{"id":28,"date":"2010-01-03T15:04:00","date_gmt":"2010-01-03T21:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2010\/01\/03\/earn-our-way-to-heaven\/"},"modified":"2010-01-03T15:04:00","modified_gmt":"2010-01-03T21:04:00","slug":"earn-our-way-to-heaven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2010\/01\/03\/earn-our-way-to-heaven\/","title":{"rendered":"Earn Our Way to Heaven?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_FfyN1hJQqRU\/S0FIHBAVbyI\/AAAAAAAAAFk\/VLkBJCrp6Yc\/s1600-h\/matthew%2B19-26.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_FfyN1hJQqRU\/S0FIHBAVbyI\/AAAAAAAAAFk\/VLkBJCrp6Yc\/s320\/matthew%2B19-26.jpg?w=700\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><meta content=\"Word.Document\" name=\"ProgId\"><\/meta><meta content=\"Microsoft Word 12\" name=\"Generator\"><\/meta><meta content=\"Microsoft Word 12\" name=\"Originator\"><\/meta><link href=\"file:\/\/\/c:%5Ctemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml\" rel=\"File-List\"><\/link><link href=\"file:\/\/\/c:%5Ctemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx\" rel=\"themeData\"><\/link><link href=\"file:\/\/\/c:%5Ctemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml\" rel=\"colorSchemeMapping\"><\/link>\n<style>\n<!--\n \/* Font Definitions *\/\n @font-face\n\t{font-family:\"Cambria Math\";\n\tpanose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;\n\tmso-font-charset:0;\n\tmso-generic-font-family:roman;\n\tmso-font-pitch:variable;\n\tmso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;}\n@font-face\n\t{font-family:Calibri;\n\tpanose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;\n\tmso-font-charset:0;\n\tmso-generic-font-family:swiss;\n\tmso-font-pitch:variable;\n\tmso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}\n \/* Style Definitions *\/\n p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal\n\t{mso-style-unhide:no;\n\tmso-style-qformat:yes;\n\tmso-style-parent:\"\";\n\tmargin-top:0in;\n\tmargin-right:0in;\n\tmargin-bottom:10.0pt;\n\tmargin-left:0in;\n\tline-height:115%;\n\tmso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n\tfont-size:11.0pt;\n\tfont-family:\"Calibri\",\"sans-serif\";\n\tmso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;\n\tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\";}\n.MsoChpDefault\n\t{mso-style-type:export-only;\n\tmso-default-props:yes;\n\tfont-size:10.0pt;\n\tmso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;\n\tmso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;\n\tmso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;\n\tmso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;\n\tmso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;}\n \/* Page Definitions *\/\n @page\n\t{mso-footnote-separator:url(\"file:\/\/\/c:\/temp\/msohtmlclip1\/01\/clip_header.htm\") fs;\n\tmso-footnote-continuation-separator:url(\"file:\/\/\/c:\/temp\/msohtmlclip1\/01\/clip_header.htm\") fcs;\n\tmso-endnote-separator:url(\"file:\/\/\/c:\/temp\/msohtmlclip1\/01\/clip_header.htm\") es;\n\tmso-endnote-continuation-separator:url(\"file:\/\/\/c:\/temp\/msohtmlclip1\/01\/clip_header.htm\") ecs;}\n@page Section1\n\t{size:8.5in 11.0in;\n\tmargin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;\n\tmso-header-margin:.5in;\n\tmso-footer-margin:.5in;\n\tmso-paper-source:0;}\ndiv.Section1\n\t{page:Section1;}\n-->\n<\/style>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">Many of you know my background when it comes to faith and religion.&nbsp; Growing up non Churched, and then going to a Roman Catholic church, tended to lead me to look at \u201cWhat do I need to do, to go to Heaven?\u201d&nbsp; How can I do the right things?&nbsp; What are the right things and how much is right?&nbsp; It is the question of the ages, if not all religions? How do I get to heaven or achieve a future beyond this life?<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">Spiritual questions have different answers than human questions. In life, there are certain things that just must be done. I must earn a living. I must pay taxes. I must obey the laws. You are judged in this life on performance. Sometimes that is formally\u2014if I obey the laws, I am a good citizen. Or sometimes informally, if I am a nice person, my neighbors judge me to be a good guy. Or in certain situations, if I look like I fit in, then I am ok. If I am different than everyone else in the room (for whatever reason) then I am not ok. I have been to churches where I did not fit in because of my looks , size of my wallet and where I lived.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">But its not just me. We all have different arenas or situations in this life we must prove ourselves. It\u2019s just a part of life. &nbsp;Let me give you an Example:<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">On New Year\u2019s Day, 1983, the Louisiana State Tigers played Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Jerry Stovall, Louisiana State coach, had been chosen Southeast Conference Coach of the Year in guiding his Tigers to an 8\u20133-1 record in 1982. In December, 1983, the LSU Board of Supervisors ignored widespread fan and alumni protest and fired him. Just twelve months earlier they had given him a bonus\u2014now they gave him the sack. So much for collegiate sports being merely for the thrill of competition! It\u2019s win, tie, or be canned. This win complex subordinates the worth of individuals to the team\u2019s record.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">Now I am sure at one time or another, we have all had occasion to try to achieve a goal.