I have chosen to write my paper on the death penalty in response to "The Death Penalty Is A Step Back." Have you ever experienced grace you did not deserve? We have all at somepoint said something to a friend, lied to someone, stolen something, or cut someone off in traffic. How did that person respond? Did you even notice? Sometimes we take their grace for granted, but when a person has truly experienced forgiveness and they realize that someone has extended grace to them they are humbled in two ways. First, they recognize that this person did not respond in such a way to get even but instead with love and understanding. Second, they realize that the other person has thrown off all stereotypes. This extension of grace can make a person realize that what society tells them they have to be or what they have to does not have to be the case. "The only way to break the chain of violent reaction is to practice nonviolence," and I propose that extending forgiveness is that nonviolent solution. Once you have received grace and been forgiven, how can you withhold that grace from someone else, and seeing as how I have been forgiven by my perfect heavenly father who's forgiveness I did not deserve, how can I withhold that forgivenss from anyone?
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
I was asked to read a few articles on the Patriot Act and then give list of liberties I would be willing to give up in order to feel secure from the threat of terrorism. Well, that’s a tough one. I feel like liberties are a privilege, but so is protection. I don’t feel like either is a right and therefore it is hard for me to decide what I would be willing to give up in order to feel safe and secure. We as citizens also have the right to the pursuit of happiness as long as it doesn’t negatively affect those around us, and I for one would not want to not be able to do what I enjoy and live my life because of some rule that the government had put over me for my protection, nor would I want to always live in fear. I feel there is a fine line that the government has to be careful to not cross: yes, we want to keep our citizens safe, but then is being so involved in every detail of citizen’s lives so much so that they feel as if they have no personal privacy really safe. Since I have nothing to hide, I don’t have a problem with them listening to my phone calls or security checks but I do want to live my life and not have someone constantly in my business. So I think that if they have probable cause and don’t abuse this power I then it can be useful. I don’t have a problem giving them information, but I personally would rather live with more freedoms, less invasiveness, and the small possibility that another 9-11 might take place then not enjoy living my life because of rules, regulations, and fear. Many people need to look at reality. Some people are afraid to fly because they are afraid of crashing or maybe even another 9-11 attack, however they dismiss the fact that they get behind the wheel of a car everyday and more people are known to have died in car wrecks every year. I could die today by playing soccer and lightning striking the field, I could die today by sitting in front of a TV and having a heart attack, or even die today when a robber breaks into my house and shoots me. But just because these are possibilities I don’t stop doing things I enjoy like playing soccer, watching TV or living in my house. I enjoy living life and think that Americans as a whole should still do the same.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Is Death The Right Penalty?
I was asked to read an article by H. L. Mencken “The Penalty of Death.” In this article he discusses two arguments against it and flaws in their thinking. He then goes on to state his reasons for supporting the death penalty and how it is a payment that sets everything right. However he does not see how if the death penalty is payment for the crime why is it not carried out right after the court decision is decided. “Why torture them as not even cannibals would torture their victims?” He says the common answer he received was that it gives them a chance to “make peace with God.” However he still does not see how that should postpone the death penalty. He believes that is putting constraints on God, and he even points out that at least Christians believe that their God has already forgiven them, and you simply have to accept which only take seconds, minutes, or hours rather than days, months, or years.
I don’t agree, with Mencken that is. I do agree that yes God can forgive in a split second, and he already has, but God has given each and every one of us a second chance at life. We have all in one way or another sinned against God, and He has forgiven us by sending His Son Jesus to die and pay the price for all of our sins. I used to believe in the death penalty because I heard that Jesus says “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” Yes, Jesus does say that in Matthew 5:38, however, I have come to find out that this is taken extremely out of context. The full passage in Matthew 5:38-42 is as follows:
“You have heard it said, ‘an eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Does that sound to you like Jesus believes in the death penalty? I think not. The government still has a responsibility to hold people accountable in order to keep order in society, and life in prison does that. It takes away their life and their freedoms like was done with their victim, settling the score while still abiding by Jesus’ example of giving grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
I don’t agree, with Mencken that is. I do agree that yes God can forgive in a split second, and he already has, but God has given each and every one of us a second chance at life. We have all in one way or another sinned against God, and He has forgiven us by sending His Son Jesus to die and pay the price for all of our sins. I used to believe in the death penalty because I heard that Jesus says “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” Yes, Jesus does say that in Matthew 5:38, however, I have come to find out that this is taken extremely out of context. The full passage in Matthew 5:38-42 is as follows:
“You have heard it said, ‘an eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Does that sound to you like Jesus believes in the death penalty? I think not. The government still has a responsibility to hold people accountable in order to keep order in society, and life in prison does that. It takes away their life and their freedoms like was done with their victim, settling the score while still abiding by Jesus’ example of giving grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Unity
First I would like to preface this with 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 which says "the man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know, but the man who loves God is known by God." This to say I do not know all the answers, but am simply a average person seeking answers.
