Comments for paulmoreland.com http://paulmoreland.com Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:10:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 Comment on On Mothers’ Day by ladybug http://paulmoreland.com/2006/05/14/on-mothers-day/#comment-261 ladybug Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:28:53 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=30#comment-261 Dear Paul, This was the only way I had to contact you. I have read your and your wifes missions statement and thought I would introduce you to a ministry that might be helpful. It is called "Grace Group"and is backed by Open Hearts Ministry. The phone number for more information is269-383-3597. I know they have this in Spanish, and am told they have a strong ministry in South America. When I read the journey guide, I thought of Sherri, and how wonderful she would be leading something like this. How many more people you could help! Please tell her D'Angela says hello. You and Sherri are always in my prayers. God Bless, Jessy Anne Dear Paul,
This was the only way I had to contact you. I have read your and your wifes missions statement and thought I would introduce you to a ministry that might be helpful. It is called “Grace Group”and is backed by Open Hearts Ministry. The phone number for more information is269-383-3597. I know they have this in Spanish, and am told they have a strong ministry in South America.
When I read the journey guide, I thought of Sherri, and how wonderful she would be leading something like this. How many more people you could help! Please tell her D’Angela says hello. You and Sherri are always in my prayers. God Bless, Jessy Anne

]]> Comment on I’m a dinosaur by CarolynJP http://paulmoreland.com/2007/08/17/im-a-dinosaur/#comment-260 CarolynJP Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:30:26 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=77#comment-260 I understand a bit of where you're coming from. I would much prefer to sing the old hymns, but there were some hymns that arrived on the scene during my lifetime that some from the previous generation didn't approve. In fact, some for many years were not permitted in the "church" hymnal. Yet, we sang them at home and listened to them on the radio. A few years ago, we joined a "baby" church. We came from a very conservative, fundamentalist background. The group included some unfamiliar "praise" songs in their song service. We were not too happy as we did not know them...more especially my husband. I recalled having to learn new songs in my high school choir, so I knew we could learn these new songs if we were so inclined, and we did. And we learned to like and enjoy singing them. Some were harder to learn than others since they had more difficult arrangements than the easier songs that I learned as a child. So we went along with singing these new songs. Still as time went by, the familiar hymns were sung less and less. It was even mentioned that the younger generation couldn't understand the old songs. I really thought that was an insult to the young folks intelligence. If they could learn foreign languages in school surely they could learn a few older words. It would be so easy if some thought that the case for the song leader to read through the song and briefly explain some of the archaic words to the worshippers. I really like it anyway when the song leader says a few words before he leads a particular song...as to why he thinks it's appropriate or how it originated, etc. Well, now I've said all that now to say this. I've not really studied the history of the music in the church from it's infancy, but I'm almost positive that we might not like the music of the first, second, or third century church. It's my understanding that four-part harmony was not very well accepted into the church liturgy until after the Civil War. There is an early form of church music called "Sacred Harp" where there are as many as six parts. Also weren't chants in the very early church history and aren't they still incorporated in the services of some churches? The various cultures of the world have different music forms that my uneducated mind can't understand, but I do believe if I was exposed to it for a long enough period of time that I could come to understand and perhaps enjoy it. I think these cultures also have the right and privilege to create hymns that fit their kinds of music. They do not have to conform to European or American styles. God is pleased with all music that is offered to him and each other. And although I as you do prefer the music with which I grew up, I don't feel that I can be too critical of those who prefer other types of singing..traditional, contemporary, gospel, praise, Gregorian chants, Negro spirituals, cultural styles, etc. Still, I guess one can go too far by incorporating Godly words into music that appears "worldly" to its listeners. I really have no good response to that thought. I understand a bit of where you’re coming from. I would much prefer to sing the old hymns, but there were some hymns that arrived on the scene during my lifetime that some from the previous generation didn’t approve. In fact, some for many years were not permitted in the “church” hymnal. Yet, we sang them at home and listened to them on the radio.
A few years ago, we joined a “baby” church. We came from a very conservative, fundamentalist background. The group included some unfamiliar “praise” songs in their song service. We were not too happy as we did not know them…more especially my husband.
I recalled having to learn new songs in my high school choir, so I knew we could learn these new songs if we were so inclined, and we did. And we learned to like and enjoy singing them. Some were harder to learn than others since they had more difficult arrangements than the easier songs that I learned as a child.
So we went along with singing these new songs. Still as time went by, the familiar hymns were sung less and less. It was even mentioned that the younger generation couldn’t understand the old songs. I really thought that was an insult to the young folks intelligence. If they could learn foreign languages in school surely they could learn a few older words. It would be so easy if some thought that the case for the song leader to read through the song and briefly explain some of the archaic words to the worshippers. I really like it anyway when the song leader says a few words before he leads a particular song…as to why he thinks it’s appropriate or how it originated, etc.
Well, now I’ve said all that now to say this. I’ve not really studied the history of the music in the church from it’s infancy, but I’m almost positive that we might not like the music of the first, second, or third century church. It’s my understanding that four-part harmony was not very well accepted into the church liturgy until after the Civil War. There is an early form of church music called “Sacred Harp” where there are as many as six parts. Also weren’t chants in the very early church history and aren’t they still incorporated in the services of some churches?
The various cultures of the world have different music forms that my uneducated mind can’t understand, but I do believe if I was exposed to it for a long enough period of time that I could come to understand and perhaps enjoy it. I think these cultures also have the right and privilege to create hymns that fit their kinds of music. They do not have to conform to European or American styles. God is pleased with all music that is offered to him and each other. And although I as you do prefer the music with which I grew up, I don’t feel that I can be too critical of those who prefer other types of singing..traditional, contemporary, gospel, praise, Gregorian chants, Negro spirituals, cultural styles, etc.
Still, I guess one can go too far by incorporating Godly words into music that appears “worldly” to its listeners. I really have no good response to that thought.

