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with comments by David Bruce
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| I
receive a lot of e-mail. I am not able to post all the mail. I have
included a good sampling, however. If the subject is the same I might
group the newer messages with similar older ones. Also, my response
may appear a few days after the original posting. I can't do HJ everyday.
You must include your "name" and e-mail address within your comment
if you want it posted, otherwise it will not be posted (there is a privacy
issue here and we respect that). I do, however, encourage you to give
your "name" and e-mail so others can respond to you personally.
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E-mail and Comments:
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This
page was last updated on April 3, 2002
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LISTEN
Subject: Crazy_Beautiful
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002
From: Nallely
Jay Hernandez is so cute
and i think you should have more pictures or at least information of his
life future and plans. I would do anything to see him in the movies again.
He is a great actor and i really like him. Although i shouldn't dream that
high. I hope that you listen to this reply and grant me the honor of looking
at Jay Hernandez one more. Love always
(your fan )
Nallely Gutierrez |
DYING
FOR A LIE
Subject: Mithras
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002
From: eric la freniere
david,
i've enjoyed your mithras page immensely, but must take issue with a statement
you made.
i've heard it said before,
that "no one dies for a lie." it sounds impressive, but is simply not true.
people have died for
various lies throughout history, and continue to do so everyday. sometimes
they even take others with them on their way out. the heaven's gate people
died for a lie, as did the 9-11 terrorists. people die (and kill) for lies
all the time. it is perfectly typical. religion (and it's secular equivalent,
statism) make it possible.
the biggest lie of all
is the lie of eternal life or immortality, and people die more readily for
a big lie than for a small lie.
thanks,
eric la freniere |
TOOL
WHAT?
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002
From: Jennifer
I was just wondering
if the Reverend Maynard has seen this.
I am a fanatic, and am personally curious how he would feel about your interpretation
of their latest.
By the way, have you heard any of their older stuff? |
THIS
COMMENT WILL NOT MAKE THE SITE
Subject: 40 Days and 40 Nights
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002
From: Scooby
Well, I seriously doubt
this comment will make the site, but I must say it none the less. I just
read from your review that the main charactor in 40 Day/40 Nights is a Christian
man. I would be interrested in knowing what is this reviewers definition
on a Christian. Isn't there a differance between a Christian man and a religious
man?
Isn't a Christian Christ-like?
Aren't we told and commanded to abstain from the very PRESENCE of evil?
This character is so addicted to sex and having sex on a regular basis that
going 40 days without is SUCH a major acheivement for him, and a real struggle
from the way the movie sounds. Then to celebrate his 40 day fast, he PLANS
on having sex with his new girlfriend. (Since you did
not see the film, let me tell you it is the other way around. He gave up
on sex for 40 days -David)
Pardon me, but just HOW
is this man a Christian? Christ says we are avoid all sexual activities
until we are in a commitment of marriage. Now, if he had made a choice to
wait until marriage for religious reasons, THEN he might pass as a Christian,
but just to go 40 days? What kind of message is this to our youth? An then
for a "Christian" review site to call him a Christian is almost like giving
our youth a free pass to have sex. (It is judgement time.
I think I will sit back and try to enjoy your slam -David)
I also have difficulty
with the part that says the reviewer was entertained through most of the
film. I'm glad that the rape scene was a bit of a problem for him, that
was a good point. But I read from Screenit.com about all the sexual scenes
that are in this film, and it sounds WORSE than American Pie in morality,
sexuality, nudity, and pure perversion. How could a God-loving man of God
be "entertained" by this kind of material? (Judgement
time again. Slam, Slam, Salm -David)
Please, don't think me
as a bashing, self-rightous uptight ....(whatever). (You
said it -David) I know that we all struggel and no one is perfect,
but dont we who have Christian web sites that target other Christians at
least have some resonsibility in telling others to AVOID some of this Hollywood
trash? (Not only do you have opinions about a film you
have not seen, but you have incorrect opinions about this web site. It is
NOT a movie guide for Christians. It is really designed for non-Christians,
thank God -David) |
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JOHN
14:6
Subject: Dyan_Cannon
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002
From: "Larry and Debbie Asher"
Hi Dyan
I hope you personally read this;
I presently had the opportunity to see the video clip of you on Larry King
live. I wanted to ask you if you understand that JOHN 14:6 is so important.
