Friday, January 29, 2021

The Tragic Murder of Missionary John Birch (Pt. 2)

The wreckage of Col. Jimmy Doolittle's Plane
The average American today knows little of the dangers of communism. My wife recently told me of a survey that stated "49% of recent American college graduates believe that communism is a better form of government than America's current form of government."

Sigh.  

Sadly, even some Christians think that there are similarities between communism and early Christianity as described in Acts 2. But there is a FUNDAMENTAL difference between Christianity and communism. The latter is a form of government that requires dictators to force the masses to do things against their will "for the common good" of the country. Of course, the "common good" is always defined by the dictator or governmental leaders, and disobedience leads first to loss of personal liberties, and if eventual uniform conformity is not achieved, then individual deaths. Communist dictators have killed over 150,000,000 people worldwide for non-conformity. 

The Christians in Acts 2 shared all things in common voluntarily (Acts 2:44-48). Demands of uniformity and conformity by government coercion,  regardless of the intended or stated societal good, always means the loss of individual liberty and safety. 

Death follows communism like thunder follows lightning.

In Part 1 of this series I introduced you to John Morrison Birch (1918-1945), the American Christian missionary to China (1940-1945) who was murdered by Chinese communist government soldiers (CPC) on August 25, 1945, 10 days after the end of World War II.  John Birch's death has been called “the first casualty in the Third World War between Communists and the ever-shrinking Free World.”

I would like for my follower of Jesus friends to see that Kingdom people like John Birch will sometimes make a choice to defend liberty for the sake of the health and safety of a nation, believing that this defense is a call from God Himself for the protection of others from physical suffering and death. 

Missionary to China John Morrison Birch
John Birch was born in 1919 to Christian missionaries living in India (George and Ethel Birch), but when John was two years old, the Birch family moved back to the United States due to George's ill health. First settling in New Jersey with Ethel's family, the Birch's would eventually migrate to Georgia where George Birch had inherited a 500 acre family farm. Teenage John Birch and his older brother worked on the farm all summer to get it ready for the Birch family to live. 

An aunt who recognized the intellectual acumen of John offered to pay for his high school education at a the school in Gore, Georgia so that John could be afforded a better education than the one room church school in the woods near Birchwood Farm. John graduated with honors from high school and then enrolled at Mercer University in the fall of 1935. After graduation from Mercer with honors, and a year of training in Fort Worth, Texas, John Birch went to China. 

John Birch in the rice paddy fields of China
John Birch arrived in Shanghai China in July 1940. The coast land of China and all of northern China had been invaded and occupied by the Japanese in 1936. John began an intensive study of Mandarin Chinese in the Japanese occupied territory of China. After a few months, John went to to Hangzhou China to begin his ministry of witnessing to the Chinese farmers and their families about the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was an outstanding Christian missionary. He spoke Mandarin fluently, dressed in the rural Chinese every-day clothes, and grew his hair long, dyed it black, and pulled it back just like the rice paddy farmers did. 

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the President of the United States ordered a surprise attack on Tokyo. In April 1942, the famous and successful Doolittle Raid struck terror in the hearts of the Japanese who thought their island impenetrable to attack, and it lifted the morale of the American people. Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle and his crew bailed out in China after the Tokyo raid because they had not enough gas in their tanks to return to the aircraft carrier.  They had flown from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8), bombed Tokyo, and bailed out of their planes before crashing on the Chinese mainland. The American air crews rendezvoused and then tried to figure out a way to get out of Japanese-controlled China. A local farmer put them in the bottom level of his fishing boat.

John Birch was eating a cheap bowl of rice in a restaurant that overlooked the Ch'ien Tang River. James M Scott in his superb book Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and the Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor explains what happened next:
A Chinese officer came inside and spotted the missionary, striking up a conversation in the hope of practicing his English. The officer commented that there were several Americans on the general’s boat tied up below. Birch protested that he must be mistaken, prompting the officer to point out the policeman in a black uniform standing guard on deck. Birch decided he had to check it out for himself. 

“Have you any Americans on this boat?” the missionary demanded of the guard. 

“No,” the policeman answered in Chinese. 

“Are there any Americans in there?” Birch repeated, this time shouting. 

Doolittle and his men crouched inside the cabin, listening to the exchange. “Well, Jesus Christ,” Paul Leonard blurted out.

 “That’s an awfully good name,” Birch answered. “But I am not he.” 

The door sprang open, and Birch spotted several bearded faces inside. “Come in here!” came the chorus. Birch climbed inside the cabin and came face-to-face with Doolittle and his men. The aviators were thrilled to meet Birch, whose language skills and knowledge of the area would be assets. Doolittle briefed the young missionary on the operation and asked whether he would travel with them and help interpret. “Of course, I was glad to,” Birch later said. “The first time I’d associated with celebrities.” 

Birch traveled with Doolittle to Lanchi, relating stories of the Japanese atrocities. The missionary confessed to Doolittle that he wanted to help American forces. Doolittle bade farewell to Birch, assuring him that he would recommend him up the ladder and asking him to remain ready to help other raiders.

Scott, James M.. Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and the Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor (pp. 276-277). W. W. Norton & Company. Kindle Edition. 
Order of Merit
When Doolittle arrived in Chongqing, he told Colonel Claire Chennault, leader of the Flying Tigers, about Birch's help. Chennault said he could use a Chinese-speaking American who knew the country well and he commissioned Birch as a first lieutenant on July 4, 1942 to work as a field intelligence officer, though Birch had expected to work as a chaplain.

Lieutenant John Birch would eventually be promoted to Captain John Birch and he would be a highly decorated field intelligence officer, including being awarded the Legion of Merit for his distinguished service in China. General Claire Chennault would later say of John Birch, "I loved like my own son." 

It was on August 25, 1945, 10 days after the official end of World War II that Chinese communist soldiers shot and killed Captain John Birch in cold blood.

John Birch died defending China against insurgent communists. He died wearing an American soldier's uniform. The United States government covered up John Birch's murder for five years. In one of the blackest stains on American foreign policy, the American government pulled its military and financial support from Chiang Kai-Shek and the Republic of China and allowed the country of China to fall into the hands of the communists led by Mao Zedong


A fight against communism is a fight for lives. 

How the communists killed John Birch and why it's important to understand the goals of communism will come in Part 3 of this series. 

86 comments:

Rex Ray said...

Wade,

Why didn’t John Birch go back to the rural Chinese every-day clothes? His American uniform was like waving a red flag in front of an angry bull.

It’s unforgivable how America withdrew from Chiang Kai-Shek.

RB Kuter said...

You know, Rex Ray, as proud as I am of my country and all of the amazing, gracious, things it has done in the name of liberty, we do have our very ugly blemishes as well due to the greed, corruption, and evil-intent of politicians.

I think of all of the horrid, totalitarian regimes that the US has befriended and lending support due to the advantages acquired. Often the argument is made that we positioned ourselves as close allies with the likes of the Shah of Iran, Saudi Arabian royalty, regimes of Kaunda of Zambia, Banda of Malawi, those in control in Cuba before Castro, that being friends and supporters with them was good because it gave us leverage in those countries, access to their wealth.