1 Corinthians 12
1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
While reading verses 1, 4-7 it discusses how he doesn't want us to be ignorant and how the manifestation of the spirit is for the common good. Then it seems to shift gears again in verse 8-10 "to one the message of wisdom, to ANOTHER knowledge, to ANOTHER faith, to ANOTHER healing, to ANOTHER miracles, to ANOTHER prophecy, to ANOTHER tongues, to ANOTHER interpretation..." People tend to draw toward those they are similar to, and I feel like this is where some of the division in denominations come in. However the other bookend to that is verse 11 "ALL these are the work of one and the same Spirit and he gives them to each one, just as he determines," and God is beginning to move in Wilmington as we are beginning to cross denominational boundaries. WE ARE SEEING GOD MOVE BECAUSE WE ARE COMING TOGETHER AS A WHOLE BODY!!!
The best part is the greater gifts continued on in Chapter 13:13 "and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE."
So as different Christians begin to come together and love one another, we will begin to see God move. Praise be to God!
1 Corinthians 12
1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
While reading verses 1, 4-7 it discusses how he doesn't want us to be ignorant and how the manifestation of the spirit is for the common good. Then it seems to shift gears again in verse 8-10 "to one the message of wisdom, to ANOTHER knowledge, to ANOTHER faith, to ANOTHER healing, to ANOTHER miracles, to ANOTHER prophecy, to ANOTHER tongues, to ANOTHER interpretation..." People tend to draw toward those they are similar to, and I feel like this is where some of the division in denominations come in. However the other bookend to that is verse 11 "ALL these are the work of one and the same Spirit and he gives them to each one, just as he determines," and God is beginning to move in Wilmington as we are beginning to cross denominational boundaries. WE ARE SEEING GOD MOVE BECAUSE WE ARE COMING TOGETHER AS A WHOLE BODY!!!
The best part is the greater gifts continued on in Chapter 13:13 "and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE."
So as different Christians begin to come together and love one another, we will begin to see God move. Praise be to God!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Connecting the Dots
So this last week God has been showing me pieces. Today I will try and put them together the best I can, but He is still just revealing them to me one step at a time. A little over a week ago I wrote about my complacency, but how “I am ready to see God heal, I am ready to see God save, I am ready to see God move like we have never seen before.” The next few posts changed pace as I talked about Drinking and Silence, and I began to wonder who I am in Christ and if people knew me that way.
I am a Christian, one who God is revealing his plan and purpose for my life one step at time. For as long as I can remember I have had the desire to be a nurse. Whether helping stitch up a car crash victim, helping a little boy with a broken arm, or being there for the family of a dying cancer patient. Well, God is affirming that in my life. A couple months ago, Monica asked me to pray for her grandfather, Wallie, so I did. He is still alive. Then we recently prayed for Kristina’s friend’s mom with cancer, and she is still alive. Even closer to home is my friend Liz’s sister, Emily. She is 14 and diagnosed with William’s disease. This disease is hereditary and the onset is so sudden that she was bumped to the top of the transplant list at Duke because without this liver she would only live about three days. Friends and family came together praying for her, and suddenly news came that they had a liver. My heart sank. Suddenly the nurse in me realized that by asking God to save our friend we had asked him to give us a liver, meaning to take someone else’s life. How could I do that? While I struggled with this realization I went to visit my friends, Bekah and Loral. Ironically, I was already going to see them about some questions I had about healing when I got the phone call about Emily. When we got there we started talking, and I shared with them my struggles. They said they would pray for me, and then proceeded to do so. This was a change. So many Christians say they will pray for you, but how many of them, including myself, take the time to lay hands on you right then and pray for you. While they prayed, thought after thought ran through my head: Wallie, Kristina’s friend, our friend Peter who was going to California to be prayed over for healing, and EMILY. Why couldn’t I pray believing God would heal? I as thought about it, Bekah prayed it, asking God to use my hands to heal, not only physically as a nurse, but emotionally and spiritually. I have asked God to take me outside my comfort zone, and He definitely has. As Christians, we are part of the body of Christ: we are his hands and his feet.
