigoted, it is sensible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There is a demonization by some liberals of people who
hold this view. They will equate wanting to prevent violent criminals from
entering the country with hate and racism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I don’t care who it is. If the person is Canadian,
European, or Latin American, if he’s a violent criminal he shouldn’t enter the
country. I know most immigrants—and most illegal immigrants—are fine and not a
danger. But we can’t know that unless we document them and subject them to a
background check (that many of us have to go through for work, purchasing
firearms, etc.). <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/01/apparently-everything-is-pro-life-issue.html" target="_blank">The “Build Bridges, no Walls” or whatever catchphrase peopleuse is naïve</a>. It would be criminally reckless to just let anyone in, and
underneath the half-baked opinions I think people know that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But apart from violent criminals, we should welcome
immigrants. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2015/09/saras-story.html" target="_blank">I’ve had some good friends who are immigrants.</a> It is not a bias
towards other ethnicities, but a basic desire to weed out people who would be a
threat to our citizens. If you want to demonize that, you need to find a better
argument, if you even care enough to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With that being said, we turn to the issue at hand.
We’re in our second month of a government shutdown. Personally, if federal
employees weren’t being hurt by it, I wouldn’t mind a partial shutdown. Half
the federal government could be shut down permanently and it would probably
improve our lives. But, unfortunately, caught in the middle of the political
stalemate are a whole lot of people being screwed over. The Coast Guard, TSA
agents, air traffic controllers, and other “essential” people are being forced
to work without pay. Other employees are out of work altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s ridiculous. I don’t know why there isn’t a
provision anyway to at least pay these people, even if other areas are
underfunded or not funded. A lot of people are struggling as the President and
Congress stare at each other across no-man’s land. Their stubbornness isn’t
affecting them, so they don’t care.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJLV9_32JQJNmPfuwRJalAaynPDEFBFu_Oj6DBGK9fJhhP2CSS0sz_Yvx4kywcHjJ8pAH7K_0znUePLnRNCb6yh7XYisy0DhzNpdqKXmeXcU32MyX0j64c1Kl0CJ5dTtO_vNTRjGK8qls/s1600/wall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="618" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJLV9_32JQJNmPfuwRJalAaynPDEFBFu_Oj6DBGK9fJhhP2CSS0sz_Yvx4kywcHjJ8pAH7K_0znUePLnRNCb6yh7XYisy0DhzNpdqKXmeXcU32MyX0j64c1Kl0CJ5dTtO_vNTRjGK8qls/s400/wall2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illegal immigrant Cristhian Rivera is accused of murdering Mollie Tibbetts.<br />
1. This is an immigration issue, not a "toxic masculinity" issue. But that<br />
doesn't fit the liberal narrative.<br />
2. I can only hope justice is done and Rivera is <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/05/dumb-arguments-against-death-penalty.html" target="_blank">executed</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What is this about, anyway? President Trump, <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/03/the-most-dangerous-thing-about-donald.html" target="_blank">who I didnot trust in 2016 and don’t trust now</a> (although unlike the irrational masses, I
don’t think every thing he’s done is terrible just because he’s mean), told us
that we were going to build a wall and Mexico would pay for it. That made
plenty of sense, with sovereignty and all. Then it was going to be reimbursed
by Mexico. Now we need to appropriate funds or the shutdown continues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While I agree with the President that illegal
immigration is a problem, I don’t think his solution will actually solve it. A
wall might decrease the numbers, crossing the border openly is only one way of
getting in. From accounts I’ve heard, the most common way of illegally
immigrating is through overstaying visas. That doesn’t get solved with a wall.
I can’t imagine tunneling comprises a huge percentage, but that also can’t be
stopped by a wall unless it is dug deep, raising costs even further. There is
also smuggling across checkpoints, which apart from the smuggling is a legal
means of entering the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The same is true of drugs. Smuggling and tunneling are
common ways of getting them across. We could also go into the excessive costs,
which would be significantly more than the $5 billion espoused by the
President, the environmental impact, and taking private citizens’ land (though
it might be justifiable if a wall would help things).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The wall seems much more to me as a lasting monument
to President Trump. He wants a symbol to point to, a literal mark on our
country. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/10/lets-stop-kidding-ourselves-trump-will.html" target="_blank">An ego like his needs fueling.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I imagine everyone found something they liked and
didn’t like in these thoughts. My point is that liberals are naïve or just
don’t care when it comes to the safety of U.S. citizens from criminals that we
can’t document. Maybe it’s a bleeding heart, maybe it’s to help voter fraud, or
maybe it’s just contrarian. Meanwhile, many conservatives believe a wall will
help the problem, when I fear it will not. And while we argue over the merits
of the Great Wall of Donald, we continue to trample on the federal employees
still waiting for their paychecks.</span></div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-56599996394134511772018-11-15T23:01:00.003-05:002020-10-08T16:21:04.427-04:00Abortion, and Why Christians Can't Vote Democrat<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">While I unabashedly admit that I am politically conservative, I don’t
think there are a lot of political issues that have a set Christian viewpoint.
I’m not ready to say, “Jesus would have lowered taxes,” or something to that
effect. And I think it is important to not make political views into biblical
views if there’s not a scriptural backing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But there is one that, so I’d think, is pretty clear in scripture.
Abortion is more than just a political issue, but it is that, and it is <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/07/no-hillary-you-dont-care-about-children.html">typically
an issue surrounding elections</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In writing this, I am operating under the assumption that a Christian
is anti-abortion. If you as a Christian support abortion, I’d encourage you to
check out a book I read, a collaboration of some great writers. It’s called the
Bible. It might change your perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So assuming there is a basic understanding of human equality <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2015/09/saras-story.html">in
God’s eyes</a>, we have to take the practical step in our political decision-making.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Christians, you can’t vote for Democrats.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m not saying that voting Democrat makes you not a Christian or
implies you aren’t a Christian, because the candidates we vote for don’t
determine our salvation, though I all but heard it in 2016. In fact, I have
well-respected and good friends that have done so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTO2hLhPHRxjdvEpTV_3w0oJo4o2XTbqNdWiEfMi1IdB8BBNEAC4aJkux5-dCaGwzkoh7Uzs8mIp6o7TjMDXrFsH9dFeSjEhopRmXbwlDj30YIdj6N4CjjxFcvvL2nBVEY5hoyp69YWD3/s1600/cd1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="216" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTO2hLhPHRxjdvEpTV_3w0oJo4o2XTbqNdWiEfMi1IdB8BBNEAC4aJkux5-dCaGwzkoh7Uzs8mIp6o7TjMDXrFsH9dFeSjEhopRmXbwlDj30YIdj6N4CjjxFcvvL2nBVEY5hoyp69YWD3/s400/cd1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo via The Odyssey Online</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nor am I saying that being a Christian means you have to vote Republican.
I know on the surface this seems partisan, but I’m not saying to be Christian
is to be Republican, and I’m not saying don’t vote for Democrats just because
they’re Democrats. I’m saying don’t vote Democrat because of what they support,
and if Republicans were pro-abortion I’d say don’t vote for them. It just
happens, in this case, that an entire political party is wrong. (And like the
Planned Parenthood and NARAL endorsements, it makes knowing who not to vote for
a little easier.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, like I said, I disagree with the Democratic Party on a lot of
issues. (To be fair, while I agree with a good part of the Republican Party’s
platform, they have a <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/10/sick-of-two-party-system-stop-voting.html">knack
for choosing nominees</a> who either don’t share some of those beliefs or are
too cowardly to do anything about them. We waited two years with no repeal of
the Affordable Care Act, no defunding of Planned Parenthood, etc.) Most of
these issues, however, are not gospel issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But it’s different with abortion. There is such an obvious answer in
scripture and it strikes at God’s heart by killing innocent humans created in
His image.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’ve heard the argument that abortion is but one of many issues and
shouldn’t make or break a vote. I’ve even heard actively pro-life people made
fun of for being “single-issue voters.” Consider this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If a candidate lines up with us on everything else, but supports the
legal killing of Jews, would we vote for him? If everything else checked out
but she thinks it should be legal to kill black people, should we vote for her?
If he thinks killing the elderly because we don’t want to take care of them is
morally acceptable or even good, should we vote for him?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I mean, it’s only one issue, people. So he’s wrong on that little issue
of killing innocent people if they meet or fail to meet certain criteria, but
his economic policy is great. He wants to waive our student loans and he really
knows what he’s doing with national security. Why should supporting the
legalized killing of a group of human beings be a deal-breaker when he has so
much else going for him?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If that is a deal-breaker, and we believe the preborn are equal to us
and deserving of the same protection, why is it okay to vote for someone who
supports the legalized killing of one group of human beings but not ones who
support killing other groups of human beings?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The problem in the church is that we pay lip service to the equality of
the preborn, but we don’t actually believe it. Otherwise support for the
killing of a group of innocent human beings would be appalling enough to make
everything else not matter. While Planned Parenthood is lying with their “3
percent” line, even that small amount would moot any positive contributions and
make them evil. The same is true of candidates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kTewGIxbSCC9632wnfxr3takr2m5lESqWb-K7sJcqw06u1P34wuHrqzb75M1ZcxH9pYBBHCV-pC7y4SRQoFRKeMC9nblEi_knSeZkaNw0Rh9wK-h5rQ4yIFe3Z-RPiS-v2Yfagf4K-jV/s1600/cd2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="300" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kTewGIxbSCC9632wnfxr3takr2m5lESqWb-K7sJcqw06u1P34wuHrqzb75M1ZcxH9pYBBHCV-pC7y4SRQoFRKeMC9nblEi_knSeZkaNw0Rh9wK-h5rQ4yIFe3Z-RPiS-v2Yfagf4K-jV/s400/cd2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo via The Odyssey Online</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, what about that rare Democrat who is anti-abortion? I would ask a
follow-up. Will he/she still back the Party in relevant decisions? For example,
in the 2009 vote for Speaker of the House, where the Democratic majority
selected Nancy Pelosi, the known pro-life Democrats in the House—Collin Peterson,
Henry Cueller, and Daniel Lipinski—all voted for Pelosi. The Speaker has
enormous power in determining what legislation comes to a general vote, and I
would question where these men prioritize their anti-abortion beliefs if they
want a Speaker who will do all she can to prevent pro-life legislation from
having a chance. Supporting the Party who holds to a pro-abortion view will
stifle any progress to prevent the injustice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pro-life Democrats are <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/05/a-lesson-to-gop-from-whig-party.html">going
the way of the Whigs</a>, so this probably won’t be a huge issue in the future.
While I would not automatically discount a pro-life Democrat, I would hesitate
to determine that his/her commitment to life is greater than his/her commitment
to the Party.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But for the vast majority of Democrats, there is a commitment to the legality
of abortion. We saw how far they’ll take it during the <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/10/you-cant-cry-believe-women-when-you.html">Kavanaugh
deliberations</a>. They’re much more committed to death than the Republicans
are to life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We need to <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/06/why-are-christian-women-just-as-or-more.html">repent
of our complacency or complicity</a> as this injustice continues to take place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m not going to shun you or question your salvation if you’re voting
for Democratic candidates. But I will question you on how you can consider the
preborn our equals when you’re voting for candidates who vow to make sure they
keep dying.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-77876692264081331772018-11-01T00:41:00.001-04:002018-11-01T11:39:21.991-04:00Lessons from Paul's Sojourn in CorinthOur
definition of success and God’s definition of success don’t always match.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have you
ever had that moment when the Spirit tells you to talk to a person, and they
completely reject what you have to say? It has <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/07/god-giver-of-peace.html">left
me asking</a> why God put me there in the first place. I’ve seen this before in
my life. The Spirit tells me to go talk to someone and he completely rejects
what I have to say. Did I pollute God’s voice with my own thoughts? If not,
God, why did You put me up to this in the first place?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdcbWM0JQUPuJfan0dAvuJtP5Btv8NkShDsDAHl8wCkeEc3RhXozZlvkeByt6KB4Cy-PcucIkEii0YI9ac5hIQ5iF4Xw4acL-6FQglb1TeZiiwYq06NbQZjGpr9PtOpB2N8XGSeg5DeH-/s1600/corinth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="770" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdcbWM0JQUPuJfan0dAvuJtP5Btv8NkShDsDAHl8wCkeEc3RhXozZlvkeByt6KB4Cy-PcucIkEii0YI9ac5hIQ5iF4Xw4acL-6FQglb1TeZiiwYq06NbQZjGpr9PtOpB2N8XGSeg5DeH-/s400/corinth1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient Corinth. <i>Picture via Realm of History</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/02/lessons-from-philippian-jail.html">Paul</a>
came to Corinth from Athens, his ministry initially seemed mild. He was making
tents with Aquila and Priscilla and reasoning in the temple for a while. But
then God called Him to something more.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And when
Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit,
and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed
themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your
blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the
Gentiles. –Acts 18:5-6</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being “pressed
in the spirit” is from the Greek word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sunechó</i>,
which means “to be held fast,” “to be seized,” “oppressed,” “afflicted,” or “constrained.”