Read that Ho Chi Minh actually approached Eisenhower for support and a proposed alliance if Ike would help rid Viet Nam of the imperialists-French. Eisenhower refused to Ho went to the Chinese and Russia.

It's a very messy world out there. Maybe Wade will shed some light on the reasoning that went behind the US actually going against Kai-Shek. That one is a puzzle only because we may not know of some self-serving interests being fed from that decision too.

Don't get me wrong, I NEVER apologize for our nation and the benevolent, selfless acts it has made far outweigh the wrong. Just too bad some politicians can't do what they know to be the "right" thing, huh?

Lissa Roberson said...

Wade,

I realize this post is focused on John Birch, but since you, Rachelle, and her family visited us in China a handful of years ago, I wanted to share some other interesting info about Gen. Claire Chennault and the missions out of southern China.

At one point, Gen. Chennault ran the Flying Tiger raids out of Guilin, the city that we all visited together. According to mainland tourism sites, Guilin's airfield was constructed in 1933 "out of military need" utilizing manual labor. Lacking mechanical resources, everything was done by hand, from quarrying the rock out of the nearby mountains, to tamping it down on the airstrip with a twelve-ton roller pulled by 120 men.

Gen. Chennault's command post was located in a limestone cavern off the airfield. The tourism council has preserved inscriptions in both English and Chinese, inside and outside the cave describing circumstances that were taking place during that phase of the campaign.

The Flying Tigers flew out of our airport in Liuzhou as well. I've posted a link that tells the story of a B-24's final flight from Liuzhou to Formosa (Taiwan) where it was shot by a Japanese fighter. The B-24 limped back to Liuzhou airport which was under heavy fire. The crew tried to divert to Guilin Field, but was unable to land due to severe weather, and it crashed into one of the limestone mountains outside Guilin.

Wreckage from this B-24 was discovered some 50 years later by Chinese farmers, and an expedition was organized to recover aircraft wreckage and crew member remains. The airmen's remains were repatriated to Arlington Cemetery after some bureaucratic wrangling. In 2010, Stewart and another co-worker were invited to a warehouse in Liuzhou, to view the B-24 artifacts which were in safe keeping for a new Flying Tigers museum under construction. The artifacts were granted national relic protection status, but the museum never was completed. Instead, the building was converted to a shopping and restaurant venue.

https://www.stripes.com/news/relatives-of-wwii-bomber-crew-fight-bureaucratic-whirlpool-over-tomb-date-1.282719

Wade Burleson said...

Rex,

You bring up a great point about "going back to Chinese clothes." I hope to address that in Part III. He was SO concerned over communism overtaking China that he felt a UNIFORM (American soldier) and a gun would STOP the insurgents. It cost him his life.

Wade Burleson said...

Lissa

L.o.v.e. IT! Keep them coming. Comments like yours are why I blog!

Wade Burleson said...

RB Kuter,

It IS a crazy world out there. Why the U.S. government supported the communists is one of the great ministries of the 20th century. I have my opinion - I believe that the State Department and the OSS (forerunner of the CIA) had been infiltrated by communists from Russia and from China. :) We...were...directed.

Rex Ray said...

Wade, Wade,

HELP, HELP
Do you see what’s happening to America?

President Biden has already made more Executive Orders than Bush, Obama, and Trump made in their time of Office.

With the signature of his pen he’s become a Dictator putting thousands of people out of jobs. He’s out of control.

He needs to be removed because he’s mentally unbalanced.

Is there any kind of a test/examination to prove it?

Rex Ray said...

P.S.

Biden has already made more Executive Orders than Bush, Obama, and Trump COMBINED (added together) made in ALL THEIR YEARS of Office.

Rex Ray said...

https://abc7news.com/what-executive-order-was-signed-today-border-wall-jobs-lost-construction-joe-biden-orders/9882444/

https://www.worldoil.com/news/2021/1/28/alaska-native-leaders-react-to-biden-s-executive-orders

Wade Burleson said...

Rex, the executive orders are more dictatorial than Americans can comprehend at this time.

As far as competency, it won't get better, only worse.

Christiane said...

A poem I found for my kind friends who are now suffering loss,
this:


"Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,

feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.

What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,

all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness."

("Kindness" by Naomi Nye)


from the Holy Gospel of St. John 14:27
"27Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid."


This morning, the formal US Navy ceremony commending my dear husband's remains to the sea was held and I want to again thank those people who helped me when I lost him in April, especially those who are now troubled and worried. I was supported then. I am still grateful to you all. Your kindness is eternally holy to God.
Please, hold your dear ones close. Keep close to the important things of faith: do not be drawn away from 'the simplicity that is in Christ'. God Bless!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUeymJ6JJno&list=RDPUeymJ6JJno&start_radio=1

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

Your link was beautiful to see and hear. Heaven is closer ever day where we will know as we are known.

Rex Ray said...

Wade,

We were watching the Ingraham Angle Show on TV the other day. Saw National Guard laying on concrete floor. All was quite while one sang in a beautiful baritone voice, Beula Land.

Is Biden keeping them for extra protection in fear what might happen when Trump is facing impeachment? (I believe that’s February 8)

As of two days ago, Biden has made 38 executive orders. (Dictators never had it so good.)

Christiane said...

REX RAY, for you:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/here-s-full-list-biden-s-executive-actions-so-far-n1255564

Christiane said...

Rex Ray, I am glad that the Ogallala Aquifer is going to be more protected as it's health is NEEDED by the Heartland states, and pollution of the Aquifer would be devastating for many of the folks who do not know how vulnerable it is to destruction.

Sometimes what seems to thwart the very wealthy who benefit from a project DOES anger them and they push back, which is understandable;
but in a case where IF a pipeline project were to cause irreparable harm to something as wide-spread and important as the Ogallala Aquifer,
maybe the RIGHT THING to do is to consider CONSEQUENCES for ALL involved, and that means a lot of people in the Heartland of our nation.

So, I applaud the foresight of trying to stop a catastrophe before it happens. I'm also hopeful that any attempts to destroy the pristine preserved primitive forests of Alaska by orders of ANY government are halted,
as that area IS a 'national treasure' which, once destroyed, cannot be replaced.

Short-sighted profits for the well-connected are not worth the loss of our great national treasures. I am for responsible conservation of our resources, you bet.
And Canada knows better than to think 'pipeline', so I am disappointed that they got involved in Keystone project also. Canadians should know better, in my opinion. Much better.

CM said...

One again Rex is completely wrong about Executive Orders.

ALL EOs are published in the Federal Register.

https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders

Donald Trump issued 220 EOs in his 4 years as POTUS.

Barack Obama issued 276 EOs in his 8 years as POTUS.

George W. Bush issued 291 in his 8 years as POTUS.

Rex, since math may not be your strong point, I will point out that 220+276+291 is more than 38. And to help you with division, you will find that Trump signed more EOs on a yearly basis than either Bush 43 or Obama. So if amounts of EOs means more a dictator, then you must admit your guy Trump was also a dictator.

CM said...