]]> Comment on A subtle undermining of the foundations by ladybug http://paulmoreland.com/2007/10/27/subtle-undermining-of-the-foundations/#comment-259 ladybug Mon, 04 Feb 2008 04:39:06 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=95#comment-259 Paul, I am glad you have thought about this long and hard. The only thing I disagree with is your statement on the "good shepherd." A good shepherd is willing and able to defend his sheep. A good shepherd also knows there is a time to flee. Case in point. I knew of a lady who's door was being knocked down and she took her children and ran. It was not time to fight. In another instance this same lady had a pistol pointed at the door ready to shoot if she needed to. The lady had no other options left for her. Thankfully the guy was apprehended by the police before anything happened. Just trust in God...this has its advantages. As far as" being prepared" ...be careful -trust me when I say nothing can prepare you for circumstances such as these except faith and the trust in the Lord. I am glad you are a shepherd. I will pray for you. As for me I am just a child of God..and will hold on to my trust in Him that He will give me the wisdom to know what to do, in what ever circumstance I find myself in. Paul,

I am glad you have thought about this long and hard. The only thing I disagree
with is your statement on the “good shepherd.” A good shepherd is willing and able to defend his sheep. A good shepherd also knows there is a time to flee.
Case in point. I knew of a lady who’s door was being knocked down and she took her children and ran. It was not time to fight. In another instance this same lady had a pistol pointed at the door ready to shoot if she needed to. The lady had no other options left for her. Thankfully the guy was apprehended by the police before anything happened.
Just trust in God…this has its advantages. As far as” being prepared” …be careful -trust me when I say nothing can prepare you for circumstances such as these except faith and the trust in the Lord. I am glad you are a shepherd. I will pray for you. As for me I am just a child of God..and will hold on to my trust in Him that He will give me the wisdom to know what to do, in what ever circumstance I find myself in.