It does not directly tell us that this is of the Spirit, but it’s a logical
jump to make. An individual with a close walk with God will experience being “pressed
in the spirit” by the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Paul was
urged to go all out in preaching the gospel to the Jews in Corinth. But, in our
eyes, he saw no success. The Jews in Corinth opposed him and blasphemed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It could
have been easy in that moment to look at what transpired as failure. His goal
was to convert, and it didn’t happen. But we have to look at it with Heaven’s
eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Think of the
wider, long-term consequences. This was a huge moment in Paul’s ministry for
two reasons. First, the Jews in Corinth heard the gospel. That’s never a bad
thing, no matter the reaction. Now, if they choose to reject Christ, they do it
in full knowledge, and no one else can be blamed for their unbelief. They were
given the opportunity, and <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/03/beach-reach-2017-gods-providence-our.html">that’s
all we’re responsible for</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Second, this
was when Paul doubled down on bringing the gospel to the Gentiles, which was
still a fairly new thing. It was a watershed moment that illuminated Paul’s
path that God had laid for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSE0QRAw0mygWKp2onqJMShhfxwjGlPo-beqZZ6fmYG0IZGNQizwYY2qbShMnbk96yDNn70I_IwoD3QjKxdx7-Oe2yjQw9YHt_h3tuu5PU-pil1P4eaDb5TAGtKqgOGoerujZ28VdT34Y/s1600/corinth2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="617" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSE0QRAw0mygWKp2onqJMShhfxwjGlPo-beqZZ6fmYG0IZGNQizwYY2qbShMnbk96yDNn70I_IwoD3QjKxdx7-Oe2yjQw9YHt_h3tuu5PU-pil1P4eaDb5TAGtKqgOGoerujZ28VdT34Y/s400/corinth2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Borden. <i>Picture via The Traveling Team</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It’s not
that God used failure. There was no failure. We define success in numbers or
stories. God defines it in obedience. He knows the end. We have to <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/01/without-me-ye-can-do-nothing.html">trust
Him</a>, obey Him, and leave the consequences to Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We could
look at the lives of people like <a href="https://billmuehlenberg.com/2017/05/16/12-great-christians-died-quite-young/">William
Borden or David Brainerd</a>. Surely dying in your 20’s before your ministry
takes off is a failure. Surely <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2015/09/saras-story.html">being
born into poverty and the victim of abortion attempts is failure</a>. Surely
Joseph being a slave and a prisoner for years is failure. Surely Jeremiah’s ministry
of being ignored and ridiculed was failure. But in all these things God had a
purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Surely a man’s
ministry ending in crucifixion is failure. But it was our salvation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God’s
ability to exercise His <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/03/beach-reach-2017-gods-providence-our.html">Providence</a>
is not predicated on our understanding. Our following Him is never failure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The lesson
to learn from Paul’s time in Corinth is that the Spirit will call us to do
things that will end in failure in the world’s eyes. We have to trust that God sees
the bigger picture and has a reason for what might seem futile in our eyes.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-29938402200841460822018-10-18T00:44:00.000-04:002018-10-18T00:49:37.330-04:00You Can't Cry "Believe Women" When You Vote for Hillary ClintonA couple weeks ago, my friend <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/05/thank-you-nku-and-goodbye-sort-of.html">Joe</a>
and I, long-time <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/03/justice-ride-spring-2018-i-signed.html">partners
in crime</a>, were counter-protesting a Women’s March event in Columbus against
now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. My issue was not with the <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/09/the-legitimacy-behind-me-too-movement.html">“Me
Too”</a> movement or any number of other issues (I disagree with their economic
views, but that’s hardly worth my time). My specific issue was that one of
their principal points of opposition of Kavanaugh was their fear that he would
be the deciding vote in overturning <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/01/my-body-my-choice.html">Roe
v. Wade</a></i> (which I am not so quick to believe).<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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While we were there, outnumbered about 75-2, a number of protestors
attempted to block us and our signs. This gave me the opportunity to have a
captive audience; if they left, I wasn’t blocked. If they didn’t, they were
going to hear what I had to say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx8T-b2rSkL_TvxVu-heSjZ3S8FvM2WuTpVvzZsvWo2vf5XqftKi86eodfW-EeDXwkna1ZPXVVlazM_qV6_z5_xhCZr_jczt-70SZnPdlC_cD1vEfrKR4IfgiXYe85CYfWULddO3fCgGl/s1600/hillary1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx8T-b2rSkL_TvxVu-heSjZ3S8FvM2WuTpVvzZsvWo2vf5XqftKi86eodfW-EeDXwkna1ZPXVVlazM_qV6_z5_xhCZr_jczt-70SZnPdlC_cD1vEfrKR4IfgiXYe85CYfWULddO3fCgGl/s400/hillary1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo via thefederalistpapers.org</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Besides sharing the gospel, which is the most important thing to do in
that situation, I was able to have a small conversation with a man probably
only a few years younger than me. I asked him what his goal was in being out
there. Was it an intrinsically-focused event to rally supporters, or was the purpose
to win others over to their side?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“We want to win people over,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I know I’m not the easiest target since I’m directly opposing you,” I
responded, “But if you’re trying to convince others you’re right, why are you
trying to hide an opposing view instead of discuss it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That’s exactly why I’m writing this. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/01/my-body-my-choice.html">I
thought I was done with the topic.</a> But as I’ve thought about it, I’ve
realized that these individuals really can’t claim the high ground on this
issue. Their marked hypocrisy revealed itself to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Believe women” and <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/07/no-hillary-you-dont-care-about-children.html">“I’m
with Her”</a> are wholly incompatible statements.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m not saying this to be partisan or blast people. I’m saying it
because I’m telling you all that your inconsistency on this issue leaves you
with no credibility when you talk about it. I’m saying it as someone who does
not share your views as a warning. We’re not buying the act. If your goal is to
convince us, you’re not doing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I think a lot of conservatives did not handle this well either,
lacking in sensitivity. In 2016, <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/10/sick-of-two-party-system-stop-voting.html">we
had the choice between</a> a presidential candidate who uses women and
disrespects them openly, and a presidential candidate who is probably a greater
menace to women, especially those that have been victims of sexual harassment
or assault. We all want to jump up and claim we care about victims and care
about women, then we go out and vote for one of these candidates. I’m not
buying it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAeOOD_39KcAQMAPlKPkErBRUqFhyakE72qAWuIQNfvKfYGrK7fWO4nsTAtzhLGuk5c6xIutiStJGmZqFWLaSbZU78dhFiov9WjwHexXOxbNiq9F2SPe-MaM8pkBrvGyfCItAzDZ5qRGP/s1600/20181017_113803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAeOOD_39KcAQMAPlKPkErBRUqFhyakE72qAWuIQNfvKfYGrK7fWO4nsTAtzhLGuk5c6xIutiStJGmZqFWLaSbZU78dhFiov9WjwHexXOxbNiq9F2SPe-MaM8pkBrvGyfCItAzDZ5qRGP/s640/20181017_113803.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Instagram post of mine from around the time of the election</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It is well documented that Bill Clinton is about as big a scumbag as
one could find in politics, which is an astounding feat considering the
competition. I tip my hat to him. But also documented, although more hidden, are
the actions of Hillary, who rode Bill’s coattails into politics at the expense
of anyone who might get in the way of her ambition, including her husband’s
trail of affairs and assaults.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There was the time she called Gennifer Flowers, one of the women with
whom her husband had an affair, “trailer trash” in an ABC interview. She is “some
failed cabaret singer who doesn’t even have a resumé to fall back on.” She also
told <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Esquire </i>that if she could
cross-examine Flowers, she “would crucify her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When stories mounted of various affairs Bill had, Hillary called it a “bimbo
eruption.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There was the time Bill sent a state trooper to approach a woman on his
behalf, seeking to have sex with her, and Hillary said “we have to destroy her
story.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She characterized Monica Lewinsky as a “narcissistic loony toon.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course, there were the times that as an attorney Hillary led by
example in the call to “believe women.” As she defended an alleged rapist, she
wrote that the 12-year-old alleged victim “is emotionally unstable with a
tendency to seek out older men and engage in fantasizing.” She was taped
laughing about the way she had vital evidence dismissed. “[The defendant] took
a polygraph, which he passed, which forever destroyed my faith in polygraphs.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then there was the time she cornered Juanita Broaddrick after she
accused Bill of rape, “thanking” her for “everything” she had done for Bill,
squeezing her hand when she tried to walk away and repeating it more forcefully.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course, in her own words, all of this was just a “vast right-wing
conspiracy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You all don’t need me to tell you that Bill is a scumbag and Hillary covers
for it. The couple is a real-life epitome of Tom and Daisy Buchanan. They use
people and then retreat behind their wealth, avoiding the consequences.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Only this last time, the consequences weren’t entirely avoided. You
have to be the worst presidential candidate in history to lose an election to
Donald Trump. People saw through her. She had a point when she called out Trump
for his treatment of women, but he had a point when he flipped it back on her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And that’s what I’m here to say. That 12-year-old who Hillary fought
against in a rape case returned fire later in life. “And you are supposed to be
for women? You call that for women, what you done to me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I sat here for weeks listening to the cries to “believe women.” I
looked at it with a cool head. Yes, we need to take seriously claims of sexual
assault. But <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/09/the-legitimacy-behind-me-too-movement.html">blind
belief in the face of little evidence is dangerous</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But what struck me is that the people championing the “believe women”
mantra had absolutely no credibility, at least the majority of them that voted
for Hillary Clinton. When women came out with allegations against her husband,
she did everything in her power to silence them. She called them “sluts” and “bimbos”
and threw other creative insults. She cornered them in public. She defended alleged
rapists in court. And when she gets called on it, she says the allegations
against her husband were different than those against Kavanuagh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi871Q31R7djUNGtpUcNcoTRrRNQKdptSgIa86ypX2-PihrBFNmxRcG1iAuZ-xEXQKcMoNNflwtJWulufpsFAYd2fGuMI1HufyZRSq8eFdlwzZQxn8DqRIyjTrEcyP67M5aA7WRVe3tGCeM/s1600/hillary2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="600" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi871Q31R7djUNGtpUcNcoTRrRNQKdptSgIa86ypX2-PihrBFNmxRcG1iAuZ-xEXQKcMoNNflwtJWulufpsFAYd2fGuMI1HufyZRSq8eFdlwzZQxn8DqRIyjTrEcyP67M5aA7WRVe3tGCeM/s400/hillary2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it all makes sense. <i>Photo via New York Times</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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She’s right; the allegations against Bill were much more credible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Still, she just won’t believe women.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Even if Hillary Clinton was not guilty of the outright coverups and
disgusting statements about Bill’s victims, she still broke the rules in the
liberal game. She didn’t believe women. She doesn’t trust women. The very fact
that Juanita Broaddrick, Kathleen Willey, Paula Jones, and Leslie Millwee say
that they were sexually assaulted and sexually assaulted by a certain man is
enough. End of discussion. We have to trust them. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/09/the-legitimacy-behind-me-too-movement.html">No
one would ever lie about such a thing.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I’m sorry, but when people who vote for someone like Hillary Clinton
rant about the need to believe women, I don’t buy it. It’s disingenuous. It’s intellectual
dishonesty. I’m not fooled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This was never actually about believing women. It was about political
gain and protecting the crown jewel of legislation from the Bench.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Two years ago, Democrats, you voted for someone with an abhorrent
record on treatment of sexual assault victims. You chose someone who is the polar
opposite of the “believe women, regardless of the evidence” principle. But now
you jump on others who wanted to be careful not to hang an innocent man by
first investigating whether there was any truth to the allegations. Where was the
cry to believe women at the polls that day?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Or maybe that principle only applies when you’re trying to keep
abortion legal.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-73390279800903960162018-09-28T00:14:00.001-04:002018-09-28T12:04:37.827-04:00The Legitimacy Behind a "Me Too" Movement, and Why This One Has Lost ItI didn’t want to write this. I really hoped this movement would stay on
the rails of legitimacy. There was a problem that has left a lot of scars in
its wake.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90GjhTNbucW0hZ2twB5lTTsyAldZxezVTWzYH55Kd-SM5wIHGwmRqpiwPtyHCHr1SgyOucHXbmqhgq4hQ80JeqbTawZQ07_iJhzTGhl3MAh8G0qY6kxM2M6uoY78O_r9u48-I4FXukj26/s1600/metoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="992" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90GjhTNbucW0hZ2twB5lTTsyAldZxezVTWzYH55Kd-SM5wIHGwmRqpiwPtyHCHr1SgyOucHXbmqhgq4hQ80JeqbTawZQ07_iJhzTGhl3MAh8G0qY6kxM2M6uoY78O_r9u48-I4FXukj26/s400/metoo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: ABC News</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The concept of a Me Too movement is not a bad one. It encourages women
to find support, and offer it as well, and encourages them to speak out against
the perpetrators. And yes, I as a large, gun-toting man will probably never
experience sexual assault, at least not in its traditional definition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The most I can offer is <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/01/sincerely-one-of-many-guys-who-care.html">my
sympathy and support</a>. I have a lot of <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/06/the-importance-of-fostering.html">close
female friends</a>, and I would be devastated if anything happened to them, let
alone the effect on them. I can’t overstate the sickness of sexual assault. I think rape
should still be a <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/05/dumb-arguments-against-death-penalty.html">capital
offense</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I say all that because I do not want to be mistaken as simply
dismissing this movement or this issue. But for God’s sake, we have to be fair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are two ways that this Me Too movement has gone off the rails,
despite all the potential. I’ll cover the less timely one first.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Dilution of the Definition
of Sexual Assault</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/no-1-in-5-women-have-not-been-raped-on-college-campuses">“one
in five women”</a> mantra has been trumpeted by the Party of Bill Clinton to
score points in elections. But it’s from a survey that covered two campuses
with a sample size of less than 6,000, which though it might seem large is not
a large enough sample size to deduce something about such a large group. There
was a low survey participation of those the researchers tried to survey, and it
included questions “about events that you think (but are not certain) happened.”
Never did it ask directly if someone had been raped.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That’s not to say there’s no problem. But the survey is consistent with
the watering down of the meaning of sexual assault. “If you think you might
have had sex while you were drunk, we’ll call it rape.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There have been many tragic stories that have come out of this
movement. One that sticks with me is the story of <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/breanna-stewart-me-too">one
of my favorite women’s basketball players</a>. We’ve seen countless victims of
men like Harvey Weinstein and Larry Nassar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTBegy9NA0LescunLTuHuRtMytxuRpkTmQjwIZVpapU0G_wG-vz2dbVPCGi9d_x9IEP6KtMgQoMpvDejV7FES4cmJGtvmYRLdf-L26sbC5bh5q3YhkwP4ZmqCzxCv0c6cJrwrziVGg117/s1600/metoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1440" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTBegy9NA0LescunLTuHuRtMytxuRpkTmQjwIZVpapU0G_wG-vz2dbVPCGi9d_x9IEP6KtMgQoMpvDejV7FES4cmJGtvmYRLdf-L26sbC5bh5q3YhkwP4ZmqCzxCv0c6cJrwrziVGg117/s400/metoo2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart, whose<a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/breanna-stewart-me-too" target="_blank"> heart-wrenching Me Too story</a> was<br />
featured in the Players' Tribune. Source: Players' Tribune</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I don’t speak for those victims, but I think it does them a disservice
to cast the net so wide. Sexual harassment is terrible, but it isn’t rape.
Being touched inappropriately is just as bad or worse, but it isn’t rape. Again,
it doesn’t mean there’s no problem or that lesser things aren’t bad too, but we
can’t expand the definition of sexual assault so wide that it isn’t taken as
seriously as it should be. And yes, that is ultimately on those that choose to
take it less seriously, but diluting its meaning opens the door for those
problems.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Destruction of Due Process</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Speaking of opening doors, this one has been opened with a bulldozer. I
can’t and won’t deny that throughout history rape has not been taken seriously,
and in some circles still isn’t. Hence why a Me Too movement that doesn’t go
rogue is not a bad thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not going to trash Dr. Ford or any other accusers of Brett Kavanaugh.
I am not going to stake a claim that he is for sure innocent of those
accusations. That is because, outside of a handful of people, no one knows.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But that’s not what we’re hearing. “If she says it, it happened.” “Believe
the victims.” We’ve lost our heads. We’re willing to drag a man through the mud
on the word of a woman who has a fuzzy memory of 35 years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsPey-AIfC5wnUTksS6D4u3E9CNf5ibPUFLFUMxDF1oTqUGe7gUY9WkyzR2bSQTl9NcEtUtHbkXWem_MVRAS2FJwUUnGO0cX3cbUCRv6O5Yz5BDjJPU_dMB9FlCcAZqiji3f5U2OYbpoB/s1600/metoo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsPey-AIfC5wnUTksS6D4u3E9CNf5ibPUFLFUMxDF1oTqUGe7gUY9WkyzR2bSQTl9NcEtUtHbkXWem_MVRAS2FJwUUnGO0cX3cbUCRv6O5Yz5BDjJPU_dMB9FlCcAZqiji3f5U2OYbpoB/s400/metoo3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvey Weinstein and some of his victims. Source: Malay Mail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And I don’t even like Brett Kavanaugh. I don’t think he was a good
choice. I would have rather seen <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Coney_Barrett">Amy Coney Barrett</a>
(and try accusing her of sexual assault). It would be somewhat amusing if
Kavanaugh was denied and Barrett took his place, a much more known quantity on
some key issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I don’t want to see that happen by someone being railroaded. There
are reasons that would make me lean towards Kavanaugh being innocent. The
timing is impeccable; after 35 years and weeks after President Trump’s announcement,
now we get an accusation. Perhaps it took that long for the Democrats to dig
someone up who knew Kavanaugh when he did some dumb stuff as a teenager. And it
is not lost on me that this is the swing vote. Justice Gorsuch replaced another
conservative justice. This time it’s Justice Kennedy, who has consistently
voted in favor of “reproductive rights,” the <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/01/my-body-my-choice.html">affectionate
term</a> for dismembering human beings. As we’ve seen over years in the news
and as I’ve <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/03/justice-ride-spring-2018-i-signed.html">seen
personally</a>, liberals <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/06/the-history-of-created-equal-has.html">pull
out all the stops</a> in defense of the blessed sacrament of the progressive
church. What is one man’s reputation when killing babies is at stake?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I lean that way, but I don’t know. None of the Democrats on Capital
Hill or any other liberals do either, but that won’t stop them. And frankly,
the conservatives don’t either. It’s a dangerous thing to shut down a woman’s
accusations without investigating them. And it’s also a dangerous thing to
presume a man’s guilt, and take it further by letting nothing sway you
otherwise. Any of us are vulnerable when the standard of proof is nonexistent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RViBXK8Y_fPGcem8xFQ_QUkrbfWOhPttOX_6G5YOQPpxSCP9AYKjhn0wmnFv_YEj0L2YuojzUw7EBj_zQdV-b12wFYjpUugevXrVD-ZDpEgdVBZCeoSqYdAKCypjar4C-zjGk0nbhEon/s1600/metoo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RViBXK8Y_fPGcem8xFQ_QUkrbfWOhPttOX_6G5YOQPpxSCP9AYKjhn0wmnFv_YEj0L2YuojzUw7EBj_zQdV-b12wFYjpUugevXrVD-ZDpEgdVBZCeoSqYdAKCypjar4C-zjGk0nbhEon/s400/metoo4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Source: am1.news</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is where blindly believing an accuser gets us. VanDyke Perry
served 11 years in prison for rape and Gregory Counts 26 for being <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/07/nyregion/innocence-project-manhattan-rape.html">wrongfully
convicted or rape</a>. <a href="https://nypost.com/2018/02/02/man-wrongfully-convicted-for-rape-murder-sues-city/">Clifford
Jones</a> served almost 30 before being exonerated. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/23/us/lawrence-mckinney-exoneration-trnd/index.html">Lawrence
McKinney</a> served 31. The list could go on, and those were with “due process.”
These are wild accusations. It’s a motif of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Kill_a_Mockingbird">To Kill a Mockingbird</a></i>.
The Party of prisoners’ rights is the one telling us to have unconditioned
trust in accusations. People accuse others of things they didn’t do all the
time. It’s dangerous to simply believe it. And it costs some people an awful
lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m trying to be reasonable and <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/01/what-about-rape-right-thing-isnt-always.html">sensitive</a>
here, though I’m sure people are still angry. That’s the society we live in. It’s
easier to silence opposition than to answer it. But I thought it important enough
to say something that I wrote this outside of my usual two-week pattern I keep
to avoid devoting too much time away from studies and ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not saying sexual assault isn’t an issue. I’m not saying we shouldn’t
listen to women who say they are victims. I am saying that we shouldn’t make
other victims. Because if Dr. Ford and others are lying, Brett Kavanaugh and
his family are the only victims. Every man falsely accused and assumed guilty
is a victim.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We have to keep our heads. I think the premise behind the Me Too
movement is important.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But this one has gotten it wrong.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-47743916943750542902018-09-20T00:09:00.001-04:002018-09-20T00:10:00.220-04:00Miscarriages Are Not the Same as Abortions, and It's a Pitiful and Appalling Claim to MakeIt’s one of the most hideous analogies I hear from a group that has
mastered hideous analogies.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Why are you so upset about abortion? Embryos die in miscarriages all
the time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Abortion,” in its denotation, is in fact a neutral word. And a
miscarriage is a “spontaneous abortion.” But, of course, that’s not what is
meant. Most people aren’t familiar with those terms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
No, this is an apples-to-oranges comparison of two tragedies in which
the result is ultimately the same, but the culpability and preventability is
drastically different.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroyISWg0lbqi-qtw4vEIPMscToKqqHK2mDrEeABbE-5GKfQYaf3hey7HpH5tbpg3joSXdT5WZnG9LGJDf7XuIKF92_CkrIS3859Zq5osPfHC7MddOPiBzajDbdIJLNgmthbAu4DPkMV5n/s1600/miscarriage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroyISWg0lbqi-qtw4vEIPMscToKqqHK2mDrEeABbE-5GKfQYaf3hey7HpH5tbpg3joSXdT5WZnG9LGJDf7XuIKF92_CkrIS3859Zq5osPfHC7MddOPiBzajDbdIJLNgmthbAu4DPkMV5n/s400/miscarriage2.jpg" width="400" /></a>One is a natural loss of a child that often leaves parents feeling
helpless. The other “empowers” a mother by allowing her to hire a hit man to
butcher her child.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Harsh words, I am aware, but I don’t think we do the preborn, or <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/09/a-life-saved.html">the
women who might make the same mistake</a> too many others have, any favors by
making our descriptions of abortion PG.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/01/my-body-my-choice.html">An
abortion is, typically, a willing choice.</a> Sometimes it is coerced, and those
women are just as much the victim. Abortion being a choice does not mean there
aren’t <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/04/elyssas-story.html">complicated
and sometimes tragic circumstances</a> around that choice. It does not mean
that a parent is fully informed. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/06/why-are-christian-women-just-as-or-more.html">It
does not mean that post-abortive women, or women considering abortion, should
be demonized.</a> But it does mean that there is a fundamental difference
between the choice of abortion and the uncontrollable event of a miscarriage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A miscarriage is equally as tragic; it is the loss of a child. But it
is unpreventable. There is no willing choice. It just happens.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is sickening to take advantage of women who suffer such a loss by
using their circumstance as a justification for abortion. They did not have a
choice. Most wouldn’t have made the choice. But, that’s what the pro-abortion
side does. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/01/what-about-rape-right-thing-isnt-always.html">It
uses rape victims to try to justify the other 99 percent of abortions.</a> It
uses indigent women to try to justify all abortions. The side that champions
women’s equality uses the most tragic circumstances women face in an attempt to
bolster their arguments. Sadly, many take the bait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This article is not written out of judgment of women who have aborted,
but out of advocacy for the women that have miscarried. I know some of these
women. Their loss of their child is not to be lumped in with the often-willing murder
of a child in a fruitless attempt to justify the latter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some people are killed accidentally when they are hit by a car, so we
should be okay with running down pedestrians in crosswalks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywjM-n81qi7rWnkoRwS0eRJ0AsB_yPMY7jmN-mbNw2qilsrLwdruarMMk7Tydv47s1nGr0ovMCa749qWJuLlyd1bWpsw2jxD4oqoF-4oylXmMqFlte38xK065uwKDWZ0STTPU0VBzbUaj/s1600/miscarriage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="337" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywjM-n81qi7rWnkoRwS0eRJ0AsB_yPMY7jmN-mbNw2qilsrLwdruarMMk7Tydv47s1nGr0ovMCa749qWJuLlyd1bWpsw2jxD4oqoF-4oylXmMqFlte38xK065uwKDWZ0STTPU0VBzbUaj/s400/miscarriage1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A garden in memory of children lost to miscarriage and<br />
women who have experienced it, at the<br />
<a href="https://www.memorialfortheunborn.org/" target="_blank">National Memorialfor the Unborn</a> in Chattanooga, Tennessee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The unpreventable deaths of individuals does not justify the intentional
death of individuals. Such a claim sounds absolutely mindless in any other scenario.