Rex,

One more thing you will find if you actually go to the link at the federal register, you will find 2 things.

1. There is a flurry of EOs when the new guy starts.
2. There is a flurry of EOs in the last 20 days of a presidency. Once again, your guy Trump wins that contest hands down.

Rex Ray said...

CM,

You said:
“Donald Trump issued 220 EOs in his 4 years as POTUS.
Barack Obama issued 276 EOs in his 8 years as POTUS.
George W. Bush issued 291 in his 8 years as POTUS.”

That would be a total of 787 EOs

The person I was quoting from is reliable. He more than likely did his math like this:

When Biden was president for 28 days, he made 38 EOs. If he continued on that pace, in one year he’d make 488 EOs.

In four years that would be 1,954 EOs.

And in eight years that would be 3,908 EOs.

Rex Ray said...

CM,

How’d you like to be on an airplane? and hear:

“This is you captain speaking. I’m working from home today.”

Tom said...

Hay, Rex, that is what is happening now. Planes flying with the pilot sitting at home, in his office.

The back up pilot in the passenger plane is just the back up system in case something goes wrong and with the control loop. Too bad if he is sleeping on the job. Know what I mean.

Seems that is common for Christians as well. Wanting to work from home instead of working in the field where he was scheduled to work all of the time.

Shalom

Rex Ray said...

Tom,

Good point about Christians “working at home instead of in the field”, but the link below states planes flying without pilots won’t happen until at least 25 years.

Pilotless planes could be possible by 2025 | The Independent | The Independent

2025 would be the end of Biden’s first term as President. (If he last that long.)
Maybe people will fly in a “Biden 707” that makes no air pollution vapor trails because its engines are electric; run by batteries that have been charged by windmills.

CM said...

Rex,

The key term is If. But then as the history of EOs shows there is a flurry of EOs at the start of a new POTUS, which tapers off rapidly. But you and your so-called sources are ASSuming that Biden will not do that. Tell me Rex, if you end suddenly spending thousands of dollars in house or car repairs in one month do you automatically set aside 20 or 100 times that much as an ASSumption?

CM said...

Rex,

As for airplanes and autonomous vehicles, considering human error is perhaps the biggest causes of accidents, the more you minimize that the better.

CM said...

Rex,

To use basic statistics and sampling methodology, the first 28 days of Biden's EOs in no more representative than Trump's. Get back to me when he has been in for 6 months. But then I suspect math or statistics was never yours and the so-called news strong suit.

Rex Ray said...

CM,

Sorry, you don’t know how to take a halfway joke.

Rex Ray said...

CM,

I guess you like to see “CM” is the reason you make your comments one sentence at a time.

Opts, you’re causing me to do the same.

Christiane said...

REX RAY, I watched Wade's sermon over at Wartburg Watch blog, and was surprised to hear 'the news' which I found heartbreaking.

Go and see what I am talking about, unless somehow everyone here 'knew' and I did not;
but this for me, seems to be one 'consequence' (of all that has been happening) too many.

I was very sad to learn the news. I'm still trying to process it, but of course I don't 'know' all the reasons for it, it's a lot to take in though. Wade is entitled to his privacy but the shock of this was a hard thing to hear.

Christiane said...

looking at the films of Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, comes to mind the phrase 'all that rises must converge' which was used by author Flannery O'Connor as a title, but which originated with Teilhard de Chardin, who wrote, this:

"
“Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
― Pierre Teilhard De Chardin


what happened at the Capitol was a explosion of emotion stirred up by forces that are the opposite of the Force that calmed the waters on the sea of Galilee . . . and people died as a result

'love' seems to be a word often mis-used by those 'who have hold of the wrong horror' so to speak in the words of Flannery O'Connor;
but we can 'watch what they do' and the 'consequences' and in that way, we may know more about the heart of a people, whether they preserve or destroy or try to help the helpless or turn away from them . . .

but when the human heart is troubled, the soil of it is churned up and we can go to The Word and find solace and strength. . . . that is what I hope for people who are now distressed and worried, and for myself also, that good may come from the nourishment of The Word and a quiet calming of our storms from the Peace of Christ.

RB Kuter said...

Wade wrote: "Why the U.S. government supported the communists is one of the great ministries of the 20th century. I have my opinion - I believe that the State Department and the OSS (forerunner of the CIA) had been infiltrated by communists from Russia and from China. :) We...were...directed."

Of course, we will never know the true extent of the matter given that the power players in control of global affairs would never allow their controlling infrastructure to be exposed. Their leverage is the duplicity and naivete of the masses to swallow whatever swill we are fed. Everyone knows (and we might get Rex Ray started on this one) that the JFK, RFK, MLK, LHO (Oswald), and probably Jack Ruby assassinations were not close to being as simple as they all were propagated to be. Too many hugely powerful elements involved (if it's okay to use a term like "hugely powerful").

I've often wondered how even those wielding so much power could keep all of the United States Presidents silent on these matters. If I was President, I believe my first pursuit, after doing all I could to end the murder of the millions of innocent children every year in the US, would be to expose the hidden agendas of so many of these mysteries. What possible leverage could be held over all Presidents to encapture their involvement in the likes of the cover-ups of assassinations, Cuba, Shang Hai Shek, Viet Nam, Kamer Rouge, etc.?

The only possible leverage that I can imagine that would have such complete effectiveness in keeping the truth buried would be that to expose it would indeed shake the foundation of the American people and their way of life by totally diminishing their confidence in their government institutions. I suppose that bit of leverage would work on me as well if I was The President.

RB Kuter said...

Speaking of confounding global politics, did you see where the Burmese military just overthrew the "Kyi" democratically elected government, Russia arrested almost 5,000 protesting Putin, China burning tons of religious books and materials?
This world is going absolutely crazy!
Sure seems like it is the orchestration of things moving toward the entry of one person predestined to assume the role of a global leader, and I'm not talking about Jesus Christ, rather, His preceding nemesis!

Christiane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rex Ray said...

RB Kuter,

You’re right about getting me started on JFK & RFK.

But first, I want to tell about the first time I heard: “For the good of…”
On his first trip to China as a missionary, my Uncle, Rex Ray, was assigned to a hospital where he smelled a ‘Rat’. The ‘head guy said, “We don’t waste money by paying an ‘outsider’ to check our books. We check them ourselves.” (He was retiring that year.)

In the past, Rex was a book-keeper at a lumber yard, and other lumberyards paid him to check their books.

Rex paid a Pinkerton agent to follow the ‘Rat’. He found a large warehouse with medical equipment like X-ray machines. There was enough equipment for a hospital. The Rat had ordered two of everything, but he’d put one in his warehouse. He planned to have his own hospital when he retired.

Rex reported it to the Foreign Mission Board, and they took everything in the warehouse. But “For the good name of the Foreign Mission Board”, they let the guy retire with honor.

50 years after JFK was murdered, James Tague wrote a Book “LBJ and the Kennedy Killing”. I was one of 16 people that attended his funeral 3 months after his book was published.

His book records a different twist “For the good…”. It was said by Gerald Ford before he became President.

