Meaning OF Christmas pat II

As we all think about this today, I want to give you something to think about.

God gave his gift to us when Jesus was born. We think about the word that was spoken by the angles in Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Well the peace he was talking about was the peace between himself and Man and that he was extending his goodwill toward man. Jesus was going to close the gap that had been there since Adam and Eve committed the sin. His love was so great that he wanted to become closer to us all. The risk God took was tremendous. He set all the hope of mankind onto his Son. You may be asking what risk could there be? Because, Jesus was born as a man he had the same feelings, desires and temptations that we did. At any time he could have said no. He could have bowed down to the Devil and took any of the temptations. I cannot support this very well, but I believe that the Devil had to ask to tempt him in a special way just as he did Job. He knew that because of whom Jesus was he had to make the stakes even bigger. Jesus asked God in the garden that if there was any other way to do what needed to be done that the Cup passes him. Good had trust in his Son to do the right thing. The true gift for man came on a Good Friday and then the greatest gift came Easter. Jesus Gave His ALL then and His Father was true to his word and lifted him up. It is time we let Christmas go back like it was during the first part of the church. Just a blip on the radar. We need to celebrate Easter like we do Christmas. Maybe with more flare!

Christmas

It is 1:12am and I am up. I been thinking about Christmas and been wanting to write. There is something on my heart. I read today in the Courier Journal that said that Christ needed to be taken out of Christmas. Actually it was a letter to the editor in responce to that article. The writer went on claiming the paper was anti-christian and so forth. Regardless it brought home my message I needed to tell all of you. The world will take Christ out of Christmas, because we have already. See, we teach our children about a jolly fat man named Santa. Last I checked Santa is not in the bible. Yes, I know that Santa Claus is based upon Saint Nicholos. So why do we not tell his story and for get this man that lives at the North Pole with elfs and reindeer? These parts of the story are not part of St. Nicholas. Saint Nicolas was a man who did great things for God. His warmth of giving and helping others needs to be told, but the truth not a man in a red suit that really takes on the role of God. Please don't dimiss this think about it. THink of all the things Santa stand for. This will sound over the top but look at Santa and Satan look at the words. Does this mean anything nope other than Satan wants to be a false God. Santa is too. We give so much now, during this time of year. Why don't we do this through out the year? Why do we buy presents that cost so much? Would it not be better to take that money and help the poor and hungry? We want to use the Magi gifts given to Jesus to justify our tradion, then let us only give three gifts. We have allowed the holiday to become something it should not be and that is bigger than Easter. See yes God sent Jesus and that is great. But the real gift came from Jesus in his acceptance of who he was and taking the sins to the cross. He had a choice. He could have not done it then this holiday would be useless. So when you go about your business today think of this. WWJD? It still applies today as it did then.

Update on love and forgivness.

God is funny how he test you. See today was a birthday party for Wayne Smith. Wayne is Melissa's dad, My ex-father-in-law. It was a great party and it was nice to be able to attend and feel like I was part of the family, but something came up. You see I was a big jerk and to tell you the truth that is one reason me and Melissa is not together. I carry a burden that I need to give to God. I was told all is forgiven and I believe that in the way I am treated, the problem comes within me. Anyway about 15 years ago there was a big blow up and it caused so hurtful feelings among both families. There was one particular person who was not blood related, but was a close family friend. She proceeded to put her nose into it and I kindly back then closed the door on it. Since that instead of treating just me like a jerk ot taking it out on me, took it out on Melissa and Rose this whole time. She never would speak to any of us since that time. Remind you Rose was only 4 maybe at the time. Funny thing we all got over it and moved on she still holds that against us and we are not together. Melissa told me just tonight that this person is just now starting to say somethings to her. Funny thing also about this, I never really said much to her other than to keep her nose out of it, after all she was not family. Well tonight I saw her come in and I wonder what would happen. I did not go out of my way but I did pass her and I put my hand on her shoulder and said Hi. I asked if she was okay. Not once did she look at me and just said hello and okay.

Here is where I sinned, I instantly got mad. It was like someone slapped me. I walked away and held on to that anger. Melissa asked me and I told her. She looked at me and then told me that she had been asked if we was back together. I am sure there was more, but Missy decided not to give me the rest. I got mad and said a few choice words. All the anger and memories from that night flooded my mind. I finally had to let it go. I just let it go, and now I been asking God to forgive me of my mistake and to help me to let it go.

I got hurt because she still has not forgiven me. That was wrong for me to get hurt and me to get mad. She will have to answer for her actions; I have to answer to mine. I wish I could go back and change a lot of things, but I can't all I can do is ask for forgiveness and then let God sort it all out.

We are not responsible fot those we seek forgiveness once we do what God calls us to do then it someone Else's ball game.

It is the season- Love

I was seating at my desk and was listening to a song from Rascal Flatts called "A winner at a losing game." Basically it is about two people one in love with the other and the other does not feel the same way. The song says so much to my heart because I am there in a way, but this is not what I am here about. At least not yet. I am here to talk about Love. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 it talks in the King James about charity which when translated in today's meaning read as love. I want to hone in on a couple one verse. It is verse 8 "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. " Here we are told that the things that some churches put an importance on Prophecies, and speaking in tongues and knowledge, which is another study in itself, all will cease, but love will last for ever it never fails it will be there when all else does. I want to address an issue with a question.

So why is it that we have 50% divorce rates in the church like we do outside the church? Why is the church not setting an example? The church members lost that love? No, church members have forgotten what it means to be a follower of Christ. They go to church and play church for everyone to see them, but when it comes down to the rubber meeting the road. They fall short.