&nbsp; Some seem very obtainable, however the larger the goal, the more difficult.&nbsp; Cub Scouts looking to get their Arrow of Light.&nbsp; Boy Scouts to become an Eagle Scout.&nbsp; Students to get all A\u2019s on a report card.&nbsp; Students to graduate from college with a Bachelors, Masters or a Doctorate.&nbsp; Becoming a manager at work to opening your own business.&nbsp; I could go on and on of all the things that we have worked at to obtain our goals.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">I recently bought a new Translation of a Bible for someone I know.&nbsp; The new version called \u201cThe Voice\u201d was released in 2008 and currently only has the New Testament.&nbsp; When they started to read Matthew, there was a very concerned voice I heard.&nbsp; \u201cI can\u2019t do it.&nbsp; There is no reason to try, there is no way I can make it into heaven.\u201d&nbsp; Have you heard anyone say that or something similar to that?&nbsp; So, what did they read to cause them to say this?<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">Matthew&nbsp; 5:20 (NIV)<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Jesus says,<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftn1\" name=\"_ftnref1\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">[1]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a> <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">So, what is Jesus trying to tell us.&nbsp; Well first of all, as Pastor Ben said to me, surpassing the righteousness of a Pharisees was setting the bar low!&nbsp; Of Course, that is from our 20<sup>th<\/sup> century view of what happened 2000 years ago.&nbsp; At the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were looked upon by the common Jews as being righteous.&nbsp; Thus for Jesus to say that you could not enter the kingdom of heaven without surpassing the Pharisees, what a big deal that was in their minds.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">Now, if we go back a few verses, &nbsp;Jesus says in:<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><b><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">Matthew 5:17 (NIV)<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">17<\/span><\/sup><sup><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cDo not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftn2\" name=\"_ftnref2\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">[2]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a> <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">The key here is \u201cto fulfill them\u201d.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">So, how does Jesus fulfill the law?&nbsp; Jesus becomes the Sin offering for all mankind, for past, current and future.&nbsp; The Sin offering before the Sin was ever committed.&nbsp; Before we even knew we were going to sin, Jesus has been sacrificed for our Sin. Also the fulfillment of the law and prophets is love. God\u2019s love. Love is the centerpiece of fulfillment of God\u2019s plan. The sacrifice was done in love. That is\u2026\u2026\u2026 the bigger story behind the sacrifice. <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><b><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">In Matthew 19:22<\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"> &nbsp;<b>(NIV)<\/b> Jesus says:<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftn3\" name=\"_ftnref3\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">[3]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a> <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">So, now we have Jesus telling people that if they have money, they can\u2019t get into heaven.&nbsp; So we have been told you have to be more <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">righteousness than the <\/span><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Pharisees and you can\u2019t have too much money. But it\u2019s not about the money. It\u2019s about the love of money that gets people into trouble. Their attention is on the wrong thing and it is a false \u201csecurity blanket\u201d for this life only. Money doesn\u2019t get you anything more than \u201cStuff.\u201d&nbsp; That sure does not make it easy for us to earn our way, work our way, or pay our way to get into heaven, now does it?<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">When the disciples heard what Jesus said about being rich and getting into heaven, they reacted.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><b><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Matthew 19:25-26 (NIV)<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13pt;\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">25<\/span><\/sup><sup><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, \u201cWho then can be saved?\u201d<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13pt;\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">26\ufeff<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Jesus looked at them and said, \u201cWith human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.\u201d<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftn4\" name=\"_ftnref4\" title=\"\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">[4]<\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/sup><\/a><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"> <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Ahhhh, a little good news, \u2026\u2026well maybe, kinda.&nbsp; For you it is impossible, but it is possible with God.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">So, what can you do?