People die of disease, so we should intentionally infect others. People fall
off cliffs, so we should be fine with throwing others off cliffs. People die in
their sleep, so we shouldn’t have a problem smothering them with pillows. It
doesn’t make sense in any other context. Yet for some reason, we’ll justify the
intentional killing of the preborn by saying, “Sometimes they die naturally,
too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One wonders how much thought is actually put into these arguments. To
salvage my view of humanity, I hope not much. It is a pretty sad argument to
have thought about for any length of time. From <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/03/justice-ride-spring-2014.html">anti-abortion
outreach on the streets</a>, I have <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/03/justice-ride-spring-2018-i-signed.html">seen
people jump through several totally different justifications for abortion in a
matter of minutes</a>, so it’s certainly plausible. When you start with the premise
of abortion being morally justifiable, you’ll come up with anything to convince
yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Abortion takes a unique individual who, for all we know, <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2015/09/saras-story.html">would
have been carried to term</a>. It takes that individual, and by someone’s
choice and an abortionist’s hands, rips her apart. It may be done with a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Psmesdb2M18">vacuum and curette</a>. It
may be done by the abortionist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgw4X7Dw_3k">grabbing body parts,
twisting them to break them off, and pulling the child out piece by piece, putting
her back together to make sure he didn’t miss anything</a>. It may be done
through medication, killing her and inducing labor to deliver a dead child. It’s
barbaric. It’s sickening. And it is justified in the most barbaric and
sickening ways.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A miscarriage is a natural but tragic process. But that has little
bearing on how the parents feel afterwards. They did nothing wrong. Sure, the
end result of both abortion and miscarriages is the death of a child, but the
processes that lead to that awful result are worlds apart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
They’re not the same. It’s insensitive, pitiful, and appalling to say they
are.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-72468962657174939782018-09-06T00:42:00.002-04:002018-09-06T13:09:59.431-04:00Limited Atonement: The Crumbling of Calvinist DoctrineI once had a Calvinist friend admit to me that the most
difficult point of his beliefs to support is Limited Atonement. In my own study
I can see why, with the mountain of scriptural evidence against it.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Calvinists might point to Jesus “laying down His life for
the sheep,” as if Jesus said anything about salvation only extending to the
sheep. Jesus dying for the church does not mean that He also didn’t die for the
rest of the world. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/07/calvinism-contrary-to-gods-character.html">Anyone
can become a part of the church.</a> Anyone can become a part of the flock. But
<a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/05/why-god-made-salvation-through-faith.html">only
those who choose this will be saved—by their own doing.</a> We have to examine
the totality of scripture on atonement, rather than searching for phrasing that
might make our case plausible. Limited Atonement seems more like it has to be
there for predestination, from a Reformed perspective, to make any sense, even
though there does not seem to be sufficient proof.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsllnhfCQIZlNcYZyfNWbBVUNSZRksx7HBYaqGxr3fPLbeNUravF9Wfo3-J0Z-53r6Yh_Cqq2SjznDOUC7L6wO0XG3ljKZsBqyLL1xlT9Hs7Kk8Tc0sukLGDmsZeT1v2gxda68bkfyfLVT/s1600/limited1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="662" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsllnhfCQIZlNcYZyfNWbBVUNSZRksx7HBYaqGxr3fPLbeNUravF9Wfo3-J0Z-53r6Yh_Cqq2SjznDOUC7L6wO0XG3ljKZsBqyLL1xlT9Hs7Kk8Tc0sukLGDmsZeT1v2gxda68bkfyfLVT/s400/limited1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indeed, when the Limited Atonement block is removed, the
entire tower crumbles. If Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, then He partially
died in vain because He had already predestined certain people to not believe.
If He did not die for the sins of the whole world, then there is a lot of
scripture that must be explained, or explained away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understand that a four-point Calvinist rejects limited
atonement. However, I still believe the concept weakens their foundation. If
Jesus did die for the sins of the whole world, but only extended salvation to
some, part of the sin He took on was pointless. The argument could be made that
it was even from a free will perspective, because Jesus knew that not everyone
would be saved. However, Christ’s work on the cross was the divine equivalent
of a tennis serve—Jesus put the ball in our court, and we choose what to do
with it. God made a way for every individual to know Him, and He did so by
dying for the sins of the whole world. The cross makes it possible for all to
freely choose. If God was doing the choosing ahead of time, it would not make
sense to put Jesus through the additional agony of all the sins of people who
God had no intention of extending an offer of grace to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The concept of the “whole world” is wrapped up in the Greek
word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kosmon</i>. Its use in the New
Testament repeatedly points to the inclusion of everyone:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good
cheer; I have overcome the world. –John 16:33b </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
–Romans 3:6 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
–Romans 5:12 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as
yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which
he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
–Hebrews 11:7</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Has Jesus only overcome part of the world? Will God only
judge part of the world? Did sin pass upon only part of the world? Did God
only judge part of the world in the flood?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when we see the following passage, using the same Greek
word, we should be confident that there are no caveats or exclusions:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXJNAo5rIbc2CoiQTQ8pkcz6FaysLbFuP-XbEDUOUJLNJRGrDIWNzWIPNEAkTN6_IMtag6OjiwwUi-7kq279N8wCn3Xoz9HCN_kw2KBVNVLX1CGzV1N72KDUZc0M2vqS_7HfILqBTfJhp/s1600/limited3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="534" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXJNAo5rIbc2CoiQTQ8pkcz6FaysLbFuP-XbEDUOUJLNJRGrDIWNzWIPNEAkTN6_IMtag6OjiwwUi-7kq279N8wCn3Xoz9HCN_kw2KBVNVLX1CGzV1N72KDUZc0M2vqS_7HfILqBTfJhp/s400/limited3.jpg" width="400" /></a>And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even
so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have eternal life. God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/05/why-god-made-salvation-through-faith.html">that
whosoever believeth</a> in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through him might be saved. –John 3:14-17</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus came to save the entire world by dying for the entire
world, not just the “elect.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The symbolism of the serpent is also important. Jesus likens
Himself to the bronze serpent in the wilderness:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the
people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the
people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against
the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the
serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said
unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall
come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall
live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to
pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass,
he lived. –Numbers 21:6-9</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The point of the serpent was to save people from death. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Every one”</b> who would otherwise die can
look to it. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Any man.”</b> Jesus’s death
was symbolized by a deliverance available to everyone.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The idea of the death of Christ being for everyone is also
outright stated:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> a
faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labor and
suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">who is the Savior of all men</b>, specially of those that believe. –I Timothy
4:9-10</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as Jesus dying for the sheep doesn’t negate that He
died for the whole world, Jesus being the Savior “specially of those that believe”
does not negate that He is the “Savior of all men.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have
now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not
believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath
concluded them all in unbelief, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that he
might have mercy upon all</b>. –Romans 11:30-32 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
To wit, that God was in Christ, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">reconciling the world</b> [<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kosmon</i>]<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> unto himself</b>, not imputing their trespasses
unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. –II Corinthians
5:19 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfn7xSiRnKGxwFPsUA48hw_TW9_k4QHDYp8rYSWq4xamxv5VqFpV3Iq8DRyxA2YiLDdNCN1bI47JKM-7EjuwXfkbF8R910jx0842-K90C9XapNKITwgoYhRzjSEarQ8q8LpTJya6_yyh6/s1600/limited2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="655" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfn7xSiRnKGxwFPsUA48hw_TW9_k4QHDYp8rYSWq4xamxv5VqFpV3Iq8DRyxA2YiLDdNCN1bI47JKM-7EjuwXfkbF8R910jx0842-K90C9XapNKITwgoYhRzjSEarQ8q8LpTJya6_yyh6/s400/limited2.jpg" width="400" /></a>My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye
sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous: And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he is the
propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the sins of</span> the whole world.</b>
–I John 2:1-2</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John is talking to Christians and says that Jesus isn't just the propitiation for us (Christians), but also for the whole world.<br />
<br />
I can’t say where the belief in Limited Atonement
originated; I haven’t studied to unraveling of Reformed theology. But I can be
confident in saying it is not from a proper interpretation of scripture. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/07/calvinism-contrary-to-gods-character.html">Calvinism
paints God with attributes contrary to His Word</a>, and it faces its biggest
hill in trying to prove that Jesus died for some, not all.<br />
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we can’t prove Limited Atonement, the logical foundation
of Calvinism crumbles. If Christ died for all, then He partially died in vain,
as He took the punishment for the sins of billions of people who God had
already set aside for destruction “before the foundation of the world.” If
Jesus died for us all and opened the door to salvation for us all, then predestination,
as Reformed theology believes it, is unbiblical.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And the Spirit and the
bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is
athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. –Revelation
22:17</i></div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-86683058383094283032018-08-22T10:32:00.000-04:002018-08-22T10:34:41.377-04:00What is Fruit?: The Multiplication of Reproduction<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is the final
installment in the “What is Fruit?” series. We first looked at <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit.html">why
the metaphor of fruit is used to represent our good works</a>—works are not the
root of our salvation, but the product of new life already in existence. We
then looked at <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit-how-it-betrays-whose-we.html">why
works are still important</a>, as they are the natural consequence of salvation
and betray that we are Christ’s. Last time, we looked at <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/08/what-is-fruit-patience-and-time.html">the
patience and work required to see fruit germinate</a>. This time, we look at
how plants reproduce.</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s not the seeds in the apple. It’s the apples in the
seeds.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDSfjJl4E4LHsyd6GKEf5BZlcqDA3neMxLDaKbe80krWFItXV8CaECegN9VlpJSBfoStjEshK2Zfl08SOs6Jet_idDuRSZR2H-8MZd_pyRUDX3RFmRCtQYE2FAB_W2vdYggvKhBkNFvpY/s1600/fruit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDSfjJl4E4LHsyd6GKEf5BZlcqDA3neMxLDaKbe80krWFItXV8CaECegN9VlpJSBfoStjEshK2Zfl08SOs6Jet_idDuRSZR2H-8MZd_pyRUDX3RFmRCtQYE2FAB_W2vdYggvKhBkNFvpY/s400/fruit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was widely considered one of the most memorable lines
from my years going to <a href="http://youthcongress.us/">Youth Congress</a>, a
summer youth retreat my home church used to go to at <a href="https://thecrowncollege.edu/">The Crown College of the Bible</a>. <a href="http://uoflortho.com/drbios/campbell.html?spec=spineLi">Dr. Mitch
Campbell</a>, a brilliant orthopedic surgeon on staff at the University of Louisville’s
medical school, was one of the preachers at Youth Congress for several years I
went. He has some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rRKm02Jf8g">memorable
sermons</a>, some of which were pretty unconventional, but I think this one
sticks out to many people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Campbell was describing how our fruit, to us, may not
seem much, even if we labor for it. Our fruit may only have a handful of seeds.
But his quote sums up so well the principle of multiplication.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seeds come from the fruit on a plant, and they are planted
to produce more fruit. Those seeds become plants, which produce fruit with
seeds, and those seeds are planted…Do you get the picture?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each seed that comes from that fruit can become a plant of
its own and produces fruit with seeds of their own. If an apple tree has five apples,
and each apple has five seeds, there are 25 potential trees hanging on that
tree, and that’s just the first round. Then there can be 25 more potential
trees on each of those 25 trees.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Multiplication is God’s way of population. God’s instruction
to His creation:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply,
and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. –Genesis 1:22 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful,
and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over
the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing
that moveth upon the earth. –Genesis 1:28</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu4g6L4i5XK6rHbO0elFl7zaIIrsKl6SttN7CGRkuRbafksiYG7P7qU1TQ5HPI52ZDIJCxseNhCmhyphenhyphencqy2x-esdZ0G54KEdqOrKT-xGHDFerlJIHxgysSvQUrG9iFZc2c4ZqW_Cfldg45/s1600/fruit6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu4g6L4i5XK6rHbO0elFl7zaIIrsKl6SttN7CGRkuRbafksiYG7P7qU1TQ5HPI52ZDIJCxseNhCmhyphenhyphencqy2x-esdZ0G54KEdqOrKT-xGHDFerlJIHxgysSvQUrG9iFZc2c4ZqW_Cfldg45/s400/fruit6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably the greatest photo ever taken at Youth Congress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s plan for populating the Earth was to multiply. It
began with two humans who multiplied, and then their offspring multiplied, and
so on. Now there are some 7 billion of us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see this repeatedly in Acts:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was
multiplied… –Acts 6:1 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and
Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and
in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. –Acts 9:31 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But the word of God grew and multiplied. –Acts 12:24 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and
glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life
believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. –Acts
13:48-49 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. –Acts 19:20</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One specific biblical example we can look to for a line of
conversions is the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. The eunuch became a convert
under Philip’s ministry. Philip, it is assumed, was converted under the
apostles’ ministry in Jerusalem. The apostles were apostles of Jesus. Another
example is Timothy’s church. Although little detail is found about it, there
were obviously converts from Timothy’s ministry, who was a convert of Paul’s
ministry, who was an apostle of Jesus. I’d bet there were people in Timothy’s
ministry who had their own converts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sure there are various reasons for the explosion of
Christianity in the years following the resurrection. Persecution. Services
where thousands were saved. The signs and wonders following the apostles. But
we have to look at multiplication as being a big reason. All of Asia Minor did
not hear the gospel directly from Paul’s mouth (Acts 19:10). But some people
did, and they spread the gospel to people who spread the gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can all probably look at a line of people in our own
lives that started with one person. Unfortunately, this isn’t widespread, but
it is supposed to be. It is God’s desire and His plan:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given
to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed
to the sower both minister bread for <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">your</span> food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the
fruits of your righteousness;) –II Corinthians 9:9-10</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwn14I-TbcclM2TuWpKX924Fn_5hyCALvi6OAe8etO4Ii1GZlVNMefLoToPyoncXUT3Yig2srZMw1RlRdUcflmATEnZYH2RMzyivx3DucD1aJUbrV9QVntxZ03gG-j15uZwbe2AUGFBEh/s1600/fruit7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwn14I-TbcclM2TuWpKX924Fn_5hyCALvi6OAe8etO4Ii1GZlVNMefLoToPyoncXUT3Yig2srZMw1RlRdUcflmATEnZYH2RMzyivx3DucD1aJUbrV9QVntxZ03gG-j15uZwbe2AUGFBEh/s400/fruit7.jpg" width="400" /></a>Reproduction cannot take place if we are not producing
fruit. Christianity will not grow unless we obey God in reproducing other
Christians.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not intended to be an exhaustive study of
multiplication. Rather, it is a fitting end to the study of the metaphor of
fruit in the Bible. Plants reproduce for the growth of the “species.” It was
God’s design to use multiplication to populate the Earth. In the same way, He
uses multiplication to populate the Kingdom of Heaven. It is our responsibility.
And it is an encouragement. God takes our work of reproducing other Christians
and turns it into so much more.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-20697538510253862642018-08-09T11:39:00.000-04:002018-08-22T10:40:28.630-04:00What is Fruit?: The Patience and Time Required for Germination<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is the third of
four parts in the “What is Fruit?” series. In the <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit.html">first
post</a>, I examined the original question. There is a reason that the fruit
metaphor is used in the Bible. Fruit is the product of an already-existing
life. Works are not the root of our salvation. They are produced out of the new
life in Christ. In the <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit-how-it-betrays-whose-we.html">second
post</a>, I remind us that, while works are not a part of salvation, they should
be evident in the life of a Christian. They are the sign that betrays that we
are children of God. A Christian life without fruit is either unhealthy or
dead. In this third post…</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/07/god-giver-of-peace.html">last
summer, one of the most up-and-down periods of my life</a>. It had been a while
since I had seen my friend <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/06/the-importance-of-fostering.html">Brooke</a>,
who was a key person in my support network. Our schedules weren’t working out,
so we talked on the phone one evening. She began to talk about her role in her
church with a group of girls, who were beginning to really open up to her after
some months of gaining their trust.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiCSoSPf7wdhGl5mLWS2-haU11brwf70R4mxWp2TDye4qHUK1UfhNRInT9xmjYzmqFsVffam1YxtaqV10mLXu10WKgIVHRE_7lEw6Qro7EeOerHwZescOKFwNakTZXGLy_r0G6wU3vfu3/s1600/fruit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiCSoSPf7wdhGl5mLWS2-haU11brwf70R4mxWp2TDye4qHUK1UfhNRInT9xmjYzmqFsVffam1YxtaqV10mLXu10WKgIVHRE_7lEw6Qro7EeOerHwZescOKFwNakTZXGLy_r0G6wU3vfu3/s400/fruit1.jpg" width="400" /></a>“That’s the thing about fruit,” I told her. “It doesn’t
develop immediately. It takes time for it to show up.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve covered <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit.html">why
the fruit metaphor (fruit equaling works) is used in relation to salvation</a>.