WOW that was harsh! Right? Well it is the truth. We are under a order from God himself to love one another, to forgive one another and to be like him. What would happen if God one day says, "hum I not "feeling it"?" Love is not a feeling that everyday stays the same. It alive and it ebbs in and out, it flows! Why do you think God used a river as an analogy? If your reading this and your married. If you look at your spouse and you feel hate and anger then I hsve to ask you a couple of questions.
1. Do you claim to be a christian?

2. IF so, then why are you not on your knees asking God to change your heart?



My heart? Yes, your heart! It is your hate that you feel! Hate is something that we do. It is not from God. It is something that can destroy us if we don't deal with it. Jesus told us in Matthew 18:22 "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." You don't know what I live with. Your right I don't. I do know he can take that hate and turn it back into love. A love that forgives no matter what happens. No matter how big a pain in the rear your spouse is.



"Well, Are you the one to talk? Mr. I have been divorced three times?" Yes, I do have the authority to talk and teach this. How? Because I would still be married had they not said the lost their love for me. You see if you know my past, I married one twice. I was the big pain in the butt. I had issues that I had not faced and was forced to last year. The thing is they forgot that they was not the greatest thing to live with. There were times I wanted to leave them, that i wished they would go fly a kite. Yet, I had learned to choice to love them and their flaws.



Let me explain. I have had to fight hatred in the last few months. You see one of them had said they would never leave me. That their love would not end. Well when things between us became hard, when we was at the end of our ropes. She left. I did file for divorce. Yet the day she signed the paper, I begged her not to. I asked her to come home. I told her that I filed the papers out of anger and I wanted it to work out. She signed them. She told me she would never come home. I found out that she lives with someone not far from here. It is another man and it has been a year. Other things happened and hate came in and I let it fester. I was totally wrong in having those thoughts. I knew this. So I began the hardest road of forgiveness that I have every taken. I cried not that I lost her, no I cried because in my heart I hated her and I wanted it gone. It is so easy to hate. So, so easy to let it go. Have I done it? Some what, yes. It is a struggle, when I hear a song that we listened to I feel the rage come in. I fight back. I think of the good times. I think about Jesus more than anything and I pray. I pray, God take this hurt and anger away, Replace it with the love I need to have to forgive." By the time the Song ends I have a happy thought of her and then I pray for her. There is not hurt. Each time the song plays or songs it becomes easier. On one song, out song the song I sung to her at the wedding. The most important song. I can now listen to and feel good. It is a good memory.



So what does that have to do with love? Easy, if you are a Christian then you have to learn to forgive your spouse. PERIOD. Divorce should never be an option. What does the song you first mention and this have to do with each other? I am still in love with both of my wives. Yes, and that will never ever change. Will it hurt my future? Nope, because God knows how I feel. He knows how it feels to love someone and they not love him back the same way. He knows how I feel. He will handle it where I don't have to. I'am lonely and wish that I had my life back, and there are times I cry. God is usually there comforting me and telling me that things will get better. I have my doubts at time and want to scream. Yet I know that sooner or later it will be okay. That it is just around that bend up there in the road.

Please listen to this video, it is from one of the best christian rock bands. Don't worry it is loud!

Well folks it done.

Well my research paper is done and graded. So, folks here is the final, well almost. I am going to proof it again and submit it to the IUS research journal per my professor. So if you see any errors let me know please.

Why Can’t Christians Forgive Christians
Literature Research Paper

Jesse Hall
10/15/2007

One of the principle teachings in the Christian religion is that of forgiveness. Christianity teaches that all people are born of sin (Romans 3:23). The Apostle John teaches that these sins can be forgiven, if a person will believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God (John 3:16). Many of the Christian denominations teach forgiveness as part of their doctrine and actively seek people to confess and ask forgiveness. Those people who do seek forgiveness are welcomed with open arms into the Christian family. Being unforgiving becomes a problem in the way Christians respond to fellow Christians who may have stumbled and committed a sin. They are still treated different even if they profess their guilt of that sin. Jesus teaches that believers are to forgive one another; yet many seem to gloss over this command at best or at worse ignore it (Matt. 18:22). Although God may forgive those Christians who confess their sins, some Christians refuse to. There is nothing new about this attitude and it can be seen throughout history. Literature gives us a glimpse of this problem through out time. Literature allows us to have an in-depth look at the cost of this unforgiving attitude of people. It is their unwillingness to forgive, which not only violates the very essence of the teaching on forgiveness, but causes problems to those who have committed the transgression and to innocent people as well.
One of the novels that portray the problems associated with being unable to forgive among some Christian believers is Nathanial Hawthorn’s The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorn introduces us to the lead character Mrs. Hester Prynne. Hester is convicted of adultery and is condemned to wear a scarlet letter “A” upon on her chest for the rest of her life (173). Hawthorn describes Hester’s’ life after her conviction of adultery and the effect upon her life. He also shows how the result of the sin and the punishment effects her daughter Pearl and the Reverend Dimmesdale. Another consequence that is brought out by Hawthorn is that of not forgiving someone and seeking revenge for the wrong which affected her husband, Roger Chillingworth. The condemnation of Hester and the Christian leadership’s refusal to allow repentance of her sin caused the hardship that follows Hester and the other characters.