&nbsp; Can you do anything?<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">In John 1: 17 <b>(NIV)<\/b> &nbsp;it says<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">17<\/span><\/sup><sup><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">For the law was given through Moses;<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff\ufeff grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.\ufeff<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftn5\" name=\"_ftnref5\" title=\"\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">[5]<\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/sup><\/a><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"> <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Grace, so what does Grace have to do with us getting into Heaven?&nbsp; Through Jesus\u2019 fulfillment of the law, in his sacrifice for our Sin, God\u2019s Grace of his own sacrifice, through himself as Jesus, we are made righteous in God\u2019s eyes.&nbsp; Now that we are righteous, we can go to Heaven.&nbsp; How do we know that after we die, we live?&nbsp; Jesus defeated death and he promises us that we will. &nbsp;If we cannot believe God, who can you believe? <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">We often recite what you can do to get into Heaven.&nbsp; The question is, do you really believe, truly believe what you recite.&nbsp; Not with your brain, but with the heart?<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Below are a few of the key statements that deal with what we need to do, to get into Heaven.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">I believe in God, the Father, almighty,<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Was crucified, dead and was buried;<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">The third day he rose again from the dead.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">The forgiveness of sins,<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">The resurrection of the body,<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">And the life everlasting.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">It\u2019s an all or nothing &nbsp;proposition. You either believe all the promises that God makes, or you don\u2019t . Sometimes that is a hard pill for some to swallow. Just ask Pr. Ben when he teaches confirmation.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Can it really be that easy?&nbsp; Can it now?&nbsp; We have been told, if it is to good to be true, then it must not be true.&nbsp; Nothing is life is free.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Both statements seem to be correct, until you read it the way that Jesus tells his parables.&nbsp; Remember, many of the &nbsp;really important things &nbsp;Jesus said were in&nbsp; parables.&nbsp; First are the last, last are the first.&nbsp; Tear this temple down and I will rebuild it in three days.&nbsp; The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Yes, we have to do one thing and one thing only.&nbsp; God gives us his faith, and his Grace so that we can believe.&nbsp; That is it, believe, believe and believe.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">There is a great article that illustrates the concept of grace written by Charles Stanley. \u201cOne of my more memorable seminary professors had a practical way of illustrating to his students the concept of grace.<\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">&nbsp;At the end of his evangelism course he would distribute the exam with the caution to <u>read it all the way through<\/u> before beginning to answer it. <\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">This caution was written on the exam as well. As we read the test, it became unquestionably clear to each of us that we had not studied nearly enough. <\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">The further we read, the worse it became. About halfway through, audible groans could be heard through out the lecture hall. <\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">On the last page, however, was a note that read, &#8220;You have a choice. You can either complete the exam as given or sign your name at the bottom and in so doing receive an A for this assignment.&#8221; Wow? We sat there stunned. &#8220;Was he serious? Just sign it and get an A?&#8221; Slowly, the point dawned on us, and one by one we turned in our tests and silently filed out of the room. <\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">When I talked with the professor about it afterward, he shared some of the reactions he had received through the years. Some students began to take the exam without reading it all the way through, and they would sweat it out for the entire two hours of class time before reaching the last page. <\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">Others read the first two pages, became angry, turned the test in blank, and stormed out of the room without signing it. They never realized what was available, and as a result, they lost out totally.<\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">&nbsp;One fellow, however, read the entire test, including the note at the end, but decided to take the exam anyway. He did not want any gifts; he wanted to earn his grade. And he did. He made a C+, but he could easily have had an A. <\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">This story illustrates many people\u2019s reaction to God\u2019s solution to sin. Some people look at God\u2019s standard&#8211;moral and ethical perfection&#8211;and throw their hands up in surrender. Why even try? They tell themselves. I could never live up to all that stuff.