Five ways to tell if you've forgiven - Ron Edmondson

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13

Whether in business, in church, or in family, relationships can cause pain and separation. It’s tempting to get even, but forgiveness is not an option for the believer, even for that person who has hurt us the most. Forgiveness is treated as an important attribute for followers of Christ in the Bible. Even still, I frequently hear people give excuses for not forgiving someone, such as:

“You can forgive but you can’t forget”…That’s most often true…only God (and sometimes, time and old age) can erase a memory.

“I’ve tried to forgive them, but they haven’t changed”…That’s probably true. Forgiveness can be a catalyst for change, but it doesn’t guarantee change.

“I may have forgiven them, but I’ll always hold it against them”…Okay, that may sound logical, but it’s not forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a releasing of emotional guilt you place upon the other person. It’s a choice we make that happens in the heart. It’s not a release of responsibility or an absence of healthy boundaries, but it is a conscious choice to remove the right to get even from the person who injured you. It’s a release of anger and the right to hold a grudge.

Forgiveness is hard.

Recently, I was talking with someone who wants to forgive the person who has hurt her the most. She wants to be free from the guilt of holding a grudge. She wants to follow the example of Christ in Biblical obedience. The problem? She’s not sure she has truly forgiven, because she still hurts from the injury.

I shared with her that while forgiveness is a decision…a choice…it is not an automatic healer of emotions. It helps, but emotions heal over time. Then I shared some ways she could determine if she’s truly forgiven the other person.

Here are 5 ways to tell if you’ve forgiven someone:

When the first thought you have about them is not the injury they caused in your life. You should be able to have normal thoughts about the person occasionally. Remember, you are dropping the right to get even, the grudge you held against them.

Ask yourself: Would you help them if you knew they were in trouble and you had the ability? Most likely, this is someone you once cared about…perhaps even loved. You would have assisted them if they needed help. While I’m not suggesting you would subject yourself to abuse or further harm, that you are obligated to help them, or even that you should, but would you in your heart want to see them prosper or see them come to harm?

Can you think positive thoughts about this person? Again, you’ve likely been on positive terms with this person or in a close enough relationship for them to injure you to this extreme. Is there anything good you can come up with about them? If not, have your really forgiven them?

Do you still think of getting even with the person? There may be consequences that need to come for this person, and you may have to see them through to protect others, but does your heart want to hurt them? If so, would you call this forgiveness?

Have stopped looking for them to fail? If you have truly forgiven someone, then just like you would for anyone else, you would want them to succeed or at least do better in life. Forgiveness means you’ve stopped keeping a record of the person’s wrongs.

I realize this is a tough list. Those struggling with forgiveness will most likely push back against it a bit. Feel free to push back if you’re not struggling with forgiveness (or claim you’re not). I know this, however; for your heart to completely heal, you eventually need to forgive the one who hurt you the most.  

 

Ron Edmondson is a pastor and church leader passionate about planting churches, helping established churches thrive, and assisting pastors and those in ministry think through leadership, strategy and life. Ron has over 20 years business experience, mostly as a self-employed business owner, and he's been helping churches grow vocationally for over 10 years.

What is dispensational premillennialism / premillennial dispensationalism? - Gotquestions.org

Premillennialism as a system is primarily based on a literal method of biblical interpretation. The main premise of premillennialism is that Jesus will literally return to the earth before (pre) the millennium begins and that He himself will inaugurate and rule over it. Premillennialists can be divided into two groups with respect to their central approach to the prophetic Scriptures, historic premillennialists and dispensational premillennialists. The basic difference between the two is the emphasis that each gives to the nation of Israel during the millennium, the period of a thousand years during which Christ will reign on earth (see Revelation 20:1-7).

Historic premillennialists believe that scriptural prophecy, especially the passages in Daniel and Revelation, give the entire history of the Church in symbolic form. Thus, they look into the Church’s past and present to find prophetic fulfillment and to see where they are in God’s prophetic timetable. Most historic premillennialists hold that the nation of Israel will undergo a national salvation immediately before the millennium is established, but there will be no national restoration of Israel. Thus, the nation of Israel will not have a special role or function that is distinct from the Church.