In order to make one bullet wound JFK and Texas Governor John Connally, Ford had a drawing made that raised the wound in JFK’s back from 4 inches below his neck to two inches below his neck.

When asked why he did that, Ford replied, “FOR THE SAKE OF ACCURACY.” (page 79) After that the Magic bullet was invented.

Rex Ray said...

Everybody,

If you’d like to read ten pages summarizing Tague’s Book, Google:

jTague.com

RB Kuter said...

"For the good.."

Good point Rex Ray. The arrogance of those making the decision as to what "the people" are to know is wicked. There is no higher accountability for government officials than "the people" and that's why they keep these things buried.

RB Kuter said...

Today's WSJ: "Military Seizes Power in Myanmar"/"Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of her party were detained in a morning raid."

The most unprecedented and concerning thing about the recent turn of events surfacing in US politics is the disregard by those in political control for following legislated laws and policies. Mail-in balloting by sending out massive numbers of ballots to unregistered citizens increases the susceptibility of voter fraud by overwhelming the system with unqualified, illegal, ballots and allowing more "unmonitored" vote counting. It all comes down to whether those government officials in positions charged with maintaining the integrity of the voting process do their job of following laws and policies and we had more incidents demonstrating they are not.

The willingness of those government officials to participate in the corrupt distortion of voting results was more apparent in this most recent election than any other.

Many in Georgia have lost confidence in the voting process due to various charges of voting fraud (as displayed in the video: https://www.air.tv/watch?v=uea3dXi6R4CdzPWFHLJRuQ) and see no hope of ever having the chance to have a fair chance of their vote being assessed in the future.

Those whose candidates won, possibly through corrupt means, celebrate in victory today, but will they 10 years from now. They are similar to those Thai citizens I witnessed cheering the tanks and giving flowers to the soldiers the day after the military coup about 10 years ago. That military regime resulting from that coup remains in power today and the same people celebrating their takeover are protesting in the streets due to their loss of democracy.

Those totalitarian regimes in Myanmar, Thailand, and other nations, that acquired control through military coups overthrowing democratically elected governments, have no reason to relinquish control. That would be like expecting politicians to vote for "limited terms" for themselves.

IF this past election was indeed determined by an instigated coup through
orchestrated voter fraud on a national basis, there is no reason for that political element to relinquish their control now that they have it. As in Thailand and Myanmar, the controlling governments rig the infrastructure of the political system to accommodate their remaining in power. They re-wrote the Constitution so as to re-arrange the structure to place their proxy representatives in the majority of the political system which assures that the majority of the government representation is dictated by their intent. They also continue to be those in charge of subsequent election processes.

It basically is a matter of whether any government has the moral foundation to maintain a "free" government that is determined by "the people" regardless of whether "the people" choose to put them in power or their opponents. When the moral fabric comes unraveled there is no hope of having a government that is representative of the wishes of all "the people".

Rex Ray said...

RB Kuter,

Yes, our government still kept things hidden from the public. After LBJ had all the JFK files ‘lock up’ for 50 or so years, I was hoping President Trump would release them, but he released only about half of them.

Yesterday, there was a picture taken of four generations with a visit of from my second Great Grandbaby. She’s three months old.

I hope soon you’ll read Googled jTague.com.

Tague was a stranger when I met him in a store. I asked him to read my story: “When’s My Daddy Coming Home”. It has a picture of our father holding his helmet and a bible; also, a picture of the 5-year-old girl.

He hurt my feeling when he said, “I don’t have time.” I followed him to the parking lot, and tried again. He saw a picture of my slide, and said, “I know where you live. I ended up buying one of his books, and we became friends. He visited us several times and gave me about a dozen of his books.

Just read you last comment. You spoke the absolute truth how fraud cheated Trump from being elected by crooked mail-in ballots.

Christiane said...

REX RAY and Mr. Kuter,

I heard that Q-anon says Trump will be 'inaugurated' on March 4th. But I don't know how they calculated that 'information', no.
A lot of people who supported Trump left the Republican Party AFTER the insurrection on Jan 6th, having witnessed Trump's speech to the crowd before they marched down Pennsylvania Ave. and attacked the Capitol, leaving death and destruction.

But a lot of people who supported Trump still stay 'with him' and in the Q-anon movement, that attachment has many forms,
one being that their devotion has become almost a 'new religion', with adherents saying they would 'die for him'. So maybe we are seeing the beginnings of a 'new religion' forming on American soil. (?) What do you all think?

RB Kuter said...

"New religion"...hmmmm, seems to me that the "religion" being established by political influences today is predominantly instigated by the old faces of socialism, communism, and Marxists that underlie the facade of those propagating they are forces of "unity and togetherness" fighting against division in the nation. They would have us believe they are our protectors and the moral barometer that determines who is "right" and who is "wrong".

These devotees would naturally accuse their opponents of being members of an illegal "religion" so as to outlaw their resistance; another tactic totalitarian regimes use to maintain their control and stay embedded in the deep cavern of political control.

Perhaps we should include "fascism" among those elitists propagating persecution of those resistant to their rule?

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

I think you should read:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAnon

and tell me what you think.

Trump DID NOT give a speech to the crowd on the day the Capitol was attacked on Jan 6th.

He gave a speech to MAGA (Make America Great Again) and the next day they had a peaceful protest at the Capitol on Jan 5th.

CHRISTIANE, with all the fires and destruction caused by BLM, do you think they should get what’s below?

https://abc7chicago.com/black-lives-matter-nobel-peace-prize-awards-racial-movement/10170099/

Christiane said...

Hey, REX RAY

I cannot find any references to the speech being given on the day before Jan 6th, but I did find this:

"President Donald Trump spoke at a rally near the White House on Jan. 6 before a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Trump was impeached Wednesday by the U.S. House on a single charge of “incitement of insurrection.”

Here's a transcript of Trump's Jan. 6 speech:

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-01-13/transcript-of-trumps-speech-at-rally-before-us-capitol-riot

Christiane said...

Hello Mr. Kuter,

I do not think that ALL of Q-anon is developing into a 'new religion', but a part of it does seem to be forming something that views Donald Trump and 'Q' as 'special' and having certain powers that are super-human.

Actually, the 'Q' people seem to have many different forms and faces of the expressions of their beliefs, in addition to their devotion to Trump and to 'Q'. So there seems to be a real bond forming between the various extremist entities that share common purpose.

I'm sure that my own faith comes up for great criticism for its 'social justice' stances, but I've known about that for some time. The teachings and letters coming from the Church on social justice go way back into history, so it is not anything 'new' or 'trendy' or 'progressive' to Catholics, no; just a way of viewing the Holy Gospels of Our Lord. That Our Lord had a 'preference' for the poor is a tenet of our faith.

Differences? yes, important ones

but these days, unfortunately I must mention the 'new religion' of the Q-anon cults because some in Q-anon have turned violent and have threatened people with guns and with harm to their families;
so this is not a mark of 'good will towards men', no.

I hope that evangelical people will think twice before falling into such an influence.
These are strange days.

What do you think of Marjorie Taylor-Greene?