Hawthorn describes the treatment of Hester by others in the town people and the visitors of the town, due to her having to wear the scarlet letter (205). The scarlet letter “A” is the mark of Hester's great sin of adultery and is a constant reminder to all who see it (191). It is a stigma to her. Much like today, when someone makes a mistake, it characterizes them for the rest of their lives. Christian or not, the stigma sticks on the transgressor, comparable to being sprayed with the scent of a skunk. You take a bath, you are clean but the stink is still there. While there is no visible letter to mark people with their sin today, like Hester’s letter ”A”, there is a stigma that people carry with them for a long time, possibly a lifetime. Hester shares a stigma along with a young lady embroiled in an affair with a sitting President of the United States. Monica Lewinsky was a White House intern for President Bill Clinton and they had an affair while he was in office (Fritsch). Her name is linked to President Clinton even though the affair happened while he was in the White House. Monica Lewinsky is not in the publics’ eyes as she once was but, she is still known for her adventure with the President (Keegan). As Herman Gorman points this out about Hester’s letter “A”, "… is an obsession, that possesses a terrible life of its own (Gorman 251).” This quote also fits Lewinsky as well. One has to wonder which carries the bigger problem, Hester or Monica. Hester’s stigma comes from the church, while Monica’s comes from the secular world. Should not the church be different from the world? It would appear that the stain of one’s sin stays with a person to haunt them. In the secular world this may run true, but the Christian community is told to be different that it should be a light to the world (Philippians 2:15).

The pressure of having the stigma may lead to seeking or being offered a deal to snare others that are involved in the wrong doing. This is what is given to Hester concerning her wearing of the scarlet “A”. Hester is told she will be allowed to remove the letter if she names the father of Pearl, the result of the adulteress affair (Hawthorn 176). Monica Lewinsky is offered immunity if she testifies against President Clinton to the grand jury investigating the scandal (Fritsch). Monica eventually works out a deal to testify against President Clinton after evidence arose that she may have committed perjury (Fritsch). Unlike Monica, Hester refuses to give the authorities the name of her accomplice (Hawthorn 176). This helps solidify her place in the town as the adulteress. One can only wonder had Monica been more like Hester what would have happened to the investigation. The threat of punishment had two different effects upon Hester and Monica. Yet, forgiveness is denied to both by the actions of the people around them.

Those involved in the wrong doing can hold onto the secret just like those who are caught, but doing so can have consequences. The Reverend Dimmesdale conceals the secret of who the other sinner is and it eats, not only at his soul, but his body also (Hawthorn 338). He grabs his chest throughout the novel. According to Van Doren it is “…relevant to the agony within (Van Doren 296).” He is torn inside because of this terrible deed and it manifests in his clutching of his chest. If he were to confess, he would be looking at possible death which Hester faced as well (Hawthorn 171). The fact that he could face such a harsh sentence it forces him to remain silent. According to Van Doren, the pain he felt was a sign of his penance for his crime (Van Doren 296). One of the ironic things the religious leaders must have missed is the story of an adulteress who was brought before Jesus and he was asked what should be done to her. At that time death by stoning was allowed. Jesus diffused the situation by stating, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (John 8:7).”

Pearl, the innocent offspring of the affair, is treated different because of her mother’s station in the community and the fact she is an illegitimate child (Hawthorn 205). Her treatment can be somewhat compared to the treatment of Chelsea Clinton during the Lewinsky Scandal that enveloped her father, President Clinton. Her parents tried to protect her from the media during this time but had problems, because of their status (“Chelsea Clinton”). Pearls’ actions are scrutinized by the community like the media attempted to delve into the private life of Chelsea (Hawthorn, 205) (“Chelsea Clinton”).

Sometimes the sin or transgression that is done upon another turns into hatred and then the hatred may spill over to other generations. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet not only does the feud carry over to the next generation, but has tragic consequence because of it. The story involves two young adults that fall in love with each other. Paul Siegal stated in an issue of Shakespeare Quarterly, "The love of Romeo and Juliet is opposed to the hate of their parents (385)." The only problem of their love for each other is the families, the Montagues and the Capulaets, have a hatred for each other (Shakespeare 12). The feud between the families runs deep; so much that a chance encounter on the street can lead to a fight (Shakespeare 13). Even though their families are at odds, Romeo and Juliet are in love and secretly wed. The hatred among the family is such that when a cousin of Juliet, Tybalt, meets Mercutio, a friend of Romeo, a fight ensues. Of all the players in this chain of events, Tybalt is the one who seems to hold the most hatred for Romeo's family. Siegal declares, "He claims his identity, as it were, as incarnation of the spirit of hatred governing the feud (386)." Even though Romeo tries to break up the fight and tell Tybalt that he holds no ill will of him. Tybalt kills Mercutio in the fight (Shakespeare160). Romeo's attempt to diffuse the fight even as Tybalt is determined to cause one shows, according to Siegal, the Christian thing to do (386). Then to make matters worse; Romeo, in a fit of rage, strikes back by killing Tybalt and is banished by the Prince, therefore nullifying his Christian act of forgiveness(Shakespeare161-165). Two people are dead do to a feud started by a previous generation and continued by Romeo and Tybalt. Forgiveness would have saved the life of two men at this point. Upon hearing of her cousins’ murder and her lovers’ banishment, Juliet becomes distraught. Unknowing of his daughter’s marriage to Romeo, her father gives his blessing to County Paris to marry Juliet (Shakespeare188). Eventually the chain of events leads to the suicides of both Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare 283,288). The reason for this according to Siegal, is that the hatred between the two families caused the tragic end (385). This heartbreaking conclusion does end the feud between the families with the fathers forgiving one another and lamenting the death of Romeo and Juliet, but it is too little too late (Shakespeare297-298). Had these men and their families practiced what they were taught by the Church then the resulting deaths would not have happened. It would only take the simply act of saying I forgive you, to have been like Jesus and Romeo and Juliet would be alive.
Those Christians that refuse to forgive can take notes and learn from some non-Christians the idea of forgiving transgressions, even if one is committed against them personally. The End of the Affair written by Graham Greene shows an example of how Christians should act and follows the teachings of Jesus. The character that shows the forgiveness quality that Jesus teaches is Henry Miles. According to Maurice Bendrix, Sara’s lover and narrator of the story, Henry has no religious belief. During the discussion of Sara's funeral, Maurice tells Henry, "(Sara)...didn't believe in anything, any more than you and I (Greene 170)”. While the Christian faith does not have a monopoly on forgiveness, a few of it members seem to forget they are called to do so by Jesus. If anything Henry had every right to be like Roger Chillingsworth in The Scarlett Letter, bitter and vengeful. Henry also takes about two years before he realizes that Sara is having an affair with Maurice. His reaction is to beg her not to leave him and tell her of his love for her (150). The love Henry has for Sara, his wife, allows him to forgive her and Maurice Although Maurice was involved in the affair with Henry's wife, Henry asks for Maurice to move in with him (208).