Works are not what save us, or give us new life, but they come as a natural
result of the new life we already have. I’ve also discussed <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit-how-it-betrays-whose-we.html">why
they betray that we are children of God</a>, and that healthy Christians will
have fruit as a result of salvation, even though they themselves do not save
nor are joined with faith to save.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s another thing about fruit: It doesn’t happen right
away. There has to be a period of growth, and there will be seasons of hardship.
And when fruit fully matures, new fruit has to grow (John 15:2).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can see this in the lives of people in the Bible. Peter chose
to follow Christ, but he regularly showed his spiritual immaturity:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his
brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured
before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as
the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with
him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be
here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one
for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud
overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples
heard <i>it</i>, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. –Matthew 17:1-6 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And [Jesus] began to teach them, that the Son of man must
suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and <i>of</i> the
chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And
he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But
when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying,
Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God,
but the things that be of men. –Mark 8:31-33 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them,
walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they
were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But
straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not
afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto
thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the
ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind
boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save
me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">his</span> hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of
little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? –Matthew 14:25-31 </blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SkPWa7yBqXjm49QlKd1hcImLqpkMa-uDY8hmFcC8E7wzB2fqS3fzSEYGS8CxitnwTiDIlrYf-gjER6oIX_fKaDP38xmKfRZ9R6HOcbApT5ism63NCTDS8ehAd56ZGFvgOnX_cIvODt99/s1600/fruit+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="644" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SkPWa7yBqXjm49QlKd1hcImLqpkMa-uDY8hmFcC8E7wzB2fqS3fzSEYGS8CxitnwTiDIlrYf-gjER6oIX_fKaDP38xmKfRZ9R6HOcbApT5ism63NCTDS8ehAd56ZGFvgOnX_cIvODt99/s400/fruit+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These trees have produced fruit before and will again, but are facing a<br />
barren season right now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into
his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from
supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After
that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and
to wipe <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">them</span> with the
towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith
unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What
I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him,
Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou
hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but
also <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">my</span> hands
and <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">my</span> head. Jesus
saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">his</span> feet, but is clean every
whit… –John 13:3-10a</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, of course:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Then took they him, and led <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">him</span>, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter
followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall,
and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid
beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This
man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And
after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And
Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another
confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">fellow</span> also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter
said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake,
the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered
the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou
shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. –Luke 24:54-62</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peter just didn’t always get it. But did being with Jesus
have an effect on His growth? We see it in his confession that Jesus is the
Christ. We see it in his willingness to get out of the boat. And after Peter
has an encounter with the risen Christ, things really change. Mind you, this is
not Peter’s conversion. Peter chose to follow Jesus some three-and-a-half years
earlier. But this is a new experience, and it leaves an impression. We see
Peter boldly stand up on Pentecost and preach about this risen Jesus:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his
voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ye<i> </i></span>that dwell at Jerusalem, be
this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye
suppose, seeing it is <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">but</span> the
third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel… –<a href="https://biblehub.com/kjv/acts/2.htm">Acts 2</a>:14-16</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the next chapter, Peter heals a lame man, and when the
people around him gawk and are astonished, he looks at them and starts preaching
that the man was healed in Jesus’s name, the same Jesus that they crucified, and
they need to repent and be converted. Then he gets dragged in front of the
Council and does the same thing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God
raised from the dead, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">even</span> by
him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set
at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is
there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved. –Acts 4:10-12</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAemEjzmSSg9GjG6BTdUSYGMGzZPdTnNhLm5G7GSnhaMnFvzMbJ4cU9Yqdq4QBlPTIg27Z_WvAWr9UeS-tayAnzVWJBKvsVmGV6UfN8f3UrDF1h8Nn6VGDrs6YcbdFK17Qp7Hev2r2EKv/s1600/fruit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAemEjzmSSg9GjG6BTdUSYGMGzZPdTnNhLm5G7GSnhaMnFvzMbJ4cU9Yqdq4QBlPTIg27Z_WvAWr9UeS-tayAnzVWJBKvsVmGV6UfN8f3UrDF1h8Nn6VGDrs6YcbdFK17Qp7Hev2r2EKv/s400/fruit3.jpg" width="400" /></a>The Council forbids Peter and the apostles to preach in
Jesus’s name. But they do it anyway, and they get arrested:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And when they had brought them, they set <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">them</span> before the council: and the
high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should
not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your
doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and
the <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">other<i> </i></span>apostles
answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers
raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with
his right hand <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">to be</span> a
Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of
sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">so is</span> also the Holy Ghost, whom
God hath given to them that obey him. –Acts 5:27-32</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But even then, we still see Peter make mistakes. When God
told him to take the gospel to the Gentiles, he questioned God several times.
At one point Paul has to correct him (Galatians 2). So Peter takes a while to
mature, then still has shortcomings and dry seasons.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also see a necessary time of growth in Paul’s life after
salvation:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's
womb, and called <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">me</span> by
his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen;
immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to
Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and
returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to
see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. –Galatians 1:15-18</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The widely-accepted theory about this passage is that, after
“Saul’s” miraculous conversion, God brought him into the wilderness to instruct
him. Charles Stanley has this to say:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSBKZR0e9gmXnUKI3YcpEV4lai9MoFMcbNdzkkfvkmBHFpZV6bBlX53j8Vggf26AEBfvL6PkXsUqVRQ_7ojAg9CfOQv6iou92G9JRTHKnUdswktM3n9NTBFX2K4gUUB6BIWd4af6aBh4f/s1600/fruit+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSBKZR0e9gmXnUKI3YcpEV4lai9MoFMcbNdzkkfvkmBHFpZV6bBlX53j8Vggf26AEBfvL6PkXsUqVRQ_7ojAg9CfOQv6iou92G9JRTHKnUdswktM3n9NTBFX2K4gUUB6BIWd4af6aBh4f/s400/fruit+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
After Paul’s conversion, he disappeared into the desert
for three years, during which time the Holy Spirit instructed him in the ways
of God. He emerged, ready to communicate divine truth. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Lord speaks to believers so that they will comprehend
the truth, conform to the truth, and communicate the truth. These same steps
form a roadmap to discipleship. What happened during Paul’s desert years was
only the beginning of a life-long process—God renewed his mind and transformed
him into the image of Christ. For the apostle, that change began with
connecting his rich biblical knowledge to the revelation that Jesus Christ was
the Son of God.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no perfect comparison because Paul was being
endowed with special revelation which he then would communicate to the various
churches he plants. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/08/the-missed-message-of-love-chapter.html">Today
we have the entire revelation of God through the scriptures</a>, part of which
is comprised of Paul’s writings. However, it is important to note that, before
Paul ever sees fruit in the form of reproducing other Christians, there was a
period of growth in which he sat at Jesus’s feet and learned from Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This isn’t an excuse for fruitlessness. This is a realistic perspective
of our lives and others’ lives. We may wonder why we aren’t where Peter or Paul
were at the end of their lives. But we have to remember that they didn’t start
that way. There was a period of growth. We see Peter struggle for several years
before Pentecost, and even afterwards there were times that he had to be
corrected. The same will be true of us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also have to keep that perspective about others. We can’t
look at a young Christian and expect the spiritual maturity of one who has been
a Christian for years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and
hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the
sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted
that the Lord <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> gracious.
–I Peter 2:1-3</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember where I was as an underclassman versus where I
was as an upperclassman, and it helped me in my relationships with younger
students in ministry. If they have older people to mentor them and are actively
pursuing God, they will mature spiritually, just as anyone will in those
circumstances.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another thing related to the germination of fruit: It will
take time for our fruit to develop. And it may not involve only us:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the
increase. –I Corinthians 3:6</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq6nGo3i8UfE0JjXJR47NfW38zxfYVfoqk8IoFAXuSHAJLvdiC68eXd29ZsBKvzQfxcQTcrNw8oTlMHr-tW5sArJUbpClT9LutYhKNr1DrLZUljO4PWEGVG12oCDwz_scR6r3jKarc4IU/s1600/fruit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq6nGo3i8UfE0JjXJR47NfW38zxfYVfoqk8IoFAXuSHAJLvdiC68eXd29ZsBKvzQfxcQTcrNw8oTlMHr-tW5sArJUbpClT9LutYhKNr1DrLZUljO4PWEGVG12oCDwz_scR6r3jKarc4IU/s400/fruit+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex (second from left), I, and a few friends in search of train cars that had<br />
slid into a creek in Indiana. We found them months later on a second try.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, the context of this verse is that we are not the
ones that bring the fruit. God is. But, we can glean from this that it isn’t
always just one person that brings someone to salvation or helps a Christian
mature. I’d say it rarely is. I remember stories from <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/03/beach-reach-2017-gods-providence-our.html">Beach
Reach</a> in which a spring breaker <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/03/beach-reach-how-god-moved-in-my-life.html">would
get saved later on</a> in the week after several encounters with other teams. I
can think of several people who played big roles in my friend Alex’s conversion
when I was a sophomore, and many who played smaller roles.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And on top of that, this often takes time. My grandpa became
a Christian after years of hearing the gospel. It was months of being around
ministry and conversations before Alex was saved. That’s the reality of the
incubation of fruit. We don’t harvest in June. The fruit matures until it is
ready to be gathered. It doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen. Christians
mature, and people we have spoken to and prayed for over months or years come to
be children of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In what is, finally,
the last post of this series, I will examine what comes next. I wasn’t planning
a fourth post, but as I wrote this one I was excited by the significance of the
seeds in fruit. It is critical in understanding evangelism and how we reproduce
other Christians. Don’t think addition. Think multiplication.</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Next Post: <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/08/what-is-fruit-multiplication-of.html" target="_blank">"What is Fruit?: The Multiplication of Reproduction"</a></i></div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-65059276382559166452018-07-26T08:42:00.000-04:002018-08-09T11:43:25.087-04:00What Is Fruit?: How It Betrays Whose We Are<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit.html">previous
post</a>, I wrote about an idea I have considered for several years (off and
on). The Bible uses a metaphor about our works being like fruit on a plant.
Since God says everything with a purpose, there’s a reason He used this
example. The fruit of the plant is not what gives the plant life. The life in
the plant brings forth fruit. It is not our works that save us, but they come
out of a new life already changed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR_BpZJMwIIv36NNDY5oBQP1qEUD0s2PpvxRdYMUH0YmsomsHuhIGezOieF_0efT7HsJv_rrK6XDCmBlUF1Lhypi2UAZFm2hxVdRZnA_kvDgpBaeDdCha9DmvIJ82Z3lZPlbY2cXd0omv/s1600/fruit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="400" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR_BpZJMwIIv36NNDY5oBQP1qEUD0s2PpvxRdYMUH0YmsomsHuhIGezOieF_0efT7HsJv_rrK6XDCmBlUF1Lhypi2UAZFm2hxVdRZnA_kvDgpBaeDdCha9DmvIJ82Z3lZPlbY2cXd0omv/s400/fruit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here we examine another purpose of this metaphor. The
importance of works in the life of a Christian cannot be missed. This is easy
to overlook in churches that <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/05/why-god-made-salvation-through-faith.html">preach
the gospel by repentance and faith</a>, because there is a downplaying of works
to avoid appearing as if we believe they are a part of our salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But works are a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">product</i>
of our salvation. Just as fruit is a sign of a healthy plant, works are a sign
of a healthy Christian. A plant that isn’t producing fruit is either not
healthy or not alive at all.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If plants could claim they are plants like people can claim
they are Christians, they would, as James said, show us their fruit. People who
claim Christianity must demonstrate they have Christ in them through their
works:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath
faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked,
and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be
ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are
needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works,
is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:
shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe,
and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was
not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son
upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was
faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham
believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called
the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by
faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she
had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body
without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. –James 2:14-26</span></blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This can be an extremely confusing passage because it seems
as if James is saying works play a role in salvation, which would then conflict
with Paul’s writing in Ephesians 2 and other passages. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2015/06/do-paul-and-james-conflict.html">I
have previously written extensively about why these two passages actually
harmonize with each other.</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">James was dealing with people who claimed Christianity but
lived a life outside of God’s commands. His point is that works are a product
of faith, and if there is no sign of works, there is not actually faith. Works <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">demonstrate</i> (the other meaning of the
word “justify”) that we have faith, and James calls upon his readers to live it
out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again, fruit is not what makes the plant a plant, but
it is what naturally occurs in a living plant.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A similar message is seen in John the Baptist’s harsh
message to the Pharisees and Sadducees while he was baptizing in the Jordan
River:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come
to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you
to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for
repentance… –Matthew 3:7-8</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSnnP6i-VGeuI0JyPlC3hak4bnd7tHlxM3BHpdhuDKGJmgPvPIClKFVTIngFTb5PtD1UJgKpZImhO7Hv_PidacPIejCa_pkaXoGFKtD8TADGbyjpH2rEZN03Eg5jafMpzLZSjUxvKNzA6/s1600/fruit4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSnnP6i-VGeuI0JyPlC3hak4bnd7tHlxM3BHpdhuDKGJmgPvPIClKFVTIngFTb5PtD1UJgKpZImhO7Hv_PidacPIejCa_pkaXoGFKtD8TADGbyjpH2rEZN03Eg5jafMpzLZSjUxvKNzA6/s400/fruit4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul says the same thing in his preaching:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem,
and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they
should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. –Acts 26:20</span></blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here the word translated “meet” is the Greek word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">axion</i>, which has the meaning of “fitting”
or “worthy.” John doesn’t accept the unsubstantiated profession of faith, but
instead tells these men that they need to bring the works fitting for repentance.
Repentance is a reversal of path, a change in behavior. Repentance is a part of
salvation, so if there are not works that show that we have repented—if there
is no difference in who we were before our “salvation” and after—there is no salvation.
Because there is a wrath to come, we have to be honest with ourselves and
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is not to mean that committing any sin is proof that we
are not actually Christians. But there has to be a demonstration of works
fitting for our repentance. If those are totally absent, there’s an issue.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Good works do not inherently mean someone is born again, but a lack of good works is a demonstration that someone isn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I John gives a sort of litmus test of security that we are
born again, and each item on the list involves examining our works:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">These things have I
written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that ye may know that ye have eternal life</i>,
and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. –5:13</b> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b>If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in
darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is
in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus
Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. –1:6-7 </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is
the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he
abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. –2:3-6 </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqvHJJao_388m5DNyWwHUIvRhyphenhyphenzR4kmugMWeUmIWM79kUayTc_rU_2ZRvAwdJTHjmWsyZOtW_SiIWSnWRIdvCNfXoInIRHhTBp01xkINHVeH5UVuMqxoa5MAE62_TY6X7d59BZqf_4JoJ/s1600/fruit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqvHJJao_388m5DNyWwHUIvRhyphenhyphenzR4kmugMWeUmIWM79kUayTc_rU_2ZRvAwdJTHjmWsyZOtW_SiIWSnWRIdvCNfXoInIRHhTBp01xkINHVeH5UVuMqxoa5MAE62_TY6X7d59BZqf_4JoJ/s400/fruit2.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother,
is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light,
and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother
is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth,
because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. –2:9-1 </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. –2:15 </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We know that we have passed from death unto life, because
we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth
in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no
murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. –3:14-15</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Notice it does not say, “We know Him if we keep His
commandments.” It says, “We know that we know Him, if we keep His
commandments.” Keeping God’s commandments is a product of salvation, but it
will be there if there is new life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I should mention that not all fruit is good. There is evil fruit
that demonstrates that an individual belongs to the darkness, and not God:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their
fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good
tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A
good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth
good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and
cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. –Matthew 7:15-20</span></blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What makes fruit a good indicator is that the good fruit and
evil fruit are so easy to distinguish, and there is no way a good tree can produce
evil fruit or a corrupt tree produce good fruit:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">these</span>; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness,
revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also
told <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">you</span> in time
past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they
that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. –Galatians
5:19-24</span></blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bible lays out what is evil fruit and what is good
fruit. Fruit betrays whose we are, based on the kind of fruit we produce. We
should be living in a way that makes it obvious who we belong to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrCO4RqHTZheqilgCMAnsb1sL-avytMkvmOnyCzUVzupQ4CpAavmonP3I2-49XiLqhaRSF9eOrpZHq6lrI2lF9hO6Y9MdZOM9Koa3Wi-Pxyf7fJHyeDCKBN6z_1qAfpKqfb9MwXst-ZTx/s1600/fruit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrCO4RqHTZheqilgCMAnsb1sL-avytMkvmOnyCzUVzupQ4CpAavmonP3I2-49XiLqhaRSF9eOrpZHq6lrI2lF9hO6Y9MdZOM9Koa3Wi-Pxyf7fJHyeDCKBN6z_1qAfpKqfb9MwXst-ZTx/s400/fruit3.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is not a new subject. People who have spent much time
in church have surely heard this before. But in mentioning that works are not
what save us, it cannot be missed that they are still a part of the daily life
of the Christian. It is my challenge to myself and to the reader that we
examine the fruit in our own lives and find areas in which we are not producing.
