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<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center">"<font size="3"><b>TWO
ARE BETTER THAN ONE" MINISTRIES</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center"><font size="3"><b>Jim
& Marie Watt</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center"><b><font size="3">Tel:
253.874.4265 -- Email: <a href="mailto:jmbetter@gmail.com">jmbetter@gmail.com</a></font></b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center"><b><font size="3">Web:
<a href="http://www.2rbetter.org/">www.2rbetter.org</a></font></b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center"><br>
</p>
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<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>MATTHEW 6:5-15 - FORGIVENESS,
aPHI<u>e</u>-me, 146x, Strong #863, 2009-02-06</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<u>"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>A FORGIVING SPIRIT: KEY
TO SPIRITUAL HEALTH"</b></font></u></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>1. Matthew 6:12, 14-15
(6:5-15) FORGIVENESS: THE ONLY DOUBLE COMMAND! And <u>forgive</u>
us our :debts, As we also have <u>forgiven</u> our :debtors. <font style="font-size: 8pt;" size="1">14
</font>For if you <u>forgive</u> :men their :trespasses your
:heavenly :Father will also<u> forgive</u> you. <font style="font-size: 8pt;" size="1">15</font>
But if you <u>forgive</u> not :men their :trespasses, neither will
your :Father <u>forgive</u> your :trespasses.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>2. Matthew 9:2 (9:1-8)
FORGIVENESS: FOR THIS, JESUS CHARGED WITH BLASPHEMY.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>And lo, they brought to
him a paralytic, lying on a bed: and :Jesus seeing their :faith said
to the paralytic, Be of good cheer, child; your :sins are <u>forgiven</u>."</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>3. Matthew 18:21-22
(18:21-25) FORGIVENESS: NOT SEVEN, BUT SEVENTY TIMES AND SEVEN!
"Then came :Peter <i>and</i> said to him, Lord, how often shall my
:brother sin against me, and I <u>forgive</u> him? until seven times?
<font style="font-size: 8pt;" size="1">22 </font>:Jesus says to him I
say not unto you, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times <i>and
</i>seven."</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>4. Luke 23:34 (23:33-49)
FORGIVENESS: ONE OF JESUS ' LAST 7 SAYINGS FROM CROSS. "And Jesus
said, Father, <u>forgive</u> them; for they know not what they do.
And parting his :garments among <i>them</i>, they cast a lot."</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>5. John 20:22-23 (20:19-23)
FORGIVENESS: FLOWS FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. "And on saying this, he
breathed <i>on them</i>, and says to them, Receive <i>the</i> Holy
Spirit; <font style="font-size: 8pt;" size="1">23</font> whoever :sins
you <u>forgive</u>, they are <u>forgiven</u> them; whoever you
retain, they are retained."</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>6. Acts 8:22 (8:14-24)
FORGIVENESS: A POSSIBLE FRUIT OF REPENTANCE. "Repent therefore of
this your :wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of
your :heart shall be <u>forgiven</u> you.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>7. James 5:14-16 (5:13-20)
FORGIVENESS: ASSOCIATED WITH HEALING. " Is any among you sick? let
him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him,
having anointed <i>him</i> with oil in the name of the Lord: <font style="font-size: 8pt;" size="1">15</font>
and the prayer of :faith shall save the weary one, and the Lord shall
raise him up; and if he have committed sins, it shall be <u>forgiven</u>
him. <font style="font-size: 8pt;" size="1">16</font> Confess therefore
<i>your</i> :sins one to another, and pray one for another, that you
be healed. The supplication of a righteous <i>man</i> avails much in
<i>its</i> working."</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>8. 1 John 1:9 (1:5-10)
FORGIVENESS: CONDITIONAL UPON CONFESSION. "If we confess our
:sins, he is faithful and righteous to <u>forgive</u> us <i>our</i>
:sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="left">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><u><b>NOTE</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>:
</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">Sometime
around 1948-49 (or somewhat before), </span></span></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">Peter
Marshall preached this sermon in Washington DC in the "Church of
Lincoln!" </span></span></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">It
hits perhaps the key point of the Lord's Prayer. </span></span></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">Though
it is but an excerpt from Catherine Marshall's book </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">A
Man Called Peter, </span></span></i></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">I
trust you will find it </span></span></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">a
memorable illustration of the importance of "</span></span><u><span style="">Forgiveness</span></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">."</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">My
wife Marie and followed quite closely the era of</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">Peter
Marshall during his time in our national capital,</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">especially
his unusual sermon on December 07, 1941.</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">Our
daughter Anna noted at our last viewing,</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">that
this was the birthplace of their son, Peter John!</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">I
hadn't spotted that before.</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">There
is no doubt that the Spirit of Jesus </span></span></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">shone
through the life of this chosen man.</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">Many
a time his life was spared from death</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">prior
to his final home-going.</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">May
we all - upon reading his insights on </span></span><u><span style="">forgiveness</span></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">,</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">see
it operating in our own lives in the spirit of the Lord's Prayer</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">in
an ever-increasing way. - Jim Watt</span></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><u><b>LETTERS IN THE SAND</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
- Peter Marshall</b></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
. . I came not to judge the world, but to save the world . . . John