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

I stand corrected in being wrong about the day of Trump’s speech. Thanks for the link. Boy, Trump is long winded! Speech took 31 pages.

It’s so long, you must have missed page 10:

“I KNOW THAT EVERYONE HERE WILL SOON BE MARCHING OVER TO THE CAPITOL BUILDING TO PEACEFULLY AND PATRIOTICALLY MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD.”

How can he be impeached for saying that?

Oh, Nancy Pelosi! That explains everything. She’s the one that said, “We have to pass the Bill to find out what’s in it.”

Our father had a name for people like that; “Square Top”

RB Kuter said...

Christiane, we again find ourselves on totally different poles.

I wrote a response to your comments but then determined that I would probably regret posting it so decided not to.

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

Just watched Biden on TV on January 26, 2021 saying:

“I’m pleased to announce that we have enough vaccines to fully vaccine 300 Americans by mid-summer. Let me repeat that. We have enough vaccines to fully vaccine three hundred Americans by mid-summer.”

Later, he said he meant to say million.

RB Kuter said...

Rex Ray; THAT'S our "President"!!

Wonder if any of the late-night talk show hosts will be laughing it up at The "President's" gaffs like they would for any conservative President?? Perhaps he gets a "pass" due to his age; kind of like those of color being off-limits when it comes to being used as comical fodder on the late-night shows.

No, on second thought, I don't think it is a matter of age or color that determines who is targeted for comic degradation or passed over on the popular (?) TV comedy shows like Kimble, SNL, etc. There would surely be "open season" for people of color like Herman Cain or Ben Carson and age would not be a deterrent for targeting the likes of Ronald Reagan as comic material. Those conservatives would not get a "pass" on being portrayed as buffoons on late-night.

Guess it is purely a "conservative" or "liberal" determination that determines who gets the bunt of the joke material. Kind of like who is seriously investigated for corruption, bribery, destruction of evidence, etc. in Washington, or who is censored from social media.

Don' you love it when they say, "We're all in this together."

It will be interesting to see if our "President" receives "Haw-haws" if he is ever allowed (by his handlers) to have an open forum on the international stage. The outside world will surely be laughing it up; or at least scratching their heads in disbelief.

Maybe that's the key; keep it comical. They say that there is a fine line between the emotions of hatred and love. Guess there's a fine line between crying and laughing due to embarrassment.

Need to pray for our "President"; really. It could be worse. Just wait.

Rex Ray said...

RB Kuter,
https://www.bing.com/search?q=https%3Awww.windpowermonthly-com%2Farticle%2F1689497%2Ftens-thousands-turbines-biden-looks-wind-green-deal&cvid=716187e968704f3c857396887954958c&FORM=ANAB01&PC=LCTS

“Joe Biden, has unveiled a $2 trillion package of clean energy and sustainability measures to decarbonize the US power sector by 2035.”

To sop ‘Global Warming’, Biden plans for wind turbines to produce electricity that will charge batteries that will run vehicles.

This guy tells how bad Biden’s plan is:
https://townhall.com/columnists/pauldriessen/2020/10/03/life-under-the-green-new-deal-n2577393

RB Kuter said...

https://www.theepochtimes.com/support-the-epoch-times-help-defend-independent-news_3680028.html?utm_source=news&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking-2021-02-01-3

To Those Interested in seriously seeking to have "objective" views:

The link above portrays the basis of the mission and purpose of the newspaper "The Epoch Times". It was founded by Chinese Americans whose background in Communist China portrays the persecution, imprisonment, and death for those Chinese bold enough to pursue liberty and freedom.

To acquire a truly "balanced" supply of viewpoints and news these days one must view sources biased to the "left" and then view those biased to the "right" because there is truly NO source that provides truly "objective and unbiased" views. Since Disney's powers took over Fox News there is no media source available that provides a viewpoint from the "right" given that Fox has been rendered as "blue" as CNN, MSNBC, and all the main networks. Sadly, I just "un-subscribed" from the Wall Street Journal due to finding it has become another perversion of objective reporting choosing to fall into the parade of other left-wing sources marching to the same rhythm.

"The Epoch News" may be the final significant voice standing in defiance of today's leftist, socialist, Marxist powers. It is not a coincidence that their editors are very anti-Communist China. They see the influence China is having in the US as it infiltrates the power structure of this nation and boldly hold this news and activity in the spotlight in spite of their attracting the expected, powerful, opposition from those sources.

Just read the Link above.

One very "telling" observation in today's battle between the leftist and conservative-traditional powers is that you will probably not find ONE American citizen originating from a former socialist/communist/totalitarian nation that supports the leftist regime currently in power in the US with its ideologies of "state" dominance over the "people". That should reveal something very important to a genuine seeker of "the truth". "The Epoch Times" portrays this.

RB Kuter said...

Rex Ray, thank you for the sources on our "President's" wind energy and green technology plans. I am sure that you are not surprised and so should nobody be surprised. This is nothing new and from the time of the election (?) we knew what the future holds.

These are actually very subtle moves toward what we know will become a much more radical path in this direction. Actually, I'm thankful that Biden is our "President" at this time rather than the alternative of those being in that position who hold a much more extreme agenda. I believe that is why we haven't seen more panic and the stock market has not nose-dived.

I believe that most of us anticipate that those extremists waiting in the wings will ultimately be in control because we know that Biden's strength cannot last very long so as to sustain his continuing in that Office which holds so much pressure. It truly does take its toll on all Presidents.

So I do pray for him, and really do pray for all of those serving in government asking that the Spirit of God can bring them under a convicting spirit of submission and acknowledgement of God as sovereign. I believe that if we could just see evidence of our politicians genuinely acknowledging our dependency upon God as sovereign many of us would be willing to trust more in their judgment and have more confidence in knowing that God is the key influence in their decisions.

Christiane said...

Hello Mr. Kuter,

what do you know of the group 'Falun Gong' and its connection to The Epoch Times?

As to Joe Biden's faith, I cannot speak to it personally, but as a practicing Catholic, he most likely has a great reverence for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, God in Three Persons: the Blessed Trinity. His faith sustained and sustains him in mourning the loss of his first wife and baby daughter long ago, and the loss of his son Bo Biden to brain cancer. I can tell you that the kind of faith that sustains people in deep grief is not something insignificant, and having experienced it myself, I am not worried for the soul of Joe Biden. But good to pray for him now that he can help bring some relief to those who have suffered most during this crisis of pandemic.

Mr. Kuter,
what do evangelical people who support Donald Trump believe? Thanks if you can help.

Honestly, a lot of people are asking that question now. There is much confusion about the answer to it, so it might be best to ASK those people who can best answer now.

Christiane said...

So again. Anyone care to respond, I have grown confused and need help with this and thank you if you can help:

WHAT DO EVANGELICAL PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT TRUMP NOW BELIEVE IN THEIR CHRISTIAN FAITH?

RB Kuter said...

"WHAT DO EVANGELICAL PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT TRUMP NOW BELIEVE IN THEIR CHRISTIAN FAITH?"

Thank you, Christiane, for "asking" the question instead of making conclusions based upon presumptions. That's a good thing for all of us to do.