You have become a vessel to reach out to people and with that an importance
of truth that I hope you always follow. The video clip did not show but
a small portion of the show and I just wanted to know if you share these
values with us. If I understand correctly, your biological father knew this.
I'm only trying to share, I'm not a minister.
JOHN 14:6 Jesus answered,
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me.
JOHN 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who
believes in me will live, even though he dies
JOHN 9:37 Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking
with you.
To truly understand that JESUS CHRIST died for our sins is so important.
With the Love of Christ
He will always walk with you.
Hope to hear from you.
Larry and Debra Asher
Tucson,AZ
SHARING
JESUS
Subject: Newsletter_23
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2002
From: Donna
Hi Dyan,
I read about your God's Party in Chatisma magazine. I was filled with joy
to know that a Hollywood actress is using her talents for God. I wanted
you to know that since minutes after reading about you. God laid you and
your ministry upon my heart and I have been praying for you and your ministry.
I want to encourge you to continue the ministry that God has given you.
My husband and I are in ministry at the church we attend in Findlay Ohio.
May God continue to bless and your ministry.
A Friend and sister in
Jesus
Donna |
I
WAS BORN A CATHOLIC BUT I DON'T BELIEVE AT ALL THAT IT'S A JESUS FOUNDATION
Subject: STIGMATA
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2002
From: Chadi
Keep up the good work
and let the truth be heard by everybody. I say wake up for all who say that
the catholic church is what Jesus wants. One mere example of today is the
children abuser priests who are protected by the church instead of being
dismissed. I don't believe in the money that that church has, I don't believe
in the gold crows they put and any other form they use to divert people
and keep them under their power. I also believe that many texts were deleted
from the bible and the church ignores reincarnation and even the theory
of evolution (which is a truth) which per se does not ignore god but can
verify reincarnation... The church ignores where Jesus was between the age
of 12 and 30, or they don't want people to know were he was. The Catholic
church condemned scientists from the middle age till recently, they wanted
people of that time to believe in their myths. They were sharing the large
taxes paid by the commoners with the lords. They controlled as much as they
could the people from reading other literatures, they burned many innocents,
they burned scientists, they condemned saints. I don't want to say more....
Let the real Jesus be with you all... |
A
SMALL REFLECTION
Subject: Images_and_Post_Modern
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2002
From: "Shelly K."
I just find it interesting
that many Protestants today believe that Catholics worship the saints, and
that icons, statues and other images are evidence of idolatry. As a Roman
Catholic, I find this a rather strange idea. We believe in the communion
of the saints--which basically means that we believe that the ability of
a person to pray for another does not end with death, and that those in
heaven can continue to pray for us. We ask the saints to pray for us, even
as we ask our family and friends to do the same. We do not believe that
the saints have power, however, any more then we ourselves have power. That
belongs to God. As for the artwork--long ago very few people were literate,
and so could not sit down themselves with the family Bible to read. So instead,
the stained-glass windows, statues and icons were created--beautiful works
of art that were designed to catch the eye, and also teach the stories of
the bible. Even ! today they serve a purpose--the saints provide examples
of how everyday people can follow the path of Christ, and the artwork within
the churches both honors God, and reminds us of our duties as Christians.
Peace,
Shelly |
VAMPIRIC
LANGUAGE
Subject: Blade 2
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2002
From: Kimberly
Salutations,
I hope that this e-mail
finds you in excellent spirits and health. I have a two questions for you.
First one: Do you the
type of language the vampires were speaking in Blade 1-2. Is it a complete
language, meaning is it a language that can be studied and spoken? I find
the language most beautiful and would love to learn it.