12:47</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
woman has been caught in the very act of adultery.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Christ
looks beyond the woman sobbing at His feet,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">perhaps
in search of the man who shares her guilt.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">But
the woman alone is accused.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">There
is no man sharing her shame.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">It
seems to His disciples that Christ does not look at her at all.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
is watching those men who try to hide the stones they carry in their
hands.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">They
are ready - her self-appointed judges -</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">to
throw them at the poor defenseless creature on the ground, </span></b></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">for
it is the law - the sacred law of Moses - that such shall be stoned
to death.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">If
He chooses to repudiate the law, the priest can accuse Him of being
no prophet.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
had said that he came to fulfill the law, not to </span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">destroy</span></i><span style="text-decoration: none;">
it.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">If
He permits the woman's stoning, He will clash with the Roman
authorities.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">In
this little occupied country, Rome alone retains the power of life
and death.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">If
the Nazarene condemns the women, </span></b></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
will lose His popularity with the multitudes who love and follow Him.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Be
you therefore merciful," He has often said to them, </b></font></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>as
your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:36.)</b></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">How
can He condemn the woman and still be merciful?</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Every
form of sin is repulsive to Him,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
although at times it seems that He thinks the sins of disposition</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
attitude more to be detested than the sins of the flesh,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">yet
He nowhere - at any time - condones evil and the doing of wrong.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
circle of bearded men wait impatiently for his answer.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Will
His verdict be justice - or mercy?</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">It
is a clever trap.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Surely
the Nazarene can find no way out of this one!</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">But
Jesus stands there calmly, quite unruffled by the dilemma so neatly
framed.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
well knows that, in the eyes of the Pharisees, </span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">He</span></i><span style="text-decoration: none;">
is the real enemy - not the woman.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Therefore,
He will appeal the case to a Higher Tribunal.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
will lift the issue from the level of human law to that of Divine
law.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
will appeal to the bar of conscience.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
does not speak.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Stooping
down, He slowly, deliberately begins to write in the dust at His
feet.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">This
is the only time we know of His writing anything . . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
no one knows what He wrote.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Some
ancient scholars believe that he traced there in the dust a catalog
of human sin.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Perhaps
He looks up at a tall man, with graying hair and piercing blue eyes,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
traces the word "Extortioner" -</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
the man turns and flees into the crowd.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Christ
looks up into the faces of the men standing in the circle,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
steadily - with eyes that never blink - he speaks to them:</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>He
that is without sin among you,</b></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">let
him first cast a stone at her." (John 8:7.)</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">His
keen glance rests upon the woman's accusers one by one.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Then
He writes in the sand at their feet - letter after letter.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">They
watch His finger - fascinated, as it travels up and down -</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">up
and down.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">They
cannot watch without trembling.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
group is thinning now.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">They
think of the recording angel.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">They
think of judgment.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">They
have howled for it.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Now
it has descended on them.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Looking
into their faces, </span></b></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Christ
sees into the yesterdays that lie deep in the pools of memory and
conscience.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
sees into their very hearts, and that moving finger writes on . . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Idolater
. . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Liar
. . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Drunkard
. . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Murderer
. . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Adulterer
. . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">There
is the thud of stone after stone falling on the pavement.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Not
many of the Pharisees are left.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">One
by one, they creep away - like animals - slinking into the shadows .