]]> Comment on A subtle undermining of the foundations by Paul http://paulmoreland.com/2007/10/27/subtle-undermining-of-the-foundations/#comment-258 Paul Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:05:43 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=95#comment-258 Actually, yes. I HAVE thought about it - a lot. Not everyone is apt to carry or properly utilize a weapon, that is for sure. The recent incident at the church building in Colorado Springs confirms that fact. The person who confronted and brought the murderer down was not the only person present who was armed, but was the only person present who responded appropriately in the face of evil. Her prayer as she moved forward in the face of grave personal danger was "Holy Spirit, guide me." To not be able to defend the weak against the evil would affect me terribly, it would be more traumatic to be forced to observe as evil unfolded than to put an end to an evil act. Charl van Wyck wrote a book, "Shooting Back" about his experience in bringing the carnage to a halt during the Saint James massacre in South Africa back in the 1990's. He presents a well reasoned and thought out apology for Christian defense. Yes, Jesus told Peter to put his sword away, but He did not tell him to get rid of it. The time was not right for the use of defense - and that is something that a Christian must be aware of - there's a time and a place for everything, and not all times are the time to use deadly force. Peter Hammond has demonstrated time and again the ability to know the difference. I'd suggest you look up some of his writing on Frontline Fellowship's website. I thank God that I've never had to use deadly force against anyone. And if I never have to that's what I pray for. But I also pray that I'll have no vehicle problems when travelling - and yet carry tools and common repair parts with me. If something DOES happen than I'm prepared. Folks who say that you should "Just trust God" in matters of personal defense do not tend to be consistent - most of them have medical and vehicle and home insurance, they carry spare tires and perhaps even have fire extinguishers. Where is their faith in regards to flat tires, accidents, illness and other such unpleasantness? It's kind of like the anti-hunters who decry the "senseless, inhuman, cruel treatment of the poor furry animals" - while dining on steak, pork chops and chicken. Such an attitude is hypocritical, to say the least. One must carefully analyze one's thoughts and actions. To lightly pick up a weapon and take a human life is a great crime and sin. However, to stand by and allow evil to be committed is also a great crime and sin. With God's help and guidance I will never have to take another human's life. However, should a situation arise in which deadly force must be used, then the person who's life is taken will have suffered the results of their own actions. A wise man once said "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." And the apostle Paul wrote, "if you do not provide for your family, you are worse than an unbeliever." Provision is not just food and clothing. It implies shelter and protection, like men of old who would take strangers in and provide for them - including protection from the evil people around them. So, yes I have thought this out carefully. And I don't expect you to take my thoughts as "gospel" - you must think through things for yourself. If you feel that you will never be faced with a need to defend yourself or anyone else from harm and thus have no need to know how to properly use a weapon - you just may face the day when unspeakable evil stands before you and you'll have no where to turn and no one to blame but yourself for not preparing properly. A good shepherd is willing and able to defend his sheep. The hireling merely flees at the sight of danger. The good shepherd is willing even to lay down his life for the sheep. Jesus gave us the ultimate example, and yet He also set up some of us as shepherds - for defense of the flock, both spiritually and physically. Are you shepherd or sheep? The Lord has set me as a shepherd, and as such He will judge me on that final day. To that end I strive to lead and feed the flock He has given me to the best of my ability as He grants me knowledge and strength. Actually, yes. I HAVE thought about it - a lot. Not everyone is apt to carry or properly utilize a weapon, that is for sure. The recent incident at the church building in Colorado Springs confirms that fact. The person who confronted and brought the murderer down was not the only person present who was armed, but was the only person present who responded appropriately in the face of evil. Her prayer as she moved forward in the face of grave personal danger was “Holy Spirit, guide me.” To not be able to defend the weak against the evil would affect me terribly, it would be more traumatic to be forced to observe as evil unfolded than to put an end to an evil act. Charl van Wyck wrote a book, “Shooting Back” about his experience in bringing the carnage to a halt during the Saint James massacre in South Africa back in the 1990’s. He presents a well reasoned and thought out apology for Christian defense. Yes, Jesus told Peter to put his sword away, but He did not tell him to get rid of it. The time was not right for the use of defense - and that is something that a Christian must be aware of - there’s a time and a place for everything, and not all times are the time to use deadly force. Peter Hammond has demonstrated time and again the ability to know the difference. I’d suggest you look up some of his writing on Frontline Fellowship’s website.

I thank God that I’ve never had to use deadly force against anyone. And if I never have to that’s what I pray for. But I also pray that I’ll have no vehicle problems when travelling - and yet carry tools and common repair parts with me. If something DOES happen than I’m prepared. Folks who say that you should “Just trust God” in matters of personal defense do not tend to be consistent - most of them have medical and vehicle and home insurance, they carry spare tires and perhaps even have fire extinguishers. Where is their faith in regards to flat tires, accidents, illness and other such unpleasantness? It’s kind of like the anti-hunters who decry the “senseless, inhuman, cruel treatment of the poor furry animals” - while dining on steak, pork chops and chicken. Such an attitude is hypocritical, to say the least.

One must carefully analyze one’s thoughts and actions. To lightly pick up a weapon and take a human life is a great crime and sin. However, to stand by and allow evil to be committed is also a great crime and sin. With God’s help and guidance I will never have to take another human’s life. However, should a situation arise in which deadly force must be used, then the person who’s life is taken will have suffered the results of their own actions. A wise man once said “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” And the apostle Paul wrote, “if you do not provide for your family, you are worse than an unbeliever.” Provision is not just food and clothing. It implies shelter and protection, like men of old who would take strangers in and provide for them - including protection from the evil people around them.

So, yes I have thought this out carefully. And I don’t expect you to take my thoughts as “gospel” - you must think through things for yourself. If you feel that you will never be faced with a need to defend yourself or anyone else from harm and thus have no need to know how to properly use a weapon - you just may face the day when unspeakable evil stands before you and you’ll have no where to turn and no one to blame but yourself for not preparing properly.

