Son of Sam/Son of Hope

[Nessa]

FL told me about this guy awhile ago when discussing God's unconditonal love.

Some people would think this guy is unworthy of it and they would be right.
But then, neither are we deserving of it either.

[Philip]

Berk is evidence of one following his own hatred to terrible ends. Nowadays, he may well be truly saved. But he also truly deserves to stay in jail for the rest of his life. Actually, he deserves to be put to death. But that's in this life. I can easily see how unsaved people become consumed by their anger and hatred. Of course, we're seeing that more and more, with each new terrible headline of the unthinkable playing out on the streets! But it's not just the "way out there" wackos that their anger destroys them.

Not long ago, I had a great shock. I learned that a beautiful girl (both inside and out) I'd had a brief romance with, in my later teens, was murdered by her own husband. I'd always wondered what had become of her, and I happened to see an old lady who was from the same town, and so I asked about her. Seems her husband had terrible anger and jealously issues. She was a really wonderful Christian. From all outward indications, it appeared her husband was as well. He'd been a deacon and leader in his church. Turns out she'd sought her pastor out over her fears, yet received no real help, other than "to tough it out, prayerfully." And so, not long afterward, one terrible night (about three years ago), she was shot by her husband. He claimed she'd shot herself, despite many doubts by law enforcement. Not long afterward, many inconsistencies, questions and pressure by authorities began to mount. And so, right before being indited, he killed himself - destroyed by his own uncontrollable anger.

[claysmithr]

I know we all sin, but sometimes it gets me upset that cold blooded murderers can get into heaven, while my well meaning but unbelieving family will not be there.

I know God is perfectly JUST. It just irks me slightly, that's all

I know I should forgive because I have been forgiven. I guess he's human too.

[neo-x]

No one is righteous, everyone has sinned, and all have earned death.
Son of Sam is a small example, consider the Enola gay pilots who dropped nukes over Japan, or Hitler killing 9 million people, or Churchill who hoarded grain and caused the Bengal famine in India killing 2 million poeple (something that is often swooped under the rug), or Stalin, Mao...yet despite the sheer injustice of it all of that they too can receive the same forgiveness, as that is what unconditional love of God is - it is unconditional.

It is not a "numbers" game.

However, on earth where divine forgiveness may not count for much other than for the person committing the crime, we also need to prevent it from happening again to the best of our abilities and understanding.

[claysmithr]

Just watched it, cool testimony to the power of God to save, similar to Paul I suppose.

The only thing keeping someone from being saved is their own stubborn heart.

[LittleHamster]

........From all outward indications, it appeared her husband was as well. He'd been a deacon and leader in his church. Turns out she'd sought her pastor out over her fears, yet received no real help, other than "to tough it out, prayerfully." And so, not long afterward, one terrible night (about three years ago), she was shot by her husband. ......

Yep, my wife tells me there was a guy at church who always claimed he was speaking with angels. What a lovely man we thought. Later we found out he'd go home and beat up his wife.