. .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">shuffling
off into the crowded streets to lose themselves in the multitudes.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>He
that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."</b></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">But
the adulteress could not have been unfaithful had not a man tempted
her.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">There
would be no harlots if men had no evil passions.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Another
should have stood with her in condemnation, but she was alone.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
first lesson Jesus taught that day</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">was
that only the guiltless have the right to judge.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Judge
not, and you shall not be judged."</b></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"</span><font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><u>Forgive,
</u><span style="text-decoration: none;"> and you shall be </span><u>forgiven</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">."
(Luke 6:27.)</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">But
no stones have been thrown.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">They
lie around the woman on the pavement.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">They
have dropped them where they stood,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
now she is left alone at the feet of Christ.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
stillness is broken only by her sobbing.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">She
still has not lifted her head . . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">And
now Christ looks at her.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">He
does not speak for a long moment.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Then,
with eyes full of understanding, He says softly:</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Woman,
where are those your accusers?</b></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Has
no man condemned you?" (John 8:10.)</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">And
she answers,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>No
man, Lord."</b></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">That
is all the woman says from beginning to end.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">She
has no excuse for her conduct.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">She
makes no attempt to justify what she has done.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">And
Christ looking at her,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">seeing
the tear-stained cheeks and her eyes red with weeping,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">seeing
further into her heart,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">seeing
the contrition there,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">says
to her:</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Neither
do I condemn you: go, and sin no more." (John 8:11.)</b></font></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">What
a strange verdict for the Nazarene to pass . . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">There
has been no doubt of her guilt,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
likewise there is no doubt about His attitude toward it.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">What
He here says is not that He acquits the woman,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">but
that He </span><u>forgives</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">
her.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Not
that He absolves her from blame, but that He absolves her from guilt.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Not
that He condones the act,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">but
that He does not condemn her for it - He </span><u>forgives</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">
her instead.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">His
soft voice is like a candle at twilight,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">like
a soft angelus at the close of the day . . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">like
the fragrance of a rose in a sickroom . . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">like
the singing of a bird after the storm . . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">It
is healing music for a sin-sick heart.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">All
is quiet for a while.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">If
she breathes her gratitude, it is so soft that only He hears it.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Or
perhaps it is a silent prayer which He and the angels in heaven alone
can interpret.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Perhaps
He smiles upon her, as she slowly raises her eyes, </span></b></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">a
slow, sad smile of one Who knew that He Himself</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">has
to pay the price of that absolution.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">And
it may be that His finger writes again in the dust,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">tracing
this time the outline of a cross or the shape of a hill -</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">a
hill shaped like a skull.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">No,
we do not know her name</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">nor
where she lived</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">now
who she was.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">But
of this we can be sure - she was never the same again.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">She
was a changed woman from that moment. Of that we can be sure.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">She
has looked into the eyes of Christ.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">She
has seen God.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">She
has been accused</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">convicted</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">judged
but not condemned.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><i><b>She has been <u>forgiven</u>!</b></i></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>And now her head is up.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Her eyes are shining like
stars, for has she not seen the greatest miracle of all?</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>It is more wonderful than the
miracles of creation . . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>more beautiful than the
flowers . . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>more mysterious than the
stars . . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>that God is willing, for
Christ's sake, to <u>forgive</u> sinners like you and me.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>For we are <i>all</i> sinners
. . . guilty of different kinds of sin, no doubt.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>For there are sins of the