Second: Does anyone have
the complete soundtrack list for the movie. Meaning every piece of music
used in the movie. If so could you please e-mail me the list or point me
in the right direction. Thanks so much for your help.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Kimberly |
MANIC
DEPRESSION
Subject: Jacobs Ladder
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002
From: kevin
Hi
i watched jacbos ladder a few years ago, i can relate to many aspects of
the film.I was a British paratrooper for 7years, i developed manic depression
or was finally told i had manic depression recently.I had the devil persue
me for years, he would stand at the bottom of my bed ,follow me, possess
me. Ive had policemen pin me down while i was sudated by doctors.the images
ive seen are mind blowing.confusing.terrifing and not to be taken lightly.
sometimes i need hosptial, most of the time im ok....provided i stay on
the drugs im given. Mental illness is a soul searching and unfair condition.I
recently watched a beautiful mind, he was a paraniod skitso. if there is
a movie that depicts manic depression....jacobs ladder is the one.thanx
Kev....Scotland....take care all. |
BEST
BAND EVER
Subject: Josie_and_the_Pussycats
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002
From: BloNd PuNk StaR
josie and the pussycats was the best band ever. me and my friends even nick
name ourselves after them. You dont make up your mind whether you like it
or not from the critics before you have even seen it. It gave a positive
message throughout the whole movie.
1. put friends first
2. be happy with who you are.
3. the govt. does try to munipulate teens
the movie was great, and your dissing an actors time and hard work into
the movie. |
HEY
Subject: Crazy_Beautiful
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002
From: Step Lamb
Jay Hernandez hardley has any pictures and he is soooo hot and there needs
to be more pictures of him!! |
LOVE
THIS MOVIE
Subject: Extreme Days
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002
From: Bethany
Okay....here's my opinion...
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!! The only thing that makes me mad is that they won't
be putting it up for sale? Is that true? I hope not. I want this movie soooo
badly. And your rating? I think it's a 10. But that's my opinion. And the
last statement in the movie, they put my philosophy in life the way I've
always wanted to say it, but never been able to say it. I've had some pretty
rough stuff thrown at me, so I acn relate to Brian. Any ways, that's all
I'm gonna say. You really need to see this movie if you haven't! Well, God
Bless and Spread the Word of Christ!
Bethany |
UPDATES?
Subject: update
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002
From: hang dog
Hey David--
When's the next update of this correspondence page?
Just wondering.
Response:
I got behind. Sorry. I am now playing catch-up. -David
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THIS
IS NOT NEW
Subject: ET_The_Extra_Terrestrial
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002
From: Kelley
I read years ago in some trade publication or other (I can't remember where)
that the story of ET was essentially a retelling of the Jesus story. Made
sense to me, and certainly does explain why the story seems so familiar
to people, without their usually realizing why it does. |
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VIDEO?
Subject: Touched_By_An_Angel
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002
From: D. Knapp
I am looking for a video ("Flights of Angels") from Touched
by an Angel, but I can't find it anywhere on the Internet. Can you help?
D. Knapp
"The joy you derive from teaching will be in ratio to what you give.
Give your best."
Mae Carden
Response:
Sorry it is not available. Record the reruns. -David
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THE
SADDNESS OF NOT BEING WHO GOD WANTS US TO BE
Subject: Unbreakable
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002
From: steve
The key moment
in this film for me is during the second interview between Elijah and
Dunn at the Gallery. Dunn tells him of the sadness he feels every morning.
Elijah tells him IT IS BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT DOING WHAT IT IS YOU ARE MEANT
TO BE DOING! So many people, Christians as much as others, suffer because
we are not living our lives as God intends us to. Particulary, this message
should ring true with believers. If we are not out doing our part to further
God's message and love to others, however that may be done, we are not
living up to what He wants of us, and the end result will inevitably be
despair.
I forget if
you mentioned the Christ-Like qualities of Dunn - the outstretched arms
in the final subway sequence, the death-and-resurrection in the swimming
pool, the moment when he reveals his identity to his son at the kitchen
table and then quickly tells him to tell NO ONE as Jesus also often did
. . .