It motivates them to move forward in their lives. Roger has his hatred for the Rev. Dimmesdale and Maurice hated God and Henry. The only difference is Maurice is the lover, while Roger is the husband. Maurice in Greene’s The End of the Affair shares qualities with Roger of The Scarlett Letter in that they are driven by hatred. Roger for the Reverend Dimmesdale and Maurice for Henry. The difference is how that hate works on them and how they treat the ones they hate. Their distinctive reactions can be described by two things, the love for the women in their life and the type of forgiveness. In The Scarlet Letter, Roger, Hester's husband, is missing for two years before he was aware of her transgression and begins to seek out the person responsible for the shame that he feels. He begins to seek his vengeance upon Reverend Dimmesdale (Hawthorn 183). Maurice will not forgive Sara nor God for the pain he feels (Greene, 240). Maurice’s act of vengeances is to find the reason why Sara stopped seeing him. Learning in time to forgive Henry and accepts Henry as a cherished friend (Greene, 240).

The root of forgiving someone is clearly shown in all three novels; Hester toward Reverend Dimmesdale, Juliet towards Romeo and Sara towards God. All three had to forgive because of their love for another. Each realizes in their own way, that love make it a necessity to forgive. Although the Reverend Dimmesdale did not come forward on a number of occasions Hester forgives him. At least twice she proclaims her forgiveness, once in the woods when they meet (Hawthorn 292). She again forgives him while he lay dying when he confesses his sin (Hawthorn 292). Juliet forgives Romeo for murdering Tybalt even though at first she was angry (Shakespeare 190). She then realizes that the right thing to do is to forgive him because she loves him. Although Sara at first blames God for things that are wrong in her life, she soon realizes that God is telling her that she is worthy of love and she soon begins to realize that and makes her peace with him (Greene 116-152, 238).

Some of the characters live a life that is similar to that of Hillary Clinton and the role she has in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. In two interviews Senator Hillary Clinton discusses her having to forgive people, including Monica Lewinsky and her husband President Bill Clinton. Like Henry in The End of the Affair; Senator Clinton was cheated on by her husband. She also chose not to seek a divorce even though she asked herself, if she should stay married or not (Gibbs, 2003). Like Henry she has stayed with President Clinton (Greene 167). Senator Clinton can also be compared to Hester’s husband Roger Chillingsworth in The Scarlet Letter in that she too was cheated upon and was wronged. She speaks about how it is difficult to find out President Clinton has been unfaithful. She states, “It was certainly a terrible moment for me, to be told that what he had said to me was not true (Gibbs, 2003).” What made her forgive President Clinton? One has only to look at Juliet to see the same trait that she and Senator Clinton share. It was love. They loved enough to over look the pain inflicted upon them.
Death and forgiveness is a major point in all three novels. According to the Bible, " And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).” If a Christian truly believes that we are to be judged upon our death for our actions in this life; then one must wonder how they will defend their unforgiving spirit to God on Judgment day. Many Christians past and present need to learn that if they believe they are forgiven then they too should forgive. This includes a person who offends them and may not always be sorry. Senator Clinton stated it best, “It is both hard to forgive and ask for forgiveness there’s a reason it is talked about in the Bible. It is really hard. It is hard for people to let go of legitimate hurts and slights and disappointments (Luo).” I may not agree with Senator Clintons’ political views, but on spiritual side we seem to have a lot in common. It is hard to forgive when you’re in pain, but it better for all involved to do so. Waiting till after a death and then making an attempt to forgive, makes it difficult to feel as if the matter is resolved.

In conclusion, the act of forgiveness is a fundamental stone for the Christian faith and should be practiced at every turn, no matter the transgression. Having practiced the act of forgiveness and having received it myself, I know firsthand the benefits. Forgiving someone is not the easiest thing to do and is harder to accomplish in proportion to the amount of hurt one has afflicted on the other. There is not an exception mentioned in the Bible that allows one to hold on to the hurt and anger toward another. Forgetting is even harder to do, but should be tried. After all the meaning of Christianity means to follow Christ or be Christ like and according to the Bible Jesus takes our sin and "throws it as far from the east as is to the west (Psalms 103:12)".

Jesus not only taught forgiveness but led by example. Sometimes Christians have to forgive Christians. If they, Christians who seem to want to hold on to a grudge, would take care of their own backyard then maybe their light can shine and be a witness to the entire world. A recent poem that I ran across pointed something that most Christians never consider. It is called "The Feet of Judas” and it highlights what kind of forgiveness one should have. Judas’ betrayal leads eventually to the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus washes the feet of all his disciples including Judas. In the poem it states "Christ washed the feet of Judas! / And so ineffable his love 'twas meet, / That pity fill his forgiving heart/ And tenderly to wash the traitor's feet/ Who in his Lord had basely sold his part (McClellan 11-15).” If Jesus is the son of God and God knows all, then it can be induced that he knew what Judas would do and in scripture it indicates he does. This simple act speaks of the forgiveness all proclaimed Christians should follow. One of the last things Jesus said while he was on the cross was, “…Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)” Should not all who profess to be Christians ask that for their fellow Christians?


Works Cited

"Chelsea Clinton, cover girl." Editor & Publisher 132.7 (13 Feb. 1999): 22. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN. 15 October 2007. .