A good shepherd is willing and able to defend his sheep. The hireling merely flees at the sight of danger. The good shepherd is willing even to lay down his life for the sheep. Jesus gave us the ultimate example, and yet He also set up some of us as shepherds - for defense of the flock, both spiritually and physically. Are you shepherd or sheep? The Lord has set me as a shepherd, and as such He will judge me on that final day. To that end I strive to lead and feed the flock He has given me to the best of my ability as He grants me knowledge and strength.

]]> Comment on A subtle undermining of the foundations by ladybug http://paulmoreland.com/2007/10/27/subtle-undermining-of-the-foundations/#comment-257 ladybug Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:31:48 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=95#comment-257 Why do we allow ourselves to become unchallenged? You seem to have a lot of knowledge of weapons. I believe we should not conform to society...and I agree we should not live as the world lives. You write a lot about guns, the laws of, and why we should have them. Have you ever thought why we should not have them? Have you ever actually had to kill someone...or been in a situation where you might have to? Have you ever thought what that does to change a person? I had a friend who was a cop. This person had a lot of the same ideals you seem to have. Until she killed a person in the line of duty. It changed her. Completely changed her. Not only did it effect her, it effected the comunity, the dead persons family. and her family. This person will never be the same. Weapons are a deep and serious responsibility...and not everyone has the aptitude for it. Jesus told Peter to put his sword away and healed a soliders ear. King David could not build a place for god because he was a warrior and had blood on his hands. Please be careful with this love of weapons you seem to have. Why do we allow ourselves to become unchallenged? You seem to have a lot of knowledge of weapons. I believe we should not conform to society…and I agree
we should not live as the world lives.
You write a lot about guns, the laws of, and why we should have them. Have you ever thought why we should not have them? Have you ever actually had to kill someone…or been in a situation where you might have to? Have you ever thought what that does to change a person?
I had a friend who was a cop. This person had a lot of the same ideals you seem to have. Until she killed a person in the line of duty. It changed her. Completely changed her. Not only did it effect her, it effected the comunity, the dead persons family. and her family. This person will never be the same.
Weapons are a deep and serious responsibility…and not everyone has the
aptitude for it. Jesus told Peter to put his sword away and healed a soliders ear. King David could not build a place for god because he was a warrior and had blood on his hands. Please be careful with this love of weapons you seem to have.

]]> Comment on Why are you here? by JimT http://paulmoreland.com/2007/12/27/why-are-you-here/#comment-254 JimT Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:06:50 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/2007/12/27/why-are-you-here/#comment-254 Paraphrasing Paul in Acts 26:22 “… I continue unto this day, irritating both small and great …” Paraphrasing Paul in Acts 26:22 “… I continue unto this day, irritating both small and great …”

]]> Comment on End Of The Spear by CrunchyCon http://paulmoreland.com/2007/11/24/end-of-the-spear/#comment-252 CrunchyCon Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:46:26 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=98#comment-252 I was excited when I read this review and noticed my local library had a couple of copies of the movie, but disappointed that I'd be something like 30th in line for a copy. So I checked out the book, "End of the Spear" yesterday and have read about half of it thus far. It's amazingly good, and not really preachy and Steve Saint seems to have a good head on his shoulders and not only a true Christian perspective here, but a genuine love for these people, some of whom murdered his father. His writing style and stories remind me more than a little of your own stories of backwoods life in South America, which is a real compliment to both of you. CC I was excited when I read this review and noticed my local library had a couple of copies of the movie, but disappointed that I’d be something like 30th in line for a copy. So I checked out the book, “End of the Spear” yesterday and have read about half of it thus far. It’s amazingly good, and not really preachy and Steve Saint seems to have a good head on his shoulders and not only a true Christian perspective here, but a genuine love for these people, some of whom murdered his father. His writing style and stories remind me more than a little of your own stories of backwoods life in South America, which is a real compliment to both of you.

CC

]]> Comment on End Of The Spear by Paul http://paulmoreland.com/2007/11/24/end-of-the-spear/#comment-251 Paul Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:01:13 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=98#comment-251 I've got my eye out for a copy. I purchased a bootleg copy of "The Passion of The Christ" before the movie hit the theaters here. And then picked up two originals as opportunity presented itself. BUT I've seen neither originals nor pirated versions for sale around here yet. It's not a widely popular movie here, don't know if it even made it to the theaters. So far, no one I've asked about it has seen it. Haven't checked with Blockbuster yet, they sometimes have lesser known videos on their shelves, but with retail prices that rival those in the US. So there's a "companion documentary"? I"ve yet to see that one. I’ve got my eye out for a copy. I purchased a bootleg copy of “The Passion of The Christ” before the movie hit the theaters here. And then picked up two originals as opportunity presented itself. BUT I’ve seen neither originals nor pirated versions for sale around here yet. It’s not a widely popular movie here, don’t know if it even made it to the theaters. So far, no one I’ve asked about it has seen it. Haven’t checked with Blockbuster yet, they sometimes have lesser known videos on their shelves, but with retail prices that rival those in the US. So there’s a “companion documentary”? I”ve yet to see that one.