Finally, and you can
delete this if you prefer, but it really irks me to see the response from
some viewers as seen
below to one of the few black villians on screen in the last few years.
Is there any reason why one black villian in a
see of white villians causes such an angered response? You know, it's
a movie! That's all.
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THE
MATRIX CONNECTION
Subject: TrumanShow
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002
From: steve
First off -
I don't think we should be quick to pronounce that the filmmakers had
some anti-christian agenda as several of these responses have. I would
more venture to say that this was someone's very creative concept of a
story into which their natural worldview has leaked - and it is likely
a worldview in which it is better to be free with consequences, than bound
without consequences. But no matter what the "agenda," the fact is that
in The Truman Show we have a great springboard to examine alot of the
questions so many ask throughout their lives. Let's engage those questinos,
rather than avoiding them!
First off -
I don't think we should be quick to pronounce that the filmmakers had
some anti-christian agenda as several of these responses have. I would
more venture to say that this was someone's very creative concept of a
story into which their natural worldview has leaked - and it is likely
a worldview in which it is better to be free with consequences, than bound
without consequences. But no matter what the "agenda," the fact is that
in The Truman Show we have a great springboard to examine alot of the
questions so many ask throughout their lives. Let's engage those questinos,
rather than avoiding them!
Now, I think a very
interesting study could be made between this film and three others - The
Matrix, Dark City, and The
Thirteenth Floor. All three contain the notion of a constructed reality
and particularly the former two involve central characters learning how
to break free of that fake-reality. Truman Show certainly has that aspect
as well, which can progress into a very strong pro-Christian argument
(whether or not the filmmakers considered it so).
As someone below
noted, the character of Christof, whether intended to be or not, cannot
be a God-Type. He is not perfect, he has a personal agenda for keeping
Truman in his Fantasy World, as revealed in lines like, "We are getting
more ratings with this graphic than we have with anything else!" and,
"Say something! You're live to the whole world!" It's all a show to him,
a chance to be an artist, to manipulate Truman to thrill the rest of the
world. The speechat the Exit door is not his true heart, it's his hope
of keeping Truman where he needs him to be. The devil's last ditch effort
to keep the sinner placated before he exits to the true world. It's no
different from the society created by the computer in The Matrix with
the agenda to keep humans as batteries, or the world created and re-created
by the aliens of Dark City to discover the
soul of man - all these pseudo-gods have personal agendas.
In this view
of things, Truman's journey, though likely intended as on of humanism,
more accurately comes off as the journey from naiviety to knowledge and
truth! I mean, come on! Is it such a stretch? If Superman
and E.T. can be Jesus, then why can't Christof be
the devil?
Response:
Sure, why not? -David
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WUZ
UP JAY HERNANDEZ
Subject: Crazy_Beautiful
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002
From: melissa
I think that Jay Hernandez is very very cute and I would love to get his
e-mail adresses .
love melissa
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CABALHISTS
AND CATHOLICISM
Subject: Prophecy 2
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002
From: Doug
I am a bible-believing
Christian. I don't call myself Catholic, or Protestant, as I feel that
is putting myself in a denomination. I simply believe that Jesus Christ
is the Son of God, and is my Lord and Saviour, who's death and ressurection
paid for the punishment due for my sins. I have yet to see the second
two Prophecy movies, but I have recently ordered them and I should hopefully
be able to watch them next week. However, the first one is absolutely
brilliant - cramming so much information into one movie.
I did some research
on what all this Hebrew Cabalhism was about...where this "angelic script"
came from and how they managed to find suitable names for the angels.