&nbsp; Others are like the student who read the test through and was aware of the professor\u2019s offer but took the test anyway. <\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\">Unwilling to simply receive God\u2019s gift of forgiveness, they set about to rack up enough points with God to earn it. But God\u2019s grace truly is like the professor\u2019s offer. It may seem unbelievable, but if we accept it, then, like the stunned students who accepted the professor\u2019s offer, we, too, will discover that, Yes, God\u2019s grace truly is free. All we have to do is accept it.<span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Christians can be grateful their Master treats them differently. He doesn\u2019t order us out of the kingdom if we have a bad day. God won\u2019t fire us if we have a record of ten wins over temptations but three defeats. He won\u2019t thumb us to the sidelines and out of the church when we run into a spiritual dry spell. And he will never disgustedly call for our resignation if we just can\u2019t get a handle on a temptation, however zealously we try. With grace at work in our lives, Christ\u2019s unique life compensates for our failures. He pays the difference between the little we can afford to pay and what heaven costs to enter.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Remember this\u2014God\u2019s promise not mine:<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">John 3:16-18 <b>(NIV)<\/b><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">For God so loved<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff\ufeff the world that he gave\ufeff\ufeff his one and only Son,\ufeff\ufeff that whoever believes\ufeff\ufeff in him shall not perish but have eternal life.\ufeff\ufeff<\/span><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"> <sup>17<\/sup><\/span><sup><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">For God did not send his Son into the world<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff\ufeff to condemn the world, but t<\/span><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">o save the world through him.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff\ufeff<\/span><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"> <sup>18<\/sup><\/span><sup><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Whoever believes in him is not condemned,<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\ufeff\ufeff but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God\u2019s one and only Son.<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftn6\" name=\"_ftnref6\" title=\"\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;\">[6]<\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/sup><\/a><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\"> <o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt;\">Amen<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/p>\n<hr align=\"left\" size=\"1\" width=\"33%\" \/>\n<div id=\"ftn1\">\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftnref1\" name=\"_ftn1\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;\">[1]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a><i>The Holy Bible : Today&#8217;s New International Version.<\/i> 2005 (Mt 5:20). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ftn2\">\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftnref2\" name=\"_ftn2\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;\">[2]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a><i>The Holy Bible : Today&#8217;s New International Version.<\/i> 2005 (Mt 5:17). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ftn3\">\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftnref3\" name=\"_ftn3\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;\">[3]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a><i>The Holy Bible : Today&#8217;s New International Version.<\/i> 2005 (Mt 19:24). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ftn4\">\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftnref4\" name=\"_ftn4\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;\">[4]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a><i>The Holy Bible : Today&#8217;s New International Version.<\/i> 2005 (Mt 19:25-26). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ftn5\">\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftnref5\" name=\"_ftn5\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;\">[5]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a><i>The Holy Bible : Today&#8217;s New International Version.<\/i> 2005 (Jn 1:17). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ftn6\">\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/post-create.g?blogID=25067932#_ftnref6\" name=\"_ftn6\" title=\"\"><sup><sup><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;\">[6]<\/span><\/sup><\/sup><\/a><i>The Holy Bible : Today&#8217;s New International Version.<\/i> 2005 (Jn 3:16-18). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many of you know my background when it comes to faith and religion.&nbsp; Growing up non Churched, and then going to a Roman Catholic church, tended to lead me to look at \u201cWhat do I need to do, to go to Heaven?\u201d&nbsp; How can I do the right things?