Honestly, I cannot answer the question. Really, I don't know. I don't know what "professing Evangelicals who follow Trump" actually believe spiritually.

I don't know what Joe Biden believes and cannot reach that conclusion simply based upon his being a professing member of the Catholic Church. Only Joe Biden can answer that question.

I would love to ask the President a few questions regarding his "faith", or what he depends upon so I can either celebrate his being a brother in Christ or pray for his salvation. I would ask questions like:

"Mr. President,
- Do you believe that you will go to heaven when you leave this world?
and depending upon his response ask;
- Why do you believe you will go to heaven? What do you think qualifies you? or;
- "If you are not sure whether you will go to heaven, what gives you reason to think that you might not go to heaven when you leave this world?"

Christiane, you ask "What do evangelical people who support Trump believe in their Christian faith?"

I can assure you that there are millions of professing "Christians/Catholics/Evangelicals" who are going straight to hell when they leave this world. Fortunately, there are those who can answer spontaneously to all those questions I pose to President Biden with a confident and unequivocal "YES I KNOW I'm going to heaven when I leave this world!"

And their political persuasion has absolutely nothing to do with it.

Christiane said...

Thank you, Mr. Kuter, your comment helps.

I also found this, which is sad to watch, but may also explain something important to know:
https://youtu.be/eqceHviNBC4?t=197

Christiane said...

Mr. Kuter, I was thinking about what you might ask Joe Biden about his faith,
and I don't know what he WOULD answer,
but I can tell you that for a Catholic, the faith is more of 'trust' in the great mercy of God,
and we would pray these prayers without hesitation:

"Jesus Christ, I trust in You"

and

" Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us "

A Catholic cannot speak for other Catholics, no; but Joe Biden is, as we all are, firmly on THIS SIDE of the Resurrection of Our Lord. Catholics don't 'worry' about 'personal salvation' so much as they trust in the Risen Lord's mercy;

the thing that is so very different, is that Catholics have more hope for all mankind since the Event Incarnation, when Our Lord assumed to Himself our wounded humanity in order to heal it. We see more in the Incarnation of meaning than evangelical people see, and that accounts for the emphasis on God's great mercy for broken and wounded people. Perhaps evangelical people also believe in some way that God cares for His Creation with loving-kindness ('Chesed') grounded in the Paschal mysteries of Our Lord through the work of the Holy Spirit who goes where He wills to accomplish God's salvific mission? Even the great Jonathan Edwards understood the benevolence of God towards all of Creation.

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIAN,

You said, “Catholics don't 'worry' about 'personal salvation' so much as they trust in the Risen Lord's mercy; the thing that is so very different, is that Catholics have more hope for all mankind since the Event Incarnation, when Our Lord assumed to Himself our wounded humanity in order to heal it.”

All the translation I’ve read except one back up what Catholics believe in (1 Timothy 4:10)

“…our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people…” (NLT)
“…we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men…” (KJ) (NKJV)
“…our hope is in God, who is the Savior of all people.” (ESV)
“…we have put our hope in the living God who is the Savior of everyone…” (Holman)

I don’t believe any of these are true because it conflicts with John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (NLT)

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his One and Only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Holeman)

The true translation of 1 Timothy 4:10 is the Living:
“Our hope is in the Living God who died for all…”

RB Kuter said...

Christiane, thank you for your continued explanation of Catholic views.

Your comments reveal our differences in how a person enters into the Kingdom of God for eternity.

True, God is a God of mercy and this was portrayed in His coming into the world as Jesus Christ for the purpose of serving as our Redeemer when He sacrificed Himself on the cross. Unless God was a God of mercy He would have NEVER done something like that for we decadent, undeserving, sinners whose souls are full of darkness.

God's mercy does not result in God giving everyone a "pass" from standing in judgment and being held accountable for their sins. The mercy shown in the forgiveness of our sins only occurs when a person submits to the reality of the divine identity of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross being the only acceptable payment for our sin debt and that person chooses to surrender their life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

It is then that a personal, intimate relationship with God begins for that person as they are cleansed from all sin forever and accepted by God as His child due to their being born again, as Jesus described it to Nicodemus, when the living Spirit of God Himself indwells into the soul of that follower of Jesus Christ.

You mentioned, "We see more in the Incarnation of meaning than evangelical people see, and that accounts for the emphasis on God's great mercy for broken and wounded people."

Nothing could be further from the truth. The only way that Jesus Christ could serve in the role of being the sacrificial lamb whose blood was adequate to redeem all those who follow Him is if Jesus Christ was God. That great price is why God only applies that blood to those who accept the truth of who Jesus Christ was and what His sacrifice on the cross achieved. This could only occur if the Creator God Himself chose to come into the world as a mortal being to serve as God's exclusive sacrifice.

Christiane said...

Hello out there, REX RAY

I think about this the Holy Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 10

"25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”



REX RAY, I am also aware that even the devils believe and tremble, and there is great warning about those who say 'Lord, Lord', but who have no love or kindness for others, that on the Day of the Lord, they will not be 'recognized';

so I'm always fearful for them which fit the description of St. Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 25 of those who Christ will NOT recognize for their 'mouthing' of 'Lord, Lord' without having reached out to Him in this life.

Did the Samaritan 'know Christ'? not by 'name' but the Good Samaritan listened to his conscience about what was 'the way' to care for 'his neighbor', and that came from the laws God had written on his heart. . . . so his 'response' of kindness to care for the wounded man WAS a 'response' to Christ Who is God in the Second Person of the Holy Trinity.

Too many these days are 'sure' they are 'saved' and yet they follow paths which lead to darkness in how they treat others, especially those they have contempt for, and those people they see as 'those other sinners'.
Most Catholics KNOW they are sinners on whom God has looked, and so there is no 'finger pointing' at 'the lost'; but rather, the emphasis is on pointing to Christ.

Politics these days? Confusing that some say they are 'saved' and still follow those who preach division and encourage hate groups. No wonder people are confused about what these 'follower' actually do believe, when all the signals they are giving out points away from Christ and to another 'anointed one'. I have reason for confusion in wondering and I'm not the only one who now questions the evangelical world and its new 'annointed one'.


Christiane said...

Mr. Kuter,

I did reference our belief that the 'Paschal mysteries of Our Lord' provided the ground for our salvation. 'Paschal' refers to Christ as 'the Lamb of God'.

So I think we may more disagree on who in this world is open to the power of the mysteries of Christ Crucified and Risen from the dead. My faith finds that power to be stronger to save than fundamentalism views it. Remember the story of the Good Samaritan. He did not 'know' the 'Holy Name' of Christ; but he knew to show loving-kindness to a wounded man somewhere on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. So he, by this kindness, knew more of Christ than many who say 'Lord, Lord' and yet bear contempt for 'those other sinners'.

No one can fully know or understand the ways in which God saves, but we point to Christ and we believe also that He offered Himself as a willing sacrifice for our sake.
And we also believe that there are many who do not know Him by name, but who know to love and care for their neighbors in this world where pain is. I guess we believe Christ saves. And we call the way He does this 'the Paschal mysteries'. Hope this helps explain better.