As it turns out, Hebrew Cabalhism is not Judaism, even though their writings
are in the same language. Instead, Cabalhists are an offshoot that took
a more pagan slant on the religion and calls upon angels for help and
guidance, much like hindu deites, instead of calling on Yahweh himself
(God) as the Jews do or Jesus Christ as Christians do. They believe masses
of things ranging from angels that were sent to earth to show humans how
to survive, and then started mating with the humans, to listing names
of hundreds and hundreds of angels which are not mentioned at all in the
Bible itself (including Usiel - who is an angel in the cabalhist belief
system). The Christian Bible mentions only 3 angels, Lucifer - who is
Satan and who is fallen, Michael who is an archangel and head of the heavenly
armies, and Gabriel, who is God's messenger, and thought by many people
to be the "angel of death" who destroyed Soddom and Gomorrah, and who
killed the firstborn of Egypt during the plagues that God brought upon
Pharoah during the slavery of the Israelites and in the time of Moses.
As a Christian, I
can see many things which the producers of The Prophecy, got right according
to the beliefs of my faith...they show Satan as a fallen angel "sulking
in his basement" and how he really does not have any power...notice that
at the end he tempts the school teacher lady and and Thomas to come with
him to hell, but when they refuse he can do nothing but threaten them
with words...this is very true to the Christian belief of Satan. He is
persuaive and cunning, but by no means powerful. However, I also see that
many of the aspects in the film are based on both Catholic beliefs - i.e.
the priesthood etc. but mostly the Cabalhist beliefs about angels. Especially
Gabriel: I even read on a website that Cabalhists believe in the fact
that Gabriel whispered secrets to the unborn souls in their mother's womb,
and then just before they were born, putting his finger to their mouth
and going "Ssshhhh!" which kept the information surpressed within the
soul's conciousness and also created the dent in the childs top lip. Interesting,
but un-biblical.
The other thing that
was unbiblical was the fact that their could be a second war in heaven,
but then I could spend hours talking about this...but never mind that
for now, and also the fact that as Lucifer mentioned in the end of the
first film, that Heaven was closed to humans until the war had ended.
I suppose this is all part of the story of the film, however again it
is unbiblical.
To a non-Christian
who might be perhaps interested in finding out more about the Christian
faith that is actually founded on biblical teaching, I would say this
film is not the right place to start, because it teaches un-biblical doctrine,
and promotes perhaps an unhealthy interest in angels instead of Jesus
Christ himself, who is the door to salvation. But, for the Christian believer
who has a solid grounding in their faith - this is certainly a highly
interesting film to watch. Whatever your faith or belief is: this is a
quality film with high entertainment value.
I found the plot a
little confusing at first...it didn't appear clear as to why people did
what they did, not even watching it a second time...and their are certain
things that are left out...like, what happened to the knife that Usiel
drew to fight Simon with...it seemed to dissapear before the fight was
finished. And, if the only way to kill an angel was to pull out its heart
- why did Usiel die when he got hit by car? It may have crushed his chest,
but the film never made it clear that his heart was damaged...plus, why
did he have no eyes, and yet Simon seemed to be able to turn them on and
off at will...and why did Gabriel always have them...and why this and
why that...there are a lot of question and details which seem to be left
unanswered and left hanging, which is irritating. Perhaps the second two
films will clear things up, but I am fearful instead they will create
contradictory errors! :(
Anyway, technically,
this film is great: Camera shots are beautiful, editing is crisp and sharp,
post-production sound is added in perfectly (with the exception of a cliched
zapping sound effect which is used from the transition from Gabriel setting
Usiel's body on fire to another scene of which I forget). Acting is also
great, especially from Thomas Daggert and Simon - I find Christopher Walken's
Gabriel is fairly sinister, but somtimes his voice sounded strange, turning
into a southern drawl and then out again into creepy fallen angel...it
didn't seem to match. Also, there were many times where his hand/head
movements and speech seemed to overdramatize and look a little artificial,
but other than that he gave a great performence. My only negative point
is that in some shots early on, and at the end, the use of lighting was
not particularly impressive. But oh well....
My one big question,
which I have not managed to work out at all....WHO is the ugly monster
thing that seems to follow Lucifer about? I can't think what it is, apart
from some demonic helper, that has no name...just one of many fallen angels.