In contrast to historic premillennialism, dispensational premillennialism has gained popularity among modern evangelicals. Dispensational premillennialists hold that the second coming of Christ, and subsequent establishment of the millennial kingdom, is to be preceded by a seven-year-long period known as the “Tribulation,” the earthly activity of the Antichrist as well as the outpouring of God’s wrath on mankind. Dispensational premillennialists hold that the nation of Israel will be saved and restored to a place of preeminence in the millennium. Thus, Israel will have a special function of service in the millennium that is different from that of the Church or saved Gentiles.

Another difference is that most dispensational premillennialists hold that the millennium is for a literal 1000 years, while some historic premillennialists assert that the 1000 years is figurative for a long period of time. Basically, the fundamental difference between historic premillennialism and dispensational premillennialism consists in the latter’s insistence on maintaining a distinction between the nation of Israel and the Church. According to dispensationalists, the millennium will be a period of history in which God reverts back to fulfilling His Old Testament promises made to ethnic Israel, after this modern “Church Age” in which we live today is concluded. As such, the millennium will be a state of Jewish dominion over all the world, along with a newly restored Jewish temple and priesthood.

The Christians who reign with Christ will all have been given eternal, glorified bodies, and will reign spiritually, while the Jews will own the world physically, and will live, marry, and die (although evincing incredible longevity), just as people have throughout the history of the world. It is only after this thousand-year period, in which God fulfills His promises to ethnic Israel, that Christ will put down a final rebellion and usher in the eternal state with its New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22).

Historic premillennialism, conversely, requires none of this strict dichotomy between God’s spiritual people, the Church, and His physical people, ethnic Israel; it merely looks ahead to a time when Christ will reign visibly on the earth, before He brings in the eternal state.

Recommended Resources:Dispensationalism by Charles Ryrie and Logos Bible Software.


Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/dispensational-premillennialism.html#ixzz3dvvlpfSY

Biblical Allegory - Michael Fink

Allegory is a means of presenting or interpreting a story by focusing on hidden or symbolic meanings rather than literal meaning. Allegory arose from the Cynic and Stoic philosophies of the Hellenistic period (fourth to second centuries B.C.). As a general phenomenon, allegorical interpretation is adopted when sacred traditions are challenged by advances in knowledge and thought. When no longer able to interpret the traditions historically, and unwilling to discard the traditions themselves, followers of the traditions probe for deeper, symbolic meanings. In the Greek world, allegory was used primarily to interpret the Homeric myths and to preserve some moral and philosophical truths from them. Old Testament Allegory Scholars generally agree that none of the Old Testament was written allegorically. Portions of it have been interpreted allegorically by later generations. For example, interpreting the Song of Solomon as an allegory of God's love for Israel rather than as a collection of romantic love songs may have played a role in the acceptance of that book into the Old Testament canon. Allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament arose among Hellenistic Jews in Alexandria during the second century B.C. Philo, who died about A.D. 50, was its most prolific proponent. Philo sought to preserve Old Testament traditions against Greek perspectives in science and philosophy. He applied allegory to many portions of the Old Testament where the biblical views seemed to contradict contemporary secular understandings. Jewish proponents of allegory, however, never abandoned the historical meaning of their traditions to the extent that Greek proponents did. Jewish interpreters in Palestine were less influenced by allegorical approaches. Their allegories were less complex and remained closer to the literal meaning. The rabbis placed more emphasis on extracting legal prescriptions from the traditions, while other interpreters were more attracted to viewing the Old Testament in terms of prophecies to be fulfilled. New Testament New Testament writers have more in common with the approaches of Palestinian Jewish interpreters of the Old Testament than with Hellenistic interpreters like Philo. Allegory is not widely used in the New Testament; and when it is employed, it does not depart far from the literal meaning. A strong prophetic-fulfillment interpretation of the Old Testament also is evident. While Jesus never made allegorical interpretations Proof the Old Testament, some of His parables were interpreted as allegories. The parable of the soils (Mark 4:1-20 ) and the parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:24-30,13:36-43 ) are prime examples. Other parables draw on obvious Old Testament images (such as the vineyard representing Israel). In general, however, parables are to be distinguished from allegories because of their simplicity, sharp focus, and direct imagery. Contemporary scholarship generally prefers the plain and obvious point of the parable over the veiled and obscure meanings that often characterize allegories. Paul employed allegorical interpretations on four occasions (1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 9:8-10; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11; Galatians 4:21-31 ), once employing the word allegory itself (Galatians 4:24 ). Paul's allegories generally are restrained and focus on contemporary application. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 is not so much an interpretation of the Old Testament as it is the use of an Old Testament image that finds fulfillment in the sacrifice of Christ, our Passover. 1 Corinthians 10:1-11draws heavily on the fulfillment that “followed” the Old Testament people in the person of Christ. These approaches are not far from Matthew's citations of Old Testament testimonies about Christ. They bear more resemblance to prophetic fulfillment than to allegory. On the other hand, 1 Corinthians 9:8-10 departs completely from the literal meaning of the law as it applied to muzzling oxen; and Galatians 4:21-31 is a thorough allegorization of the Old Testament. The writer of Hebrews followed in that same spirit in dealing with Old Testament themes like Melchizedek, the Old Testament priesthood, and the tabernacle.-