]]> Comment on End Of The Spear by JimT http://paulmoreland.com/2007/11/24/end-of-the-spear/#comment-250 JimT Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:16:37 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=98#comment-250 We saw this film at the theater when it came out and later on purchased it. We have shared it with a number of people. I have yet to see it fail to touch hearts. I would recommend the campanion documentary, "Through The Gates of Splendor" also. We saw this film at the theater when it came out and later on purchased it. We have shared it with a number of people. I have yet to see it fail to touch hearts. I would recommend the campanion documentary, “Through The Gates of Splendor” also.

]]> Comment on Raised a rifleman by CrunchyCon http://paulmoreland.com/2007/11/01/raised-a-rifleman/#comment-248 CrunchyCon Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:13:07 +0000 http://paulmoreland.com/?p=96#comment-248 Amazing on that ammo price. I was at Wal-Mart near the family farm in southeast Missouri to get my gun deer tag on Friday afternoon, and Federal promo packs of 550 or maybe 525 .22 LR cartridges, the 38-grain hollowpoint type, were going for $9.90. I recall you mentioning, maybe in your "Sertao" story, about hunting with the 28-gauge H & R, and the Ruger .22 pistol (I've shot that long-barrel model, which shoots great, about like my own 5.5" barrel Ruger 22/45), and I recall reading about your experiences with the other firearms you'd mentioned, and I'm wondering, the CBC .22 rifle you owned-what was it based upon? I mean, was this a copy of some American design like the old 1950s Remington bolt-actions, or some bolt-action spinoff of the Nylon 66 (pictures of which I believe I've seen online-I think these were made in Brazil and never offered in the United States, though F.I.E. imported the CBC copies of the Nylon 66 semi-automatic), or a semi-auto, or just what? My curiosity is piqued, I suppose. I came very close to buying a CBC 151 break-open 20-gauge shotgun a couple of weeks ago at the main Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield, Missouri, based largely on your stories, I think. They had one in the used rack for $85, with the "imported for the Kresge Corporation" (K-Mart predecessor, I believe) stamp, and it was in fantastic condition, and actually appeared to be very sturdy and even fairly well fitted and finished, with nice wood and deep (maybe hand-cut?) checkering. When I returned a week later, though, it had been sold. Again, thanks for the informative and entertaining articles, glad you can enjoy your hobby in such a foreign place, even if it is with what seem like onerous restrictions to this American citizen. CC Amazing on that ammo price. I was at Wal-Mart near the family farm in southeast Missouri to get my gun deer tag on Friday afternoon, and Federal promo packs of 550 or maybe 525 .22 LR cartridges, the 38-grain hollowpoint type, were going for $9.90.

I recall you mentioning, maybe in your “Sertao” story, about hunting with the 28-gauge H & R, and the Ruger .22 pistol (I’ve shot that long-barrel model, which shoots great, about like my own 5.5″ barrel Ruger 22/45), and I recall reading about your experiences with the other firearms you’d mentioned, and I’m wondering, the CBC .22 rifle you owned-what was it based upon? I mean, was this a copy of some American design like the old 1950s Remington bolt-actions, or some bolt-action spinoff of the Nylon 66 (pictures of which I believe I’ve seen online-I think these were made in Brazil and never offered in the United States, though F.I.E. imported the CBC copies of the Nylon 66 semi-automatic), or a semi-auto, or just what? My curiosity is piqued, I suppose.

I came very close to buying a CBC 151 break-open 20-gauge shotgun a couple of weeks ago at the main Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield, Missouri, based largely on your stories, I think. They had one in the used rack for $85, with the “imported for the Kresge Corporation” (K-Mart predecessor, I believe) stamp, and it was in fantastic condition, and actually appeared to be very sturdy and even fairly well fitted and finished, with nice wood and deep (maybe hand-cut?) checkering. When I returned a week later, though, it had been sold.

Again, thanks for the informative and entertaining articles, glad you can enjoy your hobby in such a foreign place, even if it is with what seem like onerous restrictions to this American citizen.

CC

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