Rex Ray said...

RB Kuter,

On the subject of how people are saved, you nailed it when: “…that person chooses to surrender their life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.” (That can happen in a minute or less.)

Jesus explained the importance of the Holy Spirit:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard…He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.” (John 16:13-14 NLT)

Tennyson describes how near the Holy Spirit is with us: “Closer is He than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.”

Once I asked Paul (Wade’s Dad), why Peter said something wrong in one place and later got it right? He said, “Peter was on a learning curve like we are today.”

So, CHRISTIANE, we’re all in the process of learning.

In the case of Peter: “Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. THEN YOU WILL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Acts 2:38 NLT)

Vs: Peter preaches to the Gentiles.

“Even as he was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message.” (Acts 10:44 NLT)

(Peter learned when people accept Jesus, they don’t have to be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit.)

RB Kuter said...

Sure enjoy this conversation, Rex Ray and Christiane. You know, the thing that I hope will be achieved by our carrying on discussion is that perhaps others will see it and it might lead them to also pursue Biblical confirmation on their position as well. Glad Wade allows this forum.

I understand all that has been said along these lines. In regards to Christ saying, "Love the Lord you God with all your heart, might, and strength", that is certainly the requirement for entering into the presence of God and being redeemed. A person cannot do that and reject the gift of life God has provided through His Son, Jesus Christ. All the discussion on doing good things, having the right attitude, being good, is representative of how so many miss the mark and enter into eternity through the wide gate and broad path instead of the small gate and narrow path; they choose a salvation based upon their own means, works, and standards.

For me the best evidence of what is required to get into heaven is the thief on the cross. That man probably never did a lick of good for others, had mercy on others, acted like a good Samaritan. At least, if he did, there is no mention of him doing it and I believe God gave him as an example to us to portray just what God requires for entry into His Kingdom.

The thief said, "Lord" (He submitted, surrendered totally, the direction and consequences of his life into the hands of Jesus Christ, even though Jesus was hanging on the cross next to him), "remember me when you enter into YOUR Kingdom" (The thief acknowledged that this Jesus Christ was God. Only God owns the Kingdom of God and makes the keys to entry available to others.)

We can all know for sure and have confidence in our salvation if we believe God's promises and refuse to get muddled up in our own assessment of how a person should be qualified to enter The Kingdom. God makes it all too clear and repeatedly gives us the instructions from Genesis through Revelation.

Rex Ray, I agree entirely with all you say regarding God's Holy Spirit. He is the regenerative power that transforms a dirty sinner like me into a forgiven, cleansed, holy child of God ("But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name" with "name" coming from the Greek word 'onoma', also interpreted as 'authority', 'character').

That "Holy Spirit", like Jesus Christ, is God.

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

How many times has the Catholic church changed their doctrine in history? Maybe start with Galileo when the Church convicted him of heresy for publicizing his belief that the Earth revolves around the sun in 1600 AD.

I think at one the Pope was thought to be without sin, but I believe one said he’d pray for the sins of others if he had any time left after praying for his.

Why do Catholics pray to Mary when Jesus said: “You can ask anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory in the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13-14 NLT)

Rex Ray said...

Wade,

Off the subject:

For two years, six days a week, 300 18-wheeler trucks pass within 100 feet of our house going north, are loaded from sand from the middle of Red River, then come back going south taking the sand to places that use the sand for making concrete.

I figured it out that they have removed about a cubic mile of sand. Since Oklahoma is to the south bank of Red River, has anyone paid anything to Oklahoma for taking their sand? 😊

Rex Ray said...

Wade,

The link below tells of problems the sand trucks are causing.

ntxe-news.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=71&num=108617

Christiane said...

REX RAY, Mr. Kuter,

I also have found our discussion helpful and I think we all do share the belief that our salvation is centered on Jesus Christ Crucified and Risen From the Dead. How Our Lord draws from these saving mysteries to help us is something we may not be able to encompass in our intellect,
but we have all experienced 'grace' we did not deserve, and 'comforting' at times when we needed it above all things,
so to know this and to share this is a good thing. There is a verse in sacred Scripture that encourages us to stay in 'the simplicity that is in Christ', and it is there that we can meet in peace, although we do not share every point of view. For this, I am thankful to the Good Lord and also to Wade, who brings people together and allows them a voice. If we stay focused and centered on Christ, we cannot go too far wrong in some other direction.

For myself, I hope my faith informs how I treat others, and trying to 'listen' and to 'understand' is an important part of that effort. I fail, of course. So often. But that I have tried is important to me, and I hope to those who have helped me.

These times are difficult. People are upset and worried. We should pray for better to come. We need to pray for people who suffer now, for whatever reason, that Our Lord brings them some quiet respite from their suffering. You all take care and be safe.

Christiane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

What is so hard that “we may not be able to encompass in our intellect” about John 3:16?

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

YES, “we have all experienced ‘grace’ we did not deserve.”

Peter said: “We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the underserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:11 NLT)

Christiane said...

Hello out there, REX RAY

I think what is hard for people is what Our Lord Himself told us about:

that SAYING 'Lord, Lord' wasn't enough, that those who 'believe in Him' will show the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in how they treat their 'neighbors'.

I can only ask you to read the Word
HERE:

FROM: the Holy Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 10

"25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”


AND HERE:

"34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 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.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."

(from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew, chapter 25)


Christiane said...

REX RAY,

you know those Gospels as well as I do, and I can tell you they have been read to me IN CHURCH since I was a child in my parent's arms when they STOOD UP for the readings of the Holy Gospels . . . .

So to take one verse and hold on to it is not to dismiss the other verses so much as to AFFIRM them: that obedience to Our Lord IS how we show forth our 'BELIEF' in Him, and He has asked of us much: that we will not turn away from those who need us, that we will stop, and recognize their pain as His pain, and respond to our suffering neighbors.

The sacred Scriptures are a 'unity' as is the Body of Christ. One part builds up the other parts. The Holy Gospel of St. John 3:16 SUPPORTS the Gospels of St. Matthew and
St. Luke. They intertwine in meaning. They are TESTAMENTS to Our Lord that were written down and carefully over thousands of years passed intact from one generation in the Church to another so that we might have them to help us now. As the Eastern Christians say about the Word of the Lord: 'let us attend'. :)

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

So, with your many quotes from Scripture, how do they justify your comment? on Wed, Feb 3, 1:14 P.M.

“How Our Lord draws from these saving mysteries to help us, is something we may not be able to encompass in our intellect.”

Christiane said...

Hello REX RAY,

I have always found a better argument 'for' knowledge of the Holy within the sacred Scriptures, this:
"7“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" (Job, ch. 12)
Not many atheists will accept the 'truth' of sacred Scriptures, but many of them have 'known' the peace of 'stilled waters' none the less, in a transcendental sense, not aware that it was 'grace'. I do think like sun and rain, 'grace' also falls upon many who do not recognize it: but still may come for them some vague 'awareness', perhaps a momentary 'warmth' that passes, an unacknowledged 'tender mercy' from the Creator to His creature.