Fritsch, Jane. "Facts and Rumors: The Nation Trust Me: A Media Guide.” New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 1 Feb. 1998, 1-2. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. IUS Library, New Albany, Indiana. 14 Oct. 2007 http://www.proquest.com/

Gibbs, Nancy. “I Had to Ask Myself Weather I Would Stay Married”. Time.7 June 2003. 14 October 2007 http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101030616-457332,00.html.

Gorman, Herbert. "The Absolved, The Redeemed, and the Damned: A Triangle." Hawthorn. The Scarlet Letter: An Annotated Text Backgrounds and Source Essays in Criticism. Ed. Sculley Bradley, Richmond Beatty and E. Hudson Long. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1962. 249-253.

Greene, Graham. The End of the Affair. New York: The Viking Press, 1951.

Hawthorn, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Novels. Ed.Millicent Bell. New York: The Library of America, 1983. 115-343.

Keegan, Rebecca Winters. "MONICA'S FREUDIAN TRIP." Time 166.12 (19 Sep. 2005): 83-83. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN. 1 October 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=18211984&site=ehost-live.

Luo, Michael. “Faith Intertwines With Political Life for Clinton”. New York Times on the Web.7 July 2007. 2007 October 2007 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/07/us/politics/07clinton.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.

McClellan, George Marion. “The Feet of Judas.” African-American Poetry of the Nineteenth Century. Ed. Joan R. Sherman. Chicago: University of Illinois Press. 1992, 419

Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Ed. Horace Howard Furness. New York: Dover Publications, 1963.

Siegel, Paul N. "Christianity and the Religion of Love in Romeo and Juliet." Shakespeare Quarterly. 12.4 (1961): 371-392. JSTOR. Indiana University Southeast Lib.New Albany, IN. 15 oct.2007 http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0037-3222%28196123%2912%3A4%3C371%3ACATROL%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Z

The Holy Bible: King James Version.1611. New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1972.

Van Doren, Mark. "Between Two Worlds." Hawthorn. The Scarlet Letter: An Annotated Text
Backgrounds and Source Essays in Criticism. Ed. Sculley Bradley, Richmond Beatty and E. Hudson Long. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1962. 293-301.

Hello

Hi, Folks just wanted to give you a quick update. I am doing okay in school and all. I will be posting a paper I had to do for a class it on forgivness within the chrurch. It be just a couple more weeks. Till then take care.

Sorry

Folks just droping a line to let you know I am still working on the fornification story. I have a lot to say in it and I have to find the right way to say it. What I mean to that is that I have to say it so that you can understand it. I also had to understand it first, so I have been praying and pondering it for a while. I also started back to school so I have been a little busy. Look fo rit in the next few days, if all goes as planned. God bless and thank you.
Jesse

What is sin? pt 1 Fornication

Why am I starting with this sin? the answer is well easy. I am guilty of it. I am completely guilty of this sin. So if I am guilty of it, I need to learn what it is and deal with it.





Let us first look at the Merriam- Webster definition.


http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/fornication





Pronunciation: "for-n&-'kA-sh&n


Function: noun:


consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other --





There it is in all it glory. Not much to real say is there? I wont go futher into it. You probly saying it took you this long?

Yes

Why?
There is alot of other things people have read into this. I had to ask myself a lot of questions. Here is what I found. Kristine and I was in a sinful relationship before we ever got married. It was wrong. I see that now. I had to seek forgiveness from God for that and there more to just saying I am sorry and going on. I needed to talk to God about it. I need to know what to say here. So sexual sin is rampet to day within the church. It HAS TO STOP! This message is for people who are in church.

It is time the church cleaned itself up. It can not point out sin when it self is covered in it. Not only are people tired of seeing two faced people but so is God!

I am going to answer a question that that took me so long. Can a man and woman live together?

The answer is yes and no. If they are not involved with each other, they could possible be able to live together. What that means they are not a couple that they live in separate rooms and do their own thing. Then they probably could live together and be fine.

Yet, if they are a couple then no. There is to much temptation there. Especially if there is not enough bedrooms for the occupancy of the house.

Best bet don't do either. God tells us to avoid anything that looks like it may be sinful. If we don't it makes him look bad and your a hypocrite.

Now this is for the church more than any thing when will you get your act together?

What is sin?

What are does some sins actually mean that the Bible talks about? Well I am going to start a series that will take a in-depth look at what these sins are. I will try to stick to a in-depth analysis of what these sins are and how they apply to today. So look for it!

Here will be the scripture will will use to begin with this will give you all time to read it and ponder where I am going with it. My first one will be on fornication.

Romans 1: 28-32
28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Christian or Pharisee

Christian or Pharisee

Which of these two categories do you fall in? Now do not be quick to step up to the plate and say Christian. Before you make this choice let me define these labels more clearly. The first is the simplest one to define but the hardest to join.

I went to http://www.thefreedictionary.com and looked up the definition of Christian. Listed was the definition as an adjective and a noun. The one I want to focus in on is this one:
“3. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.”

What are those qualities or spirit of Jesus? I think it can be summed up in Jesus own words in Luke 10:27, “27 and he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”

It is that easy! There is no secret on how to live like Jesus. It is hard thing to do, which is why the road to following Jesus is the one that is less traveled! That is why the way is narrow! It is because only a few people can do it! No, let me rephrase that, only a few people will do it! Consider a path when only one animal or person uses a path it is narrow. The path may be easily seen in some areas, while in other areas hard to follow! When there is, larger number of things using it, then it can be easily followed. A good example was the old buffalo trails in Indiana. Highway 150 that runs through my home town of Palmyra follows one of the old buffalo trails! It was wide, it was well worn and easier to follow than others! It so much so that the pioneers used it to cross Indiana.