God bring people into my life, help me be an encouragement to them, and not be afraid to share the hope of the Gospel that I have heard. Colossians 1:21-23
I am a Christian, one who God is revealing his plan and purpose for my life one step at time. For as long as I can remember I have had the desire to be a nurse. Whether helping stitch up a car crash victim, helping a little boy with a broken arm, or being there for the family of a dying cancer patient. Well, God is affirming that in my life. A couple months ago, Monica asked me to pray for her grandfather, Wallie, so I did. He is still alive. Then we recently prayed for Kristina’s friend’s mom with cancer, and she is still alive. Even closer to home is my friend Liz’s sister, Emily. She is 14 and diagnosed with William’s disease. This disease is hereditary and the onset is so sudden that she was bumped to the top of the transplant list at Duke because without this liver she would only live about three days. Friends and family came together praying for her, and suddenly news came that they had a liver. My heart sank. Suddenly the nurse in me realized that by asking God to save our friend we had asked him to give us a liver, meaning to take someone else’s life. How could I do that? While I struggled with this realization I went to visit my friends, Bekah and Loral. Ironically, I was already going to see them about some questions I had about healing when I got the phone call about Emily. When we got there we started talking, and I shared with them my struggles. They said they would pray for me, and then proceeded to do so. This was a change. So many Christians say they will pray for you, but how many of them, including myself, take the time to lay hands on you right then and pray for you. While they prayed, thought after thought ran through my head: Wallie, Kristina’s friend, our friend Peter who was going to California to be prayed over for healing, and EMILY. Why couldn’t I pray believing God would heal? I as thought about it, Bekah prayed it, asking God to use my hands to heal, not only physically as a nurse, but emotionally and spiritually. I have asked God to take me outside my comfort zone, and He definitely has. As Christians, we are part of the body of Christ: we are his hands and his feet.
God bring people into my life, help me be an encouragement to them, and not be afraid to share the hope of the Gospel that I have heard. Colossians 1:21-23
Sunday, March 7, 2010
One Step At A Time
You know where I'm going, You know where I've been. It is not my job to see the whole picture just to take life one step at a time.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Silence
Yesterday I walked across the hall and told Monica that I wrote about her in my blog. One thing led to another and we had one of the best nights of my life. It started when Monica left the room, and her roommate Kelly and I started talking. Monica has a funny story about a guy that looks like a guy I thought was cute. Now every time I see ‘cute boy,’ who is in a couple of my classes, I think of the other boy and well, I’m no longer interested. However, Kelly said she didn’t see the resemblance so we decided that she could have the cute guy. We then began to contemplate how the match making could take place. When Monica came back we were in full on creeper mode, so she joined in. I told them about this other guy, and we creeped even more profiles. Suddenly I noticed something…these two in particular were Christians. Not just listing themselves as Christians in their religious views section but covering their facebooks with phrases like “god is good, the good book, he lives in me, praise and worship team,” and various other comments leading one to believe they were not ashamed of the God they serve. I re-evaluated my life. I blog about what God is doing in my life, I even post Bible verses and songs about what God is doing to my facebook, but do people who don’t know me know me. Monica and Kelly know me, and as many people will tell you, it’s not long after you meet me that my Savior comes into the conversation. However, do people who don’t know me, know where I stand?
The flowers of the field
Are cry'n to be heard
The trees of the forest
Are singing
And all of the mountains
With one voice
Are joining the chorus of this world
And I will not be silent
I will not be quiet anymore
The flowers of the field
Are cry'n to be heard
The trees of the forest
Are singing
And all of the mountains
With one voice
Are joining the chorus of this world
And I will not be silent
I will not be quiet anymore
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Drinking
I am a fun-loving person. I always look on the bright side and try to be encouraging. People know me as being crazy and spontaneous, so why would I need to drink? I enjoy living life and making the most of every moment I’m given, so why would I want to forget some of them? I am a Christian and therefore agree with the Bible’s “do not be drunk on wine” (Ephesians 5:18), but I am not completely against social drinking. However, being a Christian, I must also “obey my leaders and submit to their authority” (Hebrews 13:17), and seeing how our government says that no one under the age of 21 can legally consume alcohol, I refrain. I have never imposed my personal beliefs on my friends and therefore often became the DD. Recently I had a discussion with my friend Kristina and have re-evaluated my stance. Although I was not drinking, I was condoning their behavior by driving them. I said and still believe that going to that party and not drinking did impact some of my friends, but could God not also influence them if I refrained from going altogether. My friends still love me. I can still have meaningful conversations, even about God, and not compromise my values. One of my friends even introduces me as her “Christian friend with whom she always has in depth discussions.” Monica is an atheist, and I love her along with our in depth discussions, but what I love more is how she knows me. Matthew 12:33 states that “a tree is known by its fruit,” and I thank God that I am known by mine.
May I continue to decrease and Christ increase in me. – John 3:30
May I continue to decrease and Christ increase in me. – John 3:30
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