-Michael Fink

Holman Bible Dictionary

CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM, A PSEUDO Christian ideology

Christian Nationalism is a false ideology/system.   Even though some of the affirmations of CN are clearly stated in the Scripture for instance:
1.  Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Saviour of Mankind.
2.  All life, from conception until death, is sacred and the right to life is paramount.
3.  Marriage is an institution sanctioned  by God between one man and one woman

Other CN beliefs are not clearly stated in Scripture for instance:
1.  Every American has the right to practical self-defense and the right to bear arms is as important as any of our other liberties.
2.  Capitalism is the best system for social development and Christian Charity the world yas ever known....."
3.  Strong borders are a necessity for a safe and prosperous society.
4.  Islam.....must be recognized and treated as a threat to America and Western Civilization as a whole"
5.  Politics is JUST as capable of SAVING SOULS as other forms of Evangelical outreach.
(Points 1-5 are taken from the CN website: christiannationalism.com).

These last four tenants dont come from the Bible, but from paranoia.  You can certainly call this movement NATIONALISTIC, but you can't call it it Christian. There is NOTHING Christian about the present day CN movement.

Jesus was VERY clear when He said, "By THIS all people will know that you are my Disciples......"  What is the "This"? Well, let me tell you what it is NOT.
1 It is NOT the right to bear arms.
2.  It is NOT Capitalism.
3.  It is NOT strong borders.
4. It is NOT hatred toward Islam.
5.  It is NOT Hatred of the poor.
6.  It is NOT belonging to the "RIGHT" political party.
7.  It is NOT citizenship in America

So, what is the "THIS" that Jesus that says identifies people as belonging to Him ( i.e,  True Christians).  IT is LOVE (John 13:35). By LOVE will all people know that you are His disciples ( i.e. followers).

Let me state Loud and clear.  In my opinion, the CN movement is NOT a true Christian movement because it is NOT driven by LOVE. It is driven by a paronoid, racially/economically biased, Humanistic ideology/politic dressed in Christian clothing ( a form of liberation theology).  Just because one prefaces something with the Adjective "Christian" DOES NOT make that thing Christian.  For example, take Christian Science.  Christian Science is NEITHER Christian nor Scientific. How about the "Way International"?  It may be international, but it AIN'T the way.  What about the "Unification Church"?  Well, it may be Unified, BUT it's  NOT the Church.

Let me close with this.  Jesus said in Matthew 24:5, "For many will come in my name, claiming, " I am the Christ", and they will DECEIVE many".  Folks this is happening TODAY and the CN movement is one of those many.

The purpose of trials - Todd McCauley

I'm working through the 6 book series, "Design for Discipleship" with a precious fellow saint. We are on the lesson entitled, "Character in Action".  This lesson deals with the subject of suffering.  The opening paragraph states, "A Christian is not immune to the experience of suffering......for a Christian, SUFFERING carries with it the promises of God's sovereign purpose in SHAPING the inner qualities of life"(emphasis mine).