The second group is the Pharisees. I will use the whole definition here.
“1. Pharisee A member of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic law in both its oral and written form.
2. A hypocritically self-righteous person.”


What words would you use to describe them? Here are some that came to mind.

Self Righteousness.
Condescending
Confrontational
Intolerable
Stiff necked
Hypocrites

To some extent, I am and or was all of these. God has seen fit to allow me to see issues in a different light and I desire not to be part of that second group. I want to share something with all of you that I learned. It changed me from a right wing Pharisee to a man that wants to be more like Jesus.

I made a trip to the Navajo Nation in Window Rock in 2004 that really showed me the problems with a belief based on a conservative Christian doctrine could do. One of the worst things that this country every devised was the Manifest Destiny doctrine. It was a destructive policy especially for the Native Americans. A quick definition of the policy was that the American people had a God given right to occupy or have the land from the Atlantic and Pacific. That policy or belief would have been fine if others were not already on that land. This policy lead to the Trail of Tears of the Cherokee, the Indian wars, and the eventual reservation system we have today. It was my experience at the Navajo Nation that changed me.

While helping deliver some items to the Navajo some of the elders blessed me by telling me their stories. I was never more ashamed, than I was at that moment, to be a Christian. It was then I decided I would try to be less of the second group. I began, and I am still on a journey to question ever belief that I was taught.

The stories were similar. Less than fifty years ago the children of the Navajo were rounded up and sent to “school”. While there they were not allowed to speak their native language or practice their customs. They had to be made like us after all they were nothing more than savages. Churches help build these schools, they believed that the ancient ways was of the devil, and began to try to exterminate that way of life. They had to be assimilated into the white mans way of life. I have so much contempt for churches now because of the things I heard and saw.

The attempt to spread Christ is a duty of all Christians. They way we go about it have lasting implications. Having the attitude that our way is the best way is wrong. The Pharisees had that attitude with Jesus. He used clear-cut examples where they were hypocritical. They wanted Jesus to conform to their interpretation of the scriptures. The refusal by Christ to conform made the them seek his death. I would suspect that had the Romans not been there, Jesus would have been stoned. We do that to day!

We need to show Jesus but we can do that by living like Jesus! We don’t have to preach to the people. We have to show them. We don’t have to take them from their way of life it isn’t our job. We show them by living and then they will want to be a Christian. They then can seek their own salvation like the Bible says we all should.

One reason, I stay involved with American Justice Institute is that we don’t want to push our beliefs on these people. What we want is to help them. Some in our group help by building things, taking items to families that need food, clothing, and maybe help build a suitable home. Others are continuing to make contacts to bring about other change on political fronts.

Some people have asked me about the Navajo leaving the Reservation. That is like asking us to leave the United States. Some people would others would not leave their home. Besides the land the of the Navajo is seen as a spiritual connection with it. God never commanded us to move people or forcibly change people. He told us to treat them, as we would want to be treated.

There is nothing wrong with taking things out to the Reservations and give them help, God knows that is needed, besides he says we are to help! The Navajo is not offended by the example of pure Love they will receive it. It is when there are strings attached that it becomes a problem. Take as an example of the woman washing the feet of Jesus as that of pure love with no strings attached.

When the woman washed the feet of Christ, who were the ones offended? Was it Jesus? Nope, it was the Pharisees and Simon! Jesus took it for what it was. A pure heart felt show of her love. (Luke 7: 36-48) Would you truly be upset if someone showed you that kind of love?

Never did God call upon us to treat others as the Pharisees treated Jesus. Yet we have done it throughout history and to it today. If you do not think so, then why do we have so many denominations of Christianity? When we think are way of life, our beliefs are infallible then we do harm to the Christianity as a whole.

The Native Americans as a whole is one example and the scourge of Slavery still haunts us today because we failed to treat the African Americans as God commanded us!

There is no excuse for us to treat one another the way we do. We can point to a million things and say this is why. Again, I point to the Bible that people like to throw around and ask you to find where Jesus ever said that we are allowed to treat people like this. If we truly treat people like the way he commanded us to, then more people would come to Jesus. We would truly be lifting him up and not our own beliefs or thoughts. I pray that I can be more like him every day. I look at which old prejudice ideas and thoughts come out of me had have them never to return. I pray that I cannot see the peoples outside but to see their heart and treat them as if I would want them to me. To help with no strings attached and show them the love. Maybe one day I can move my self from the Pharisees to the Christian Group. Each day I draw closer and I hope to learn more with each step.

Christians. (n.d.) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. (2003). Retrieved August 5 2007 from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Christians

Pharisees. (n.d.) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. (2003). Retrieved August 5 2007 from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Christians/pharisees

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=7&version=9

Being up set with God.

I have been told repeatedly, that I should not be mad at God, or question what I go through. They point to Job. Phooey! How are we to learn and lean on God if we don't talk to him? He does not want us to only pray and ask of him things we want or need in the physical but also in the emotional and spiritual realms. How do I know this? Let us look at the Book of Psalms. This is full of praise and worship psalms, but it is also full of oh why me. David cried out so many times and wanted to know how his enemies could do anything while he suffered. He always believed that God listened to him, would answer his prayer, and takes care of him. This faith allowed him to question God and know that even though he questioned God that he was safe in the hands of God. Let us look at a couple of Chapters of Psalms.

Psalm 6

1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Was God mad at David?
David felt like he was for whatever reason he thought God was mad at him and was punishing him for it. Gee, I wonder how many times through our lives we wonder that? I do that even now. It is just our nature that we feel this way.

2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?4Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

It is clear whatever problem he was facing was causing great pain. The death of a loved on, a divorce or other events in our lives can make our whole body ache with grief. Depression can kill you if it is allowed to take hold.