We do not obey God to have a relationship with Him. We obey because we have a
relationship with Him that involves Him sanctifying us to be more like Him
every day. Lack of production of fruit doesn’t make a plant cease being a
plant, but it is a sign that something is wrong, that it is unhealthy, and that
there is no growth occurring. Without production, the plant has no practical
purpose.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. </span>–Psalm 90:5-6</blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Works demonstrate who we belong to. They are the fruit of
our relationship with and growth in Christ. While not life-giving itself, it indicates that we have life. That’s important for our reassurance of our
salvation. It is also important in reproducing new Christians:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an
hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel,
but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven. –Matthew 5:14-16</span></blockquote>
<i>Third Post: <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/08/what-is-fruit-patience-and-time.html" target="_blank">What is Fruit?: The Patience and Time Required for Germination</a></i>Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-35771696584315024622018-07-11T16:27:00.000-04:002018-08-09T11:44:42.323-04:00What Is Fruit?I believe the phrasing the Bible uses is very measured and
purposeful. After all, it was God who inspired the words that are written.
Sometimes the full meaning is missed because it had to be translated. Even so, we
have to recognize that an omnipotent God is not just going to throw words on a
page.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Christian is repeatedly referred to in the New Testament
as a plant that bears fruit. Jesus uses the metaphor several times:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every
branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">branch</span> that beareth fruit, he
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the
word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch
cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye,
except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">are</span> the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the
same bringeth forth much fruit: for <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/01/without-me-ye-can-do-nothing.html">without
me ye can do nothing</a>. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a
branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">them</span> into the fire, and they are
burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye
will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye
bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. –John 15:1-8 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes
of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good
fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring
forth evil fruit, neither <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">can</span> a
corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good
fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall
know them. –Matthew 7:16-20 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither
doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own
fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they
grapes. –Luke 6:43-44</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt-J6ZBdle-fm4zxeOe20y5stEiwWeT5coGEIFjSjNFH0wQ4Rg9MTuCcV4rkNdT7THuxrILaBGTo4V8msxp_yw-R21YLlozIDBl5RH4J7vRGs0VWn9Otcqncvp7AZa8ToQV_Iijt_J6op/s1600/fruit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="630" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt-J6ZBdle-fm4zxeOe20y5stEiwWeT5coGEIFjSjNFH0wQ4Rg9MTuCcV4rkNdT7THuxrILaBGTo4V8msxp_yw-R21YLlozIDBl5RH4J7vRGs0VWn9Otcqncvp7AZa8ToQV_Iijt_J6op/s400/fruit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I am the vine, ye are the branches..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same metaphor, though less directly, is used in Galatians:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such
there is no law. –Galatians 5:22-23</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This, of course, implies that we are the plant that produces
fruit. Mankind also has the natural ability to produce the “works of the flesh,”
mentioned earlier in Galatians 5.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is all very fascinating, and widely known to
Christians. What’s the point?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Allow me to pose a seemingly obvious question: What is
fruit?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fruit is what is produced by a healthy plant. The Bible
compares our works to the fruit on that plant. “(B)y their fruits ye shall know
them.” “(T)he fruit of the Spirit.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But is fruit what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">makes</i>
a plant a plant? Or is it a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sign</i> that
a plant is a plant?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a plant in existence before fruit is ever produced.
An unhealthy plant may not produce any fruit. But that does not change the
plant’s identity. It is still a plant. But a good plant produces fruit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Study.com describes the process of seed germination:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOTNvDfpMftNCO7XGjVjKTI6I1phl7uAP7dcHPzBitmcZN0Q9nwdFFJbYjhaMmdtQB3c3lemwk2dZ-bA0Jghqe2FLDsXbTLGxPB4Z5QCO_6rbexI0_EIgfoUINxUeJ0nL-uOdpuieSWBg/s1600/fruit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="940" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOTNvDfpMftNCO7XGjVjKTI6I1phl7uAP7dcHPzBitmcZN0Q9nwdFFJbYjhaMmdtQB3c3lemwk2dZ-bA0Jghqe2FLDsXbTLGxPB4Z5QCO_6rbexI0_EIgfoUINxUeJ0nL-uOdpuieSWBg/s400/fruit3.jpg" width="400" /></a>After the seed has made it to a new location and is
covered with dirt, it can begin germination. <b>Germination</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> is the process of seeds developing
into new plants.</b> First, environmental conditions must trigger the seed to
grow. Usually, this is determined by how deep the seed is planted, water
availability, and temperature. When water is plentiful, the seed fills with
water in a process called <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">imbibition</span>.
The water activates special proteins, called <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">enzymes</span>, that begin the process of seed growth. First the seed
grows a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">root </span>to access
water underground. Next, the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">shoots</span>,
or growth above ground, begin to appear. The seed sends a shoot towards the
surface, where it will grow <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">leaves</span> to
harvest energy from the sun. The leaves continue to grow towards the light
source in a process called <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">photomorphogenesis</span>.</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It starts with a seed, and the seed goes through an
experience to create new life. So it is with Christians. We go through a
salvation experience of repentance and faith, and new life begins.<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. –I Corinthians
5:17</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What comes first? The germination, or the fruit?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The battles rages on between sects under the umbrella of “Christianity”
as to whether or not works are a part of what leads to salvation. If we believe
that God uses this fruit metaphor for a reason, we need to look at what happens
in nature. Fruit does not make a plant a plant. But fruit being produced is a
sign that a plant is a plant, and that it is alive and healthy. It is the plant’s
nature to produce the fruit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-XKIkP0JiuHfWe1gyOPf1Mbj6s-CcEiZmq6jLyF2q62RNviENkilETsVdNYs3M-v2S7LXiYBmYiRM2A5rXU0CBdViZTiGR6mMKb_9MUnuJ84PQYk25pbZQ0-DflhHS-loDNr-PtR3oNn/s1600/fruit4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1115" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-XKIkP0JiuHfWe1gyOPf1Mbj6s-CcEiZmq6jLyF2q62RNviENkilETsVdNYs3M-v2S7LXiYBmYiRM2A5rXU0CBdViZTiGR6mMKb_9MUnuJ84PQYk25pbZQ0-DflhHS-loDNr-PtR3oNn/s400/fruit4.jpg" width="301" /></a>Another example would be
nationality. (It is not a perfect example because one can renounce his earthly
citizenship but <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/11/once-saved-always-saved-absolutely.html">not
his heavenly citizenship</a>.) I do a lot of American things and have a lot of
American qualities. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWi4w7zFiu7/?taken-by=josephatrammell">I
carry an American flag camping to put in front of my tent.</a> I go to a friend’s
house and eat two pounds of meat. I sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” when “God
Save the Queen” plays. I wear tanks like <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWIOIaqlM8g/?taken-by=josephatrammell">“Back
to Back World War Champs”</a> and ones with Abraham Lincoln riding a grizzly
bear. I carry a gun. I shop for clearance items at Walmart. And I make fun of
Canada. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2015/06/do-paul-and-james-conflict.html">All
those things I do because I am American.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not do American things to become American. I already
am. Likewise, no one from outside the United States can become American by
doing those things. I am sure there are non-citizens that do some of those
things and look more American than some Americans. But, they are not made
American because that is not their identity. They only become American by the
legal process of gaining American citizenship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No amount of good works will make someone a Christian, no
matter how much he looks the part. It is not his identity. He must do what God’s
law establishes as the way to gain heavenly citizenship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/11/once-saved-always-saved-absolutely.html">No
amount of works of the flesh will make someone not a Christian.</a> But, a
healthy Christian will produce fruit. John the Baptist preached this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance… –Matthew
3:8</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This means that our fruit, or our works, should be
consistent with our claim of repentance. If we really have repented, we should
show it. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit-how-it-betrays-whose-we.html" target="_blank">More on this next time.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law,
but under grace? God forbid. –Romans 6:15</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Works are important. But it is an eternal mistake to miss
the biblical order. The fruit does not come first. A seed must be germinated,
and it is that life that already exists that produces fruit. Life must come through
salvation, and that life produces works. Fruit demonstrates that a plant is a plant
and helps reproduce other plants. Works demonstrate that a Christian is a Christian
and helps reproduce other Christians.<br />
<br />
<i>Second Post: <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2018/07/what-is-fruit-how-it-betrays-whose-we.html" target="_blank">What is Fruit?: How It Betrays Whose We Are</a></i></div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-55060596802731148122018-06-28T08:50:00.000-04:002018-07-03T09:39:46.330-04:00Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen to Christians?<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJORbgQUIhB-aOb8dnvJm_b4TpuPGCyVTh3q3whm7l8WurN1_iGCYSlqh5ubE5oZk7FFSy3ImqQp8rfOW6BVhfa53usTmP4DxZj49AeIabufZIDvKXZ04GyDcUgzlZ1TLdpFPiKvbeHUtx/s1600/badthings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="560" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJORbgQUIhB-aOb8dnvJm_b4TpuPGCyVTh3q3whm7l8WurN1_iGCYSlqh5ubE5oZk7FFSy3ImqQp8rfOW6BVhfa53usTmP4DxZj49AeIabufZIDvKXZ04GyDcUgzlZ1TLdpFPiKvbeHUtx/s400/badthings1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{152}" paraid="1625562906" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I honestly haven’t heard the question posed all that often, but I’ve heard other Christians, especially preachers, say that it is a common question posed by those outside the church. I hear it just as often in the church. Why does God allow bad things to happen to Christians? It’s something worth posing, because we might feel as though God allowing bad things to happen to His own children is contrary to His nature.</span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{156}" paraid="1656660943" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">However, bad things didn’t originate with God. God created a perfect world and a </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">sinless humanity:</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{162}" paraid="114461106" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> –Ecclesiastes 7:29</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{168}" paraid="1307851313" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But, we know how long that lasted. God created man with a free will, and Adam and Eve used that free will to choose to sin. <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/07/calvinism-contrary-to-gods-character.html?m=0" target="_blank">(To not believe in free will would imply that God created them with the purpose of them sinning.)</a></span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/07/calvinism-contrary-to-gods-character.html?m=0" target="_blank"> </a></span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{172}" paraid="1292846653" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">It was not God who </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">sinned, but man. And </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">so</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> man also brought the consequences of sin into the world.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{182}" paraid="1999875617" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Wherefore, as by </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">one man</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">… </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Romans 5:12</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{196}" paraid="1481423861" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Why do we have disease? Why do we have hatred? Why do we have addiction? Why do we have </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">death? It all started with the Fall.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{202}" paraid="484645570" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The bad things we experience in life are a consequence of the choice of sin—a choice everyone has made. This was not done at the beckoning of God, but </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in spite of</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Him.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{202}" paraid="484645570" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{210}" paraid="2057003926" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The other reason as to why bad things still happen to Christians can be found in John 6:</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{210}" paraid="2057003926" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{215}" paraid="706851081" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">When they were filled</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">… </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">John 6:11-12a</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{215}" paraid="706851081" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{227}" paraid="1832082252" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">whereinto</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">)</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">camest</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> thou hither? </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">John 6:22-26</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7RDXcYfzcJcbEBtEenk_WR763i2rV9nQSqldHSpYgjidn7sylGcF1Z6MS38RKz-1SJ60OUQMi0FfSTzvkC6AWjptFQCNB62ZhJx27y1sWsvWTSPdU_n8cOLMJMReHtHxwGLLqTTzjcAq/s1600/badthings2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7RDXcYfzcJcbEBtEenk_WR763i2rV9nQSqldHSpYgjidn7sylGcF1Z6MS38RKz-1SJ60OUQMi0FfSTzvkC6AWjptFQCNB62ZhJx27y1sWsvWTSPdU_n8cOLMJMReHtHxwGLLqTTzjcAq/s320/badthings2.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw this live in theaters and it did a<br />
great job with answering this question.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{255}" paraid="1970789507" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">There sat probably 15,000 people to listen to Him, and they didn't have food. Jesus miraculously provides for them. When Jesus was footing the bill, it was easy to follow Him.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{255}" paraid="1970789507" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{255}" paraid="1970789507" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But Jesus isn't calling for moochers. He's calling for worshipers. He's calling for people to follow Him because of who He is, not what He can do for them. If the only thing Jesus ever gave us was eternal life and a relationship with Him, it would still be so much more than we deserve.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{255}" paraid="1970789507" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{776e2be0-9989-457b-bfd2-32c0cd62fe1f}{255}" paraid="1970789507" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">So</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> when Jesus sees this crowd come look for Him the next day, He calls them out. "Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." Jesus then gives the crowd a "hard saying" (v. 60):</span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{14}" paraid="1345182691" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I am that bread of life. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Your fathers did eat manna in the </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">wilderness, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> are dead. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">eat</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> of this bread, he shall live </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">for ever</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">How</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> can this man give us his flesh to eat? </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Except</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Whoso </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">eateth</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> my flesh, and </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">drinketh</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He that </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">eateth</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> my flesh, and </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">drinketh</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">John 6:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">48-56</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{76}" paraid="1167888564" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Here's what Jesus is saying (and <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2015/09/transubstantiation-is-christ-in.html?m=0" target="_blank">He's not describing the Eucharist</a>): We should be seeking Him, not giveaways and benefits. People love a free lunch, and Jesus could have been the most popular person in the region because He could have always provided one. But that's not what the Kingdom of Heaven is built on. Jesus wants worshipers. We are to hunger after Him. And we see the result of Jesus's teaching:</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{76}" paraid="1167888564" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{80}" paraid="719827899" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">From that time many of his disciples went </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">back, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> walked no more with him. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">John 6:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">66</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{80}" paraid="719827899" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{94}" paraid="983166766" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">This validates</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> (as if He needed validation) what Jesus claimed. Most of the crowd was following Him for the handouts. Jesus's generosity and blessings made their lives better. Who wouldn't want to be a Christian with such incentives?</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{100}" paraid="1367786172" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">But, the Bible tells us the reality of what it means to be a Christian:</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{100}" paraid="1367786172" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{104}" paraid="507563278" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="color: #001320; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Then said Jesus unto his disciples, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="color: #001320; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">If</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="color: #001320; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> any </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="color: #001320; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">man</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="color: #001320; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Matthew 16:24</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{104}" paraid="507563278" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{120}" paraid="643425848" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">He </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">riseth</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> from </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">supper, and</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> laid aside his garments; and took a </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">towel, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> girded himself. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">After that he </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">poureth</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> water into a </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">bason</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">John 13:</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">3-5</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{154}" paraid="723752921" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">clothes, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> commanded to beat them. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Acts 16:22-24</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{170}" paraid="748062736" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Peter therefore was kept in prison</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">…</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Acts 1</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">2:1-5a</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{192}" paraid="1809055790" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And she went forth, and said unto her mother, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">What</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And immediately the king sent an </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">executioner, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">And brought his head in a </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">charger, and</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">–</span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Mark 6:24-28</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":720,"335559737":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekMmYTBKBBNaDsqx5SsM5egUcf4oe9BW4-J7NjYDgElWgpifTX4HPgOHhE1yqggiXPzeVaFcMVLzeEceLN-APuOjoqPigEuIwMmoaTjpBn6_lTulqUZ_hdvFwvnBy0rAG46kG-YHN4aH0/s1600/badthings3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekMmYTBKBBNaDsqx5SsM5egUcf4oe9BW4-J7NjYDgElWgpifTX4HPgOHhE1yqggiXPzeVaFcMVLzeEceLN-APuOjoqPigEuIwMmoaTjpBn6_lTulqUZ_hdvFwvnBy0rAG46kG-YHN4aH0/s400/badthings3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISIS execution of Christians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{220}" paraid="1363939371" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Christianity is a complete denial of oneself and total surrender to God. It is a call to sacrifice and to serve others. It is a call to lay down even one's life.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{220}" paraid="1363939371" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{220}" paraid="1363939371" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Certainly</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> God bestows blessings on His children. Christianity is full of gifts from God. But God has set it up so that we must have the right motive behind it. He gives fair warning in the Bible that following Jesus includes total surrender. No one who is truly aware of what Christianity entails will follow Jesus for the benefits.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{224}" paraid="1867065962" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{230}" paraid="1040133233" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Because that's not what God wants. He wants worshipers. He wants us to examine and find the truth. And when we arrive to the truth of who He is, we follow Him for that reason. We follow Him because He is all-powerful, holy, the Creator, and the One who died for us. Our following is a recognition that He is God and there is no alternative but to submit to Him. God could force everyone to follow Him. He could promise incentives that would cause everyone to follow Him. He doesn't do that. He wants genuine surrender and worship of Him.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW29348256" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph SCXW29348256" paraeid="{91d5789b-8603-47e5-b509-bc684313899c}{234}" paraid="416774121" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCXW29348256" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Why do bad things still happen to God's people? It is because the world is fallen and sinful, and in that fallen and sinful world God calls us to genuine faith in and worship of who He is.</span><span class="EOP SCXW29348256" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman_msfontservice" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-50975340528411401862018-06-13T23:39:00.000-04:002018-06-14T23:54:32.018-04:00Suicide: The Ultimate Selfish ActFollowing <a href="http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/star-treks-jon-paul-steuer-cause-of-death-ruled-suicide-report/ar-AAywHTh?ocid=ientp" target="_blank">another</a> <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/ct-celebrity-suicides-midlife-20180611-story.html">volley
of celebrity suicides</a>, we come again to the treacherous place of balancing sadness
and the need for solutions with not condoning this permanent “solution” to
temporary problems. The problem I see is that there is not a lot of condemnation
of suicide. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise in a society that is
increasingly accepting physician-assisted suicide in certain situations, but I
think there is still wide agreement that in most circumstances, suicide is not
the answer.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t think we make that clear enough. It’s not that we
are openly encouraging it, but we make excuses. I think there are situations
that are very tragic and out of an individual’s control, such as brain damage
caused by concussions and other head trauma. <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/junior-seau-diagnosed-brain-disease-caused-hits-head/story?id=18171785">Former
NFL player Junior Seau</a> and <a href="http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10142581/cte-present-ryan-freel-killed-self-report-says">former
MLB player Ryan Freel</a> were victims of this. I am also more sympathetic
towards younger teens who are undergoing hormonal changes when facing extreme
bullying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But even then, we have to be careful not to make it appear
that suicide is out of a person’s control. With rare exceptions, it isn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiz8bVfhW5Z5I02qlVjy1r3yPq6wvXmiHuayHKFD3tUUjTSQlM7R1URNYKhDEYh9YPMyExQEipvizXF8fe0t9-uF8jEVfq4B3mI2mPweLwc65p1UGpvirXcejK5buNUoijGhaE0lateDL/s1600/s1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="660" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiz8bVfhW5Z5I02qlVjy1r3yPq6wvXmiHuayHKFD3tUUjTSQlM7R1URNYKhDEYh9YPMyExQEipvizXF8fe0t9-uF8jEVfq4B3mI2mPweLwc65p1UGpvirXcejK5buNUoijGhaE0lateDL/s400/s1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We certainly have a problem. In 2016, the number of suicides
in the U.S. increased again, this time to <a href="https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/">almost 45,000</a>.