This lesson was a fantastic reminder of the PURPOSE of suffering in our lives.  On page 45 of our lesson, it stated, "A man's response to problems determines his maturity level.  Each crisis is an opportunity for victory or defeat".

Folks, did you read that?  "...A man's response to problems determines his maturity level, each crisis is an opportunity for VICTORY or DEFEAT".  We all "GO" through stuff, BUT we don't all "Grow" through stuff.

Allow me to briefly talk about the wrong and right responses to our trials.  The wrong way to respond to your trials which will always result in DEFEAT are as follows:
1.  Not seeking the Lord/Forgetting God (Ps106:13-15)
2.  Seeking vengeance (i.e., repaying Evil for Evil) [Rom 12:17-19]
3.  Bitterness/Anger (Heb 12:15)
4.  Ingratitude (Eph 5:20)
5.  Unforgiveness (Acts 7:59-60)
6.  Quitting (Rom 12:12)
7.  Cheap substitutions (Eph 5:18)

On the other hand, the RIGHT way to respond to your trials which will result in VICTORY are as follows:
1.  Thanksgiving (1 Thess 5:18)
2.  Rejoicing (James 1:2)
3.  Persevering/Endurance (Rom 5:3-5)
4.  Worship (Job 1:20-22)
5.  Forgiveness (Luke 23:34)
6.  Seeing God's bigger picture (Rom 8:18)
7.  Obedience (Heb 5:8)

Brothers and sisters, you may or may not know this but trials/suffering are part and parcel of the Christian life. No matter what you're going through right now (e.g., Joblessness, Divorce, Sickness., Etc) you MUST understand that TRIALS are what God uses to make us the kind of people that bring honor to His name, namely MATURE Christians.  THEREFORE, we MUSTN'T run from trials BUT rather ENDURE them.  Why?  Because God glorifying Maturity (i.e. Divine Character building) can ONLY be reached through the patient endurance of trials.  Christians who attempt to escape, mitigate or soften their trials, demonstrate spiritual immaturity which one writer states is the #1 problem in our churches.

People, NEVER FORGET THIS. "God always designs our trials/sufferings for our welfare ("good") even though it may not be pleasant ("Joyful") to endure".  How you handle your trials will make you either BITTER  or  BETTER.

Peace

Form follows Function - Todd McCauley

  A few days ago I was reading an article about a church in Chicago that is completing a 33 MILLION dollar building project.  I must admit that when I saw the price tag of this facility my alarm bells went OFF.  That's a Heaven of a lot of money.  Okay, now that I'm calmed down, let me say this. Some time ago I learned about a concept called, "Form follows Function". This phrase/concept derives from the Architectural world. The basic idea behind this concept is that the form that something takes is preceded by the function of said object. In other words, "....the purpose of a building should be the starting point for its design". So,  I guess that I can agree for now that the expense should be a secondary concern. The first/primary concern should be the "Function" of the building.

As Followers of Christ, the Scripture being our authority, we have much clarity as to the Purpose of Christ's body on Earth. We exist to glorify God by fulfilling His Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20). Our Function as Christ's body is to produce a people who reflect both the Character and Priorities of Christ. In simpler terms, we are to "Make Disciples" of all Nations. 

This being said, our buildings (i.e., our structural forms) should reflect and support our/His mission. The FORM our buildings take should be in line with our FUNCTION of disciple making. If we're building or even purchasing structures that are merely "Beautiful" but NOT "Purposeful" then we are not making good use of God's money. If we're building or purchasing structures that aren't in keeping with the biblical "Function" of God's people, then we are wasting God's money. If we're building or purchasing buildings that are Pragmatic but arent in line with the Biblical mission (i.e., Function) then we are wasting God's money.

Back to the money. IF it costs 33 Million to build or purchase an effective and functional and aesthetically pleasing Disciple making factory, then I have no problem. But if it costs 33 Million or 2 million for that matter and at the end of the day not many disciples are made then the cost is unjustified and wasteful. One more thought.  If the 33 million dollars becomes a practical obstacle to effectively accomplishing our mission then we need to find another strategy. In other words, if the "Form" hinders the "Function", then the "Form" must be changed. May I add this also, if the "Form" costs only $50,000 and YET it HINDERS our "Function" of Disciple-making then we must find a better form.  To be perfectly honest, we really don't need buildings to "Make Disciples".