heart</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>and sins of the mind</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>and sins of the disposition</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>as well as sins of the body.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>We, too, may be <u>forgiven</u>,
no matter what type </b></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>or kind of transgressions we
have committed.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>That we may be <u>forgiven</u>
is the greatest miracle of them all.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>God is willing to <u>forgive</u>
us,</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness,</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>because the blood of Jesus
Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>That is the basis and the
only basis for our <u>forgiveness</u>.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Therefore, "be kind one to
another, tenderhearted, <u>forgiving</u> one another,</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>even as God for Christ's sake
has <u>forgiven</u> you." (Ephesians 4:32.)</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>We have no greater need today
than this - the need of <u>forgiving</u> one another.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>The whole world cries out for
<u>forgiveness</u> . . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Nations need it.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Society needs it.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Business, capital, and labor
need it.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Homes need it.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Individual human hearts need
it.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Friends need it.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Aye - and enemies too.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>We need <u>forgiveness</u> -
to be <u>forgiven</u> and to <u>forgive</u> -</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>for without <u>forgiveness</u>,
our troubled hearts can know no peace.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>But there is a stern
condition to be met, if you and I are to be <u>forgiven</u> . . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>There must be no malice in
your heart against anyone in the whole world.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>There must be no refusal on
your part to <u>forgive</u> anyone else . . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>whatever he or she may have
done . . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>no matter how wrong they were
. . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>or how innocent you were.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>If you hug to yourself any
resentment against anybody else,</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>you destroy the bridge by
which God would come to you.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>If you do not <u>forgive</u>
other people, you yourself can never <i>feel</i> <u>forgiven</u>,</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>because you will never <i>be
</i><u>forgiven</u>.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>How can I be so sure about
that?</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Simply because Jesus said so
. . .</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
"<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>But if you <u>forgive</u>
not men their trespasses,</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>neither will your Father
<u>forgive</u> your trespasses." (Matthew 6:15.)</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>Jesus was not sentimental
about the alternatives.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>He was blunt and honest.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>In other words, if you will
<u>forgive</u> others when they offend you,</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>then your Heavenly Father
will <u>forgive</u> you too.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>But if you refuse to <u>forgive</u>
others, then your Heavenly Father will not,</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>indeed cannot, <u>forgive</u>
you your offenses.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>So - if you would have peace
in your heart -</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>if you would know the
<u>forgiveness</u> of God -</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b>it is a case of <u>forgive</u>
- or else.</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><u><b>WE CONFESS BEFORE YOU</b></u></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><u><b>Forgive</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
us, Lord Jesus, for the things we have done</b></span></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">that
make us feel uncomfortable in Your presence.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">All
the front that we polish so carefully for men to see,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">does
not deceive You.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">For
You know every thought that has left its shadow on our memory.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">You
have marked every motive that curdled something sweet within us.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">We
acknowledge - with bitterness and true repentance -</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">that
cross and selfish thoughts have entered our minds;</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">we
acknowledge that we have permitted our minds </span></b></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">to
wander through unclean and forbidden ways;</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">we
have toyed with that which we knew was not for us;</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">we
have desired that which we should not have.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">We
acknowledge that often we have deceived ourselves</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">where
our plain duty lay.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">We
confess before You that our ears are often deaf</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">to
the whisper of Your call,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">our
eyes often blind to the signs of Your guidance.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Make
us willing to be changed, even though it requires</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">surgery
of the soul and the therapy of discipline.</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Make
our hearts warm and soft that we may receive now</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
blessing of Your forgiveness,</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
<font style="font-size: 11pt;" size="2"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
benediction of Your "Depart in peace . . .</span></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" align="center">
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