That reminds me - there are a lot of scenes in which Lucifer growls/roars
like a lion...and there is a passage in the bible (I forget where) where
it talks about Satan wandering the earth as a roaring lion, looking for
prey to devour.
Anyway, enough is
enough! Enjoy these films!
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MATRIX
MADNESS
Subject: Matrix
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002
From: Joseph Mitchell
Neo is not a
messiah figure, nor does he in any way represent one. Morpheus is not
a John the Baptist nor does he represent one. Trinity is not a Holy Trinity,
nor does she represent one. Cypher is not the Devil, nor does he represent
one.
The Wachowski brothers
are playing a game with all of you and not one of you understand, neither
do they. Here are some helpful hints.
How deep does the
rabbit hole go? As deep as the rabbit digs it.
Who holds all the
keys? Not the Agents, but the one that knows only Jesus to be the Son
of God.
Who guards all the
doors? Not the Agents, but those that keep the commandments.
Obviously, we
are meant to think of the agents as being the bad guys. Why be obvious?
Watch the movie again. This time think of the cops as being the good guys.
The Agents as being good guys. And Neo, Morpheus and the rest of the gang
as being the bad guys.
Oh and in case you
have problems doing that, here is one for you.
In the rescue
of Morpheus, Trinity is flying the helicopter, Neo and Morpheus are hanging
down beneath on the line. The helicopter is going down, Neo drops Morpheus
onto the roof of the "MMI" building, Neo lands there also. What you see
in the next few seconds is an aircraft(albeit a helicopter) crashing into
a tall building with Neo looking on standing on top of a building which
has the Roman numerals 2001 -- MMI on the top. Now I'm not saying the
Wachowski brothers prophesied the 9/11 event. I'm just pointing out that
the scene is there.
"We are willing
to cut you some slack, wipe the slate clean. All that we ask is your help
in bringing a known terrorist to justice."
Response:
Nice try, but Neo is a Jesus figure. And the bad guys are the bad guys,
-David
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|
CROSSROADS?
Subject: crossroads?
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002
From: Mark
where's the review of crossroads? just curious.
peace, mark
Response:
We did not do it. Sorry. -David
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|
MORE
COMMENTS ON NEWSLETTER 32
TRANSLATION?
Subject: Translations?
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 15:22:09 -0500
From: Rich & Cathy DeVries
David,
Jeff wrote and you
answered:
"... any literal
translations like the New American Standard, (the closest to the original
Greek and Hebrew), or the New International Version, (the next best
thing in modern english), instead of paraphases or your own interpretated
message.
--Jeff Schaefer
Response: "The
New Living Translation and the Message Translation are not paraphrases,
they are translations... The New American Standard, although literal,
reads rough and uses androcentric language. The New International Version
is now frozen in time and can not change with the currents of more recent
language. The New Living Translation is more current and insync with
culture. The Message is like a wonderful feast of fine foods -it makes
reading the Bible enjoyable. --David
I live here in Wheaton,
IL where these versions are published and have a comment for you.
The Living Bible is
considered a "Paraphrase translation." The NASB and NIV are
considered "Literal translations." The words are not really
"paraphrase vs. translation." OK?
My current favorite
is the New King James Version. It reads with credibility.
Richard DeVries
Wheaton, IL 60187
devries22@compuserve.com
Response:
We all have our favorites. You are a Bible student. The people I like
to talk to are not biblical scholars, so I look for easy to understand
translations. For personal study I use the NRSV, but when I go out into
the world I put a Message or a New Living in my hip pocket. -David
CONVICTED
OF MY BEHAVIOR
Subject: I_agree_and_do_not_throw_rocks-NL_32
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002
From: Pamela
I agree with
you. I have been convicted of my own behavior regarding rock throwing.
Something happens in the spiritual battle that rages around us when we
attack other people or gossip. Somehow it weakens our role in it. Praying
and caring for people is the spiritual thing to do. It is not easy but
we can do all things through Christ.
PJ
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