5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I smile at this because he telling God I am dieing here and if you allow me to die who is going to praise you?

How many times have kids done something like this to parents? It may take a different form. "I am going to run away! Then you'll be sorry!" Unfortunately, adults do that too. My grandmother, Mabel, would get mad at me for something stupid, we get into it, and she would say, one of these days I will be gone.... Well, she is right I miss her, but I don't know if it would change the argument we had today. These statements just can’t manipulate some things. I can see God Shake his head and just listening to David’s rants.

6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

Here he just tells God that he is so depressed and in the next, he takes aim at the source of the problem. This isn't always easy to see but what is more important is what follows.

8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

Here it is in a nutshell. He knew God heard his prayers and that it would be taken care of by God. He did not ask for anything, other than that his enemies see the hurt they caused and to address those wounds. We should really learn to do that in our prayers. Ask no that God strikes them but to show them what the did and have them make amends.

Therefore, I say tell God when you are mad at him, upset and hurt. Then trust God that he heard and will take care of it. Yell, cry, scream, and what ever you fell like doing. After that then seek God for his loving and his comfort. He is faithful and just and will answer. He will hold you id you allow and will handle the problem the best way for you.

Friendship

I normally would not bring this type of poet into this group, but I feel that it is something that needs to be here. Tonight I spent a wonderful dinner with two friends. I so enjoyed the company and the dinner too! On my way home I began to think about all my friends. I find myself speechless that I have so many. Some of course is closer than others. I have many that I consider a brother, part of my family. I want to share a few scriptures with all of you. I pray that you find me worthy enough to be your friend and that I try to live by these in our friendship.

Proverbs 27:6 (King James Version (KJV)

6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Sometimes we need to say things that help one another. We don't want to bring our friends pain. After all we have compassion for those we love. I can remember the times my friends told me things I needed to hear. It hurt and I was mad, but I have forgive. I have grown to realize that it is better to hear those words than to be told something else. It is better to tell someone what they don't want to hear and they get hurt, than to say nothing and watch them get hurt. They will look at you and wonder why you did not care enough to speak up. Silence is more dangerous to a friend ship than making a point.


Proverbs 17:17 (New Living Translation)
17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

I used this translation because it says it so clearly. It speaks for it self.

Proverbs 27: 9-10,17 (New International Version)

9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.

10 Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another

What a mouthful. All I can do is let these words speak for me. Thank all of you for your friendship.

I want to close in doing one more thing that you will not see in this blog. A shout out to Glenn, these last few weeks, your friendship, counseling and unconditional love has helped me. You have given me courage to do this. I am blessed again by God to have you as a brother and a friend.

School Prayer

Four decades now, this argument of prayer in school has been raging. I want to add a new perspective for Christians to think. Many Christians believe that this nation was founded upon Christian principles. While there is large amount of evidence that a number of founding fathers held to a Christian belief, there are some disturbing realizations we must face. While I would love to dive into these, I must forgo the temptation and focus on school prayer and the type of government we live in. We live in a democratic Republic country. This means we elect people to represent us in congress to run the country. That with the most votes wins. It permeates every aspect of our government. Right down to the local level. We elect our school boards who in turn make rules and so forth about the education of our children. NOW let us look at this. I am going to give you reason why you should count the rulings on school prayer as a blessing to you and your family. I am also going to step on your toes!

Reasons for you as a Christian to support no prayer in school.

Throughout or history we have had areas that are dominated by one ethnic of people. In the east in areas like LA and San Francisco, have areas called China Town. In
Chicago they had the Irish American section and so forth. THIS division of ethnic people is a common occurrence throughout cities across the United States. Now imagine that you live in an area where the predominate practice Islam. Would you want your child forced into praying three times a day praying to Allah? Now some of you may point out that Allah and God is supposedly the same God. I do not want to get into the specifics so for the sake of argument I will concede this point and use another religion. How about Buddhist, or Hindu or satanic? What id they offer to bless the food with one of their prayers? Here is something to chew on.
Think about this scripture.
1 Corinthians 10:28

28But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

You see God knows what he is doing and allowing to happen. Then there is another stronger argument that should make you take off your shoes and rub your toes because they are about to be stomped hard!

In the book of Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Stop allowing the government to do what is your god given duty. Notice I said duty not right. See a right is something that we can choose to exercise or not and the consequence is not as bad. A duty on the other hand is mandatory; it is something we must do. A failure to do it causes all kinds of problems and failure to do it and bring down Gods wrath. Got it? Good! I want to stress this because I know for a fact this area of our duty are being forced upon an organization that was never meant to handle the job! Raise your child! YOU TEACH HIM about prayer, and God. Not the church, not the school, but YOU! One day at Sunday school teaches what? That on Sunday you have to be good while the rest of the week we can be bad. Before I go on let me, set down some scriptures.

Psalms 78:5-7

5For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

Somewhere down the line we allowed our children to be taught by someone or something and now we are paying the price. IF you want your children to learn of God then you teach them what you know and let the church help. Don't always think that the world is against the Christian. Sometimes it is God trying to prepare or protect us from what is heading our way.

SO have your child pray before he leaves the house when he first gets up. Then allow him to take a Bible to school so that when he wants to read he may. Despite what many people will say it is his right to carry and read the Bible during school hours as long as he does it on his time. Like study hall, break, and lunch. He can pray to as long he is not causing a disturbance. Again this is his right, he just has to do it with respect.

Matthew 25: 1-13

1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.



Recently I found this parable in a new light and had to read it again. I know well all have heard how we are to be prepared and not be like the five that ran out of oil, but let look at the other five in the context of some things going around today and verse 13.