That’s about 123 a day. The more telling stat is that, according to the Center
for Disease Control, only one in 25 suicide attempts succeed, which means that
there were well over one million attempts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this goes well beyond the statistics. There are many
other people involved in a suicide. Many of us, myself included, know someone
who has taken his or her life. What is sometimes overlooked is the effect the
suicide has on those close to the individual.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I may be crucified for saying this, but I’m going to: With
rare exceptions, suicide is a choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t mean to sound heartless in placing some blame on the
individual who commits suicide. But I would rather run the risk of that than run
the risk of someone thinking he has no alternative. That doesn’t deny that
there can be trauma that leads to someone being suicidal. There can be mental
illness that can contribute. Certainly, there are complex circumstances
surrounding it. But there have been plenty of people who have lived through trauma
or mental illness and have not committed or attempted suicide.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I will go further (if I survived the first comment, I don’t
like my chances here): Suicide is a selfish act. It is the crown jewel of
selfish acts. If one really cares about his family and friends, he won’t take
his own life. If one really cares about the first responders or family/friends
or innocent bystanders that have to discover his body, he won’t take his own
life. Suicide is evident of self-absorption. One is so wrapped up in her own
problems that she doesn’t realize how many people around her she will hurt by
killing herself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Research has been done about <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Left-behind-after-suicide">the
effects of suicide on “suicide survivors”</a>—those who were close to the dead—and
PTSD is common, as is survivor’s guilt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One example is of a woman who was notified by police at her
door in the middle of the night that her father had shot himself:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
My sister expressed to me the sickness she felt when she
looked at her front door, and the fear she had that more bad news would come to
her front door if she fell asleep. She discussed the jumpy feeling she had when
someone rang the doorbell.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFaz9yHJNxofe1I6GVkIk1OyKRGqhIDdv4VqoGQFwi0ME_fOhgryzw6ZGCgr_svReuoh0SGARbA5HJ-yb_3a3A3asvnmbfHfbxVaole172dfaEfEnPZ62qhABvNIylr5UhJmVqa5he81m/s1600/s3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFaz9yHJNxofe1I6GVkIk1OyKRGqhIDdv4VqoGQFwi0ME_fOhgryzw6ZGCgr_svReuoh0SGARbA5HJ-yb_3a3A3asvnmbfHfbxVaole172dfaEfEnPZ62qhABvNIylr5UhJmVqa5he81m/s400/s3.png" width="266" /></a></div>
Another, whose brother committed suicide:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This is where I was the moment I was told my brother had
shot himself. I let out such a terrible shriek that the strangers outside the
window stopped talking. For a brief moment there was a pure, unadulterated
silence. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I remember a bolt rising from the top of my head,
expanding to the hot furnace that was my skin. I rushed to my room where I
slammed my fists into the walls, tore blankets from the mattress, and began
swinging my arms, hitting anything and anyone in my path. I screamed so hard
that I was left without air. I was given a valium to numb my body into
sleep — it was a sleep fraught with terrifying images of my brother leaving. I
heard bullets bursting in the air; my sheets were sweat-filled the next
morning. There was a sense of drowning, of falling, of being completely
shattered… </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Shortly after my brother’s memorial service, I began
experiencing chronic panic attacks and nightmares that persisted for several
years. On numerous occasions at movie theaters, I had to make a silent exit
during an especially rousing scene of a character shooting himself in the
head — rushing to the nearest bathroom stall to sob. I stopped listening to
music for an entire year because my chest throbbed from certain songs played on
the radio. My most recent bout of symptoms came after reading a searing essay
from a woman who considered her friend’s suicide a blessing. As soon as I read
the piece, I felt the intense need to flee, to cry, to punch a wall.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another who lost her brother:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Looking like my old normal self on the outside; I let no one
in on the devastation going on in the inside. I was terrified to face my own
grief. For quite a while I attempted to stuff it down, in fear I’d shatter in a
million pieces if I had to deal with it. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For over three years I did not want to get out of bed in
the morning. Doing the dishes felt like climbing Mount Everest. I forced myself
to work. Experiencing debilitating anxiety and flashbacks of what I thought my
brother’s death looked like, I would later understand after seeking counseling,
I was experiencing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms common to
suicide survivors. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Becoming more and more withdrawn, I didn’t socialize very
often unless I had to. Sometimes I wouldn’t leave my house for days. Shopping
and eating at nice restaurants were the only things that made me feel good and
I subsequently gained 15 pounds; which lead to more shopping, because now I
couldn’t fit into my pants. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As I walked around New York City, I would find myself
clinging to skyscrapers as complete and utter dread rushed though me for no
apparent reason. Life felt very unsafe those first few years. I never knew when
an anxiety attack or a flash back would strike. My marriage unraveled as
quickly as I did and I ended up divorced.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things are even worse when someone discovers the body or
watches the suicide occur. One person commented on a blog post:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichoP58UA1LXELjU4iZsFUI1MShDSUAWTnemmltK-B0pHJZpjb_JwFgrxQ2qr3pF4gJHvXrkkNLO_oEgZHVFFgMlKdyzuFQFDvFH1KOS1b36HEstR3c-n2g1byOeWxAdNCpSv7LoGzmx3z/s1600/s5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="705" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichoP58UA1LXELjU4iZsFUI1MShDSUAWTnemmltK-B0pHJZpjb_JwFgrxQ2qr3pF4gJHvXrkkNLO_oEgZHVFFgMlKdyzuFQFDvFH1KOS1b36HEstR3c-n2g1byOeWxAdNCpSv7LoGzmx3z/s400/s5.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
While walking my dog in a park on friday [sic] morning, I
found a man hanging from a tree. He had committed suicide earlier that day or
the night before. I called it in. I didn't feel upset at first. Numb?
Surprised? Disbelief? I've since cried several times. I don't understand why I
have to be upset about it. I didn't actually see him do it. I didn't see his
face. I at first thought it was just a man standing there. Now I feel
emotionally raw. I cry easily and I don't want to leave the comfort of my home
and my dog. I can't stop thinking about it. Reading all the other posts, this
situation was nowhere near as traumatic. Why can't I just move on? Why do I
keep thinking about him? How can I let go?</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another comment:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
My 28 year old [sic] son shot himself in front of me a
couple weeks ago. It runs on a continuous loop in my mind, each time me
wondering could I have said or did anything differently to save him.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">USA Today</i> featured
an <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/11/train-engineers-track-deaths/13929491/">article</a>
several years ago about the effect of suicides and other deaths on train
operators (I’d recommend it in its entirety):</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Train operators are trained to accept that they will
likely be involved in a fatal incident at some point,” said Dr. Howard Rombom,
a psychologist who works with New York subway and bus employees when they deal
with the deaths. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Some deal with it more quickly than others. But those who
are deeply affected often suffer post-traumatic stress syndrome, waking from
nightmares and sometimes withdrawing from social situations. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"They are typically so uncomfortable at times that
they feel that they can't relate to other people," Rombom said. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Although the engineer may be the last one to see the
person alive, conductors are the ones who have to step off the train to find
the body. It can be gruesome.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A subreddit included some witness accounts as well, like
this one of a child discovering her mom:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Saturday, I woke up to go and see if she was in her usual
spot. She wasn't. I thought okay, she might be in the garage. So I didn't think
anything of it. About a half-hour later, I went out to the garage and saw only
my dad and grandma there. Something was wrong. I went outside a couple of
times, and the third time I checked the other side of the house. I regretted
and still regret my decision to do that. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
She had shot herself with a handgun through the chest and
was face down. She had a blanket with her. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
My first instinct was to go get my dad while in the
process panicking and hyperventilating. I didn't actually cry heavily which was
weird because death upsets me greatly. I tried to pick her back up but all I
got was blood on my hands. But it didn't occur to me at all and instead I went
to tell my friend who was staying over. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Coroner and police were called and she was hauled off. All
of us had a crying session and I am still haunted by what I found to this day.
That last time I really got to see “her” was when she was dolled up and looking
f*****g youthful as ever for the viewing. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This was this past October 11th. This year will be the
first anniversary.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsFr2bhDsqn7nu9AimEhMING7RvexOuYcpADOEhe-6__KfId_D7K91cE78T9Qkyd_BQbCxVkJc8SxL0S4gHmZg4LhKxspVA2QZ6WK_kYwOr9lRnGtu7zk6Sod7ZBHbBiyEcVXlw_zdVww/s1600/s2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="424" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsFr2bhDsqn7nu9AimEhMING7RvexOuYcpADOEhe-6__KfId_D7K91cE78T9Qkyd_BQbCxVkJc8SxL0S4gHmZg4LhKxspVA2QZ6WK_kYwOr9lRnGtu7zk6Sod7ZBHbBiyEcVXlw_zdVww/s400/s2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A worker cleaning up after a suicide (a tame photo compared to others I found)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Or this account of a boy finding a stranger:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When I was a teenager, I went to football training early
one morning. We were mucking around, kicking balls and running and there was a
car parked by the oval which was unusual. After maybe 5 minutes we noticed
there was a hose attached to the exhaust pipe and leading into the window.
Being 13 or so, we didn't know much better and a group of us walked over to the
car. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There was a man, late 20's, completely pale with blue
lips, stiff, lifeless, with a bottle of whiskey in his lap. His head tilted to
the window, the car still running. We went and got our coach who called the
police. Never got that image out of my head.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The housekeeper for Linkin Park lead singer Chester
Bennington discovered him hanging, and the <a href="https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2017/07/911-call-chester-bennington-suicide-audio/">chilling
911 call</a> by his driver included her weeping and screaming in the
background.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of that to show that there is a lot of trauma involved
for those close to the person who takes his own life. The dead person doesn’t
have to concern himself with that, but it affects others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
There is always something for which
to live. But when someone is convinced there isn’t, his thoughts ought to shift
to those that care about him. There’s always someone. If he is convinced no one
cares, his thoughts should shift to the people who will find his body. The
search and rescue volunteers that find the corpse below the bridge. The
stranger who discovers the body in the woods. The police who find him in his
house after he hasn’t been seen for a few days. The people who must haul the
mangled body away. The workers who must clean the blood and organs off the
front of the locomotive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
The selfishness of suicide seems
counterintuitive, since it is an act of violence against oneself. But suicide
involves a lot of self-pity and a lack of thought for the feelings and health
of family and friends. Those who commit suicide can subject others to years of trauma,
PTSD, guilt, and shame. It deprives family and friends of time with someone they
love by an act that was entirely preventable and ultimately that person’s
choice. It drags strangers into the horrors that await them upon discovering
the person and cleaning up the mess. The American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention says that <a href="https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/">suicides cost the U.S.
$69 billion each year</a>. Think of the money that must be spent in cleanup, search
and rescue, investigation, counseling, and time off work for the survivors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJiLvMAEoKHtVKdDxQOFqRekU4JrKyQ-cxhZYFyybwdonIWHmPJCve5Hu6uoxcdYG7UbA_P9k_qTH7gQto-1uEj1HdiXYz52Aq6FIs0ywLMdHVkTQQjI4zioE587EjTExi76sEP6yS_hk/s1600/s4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="324" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJiLvMAEoKHtVKdDxQOFqRekU4JrKyQ-cxhZYFyybwdonIWHmPJCve5Hu6uoxcdYG7UbA_P9k_qTH7gQto-1uEj1HdiXYz52Aq6FIs0ywLMdHVkTQQjI4zioE587EjTExi76sEP6yS_hk/s400/s4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suicide prevention poster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
What is worse is that the person
that commits suicide is no longer there to help mitigate the problems she
created. Everyone else is left to pick up the pieces.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
This is not to say that a suicide
isn’t unfortunate. The circumstances are often very sad. But we can’t make
excuses. Circumstances cannot always be helped. But the reaction to them can. It
is wrong to subject others to one’s choice to kill himself. We need to affirm
to people that there are other solutions, that their lives have meaning, and
that people care. I think it should also not be missed that there will be a
wide impact on those close to the individual, and if that person has the least
bit of care for family, friends, and strangers, she will not go through with
it. If she is only focused on her problems and selfishly shows no regard for
others, she just might.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
One takeaway from the latest celebrity
suicides is that no one is exempt from depression and other problems.
Fulfillment is not found in fame or money, nor in relationships or success. A
stable and unchanging identity is only found in a relationship with Jesus, and
that is the message Christians must hold to. Even so, people outside of
Christianity still care about others. It is that care for others that should pull
anyone from the brink of self-destruction and away from an extreme and permanent
action to alleviate problems that surely will not last forever.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-55568215223175453072018-05-30T13:51:00.000-04:002018-05-31T06:12:47.877-04:00Preaching the Gospel to End Abortion: The Fool's ErrandIt is a common idea spread among Christians—particularly those
that have little to no involvement in the pro-life movement—that we ought not
to directly oppose abortion (apart from saying we’re against it), but rather we
should just share the gospel and that will produce the same effect. This can be
applied to any injustice. The problem is that this view is inconsistent with
scripture, inconsistent with historical movements, and inconsistent with logic
in light of what the Bible teaches.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We will never end abortion by only sharing the gospel, and it
is a fool’s errand to attempt it. Please understand: spreading the gospel is
the most important task given to Christians. I do not downplay its importance.
And I agree that the gospel does change hearts. Those who are born again will learn
from the Bible and the conviction of the Holy Spirit that abortion is wrong.
But, I do not believe that our job ends there. Christianity has been the
driving force behind positive social change for centuries, and that is rooted
in the Bible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaklINtarWCqIiUhO9YuDrNEsi5p1w-TJUh0hFDZp_WzT_bXyl9jhJ0epAHAG3zk1lok8aaXV1ZiowV6VMQSsn7c6J5NnBihyOiay81AdwF2VSL8esIiXwTlDvok43FAqBpm0IgWa-bCvL/s1600/gospelabortion1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="600" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaklINtarWCqIiUhO9YuDrNEsi5p1w-TJUh0hFDZp_WzT_bXyl9jhJ0epAHAG3zk1lok8aaXV1ZiowV6VMQSsn7c6J5NnBihyOiay81AdwF2VSL8esIiXwTlDvok43FAqBpm0IgWa-bCvL/s400/gospelabortion1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When slavery was ended, there were plenty of people that
hated the occasion. The abolitionist president was assassinated in the
aftermath. The former Confederacy instituted Jim Crow laws as soon as it could.
But, despite not converting masses of people to Christianity (true Christianity
that stands against owning other human beings), slavery was ended. Likewise, de
jure segregation was ended despite fierce opposition in the Deep South. Most of
the racists in the United States were not converted to true Christianity, yet
segregation stopped.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was an acceptable and realistic scenario. Martin Luther
King, Jr. remarked, “It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but
it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slavery and segregation ended not because the gospel was
spread, but because gospel-motivated individuals, and those with similar
morals, campaigned specifically against the injustice. King was a minister, and
he spread the gospel, but his speeches did not stop at sharing the gospel. The
boycotts and passive resistance were not gospel campaigns. They specifically
targeted the injustice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
William Wilberforce was a Christian who fought to end the
slave trade in England. He stated that our Christianity serves as a means to keep
evil in check:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
Is it not the great end of religion, and, in particular, the
glory of Christianity, to extinguish the malignant passions; to curb the
violence, to control the appetites, and to smooth the asperities of man; to
make us compassionate and kind, and forgiving one to another; to make us good
husbands, good fathers, good friends; and to render us active and useful in the
discharge of the relative social and civil duties?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt8oup6XJrZP_-5PTU9iH-CsD-f0d6ZL7ShM8s-oRO-E9hkrqJRkIeYKWP-3lcZB7FZSlMk7GrC4NOKvGdeTFI_LReUjhMHB9W4jH8zhY5SZnFh6amr5gacAWt9SM6useAugo9FlZXxuz/s1600/gospelabortion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt8oup6XJrZP_-5PTU9iH-CsD-f0d6ZL7ShM8s-oRO-E9hkrqJRkIeYKWP-3lcZB7FZSlMk7GrC4NOKvGdeTFI_LReUjhMHB9W4jH8zhY5SZnFh6amr5gacAWt9SM6useAugo9FlZXxuz/s400/gospelabortion2.jpg" width="400" /></a>This viewpoint comes from scripture. Paul in II Thessalonians
speaks of the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And you know what is restraining him now so that [the Antichrist]
may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.
Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then
the lawless one will be revealed… –II Thessalonians 2:6-8a</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He” speaks of the Holy Spirit. Verse 3 says there must be a
“falling away” before the Antichrist is revealed. Paul knows what this means to
his readers. The “falling away” occurs only when Christians are taken out of
the world. This is why Paul makes the jump that the church knows what is
restraining the evil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When is the Holy Spirit out of the way? When Christians are
removed from the world. The Holy Spirit dwells in Christians. So when
Christians are removed, that is when evil loses its restraint and the awful
things of the Tribulation take place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Conclusion: One purpose of Christianity is to restrain evil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-left: 0in;">
The biggest issue with trying to
end abortion by only sharing the gospel is that Christians will never be the
majority. The majority of a country like the United States might be “culturally
Christian,” but not truly.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and
broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in
thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto
life, and few there be that find it. –Matthew 7:13-14</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus tells us that many people go through the gate to
destruction, but few find the way that leads to life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aj1L28-s8iIJ10hifx9jdJci2K-iTGCQrGdicKh3UpeoBDtZz3PPYbOJKGlM86sLH-Q_HJCU185ryz_URjQQt58aLzVzNmDU3RuYoJhqWb2qH1qCqaPeTjTL8ARPYJRxTqnwD5WCkZjq/s1600/gospelabortion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aj1L28-s8iIJ10hifx9jdJci2K-iTGCQrGdicKh3UpeoBDtZz3PPYbOJKGlM86sLH-Q_HJCU185ryz_URjQQt58aLzVzNmDU3RuYoJhqWb2qH1qCqaPeTjTL8ARPYJRxTqnwD5WCkZjq/s400/gospelabortion3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created Equal is an organization whose goal is to change minds about abortion,<br />
and encourages its members to share the gospel at the same time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you aren’t holding your breath for us to convert
enough people to change public opinion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we’re only relying on bringing people to Christ to end an
injustice, it will never happen because we won’t come close to converting even
the majority, as Christ says. But it is possible, and I have personally seen it
over and over, to change people’s minds about abortion while not converting
them. The goal should always be to do both, and pro-life public activism offers
ample opportunity to share the gospel. But there are plenty of people who are
not born again or don’t even identify as Christians who are against abortion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t particularly care if I sway everyone when it comes
to abortion. I care that I sway <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">enough</i>
people. Like King said, if we can make the law prevent the injustice, that is
sufficient, even if there are a lot of people unhappy about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share the gospel. It is the most important thing we can and
must do. But don’t fall prey to the delusion that sharing the gospel is enough to
end abortion. Whether you actually care about that is another question. But the
method of operation to ending injustice has not been and is not simply sharing
the gospel.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-79551244581030942102018-05-16T22:45:00.004-04:002018-09-27T23:46:12.021-04:00Dumb Arguments Against the Death PenaltyThe title is a little misleading, because I don’t think
there are any good arguments against the death penalty. I take some flack from <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2015/05/a-christian-pro-life-view-of-death.html">Christians
who consider it unloving</a>, <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/01/apparently-everything-is-pro-life-issue.html">pro-life
people who believe it is inconsistent</a> (as if murderers and helpless preborn
babies are morally the same) and from liberals who think killing murderers is
wrong but killing babies is fine. But I find capital punishment not just okay,
but necessary, and I don’t think there are any rational and consistent
arguments against it. I want to examine five common ones I hear.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijT-PMAFMScCfdJMHYi57EItsBCXCgN4GpDuIqGizLgOajj_stJ6sPEC08-T09HS2YabTqd-Jj7icl6GVwbKQA6mECAnwkxGyuXfUNeC0HxBy4xMdHwp0eWFjhzVRXgELrDHpdxihiCcA/s1600/dumbarguments4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="960" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijT-PMAFMScCfdJMHYi57EItsBCXCgN4GpDuIqGizLgOajj_stJ6sPEC08-T09HS2YabTqd-Jj7icl6GVwbKQA6mECAnwkxGyuXfUNeC0HxBy4xMdHwp0eWFjhzVRXgELrDHpdxihiCcA/s400/dumbarguments4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“It’s too expensive.”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s true, kind of. Lethal injection can be very expensive.
A couple years ago, <a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/sep/30/virginias-lethal-injection-costs-set-to-skyrocket-/">Virginia’s
jumped to $16,500 per execution</a>. So why is this a bad argument?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two reasons. The first is that the alternative, life in prison,
is exponentially more expensive. The average <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">annual</i> cost to incarcerate a person in the United States is over
$31,000. Super-maximum-security prisons can run over $60,000 a year. Obviously,
we shouldn’t execute people to save costs, but these numbers completely destroy
the argument that we shouldn’t execute people because of the expense. If
executions were done after appeals fail instead of 20 or more years later, that
would be much less expensive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second reason is that there are many cheaper ways to execute
people. Gallows don’t cost nearly as much as drugs. Firing squads are pretty
cheap. There’s no reason to throw so much money at an execution. The problem
people have with these methods is the next dumb argument against the death
penalty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“They might feel
pain.”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is an argument against even lethal injection, which is designed
to avoid pain. But I don’t even think that it doesn’t matter if pain is felt—I think
it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i> be felt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO9hA2k5UVGfIldk9ArVwsWNIyAD209YXGl8YOJ0sjjXoS8VLe0hcFteau7DRXKPSYNxyf89kFkkfxgE4TTgfzYLwypLWbS0LKM5dwBTijnNXJSId6n0SGF4-VmW7XjEiK7KDNTS3D24G/s1600/dumbarguments1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1376" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO9hA2k5UVGfIldk9ArVwsWNIyAD209YXGl8YOJ0sjjXoS8VLe0hcFteau7DRXKPSYNxyf89kFkkfxgE4TTgfzYLwypLWbS0LKM5dwBTijnNXJSId6n0SGF4-VmW7XjEiK7KDNTS3D24G/s400/dumbarguments1.jpg" width="400" /></a>It might seem to be a barbaric statement, but what is the
point of capital punishment? I believe its primary purpose is to justly punish
a criminal. In most circumstances, the victim of the murder (or rape, as I
believe should also be a capital offense) felt pain, so why should the
perpetrator get a painless death? The just reward for a violent murder or rape
is a violent death.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A secondary benefit of the death penalty is deterrence.
While a consistent application of the death penalty (<a href="https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/arbitrariness">instead of a system where
less than two percent of murderers are executed</a>) would be the greatest
deterrent, an added deterrent would be the assurance that the execution will
not be painless.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“It might kill innocent
people.”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was a relevant argument in the past, and it still may
be for people that were sentenced to death years ago. The first criminal
conviction from DNA testing occurred in 1987. The Justice for All Act in 2004 strengthens
the right of convicted felons to obtain post-conviction testing. The regular
use of DNA testing today and the availability of post-conviction testing make
this no longer a problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“It’s not our place
to decide who lives or dies.”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1fwQl7bYBNGFtRvqJG_BZeyO1qm3Jx_dbUYeO6p93rmC-aF_OeXEXG1S5IhPLxsHCw30i5vhSuf0o21H861MzNfqrEMQTOD31D-tU4Ube8Txr2GKUGY2snTnKqnrggmU4tk6WuTxnmGS/s1600/dumbarguments3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="296" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1fwQl7bYBNGFtRvqJG_BZeyO1qm3Jx_dbUYeO6p93rmC-aF_OeXEXG1S5IhPLxsHCw30i5vhSuf0o21H861MzNfqrEMQTOD31D-tU4Ube8Txr2GKUGY2snTnKqnrggmU4tk6WuTxnmGS/s400/dumbarguments3.jpg" width="400" /></a>With due process, yes, it is. This isn’t an arbitrary system
where we just grab people off the street and decide to execute them. There must
be an arraignment, a trial by jury if they choose, and a unanimous conviction.
There are many technological and forensic tools at the disposal of courts when
it comes to something so serious. Our laws lay out what actions are illegal and
what their punishment can be. Violent criminals know their actions are wrong
and they know the consequences, and it is a high burden of proof to convict
them. We feel it is our place to decide whether someone’s freedom is taken away
for the rest of his life. We clearly think we have a wide liberty to choose
someone’s fate. This argument is not made because its maker believes it wrong
to drastically affect someone’s life to punish him. It is made because someone
makes up her mind that capital punishment is wrong and then scrambles to find a
justification.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“God would forgive
them.”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This winner of the “Worst Public Policy in Recorded History”
award was famously posited by Mother Teresa, the internationally-repudiated
politician and sociologist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The logical conclusion of this policy would be to pardon anyone
for any crime because, well, “God would forgive them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kv4LVI6-rjXdnusHxzBbqZjl_Hx4wR55w0pdGCk-8X6FXKArxdFapR7XNKxGyOE0E0ObAOFqlOV-y0PrG6XN0WpN2p9jE05zIhAdpxH-0dFX8AeGA24ydqoxfCoy61lIEWd1c0pqQw_6/s1600/dumbarguments2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="850" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kv4LVI6-rjXdnusHxzBbqZjl_Hx4wR55w0pdGCk-8X6FXKArxdFapR7XNKxGyOE0E0ObAOFqlOV-y0PrG6XN0WpN2p9jE05zIhAdpxH-0dFX8AeGA24ydqoxfCoy61lIEWd1c0pqQw_6/s400/dumbarguments2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good heavens, it's an epidemic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are the people who think criminals will follow gun
laws.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s true. God will forgive murderers and rapists and any
other criminal because His forgiveness knows no limits. But that doesn’t mean
that we avoid the consequences of our actions. Allowing people to do so would
open up Pandora’s Box, as criminals would know they can get away with anything and
not be punished for their wrongdoing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God did not have a problem with punishing people for their
crimes, nor did He have a problem with capital punishment. In fact, He
commanded it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
And surely your blood of your lives
will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand
of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Whoso
sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God
made he man. –Genesis 9:5-6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was before the Law, part of the Noahic Covenant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, we don’t bend God to align with our beliefs. We
must align with His. We don’t get to decide that God doesn’t like capital punishment
because we don’t like capital punishment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nor should we shun justice because we
don’t like what it demands.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-42295352980536481192018-04-12T08:10:00.002-04:002018-04-12T08:10:55.203-04:00God's Righteous Jealousy for Unrighteous PeopleThe guys will especially be able
to relate to this question. Have you ever felt jealousy over someone? Perhaps
they were a friend or just a random girl you saw around. But when another guy
starting dating her, or flirting with her, or even casually talking to her, you
became really envious.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
How do I know this? Because I’ve
been there, fellas. It’s not a spot one wants to be in. Proverbs 6:34 tells us,
“For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of
vengeance.” This sort of jealousy over someone who you do not possess (as in,
married couples possess each other) is sinful. But I’m not here to talk about
that. I’m using this as an example to see God’s somewhat overlooked attribute.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrrUv1WA9KOTGFa7uib69rtL_UmibwXXvq6AACzWO45qOLTs_WuoxVY4RJUq8LtxsIO28vZqT3aS73N7UojONbox0Rr1sTiXK3S4p4dJVjqGjn75POK61MSLoB-sL5X3H_ttyoLqMyRu1/s1600/jealousy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrrUv1WA9KOTGFa7uib69rtL_UmibwXXvq6AACzWO45qOLTs_WuoxVY4RJUq8LtxsIO28vZqT3aS73N7UojONbox0Rr1sTiXK3S4p4dJVjqGjn75POK61MSLoB-sL5X3H_ttyoLqMyRu1/s400/jealousy1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
Years ago, I remember walking in
the rain, trying not to think about someone, when this thought process took
shape in my mind. Just as we get jealous over that certain girl, so God is
jealous over us. But unlike in our case, God is righteous in his jealousy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
Since the Bible likens us as
married to Christ, we can see why the example is proper. If another man starts
to flirt with a man’s bride, he will not idly stand by. He would be a coward to
do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
As the bride of Christ, when
something else comes along and begins to court us, God jumps into defense mode.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
But throw another kink in the
analogy. Let’s say the bride willingly has an affair. We would say that the
husband’s love can rightly be removed. But as we see in the book of Hosea, as
well as all throughout the Bible, when we “play the harlot” and run away from
God, His love is not quenched. The clearest example of unconditional love runs
after us and retrieves us from the situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
Here’s the simple-in-words-difficult-to-practice
part: We don’t have to run. In fact, when we run, we risk our safety because we
have left the protection of the Husband. Staying close to Jesus, linked
together, offers us protection from the wicked one who wants to take us from
Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
There may be those who come
along and try to take the wife even by force. A good husband will do whatever
he must to protect her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
Satan’s goal for the Christian
is to remove him as far away as possible from the Husband. (Yes, guys, it takes
a while to get used to the fact that we are Christ’s bride.) Being away from
Him means having to face Satan on our own, a battle we cannot win. But God is
not willing for us to face defeat in Satan’s hands. It is not our battle to
fight, but His—one He will never lose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“He is jealous for me…”<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQenHJiZtcZJkMg19fQs2o62aKxggrtogTo6YZnc46Ql62oMXND5wUileT2_aT3m8eoO90_bqyCSJuwADg5xKf9IkSPv7mZ0pgtJk57_cwFrMXUagbnqw491E236wpH4YvdlX-isApwYi/s1600/jealousy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="353" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQenHJiZtcZJkMg19fQs2o62aKxggrtogTo6YZnc46Ql62oMXND5wUileT2_aT3m8eoO90_bqyCSJuwADg5xKf9IkSPv7mZ0pgtJk57_cwFrMXUagbnqw491E236wpH4YvdlX-isApwYi/s400/jealousy2.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosea was willing to buy back Hagar no matter the cost.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
To get a good idea of God’s
jealousy, and consequently His defense of us, let’s look in a couple Old
Testament books.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
The name of the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord </span>is a strong tower: the righteous runneth
into it, and is safe. –Proverbs 18:10<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
The very name of God is a
fortress which will, as we are promised in God’s Word, keep us safe. This isn’t
an abstract notion; this is a promise from God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man,
that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken,
and shall he not make it good? –Numbers 23:19<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
We’re not just talking about God
grabbing us and running away. His vengeance and wrath are tied up in this. He
will not let what tries to do us harm go unpunished. Psalm 18 gives us vivid
imagery of what this looks like:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span>, who spake unto the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span> the words of this song in the day that the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span> delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And
he said, I will love thee, O L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span>, my strength. The L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span> is my rock, and my
fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my
buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span>, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. The
sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The
sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my
distress I called upon the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span>, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out
of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth
shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken,
because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out
of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and
came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did
fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret
place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the
skies. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail
stones and coals of fire. The L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span> also thundered in the heavens, and the
Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his
arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then
the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were
discovered at thy rebuke, O L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span>, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He
sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me
from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong
for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span> was my stay.<o:p></o:p> –Psalm 18:1-18</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of
your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all
trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us,
which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it. –Colossians 2:13-15<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpWp-_7GOVScZ8pN32b4xN-fom5hIQwuRWrOAAFaDgGm9xDMurzEiK88I9F3q2vLH2x_93BgaEVoyuQurucYzx6lzEj3Oj3xYtAOgy_IF6t6kSuWBr79a5UN8ycGS1dM1-JfCwERcXEg4/s1600/jealousy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpWp-_7GOVScZ8pN32b4xN-fom5hIQwuRWrOAAFaDgGm9xDMurzEiK88I9F3q2vLH2x_93BgaEVoyuQurucYzx6lzEj3Oj3xYtAOgy_IF6t6kSuWBr79a5UN8ycGS1dM1-JfCwERcXEg4/s400/jealousy3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cities had strong towers in the middle of them as a place to run to when attacked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
Just as God initially took
everything from the evil powers of this world, tarred and feathered them, and
drug them through the streets (essentially), so does He come with like
indignation every time we are in trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
By simply calling on Him, He
will unleash His wrath on ungodliness for our sakes. God is too jealous of us,
too unconditionally loving, to do anything else.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span> delivereth him out of them all. –Psalm 34:19<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
You have a God who is protective
of you. When Satan tempts with sin, takes your arm and says to follow Him, God
banishes him with the victory Christ already attained on the cross. That is the
promise given to you.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-20134660571961359252018-03-19T20:31:00.000-04:002018-03-20T09:14:14.319-04:00Justice Ride Spring 2018: I Signed the Picture, but Others in it Couldn't<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this spring Justice Ride, I became a pseudo-celebrity
when I made the cover photo of the University of Florida newspaper story on
Created Equal’s outreach on campus. Some of the other riders had me sign their
copies. But there was something much more important about the photo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNrCu-AU49NglFXJwB_6s6i_lengkOM0sFQpjkQWwtrabesFSwNm2b7hKAXY7YO4zJkLSMG0wn3BHuFWRR7uCKEIOw9H1LAjE4TQy3-UW4wwsLJxNiqnokBlddCXXSynQu5gq50wE45C9/s1600/jr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNrCu-AU49NglFXJwB_6s6i_lengkOM0sFQpjkQWwtrabesFSwNm2b7hKAXY7YO4zJkLSMG0wn3BHuFWRR7uCKEIOw9H1LAjE4TQy3-UW4wwsLJxNiqnokBlddCXXSynQu5gq50wE45C9/s400/jr1.jpg" width="400" /></a>The picture is of me shaking hands with Alfredo, a senior at
Florida, after conversing with him about abortion’s morality for probably half
an hour. But two others were pictured in the photo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of them was <a href="https://cemeteryofchoice.wikispaces.com/Marla+Cardamone">Marla Cardamone</a>,
a teenager who was pressured by a social worker to have an abortion. Marla died
of septicemia after abortionist Michael Weinberger erred in administering an
injection in his Pittsburgh abortion facility.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other is of a 5-month fetus who was dismembered in a
dilation and evacuation abortion, which involves grabbing the limbs, twisting
to break them off, and pulling them out. The head is crushed and pulled out
last. Before the fetus bleeds to death, she feels every bit of the pain of
dismemberment at this stage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marla nor this baby were able to sign that photo. Their
lives were taken prematurely by abortion. I made this clear on the bus after our
second day at the University of Florida.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, it’s cool that I’m on the cover photo. But what’s much
more important, and what will be remembered much more than me, is that the
victims are in that photo, and everyone that reads the article is going to see
that,” I said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The interesting thing was, I wasn’t supposed to be on this
Justice Ride. Two spring breaks ago, when I was a junior at NKU, I made the
decision to go to <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/03/beach-reach-how-god-moved-in-my-life.html">Beach
Reach</a> after spending my first two spring breaks on the <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2014/03/justice-ride-spring-2014.html">Justice
Ride</a>, a decision I don’t at all regret. Beach Reach had a profound impact
on me and my ability to share the gospel. That summer, I went on two trips with
Created Equal, but the next spring break I again went on <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/03/beach-reach-2017-gods-providence-our.html">Beach
Reach</a>, then worked all the next summer and did not go on any mission trips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, even though this was my ninth mission trip with <a href="http://www.createdequal.org/">Created Equal</a> and sixth <a href="http://www.justiceride.org/">Justice Ride</a>, I had not done anything
with the organization since July of 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was largely due to my schedule. My senior year of
college, I worked or had class at least five days a week, sometimes six or
seven. Then in the summer I worked about three days a week and was frequently out
of town because of work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwXtfhh2CYDVMTzc7S8w5nQ98GhqVvBu-nPcnKBuA01iGDGdOHDTbSFdNJmbaf6EkZu9hMXIPCV6mWu3bcmaV3YyiG34pUznzZmCt14mZMDZs7X-2q2B_0vQnZKSmNA5WhtfvGo6Mz5wg/s1600/jr4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwXtfhh2CYDVMTzc7S8w5nQ98GhqVvBu-nPcnKBuA01iGDGdOHDTbSFdNJmbaf6EkZu9hMXIPCV6mWu3bcmaV3YyiG34pUznzZmCt14mZMDZs7X-2q2B_0vQnZKSmNA5WhtfvGo6Mz5wg/s400/jr4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our group at the Gulf of Mexico</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of this was also due to my disenchantment with the
pro-life movement stemming from the 2016 presidential election, when I took a <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2016/10/lets-stop-kidding-ourselves-trump-will.html">strong
stance against voting for Donald Trump</a> even in the general election. So,
between these two things, I wasn’t sure if I would be involved in any future
pro-life work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My goal was to get a group together to go to Beach Reach on
my spring break, but that fell through. The door opened for the Justice Ride,
and I saw God in the works. But I had no idea how this would go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so grateful that things worked out as they did. This
was the most comfortable I have ever been in outreach, the boldest I have been,
and there were some great mentorship opportunities as one of the oldest and
most experienced team members. I loved to see the passion coming from 14- and
15-year-olds, who had the ability to debate philosophy majors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing I learned was to trust the process. Created Equal
does not demand perfection of its volunteers. For many of the students, this
was their first time doing this sort of outreach. They were trained, and then
they were put in the field. There were times when I heard them in discussions
and I wanted to jump in their conversation. But I remember my first Justice
Ride. It took time, experience, and further training through the summer
internship to get where I am. They’ll learn and grow as I did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also had a personal emphasis on trying to look very relaxed
and comfortable to make myself more approachable, since I do not naturally look
the most approachable. I was able to put this into practice throughout the week.