REX RAY,
I think in God's great wisdom to keep us humbled, He finds a way to help us not to 'wax proud', and Our Lord explained it this way:

""At that time Jesus answered and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to the little ones." (St. Matthew 11:25)

The more humble a person is, I think the greater they may be able to 'encompass' the mysteries of God's grace into their awareness. Pride is the sin that shuts us down.

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

So, you decided not to reply to my question, but only to quote Scripture on another subject:

"At that time Jesus answered and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to the little ones." (St. Matthew 11:25)


A better translation:

At that time Jesus prayed: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who THINK themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.” (NLT)

Rex Ray said...

Wade,

We enjoy watching Tucker Carlson on the Fox News Channel at night as he tells his views on politics. But last night, I wanted to throw a rock at him when he said:

“On November 22, 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald murdered the President.”

I found his address on this link:

https://contactanycelebrity.com/cac/contact-tucker-carlson-%F0%9F%93%BA/

I plan to write him a letter at:

Tucker Carlson
c/o Tucker Carlson Tonight
Fox News
400 N. Capitol St. NW
Washington, DC 20001

Rex Ray said...

Wade,

This is my letter:
I’m 88 years old. My wife and I enjoy your TV show. But last night (2-3-21) I wanted to throw a rock at you when you said, “On November 22, 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald murdered the President.”

Obviously, you’ve never read the 476-page book: “LBJ and the Kennedy Killing” by James Tague. He was injured by concrete fragments made by a stray bullet when JFK was killed.

I was one of 16 people at his funeral five months after his book was published in 2013.

A 10-page summary of his book is here: jTague.com

Page 10: “Lee Harvey Oswald was a patsy…”
Page 8: “I’m handed the Russian KGB’s 1965 report investigative report showing that Lyndon Johnson was behind the assassination of President Kennedy…My hours and hours of work match the Russian KGB report to a tee, Lyndon Johnson was behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy.”

Scott Shaver said...

Same thing I believed before. Trump is not the author and finisher of my faith.

He is, however, the best U.S. president of my lifetime.

RB Kuter said...

Scott, interesting that the premises for the current impeachment process are not due to law violations but admittedly an effort by leftist opponents propagating the impeachment to eliminate the former President from being qualified to run for election again.

That is very troubling as a political-ideological power asserts itself in controlling "who" can run for office. We are definitely seeing the transformation into a dictatorial system right here in our mother America.

Also consistent in this observation, we see where there are efforts to transfer the authority of administering elections from the states to the Federal level. This would previously have been a concern as being an effort to distance the rule of "the people" from the power of the national central government but after the last election, it seems that having the election process done on a state level does not protect against the hostile intervention by other forces. So I don't know if it makes a difference anymore whether elections are controlled on a more local level or Federal central government level.

Very strange days.

Scott Shaver said...

I agree RB. This thing has passed a critical tipping point IMO.

Christiane said...

Inciting a mob to attack the Capitol for the purposes of interrupting the work of the Congress . . .

and having 'followers' who advocate the hanging of Mike Pence and the execution of Ms. Pelosi and AOC . . .

if this is not grounds for removal from the opportunity to run for office, what IS?


This is the argument being raised for following the US Constitution's way of banning a malevolent person from office or the opportunity to run for office again.

What is the answer to this argument?

Watch the trial next Tuesday and find out. Trump has managed to get two lawyers at the last minute to defend him, so then we can find out what they have to say in his defense. Unless they also 'quit' before the trial.
His lawyers sometimes just quit on him.
When an attorney goes into a REGULAR court of law, he must not breech the professional code of ethics or he/she risks losing his/her law license,
so no court in the land, including the Supreme Court could touch this case as there was no credible evidence.

The trial in the Senate is NOT a typical 'court of law', but still, there is a protocol in place that needs to be followed as it has in the past.

Trump is entitled to a defense.
And the nation is in need of a responsible and healthy Republican Party.

Let's see how it plays out.

RB Kuter said...

Sounds like Communist China to me. They have already beamed their mind-control lazers on Washington!

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

You made no reply of me quoting what Trump told ‘his people’:

“I KNOW THAT EVERYONE HERE WILL SOON BE MARCHING OVER TO THE CAPITOL BUILDING TO PEACEFULLY AND PATRIOTICALLY MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD.”

You must have forgotten, or you so bias of Trump you said:

“Inciting a mob to attack the Capitol for the purposes of interrupting the work of the Congress . . .and having 'followers' who advocate the hanging of Mike Pence and the execution of Ms. Pelosi and AOC . . .if this is not grounds for removal from the opportunity to run for office, what IS?”

I heard on the radio today, the prosecution just realized that had no sworn statements of anyone making charges against Trump. They probably haven’t heard of you, CHRISTIANE, or would you swear to the statements you’ve made?

Christiane said...

Hey REX RAY,

watch the trial next Tuesday

listen to both sides and any evidence (witnesses or film/sound)

that's what I'm going to do

You've left off an awful lot of the spoken words of Donald Trump at the crowd that morning and chosen only one sentence. Re-examine his speech for 'context'. And take a look at the trial on next Tuesday. That's my advice.

Christiane said...

REX RAY, I liked your story about the preacher and the lepers on the next blog post comments.

Scott Shaver said...

Christianne: influence peddaling as electrd vice president should have disqualified Biden from even running. You got zilch, nothing, nada on Trump.

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

Ahaa; here I’ve been ‘chewing’ on you; and you say a nice thing; makes me feel bad. 😊

Right now, I think the happiest person in America is Hillary. It was her money that got Trump impeached the first time. In fact, she had plans to impeach him in case he got elected when he ran against her.

I still can’t figure out this impeach thing that’s done by the House, but overruled by the Senate.

It looks to me if a person is found guilty by a court, but a higher court finds him innocent; then that person shouldn’t be guilty of anything.

This happened the first time Trump was impeached. (And Pelosi crowed: “Trump’s been IMPEAHED!”)

Rex Ray said...

Scott Shaver,

You brought up an important fact:

Biden should be disqualified from running for President since he used his influence as Vice-President when Obama was President, to make his family rich.

Joe Biden is now worth nine million dollars.

Can anyone find out the present investigation of Hunter Biden’s income tax evasion, or has that been ‘swept-under-the-rug?

Rex Ray said...

CHRISTIANE,

Many years ago, I was about 20 miles from home and was driving through a small town when I noticed about ten guys standing on the concrete foundation of a house to be built.

I stopped and found out they were Mexicans and only one spoke English. He had an architectural blueprint, but he didn’t know how to read it.

After five hours, we had the studs up for the exterior and interior walls. I was leaving and their leader offered to pay me. When I declined, he sincerely asked if I was an angel. 😊

Christiane said...

LOVE this story, REX RAY !
Humble people can spot angels, you know. :)

My nephew Steven is an architect (just graduated a year ago). When he was a little boy probably five years old, I bought him one of those Hoberman Spheres and he looked at it with so much interest . . . he also built large constructions himself with Legos and when a little older, was building electronic toys using batteries. . . .

He's got the Family smarts, that boy. :) But angelic? Come to think of it . .. :)

Christiane said...
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