&nbsp; What are the right things and &#8230; <span class=\"more\"><a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2010\/01\/03\/earn-our-way-to-heaven\/\">[Read more&#8230;]<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"entry","1":"post","2":"publish","3":"author-admin","4":"post-28","6":"format-standard","7":"category-uncategorized"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2m6h5-s","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1699,"url":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2017\/01\/19\/forgive-us-our-sins-as-we-forgive-others\/","url_meta":{"origin":28,"position":0},"title":"Forgive Us Our Sins as We Forgive Others","author":"Douglas Dill","date":"January 19, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Have you ever stopped and really thought about the Lord's Prayer? \u00a0Even beyond that, have you ever thought about what you are asking God to do? \u00a0Especially when we are asked to be forgiven of our \"Debts\", \"Sins\", \"Trespasses\", whichever format of the Lord's Prayer you pray. Below are two\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Bible&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Bible","link":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Lord's_Prayer_(Le_Pater_Noster)_-_James_Tissot.jpg\/170px-Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Lord's_Prayer_(Le_Pater_Noster)_-_James_Tissot.jpg","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":538,"url":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2013\/08\/06\/your-are-your-stuff\/","url_meta":{"origin":28,"position":1},"title":"Your Are Your Stuff","author":"Douglas Dill","date":"August 6, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Link to Audio Version Ecclesiastes 1:2 Ecclesiastes 1:12\u201314 Ecclesiastes 2:18\u201323 Psalm 49:1\u201312 Colossians 3:1\u201311 Luke 12:13\u201321 When the last Austin Powers movie was released there was a lot commercials and hype around the movie. Hearing or reading about it seemed unavoidable. \u00a0One of Mike Meyers\u2019 co-stars commented on what the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Community&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Community","link":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/category\/community\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":53,"url":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2011\/10\/10\/grace-vs-law-wedding-feast\/","url_meta":{"origin":28,"position":2},"title":"Grace vs. Law, Wedding Feast","author":"Douglas Dill","date":"October 10, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"When I began to study the Gospel reading for today, I first said to myself,\"hey, this is an easy lesson. Everyone will get this. It's obvious that heaven is where the banquet is and we have been invited, yet some will refuse.\" End of sermon, right? I always have to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Grace&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Grace","link":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/category\/grace\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-r8C8N7yLZUE\/TpMXjBqHDYI\/AAAAAAAAAJU\/eBL6oQa9_CI\/s320\/WeddingFeast.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":29,"url":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2010\/02\/27\/a-new-thought-for-easter\/","url_meta":{"origin":28,"position":3},"title":"A new thought for Easter","author":"Douglas Dill","date":"February 27, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Christmas has always been my most favorite time of the year. When I was a child, yes, it was about presents and Santa. My family did not go to church ever, so Christmas to me was the snow, the decorations, presents and Santa. As I gained a greater understanding of\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/_FfyN1hJQqRU\/S4lYl2zPL2I\/AAAAAAAAAGI\/j2NylULXLxY\/s320\/05_09_55---Christ-is-Risen_web.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1424,"url":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2015\/11\/03\/the-saints-are-in-heaven\/","url_meta":{"origin":28,"position":4},"title":"The Saints are in Heaven","author":"Douglas Dill","date":"November 3, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/9HMyIZwQNhc Audio Version All Saints Year B Isaiah 25:6-9 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44 Today we remember former saints and sinners, known only now as saints, who from this congregation, have died and have been lifted to heaven.\u00a0 We also lift up today, all the loved saints that have passed in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Christ&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Christ","link":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/category\/christ\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/9HMyIZwQNhc\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1407,"url":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/2015\/10\/13\/that-was-easy\/","url_meta":{"origin":28,"position":5},"title":"That was easy","author":"Douglas Dill","date":"October 13, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Yok0gj_xFXY Audio only link Sunday, October 11, 2015 Pentecost Amos 5:6\u20137, 10\u201315 Hebrews 4:12\u201316 Mark 10:17\u201331 Two weeks in a row, we are given a tough text from Mark.\u00a0 Last week Jesus speak to divorce and adultery.\u00a0 Now Jesus is telling the rich man to give everything up and come\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Attitude&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Attitude","link":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/category\/attitude\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/Yok0gj_xFXY\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.messy-spirituality.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}