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A remarkable thing happened to me on Wednesday, February 16th. At least I thought it was remarkable. I ran across
an English movie on TV that had a scene where a dozen or so people on horses, along with about 15 dogs, went across England's
beautiful countryside, chasing a fox, for the expressed purpose of running him until he was exhausted, after which the dogs
would do him in.
This has been called a "sport" in England for centuries. And while watching a few minutes of it, I remarked
to my wife, Louise, that this is unfair and inhuman. I went on to say how it should be outlawed, etc, and finally cooled
down and we both went about our business.
But what do you think I saw on TV News the next day. Fox hunting had been outlawed in England, and the law was to take
effect that very day, Thursday, February 17th. Of course my feelings had nothing to do with it. People against cruelty to
animals had been fighting for that very thing for many years. But what timing for me to get on my soapbox the very day the
law was passing, with my not even knowing anyone had been working on it for so long. It's the kind of coincidence that writers
like Zane Gray or O. Henry would write about, with all of us saying, "Good story, but it couldn't happen.
Like O. Henry's stories, "The Last Leaf," or "Gift of the Magi."
Of course sportsmen won't agree with me, but I can't help thinking about 15 lions chasing a man until he falls exhausted
and is chewed to bits. But even that's not as bad as what happened to Christ. He had never sinned...never harmed a soul,
and spent his life healing sick people, opening blind eyes, strengthening paralyzed limbs, yet was killed on a cross by religious
leaders who were jealous of his goodness and afraid He would put them out of the power and leadership they enjoyed. He told
them his Kingship was not of this world, but they wouldn't believe Him.
The fact was, that Christ came to give hope to the downtrodden and to make a way for each of us to be with Him in a place
called "Heaven" after our brief time here on earth. He had something for everyone, because there is not one person
who can escape the problems and troubles of this life. It happens to all, sooner or later. And this Promise is yours by
realizing that you're a sinner until you give your life to Him and begin living according to His Word, the Bible. Notice,
I didn't say according to what you hear from a neighbor or some religious leader. You can fully know only after reading for
yourself, the map he has given by Holy Inspiration in the Holy Bible.
And don't think you can know it all in one semester. Find a church where you're encouraged to read the Bible for yourself.
You'll find leaders there who are interested in your soul, and will lead you correctly. Think about it.
37BT Bill Thornton February 18, 2005
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