The Mission is everything.

Shalom.

Context is King - Patheos

Context is King” should be the first thing Christians learn as soon as they start reading the Bible.

My family and friends can recite this adage in their sleep because they hear me say it all the time. Unfortunately, I have found I shouldn’t expect even seminarians to grasp the significance of this majestic phrase.

“Surely you exaggerate,” you might say, “what is all that significant about a simple little three-word phrase?”

Let me first explain what the phrase means and then consider alternative ways of thinking.” Context is King” means that, in whatever passage we’re studying, the literary and historical context is primary in determining the meaning of the text. The sections immediately prior to and following our passage bear greater weight than far contexts (whether elsewhere in the Bible and especially historically/culturally).

What does it mean?

Context is King affirms two core values or principles:

(1) Always interpret Scripture with Scripture.

(2) Our most basic goal is always to discern the author’s intended meaning.

When we read Scripture, if the context is not king, then what will be sovereign over our interpretations?

All too often, it is the set of notes at the bottom of our study bibles. Other candidates include our pastor, parents, the last book we read, or the mp3 sermon we heard. In one way or another, our own cultural assumptions will ride roughshod over the author’s original intent. (On that topic, see the excellent book called Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes.) On our worst days, if we’re honest, we will admit more sinful motives will prevail.

Two Common Problems

How does this go wrong? I couldn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the questions. For now, I’ll highlight two common substitutes often used by Christians who want to be “biblical.”

First, people assume theological conclusions before they even begin reading the text.

This leads people to jettison the immediate context and turn to a different passage in order to validate (or “proof-text”) their predetermined conclusions (which may be correct in another context). Therefore, we fight for a correct biblical idea (drawn from some other text) at the expense of the immediate point being made by the author in the original passage, which may not be the same point being made elsewhere at other times.

Second, for fear of becoming “liberal,” one becomes excessively literal.

What does that mean? Basically this––we completely ignore things like genre and/or overly constrict the author’s ability to use words in the same flexible way that we do every day. If there would ever be literature with disorienting language and imagery, it would be that which concerns the beginning and end of all things, e.g. creation and the apocalypse.

Photo credit: http://www.zazzle.com

Finally, take the famous example of Calvinists/Arminians, who debate the meaning of “all” in various verses. I’ve heard more than a few sarcastic oversimplifications to this effect: “‘All’ means ‘all,’ period.”

The whole question is complicated by a simple example from our school days. At the beginning of a class, the teacher would ask, “Is everyone here?” When the students say “Yes,” she does not snap back, “No, you are wrong! President Obama is not here! John Piper isn’t in class! Neither is Peyton Manning.” What’s the point? In that context, “all” clearly does not mean “all.”

When it comes to actually respect this rule, it’s easier said than done. We want to be king. We want to be right. We don’t like being restricted. I challenge you to spend a week or two trying to interpret passages you read each day, but without cross-referencing other books.

(Normally, it would be good to compare the larger context, but for the sake of experimenting and self-discipline, see what you discover by never leaving the immediate context.)

This article was taken from: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jacksonwu/2012/11/06/context-is-king/

God's wisdom vs. Human wisdom - Todd McCauley

Was reading Acts 27 and verses 9-12 jumped out at me. Acts 27 records Paul's Journey to Rome in order to stand before Caesar (Not the Ape, but the Emperor). As Paul and the 275 other passengers travel by sea, they encounter severe weather which becomes life-threatening. According to verses 9-10 Paul receives a revelation from God that if the vessel continues on its voyage, disaster is imminent, not only of the ship and it's cargo, but also the very lives of the passengers. So instead of taking heed to Paul's warning the Centurion who was leading the journey is said to have been MORE persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by God through Paul.

Wow!!! This same thing goes on today. People are MORE interested in what MAN has to say verses what God has spoken in His word. Human expertise is MORE valued than Divine revelation, human wisdom is MORE embraced than Divine wisdom. Paul was not a sailor, but he had the word of God.

This is not rocket science and I'm no rocket scientist. But I can say with complete confidence and assurance. When we reject the word of God and instead embrace human wisdom, disaster is inevitable. Our culture and cultures worldwide are living proof of this.

Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law". I'm also reminded of Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death".

The Deceitful Heart - Todd McCauley

Hey y'all, how many times have you been at the crossroads of a decision and you've said to yourself, "I need to trust what my HEART is telling me" or faced a relationship dilemma and said, "I'm gonna follow my heart". I know that I've done this.

But here's the problem, the Bible makes it clear that our hearts are "wicked" meaning that they (i.e., our hearts) are bent toward evil, in other words, our "hearts" are NOT the most RELIABLE guides for guidance.

The ONLY thing that we possess that is 100% RELIABLE is our Bibles. So with that being said, If you're going to use your "heart" as a guide make sure that what your "heart" is telling you is lining up with God's word.

My Testimony - Todd McCauley

 

I grew up like many I know, in a fatherless home (the full impact of which I’ll never know). Yet I’m grateful for a loving mother who did absolutely all she could for my younger brother and me. My mother died in 1989 battling cancer (I look forward to our heavenly reunion).

Not having regular interaction with a father I believe left me without a clear sense of direction. Fortunately, during my ninth-grade year in school, an English teacher took interest in me by asking if I was going to audition for the school play. I auditioned and won the role of the “fly eater” in a Dracula production. Through this concerned teacher, I found my niche and determined then and there that I was going to be a professional actor.

Now having a clear direction, I decided to study acting in New York City, the world's theatre capital. Only one small problem, where was I going to get the money? I then decided to join the Army in order to take advantage of their educational benefits. I was fortunate to get stationed in Monterey, California where I had the great chance to perform a lot. 

​Not only was my talent being developed, but I discovered that something else was developing in my life, my anger. I didn’t realize it, but I had a bucket load of unresolved hostility developed in my childhood. The theatre gave me an outlet for my anger, but could not cure it. I can recall my anger nearly causing me to get dishonorably discharged from the service. Fortunately, I was able to “act” my way through the rest of my tour of duty and leave with a clean record 

​(Whew!!!).

Back at home (Akron), I found myself disoriented and feeling incredibly empty and of course, angry. Sitting at my Mother’s kitchen table late one evening, staring blankly at the Television, I found myself unconsciously watching a religious program called the, “700 Club”. The program grabbed my attention as it showcased people whose lives were changed through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus was not new to me having grown up in the Baptist Church. But this night I heard with new ears how through personal trust in Christ a person’s life could go from bad to good, from frustration to peace, I wanted to hear more.

Soon the host appeared and said that those of us listening at home could have a personal, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.  The host clearly let us know that, "All HAVE SINNED" and that the wages of sin would result in a Christ-less eternity. The host offered to pray with those interested and at THAT moment, I prayed and received Christ as my Lord and Savior.  Not long after that, I was publically immersed in the waters of baptism.

Jesus changed my life. I can remember my mother telling me, “…Son your life has really changed”. I could see clearer now than I ever could in my entire life. I was determined more than ever to go to New York City and study acting, but now I would study to influence many for Christ. In fact, I wanted to start a group called, “Actors for Jesus”. I got involved with a solid local church that taught me God’s word. Through good pastoral counseling, I was led to consider going down another path namely ministry. In 1985, I went on a summer-long missions trip with Operation Mobilization. I spent the summer evangelizing Muslims in Scotland and England. It was during this summer that I acknowledged my, “call to preach”. Upon my return home, I later enrolled at the historic Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where I received an outstanding biblical education.

Since my college days, I have by God’s grace served in a variety of ministry and non-ministry settings.  In 1992 I married who I believed was my life partner, but unfortunately, our marriage ended after several years. We were blessed with 6 beautiful children who I regularly pray will experience Christ in ways that I have never known. In 2017 I met the love of my life and we married in 2018.  I currently serve the Lord as a Chaplain for Senior Community Care of North Carolina.  My heartbeat has been and still is to serve the local church as a Pastor/teacher. 

One of my heroes in the Christian faith is the famed martyred missionary, Jim Elliot. He is credited with a saying that I wholeheartedly subscribe to: "He is no fool who gives what he can’t keep, to gain what he can’t lose”.

In His Grip,

Rev. Todd