I recently was told that the time for Christ return is drawing near. I agree with that one hundred percent, but not for the reasons others may. Now what he meant by this was that there are things that people have seen, said or pointed to that does have indications that the time is near. Now I say this with out being disrespectful or even funny, that day has been getting closer the day he came out of the tomb. I have seen and heard so many look this happened and this is going to happen to say phooey on it all. Now Jesus did say there would be certain signs and wonders. That we will see and know, but I honestly don't think we should be so looking for them that we miss the important stuff. These signs was never meant to be a bashing tool to get someone to turn their life over to God. It was to give those Christians hope. That we can rest assure that he is coming.

Let us take Verse 13, Jesus stated that we should watch for we no not the day or hour. How does this fit the whole story? Was the five brides maids looking out the windows? Well if they were Jesus does not mention it. He did mention that they were ready for the bridegroom. They did not know when he was coming until the call came out. I am assuming we will not know it until the sound of the horns announcing his coming. The key I see here was that they all were asleep and awaken when the bridegroom came. Jesus says the five that had oil was ready and wise. Look at it this way, before they took their rest from there work, they prepared what was needed. They did what God would have them do. They attended to his work. This would be likened to us reading, teaching, giving and living for him while we are awake. Doing this ensures that when the time comes we are ready. If we stand around and talk about his coming all day and do nothing else how are we ready?

Let me use this as an example of what I am talking about. According to SFGate.com over 50 MILLION of the "Left Behind" series has been sold. Now for the record I too was guilty of buying and reading them. That is a lot of money and for what? To enrich two men and the companies that published and sold them. Did they save anyone? Some may say that God used them, well I have no doubt of Gods ability to use anything after all he did use a donkey to speak. LOL. Now I checked Amazon and one book was selling for around 10 dollars. That is 500 million dollars that the Christian community spent. Now let me show some perspective. What that means in terms of our lives.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the average gallon of milk cost was $3.14 as of June 2007. That is 159,235,668 gallons of milk that could be given to the worlds hungry children.1

Here is a breakdown of some more stats on food according to BLS

Fuel oil $2.57 a gallon = 194,552,529 gallons

White Bread $1.19 a loaf= 420,168,067 loafs

Ground Chuck $2.77 a pound= 180,505,415

Grade A large eggs $1.50 a dozen = 333,333,333

Now how many people could we have helped? Now don't get me wrong we all give and that is great. The point is that we spent money on something that could have been used to get this world ready for his coming. Instead of reading about some make believe world we could have helped the one we live in. We could be getting ready. See when we feed, cloth and lift up the needy we are doing two things. Jesus states in Verse 40 of this same chapter, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." The other is we are showing the love of Christ. We are being true Christians for we are doing his work we are preparing the world and giving them the hope that we have. We are the 5 wise maidens trimming or lamps and pouring in the oil. Till the day comes that we can rest and Jesus comes.

(I would like that no one talk about people out there that take advantage of us. This I assure you will be a issue I will visit soon.)

Here are the references to the stats. One thing I want to do is be opened and give you the data that I get so you know I am not making it up.

http://www.dol.gov/

Luke 17:12-19

12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

For some reason even to myself this passage is one that I keep coming back to. I once wrote a play based loosely this part of scripture. The mercy and love Jesus showed on these 10 leapers is not the main teaching. It their reaction to their healing. I want to open this up a bit. I want us to look at this at another angle. We are sometimes doing what God wants us to do but forget to take the time to say thank you. Simply saying thank you is good, but taking time of instead of praying but praising is like Mary Magdalen anointing Jesus feet. Is there a benefit to you for doing this? To tell you the truth I have not tried to find out and it does not matter. You see just giving back to Jesus for who he is and what he has done is what praise and worship is all about. It is not about if I do a and b God will give me C. Time and time again we become like the other nine. I am not saying these other nine did anything wrong after all they did exactly what Jesus told them to do. Once took the time to give him praise. It says nothing of the nine losing their healing and the only benefit that the one received was to be allowed to go his own way. What one thing is important is that Jesus found this pleasing to him and disappointed. If we want to please Jesus then a simple thank you would be pleasing. Take some time, play some praise and worship music, and say thank you. Think of the things he has given and done for you. I will say if anything you will feel peace and possibly joy.

Bible Translations.

One of the things that I feel compelled to tackle is Bible translations. There are more translations out there than you can shake a stick at. I will not list them all or even attempt to, there are just so many. Many people say the King James is the only translation but even then it has to be the correct version of King James the 1611 or newer ones. Why, tradition and a belief that these men who put together the book was guided by God. Maybe, but why is men form centuries past any better at the Scripture than men today who claim to be with God? The whole idea of the KJB was so that people could read the bible themselves and understand it. Since that time the English language has transformed it self. Let me take an example of some of the problems with KJB use of English. Today English is spoken in a wide range of countries, yet the words of the English does not translate to each country.

As for me I will be using the KJB because that is the one I grew up on and feel comfortable using. I also will use the NIV at times. If you are trying to clarify your point please tell me which translation you use so that we can be on the same book! :)

TO help explain some advantages and disadvantages of translations :

http://www.kencollins.com/bible-t2.htm#kjv

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translations

Welcome.

Hello to those who have stopped by to check me out. You may be wondering what this blog is about. Well I am starting a weekly blog to discuss issues that may arise in the week and how we may look at things using the Bible. Now before you dismiss this as a christian rant of doom and gloom or fire and brimstone, it is not that I can assure you. I am not here to tell you what your sin is but to shed light on sin as a whole, including mine, and how do we deal with it. I want to show you a somewhat different way of looking at issues that we have been taught. I assure you if you disagree with me your free to post your opinions and discuss them here. I won't say I won't call you wrong, because if you have some Jim Jones Ideas then hey you will be called on them.

With that let me make myself clear on the once a week post that is a minimum, I may post more but at least one. I want to thank you for stopping by and looking I hope you find some answers and come back again. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Jesse