But the most memorable conversation came by accident.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g3LpwOpx2a-4kgwkLlIlJa8tBhiuq5HtjowrNgFwQ_PV9vY9ehTp9SAat1TgHm1aRIKY_V32HlVXSoyLteZSTUDBPDjeINH-dHgFEKIe9mkT4yrPgN4JqT3SAt3jtf7xkrSnXXVW4om-/s1600/jr3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g3LpwOpx2a-4kgwkLlIlJa8tBhiuq5HtjowrNgFwQ_PV9vY9ehTp9SAat1TgHm1aRIKY_V32HlVXSoyLteZSTUDBPDjeINH-dHgFEKIe9mkT4yrPgN4JqT3SAt3jtf7xkrSnXXVW4om-/s400/jr3.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the University of North Florida, two girls came in with a
portable speaker, maybe just passing by, or maybe to drown out the open mic that
was taking place. A number of our team members tried to talk to them, but they
had no interest. Eventually, the police made them leave since they didn’t have
a permit. I had recognized their music, so I mentioned it to them as they
walked by and had a quick laugh. I just wanted to be personable; just because
we disagree doesn’t mean we have to be rude.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They kept walking. But then they came back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey, I was wondering, like, you are really chill, and you
liked our music, and even now when I’m talking I can tell you’re really
listening, so I was wondering, why do you believe what you do? Why are you out
here doing this?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doors are opened in weird ways. They asked about birth
control, which actually helped illustrate my point of human equality. If birth
control is an abortifacient, it prevents a new life from implanting in the
uterine wall. Those types of birth control kill human beings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I realize from the outside that seems like we’re pushing it
really far, being really extreme,” I said, “But if we’re being consistent with
human equality, we have to take it that far.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I like that term, ‘human equality,’ that’s a good way to
put your argument,” one replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found out one of them is actually from Ohio. We talked
about our college majors. Then they posed the question I was eventually expecting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have one last question, and it’s getting a little personal.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s okay.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you a virgin?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This also helped me illustrate why I believe abortion should
be illegal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As a Christian, I think abortion is immoral, and I think
sex before marriage is immoral. But, I don’t think sex before marriage should
be illegal. Consensual sex doesn’t have a victim. Abortion does. Our rights
should end when they infringe on another’s more fundamental right. Abortion
takes an innocent human life.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a good reminder that, while we may ask 75 people a
day what they think about abortion, they don’t see that every day. We have to
remember we’re not discussing this with hypotheticals. We’re discussing
abortion with people, with their own experiences and values that lead them to
believe what they do. And these girls had a legitimate care for women in difficult
circumstances, just as I do. We had different solutions, and we could discuss
that calmly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL_BKq3Yjbpw7Pk-_o-4KtivdZkR5j053yCeaPEuR_QGWHa3pz7AEsKP8jrVrWy6kqMMbeyyC_b_-frDW5pEaZ3E0esjAgKjXsDKeNVFamYz1oNLMbCYEZp3-ASiYAUGLbd6IZqI0vZsP/s1600/jr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="526" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL_BKq3Yjbpw7Pk-_o-4KtivdZkR5j053yCeaPEuR_QGWHa3pz7AEsKP8jrVrWy6kqMMbeyyC_b_-frDW5pEaZ3E0esjAgKjXsDKeNVFamYz1oNLMbCYEZp3-ASiYAUGLbd6IZqI0vZsP/s400/jr2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was talking to Alfredo the next day, a pro-choice
person across the square began yelling at one of our team members.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t get why people are getting upset. We can discuss
this calmly, just like you and I are,” he said.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t always easy to have this attitude. After a great
day at Florida, my last conversation was with a pompous student who brought in
so many red herrings that I couldn’t get a word in. He threw his education in
my face, not knowing that I am more educated than him, and not caring that
education in no way makes someone a greater authority on morality or abortion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was left angry, and asked myself why I put myself in the
position to be treated that way. We get cussed out, yelled at, flipped off, and
occasionally physically attacked. We are the most hated people on campus. We
attract protestors. A 14-year-old got inserted into a hypothetical of being
raped and impregnated (which is when my friend Silas stepped in and said, “You
can talk to me that way, but you will not talk to her that way”). I have never
been more mistreated than when I am with Created Equal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I took a look at <a href="http://www.createdequal.org/abortion-photos/">our signs</a>. My
mistreatment is usually verbal. My most serious Justice Ride injury was when my
friend Joe lacerated my nose accidentally. But the babies—those fellow human
beings—they are being ripped apart every day. My persecution is nothing in
light of what they face, and unlike me, they are completely helpless.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My persecution is also nothing in comparison to the <a href="https://bethelmusic.com/chords-and-lyrics/king-of-my-heart-2/">King of My
Heart</a>, who died to give me life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My passion is renewed. There is nothing I would rather
devote my life to.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-31243738749451003422018-03-01T10:00:00.002-05:002018-08-07T20:27:16.845-04:00I Abandon My Ambition at the Foot of the CrossDuring this school year, Psalm 84 has become one of my
favorite psalms. I remember hearing it as a teenager, but God brought it back
to mind for me one Tuesday night. I went down to the BCM at NKU, where I did my undergrad, last semester
at a worship service focused on prayer. I began to pray through
this chapter. It begins by exclaiming the joy of being in God’s presence:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
How amiable <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">are</span> thy
tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the
courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea,
the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she
may lay her young, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">even</span> thine
altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. –Psalm 84:1-3</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a longing for the people of God to be in His
presence. In quiet times there is nothing better; my heart is filled after
spending time in prayer or worship. But being in God’s presence isn’t always an
easy thing:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Blessed <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">are</span> they
that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> the man whose strength <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> in thee; in whose heart <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">are</span> the ways <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">of them</span>. <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Who</span> passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the
rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">every one of them</span> in Zion
appeareth before God. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of
Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine
anointed. –Psalm 84:4-9</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEuybIp-Wm46f_Lk1eAM_zdDj6XikYvE196MnMIjkIo61yUThiLN4rSkYzZPhJzi-D3XXdBmvkRlJ82Vc5kT85ONRGmFhPs-EfPUpmCdm1lbwa7EfafQwgUXYA54k2o1ZFs4G8HGrpp1m/s1600/cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEuybIp-Wm46f_Lk1eAM_zdDj6XikYvE196MnMIjkIo61yUThiLN4rSkYzZPhJzi-D3XXdBmvkRlJ82Vc5kT85ONRGmFhPs-EfPUpmCdm1lbwa7EfafQwgUXYA54k2o1ZFs4G8HGrpp1m/s400/cross1.jpg" width="400" /></a>The psalm doesn’t sugar-coat. There are times of great
trials in the life of the Christian, whether by circumstances that God uses to
grow us, or through persecution. We only know a sliver of what that can entail,
as we can read accounts of thousands who have given their lives for the cause
of Jesus and know that we are not (currently) faced with that. Even in America,
though, we have seen people lose their businesses because they followed God’s
commands over the world’s demands (and because, I supposed, there aren’t any
other places to order <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2017/december/supreme-court-masterpiece-cakeshop-christians-gay-weddings.html">wedding
cakes</a> and <a href="https://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/02/17/christian-florist-who-refused-to-make-gay-wedding-arrangements-to-take-case-to-u-s-supreme-court">flowers</a>).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coming from a large Christian community and a comparatively
somewhat conservative business school to law school on a liberal campus has
given me a greater appreciation of being in the minority, where following
Christ is not always welcomed. With this in mind, the remainder of the psalm
says this:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For a day in thy courts is better than a
thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in
the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield:
the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold
from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the
man that trusteth in thee. –Psalm 84:10-12</blockquote>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<o:p></o:p>That Tuesday night I made a vow. It doesn’t matter what persecution
I face. If it costs me career opportunities, that is my cross to bear. If I am
derided, that is my cross to bear. If I am abandoned by friends, that is my
cross to bear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why? Because Jesus bore His cross all the way to Calvary,
and then He was nailed to it and lifted up in humiliation and anguish to pay
for my sin and purchase me back from the chains of it. He gave everything,
suffering the worst kind of persecution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZgG9zJShmqIhylktRTkwgMKHoLrC9lBtApkO51gd53cpBO5WRrUtbub328bk_qpEuGAKLOrwoK3kSRGFHYmJlsCgTHmTBrdPAhpt9_xJUtgksmTEdp67SVAS07OkaYeMqaTuG5j1lbx1/s1600/cross2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="400" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZgG9zJShmqIhylktRTkwgMKHoLrC9lBtApkO51gd53cpBO5WRrUtbub328bk_qpEuGAKLOrwoK3kSRGFHYmJlsCgTHmTBrdPAhpt9_xJUtgksmTEdp67SVAS07OkaYeMqaTuG5j1lbx1/s400/cross2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Valley of Baca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I consider being yelled at by a homosexual classmate because of my
beliefs about homosexuality, or being ridiculed and threatened for advocating
against abortion, or being considered radical for ordering my life around an
ancient Book, it all seems as nothing in light of the crucifixion, and I have a
great peace that comes over me in the face of such situations. God is with me.
Even if it is not reciprocated, I can still show love to these individuals, because
God’s love has taught me how to love—unconditionally.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 84 says that we will pass through the Valley of Baca,
a desert place. It literally means “Valley of Weeping.” And when we pass
through it, we become well-makers and the rain fills the pools, because no
amount of sorrow is a match for the love of God. Matthew Henry’s Concise
Commentary had this to say:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Those are truly happy, who go forth, and go on in the
exercise of religion, in the strength of the grace of Jesus Christ, from whom
all our sufficiency is. The pilgrims to the heavenly city may have to pass
through many a valley of weeping, and many a thirsty desert; but wells of
salvation shall be opened for them, and consolations sent for their support.
Those that press forward in their Christian course, shall find God add grace to
their graces.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t want to capitulate and join the ranks encamped in
the tents of wickedness. It might be an easier and more popular lifestyle, but
it is not for a child of God. I would rather be a doorkeeper in God’s house. I
would rather have a lowly position in God’s will than a mighty one outside it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because following God requires surrender. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBI4WDfRh6E">One of my favorite songs</a>
from my <a href="http://passionmusic.com/">favorite worship band</a> speaks of
this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I give You
my life;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I give You
my trust,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You are my
God;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You are
enough,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My heart
is Yours,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My heart
is Yours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTl3TM9Bd1RyO4NXEbA1j5nHoQ09iaKclkSIsqU8n-izaPXj055xWinT63nsCrGEyVWQvlyGpbm7wmV_ToL1rdWGUCToi5E_DCoAyHlQGk6t5u3tL0vJCsPsrFEOiTLc44hMwgYc1xZcr/s1600/cross3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1280" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTl3TM9Bd1RyO4NXEbA1j5nHoQ09iaKclkSIsqU8n-izaPXj055xWinT63nsCrGEyVWQvlyGpbm7wmV_ToL1rdWGUCToi5E_DCoAyHlQGk6t5u3tL0vJCsPsrFEOiTLc44hMwgYc1xZcr/s400/cross3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristian Stanfill performing "My Heart is Yours"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Take it
all,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Take it
all,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My life in
Your hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I lay down
my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I take up
my cross,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You are my
God,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whatever
the cost,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My heart
is Yours,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My heart
is Yours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Take it
all,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Take it
all,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My life in
Your hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And all to
Jesus I surrender.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All to You
I freely give.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh, I will
ever love and trust You;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
In Your presence I will live.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="BlockQuotes">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just the music alone would bring tears to your eyes. The
message is one of total surrender to God. When we surrender to something or someone, we can’t
surrender to anything else. That is inherent in surrender. “Whatever the cost,” we choose to follow Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surrender is complete. It requires surrendering our
passions, our talents, our fears, our finances, our relationships, our
ambition, our needs, our desires, our sin, our everything. That may mean
missed opportunities. That may mean derision. That may mean lost relationships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That may mean for me one day choosing between a certain
position or following Christ. It may mean me losing a job because of what I
believe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What will the choice be? Are we willing to accept the
consequences of this life-changing decision?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for me, I abandon my ambition at the foot of the cross.</div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666359425470006829.post-46747598343180814382018-02-07T21:54:00.001-05:002018-02-07T21:54:56.473-05:00Lessons from the Philippian Jail<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes we ask why we are put in certain circumstances.
But God is sovereign, and we are not, and sometimes He has foresight far beyond
what we are capable of seeing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul and Silas were having a good trip in Philippi. They met
this woman named Lydia, and she is converted to Christianity (Acts 16:14). She
is pretty wealthy and has the men stay at her home (v. 15). But then trouble
starts. A demon-possessed girl follows them for days on end, mocking them (vv.
16-18). They get tired of it and command the demon to come out of her (v. 18).
She was a soothsayer, and this ruined the income of the men that owned her.
Things get bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the magistrates of Philippi hear what Paul and Silas
are teaching,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
…the multitude rose up together against them: and the
magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they
had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the
jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them
into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. –vv. 22-24<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul and Silas not only have a multitude come after them,
and get severely beaten, and get chained in the middle of prison, but they are
treated so <i>because they were following
God</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We as Christians face problems, and sometimes, if we are
following God, we take flack for sharing the truth. It is easy to question
these circumstances. It is easy to become bitter and defensive. But look at how
Paul and Silas react.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto
God… –v. 25a<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their reaction is the opposite. They were filled with joy.
They didn’t care about their unfortunate circumstances. They had complete trust
that God would take care of things how He wanted. They boarded the roller
coaster having no idea what awaited them at the bottom of the hill.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiYC4qT6rdRXOOhP-zq5X059qpi0h6q6xIv_KpA6OmheURdp3-gndKOdySrqi0qBDh-xWkZWfhOg3yPP5zup-5U5-IUu2NTdrD9t23Tzb4lQKkw1dhWwbOt594d-4WNpJnu1qJuO5xPVK/s1600/philippi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiYC4qT6rdRXOOhP-zq5X059qpi0h6q6xIv_KpA6OmheURdp3-gndKOdySrqi0qBDh-xWkZWfhOg3yPP5zup-5U5-IUu2NTdrD9t23Tzb4lQKkw1dhWwbOt594d-4WNpJnu1qJuO5xPVK/s400/philippi1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, indeed, God had a purpose behind it. The rest of verse
25 says that “the prisoners heard them.” Their testimony, their reaction to
these circumstances, were noticed. Paul and Silas didn’t know what awaited
them. They didn’t know how God was going to resolve the situation. But they
didn’t care. They followed God with reckless trust in Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The prisoners weren’t the only ones that heard. There was an
earthquake that shook the chains off the prisoners, and the keeper of the
prison was ready to kill himself for letting them escape (vv. 26-27), something
Rome would do if he didn’t. But Paul and Silas didn’t leave. But what is more interesting
is that none of the other prisoners left, either. These two men had such a
profound impact on the men around them that they were content to stay and see
what happened, or at least that’s how I see it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The keeper of the prison knew exactly what Paul and Silas
had, because he runs in trembling and asks them what he must do to be saved
(vv. 29-30). He becomes another Philippian convert and one of its first church
members, along with his entire family. Some of the prisoners might have joined
those ranks as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We question why we must suffer through a certain thing. The
answer is that God has a purpose. Paul and Silas suffered shaming, beating, and
imprisonment so that God could bring a Roman jailkeeper to salvation. God had a
reason. And they were completely willing to suffer those things for the sake of
God’s plan being carried out.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I totally get the frustration with circumstances. But God
will use our testimony of how we handle them. A group of students was asked if
we worry about our job situation after school. I was the only one to shake my
head no. I don’t have to; I know that if I am in God’s will He’ll put me where
He wants me. As I’ve said before, <a href="http://www.traditionalvaluesuntraditionalmind.com/2017/07/god-giver-of-peace.html">we
look stupid to the world</a>. It makes no sense to not worry. But they take
notice. In these circumstances that would be expected to cause worry or
frustration or whatever, our testimony is our reckless trust in our Father and
Provider. When that is evident in these trials, the jail is going to take
notice, and some awesome things are going to happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Joe Trammellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13448308084523866500noreply@blogger.com0