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Forqiven and Free John 3:17 comes right after one of the most famous verses in the Bible. and it continues to clarifv the manner in which Jesus brings us eternal life. The great gift of God through Jesus comes to all who believe in Jesus as the way to salvation. John tells us that Jesus did not come inta the world to condemn the world because of its sin, but rather to save the world through His life, death, and resurrection t can be easy to feel condemned or guilty because we don't often see ourselves as worthy of God's love. But this verse tells us something important--regardless of who you are or what you've done, you are lovec by God God is not trying to fill you with guilt or make vour life difficult. He wants the bestfor you and desires a relationship with you He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to the earth to give us grace and life that we did not deserve. While it is true that Jesus exposes the darkness of this world (John 3:19), anvone who believes in Jesus and follows Him wil experience salvation, and all that God has to offer. f we choose to follow the wavs of this world rather than Jesus. then our actions and thoughts will lead us to condemnation and death. But if we follow Jesus and believe in His Word, then we will experience eternal life in relationship with God Spend some time thanking God for the amazing qift of eternal life that He has given to you for free. Continue to walk in the light of Jesus knowing that you are no longer condemned, but foraiven and free.

Gia Chisholm

Officer Charged Amid Allegations of Misconduct and Overreach A police officer identified as J. Simmons, badge number 173, is facing formal charges, raising serious concerns within the community about alleged misconduct and abuse of authority. Details of the charges have not yet been fully released through official channels, but the case has already sparked strong reactions from residents who say the situation reflects a broader pattern of troubling behavior. Multiple individuals have come forward claiming the officer engaged in actions they believe went beyond the normal scope of policing. Allegations include unnecessarily close surveillance, positioning in areas perceived as watchful or intrusive, and initiating encounters that residents describe as intimidating or unwarranted. Some have also questioned whether certain charges brought against civilians were justified, suggesting possible overreach in enforcement practices. “These aren’t isolated feelings,” one resident said. “People have been talking about this for a while. Now that charges are filed, it’s forcing attention on what’s been happening.” Legal observers emphasize that while the filing of charges is a serious development, it does not determine guilt. The case will proceed through the court system, where evidence and testimony will ultimately shape the outcome. Still, the situation has renewed conversations about accountability, transparency, and the standards officers are expected to uphold. At this time, the police department has not issued a detailed public statement regarding the charges or the specific allegations tied to the case. In similar situations, departm

THE_BUSINESS

Ecclesiastes 12:1-3 NIV 1 Remember vour Creator in the davs of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"- [2] before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; [3] when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim; This passage continues to remind all of us that the dav will come when we will have trouble seeing, hearing, eating and getting around. This tells us how important it is ta learn about God early in life. Studies have shown that those who come to faith early ir life, even if they walk away for a while, will return to God. Often this happens after they have children of their own, or when they experience a tragedy and it turns theirhearts back to God Reading this reminded me of a book I once read. 1 am an avid - some might say obsessive - knitter. I learned to knit as a child and have used this skill to make clothina for my familv as well as to earn a little money for my craft. This book was on the history of knittina in the United States. In it, it spoke of the need to teach children when they were young ana they were required to finish at least 3 or 4 rounds on their stockings before they could play. Learning young was considered important so that thev could continue to knit and contribute to the family when they grew old and had trouble seeing. If learning to knit was considered important to a person and that person's family, then consider how much more important it is to have God in our lives. God's presence brings the warmth of his love, protection from evil and the promise of everlasting ioy when this life comes to an end. What better reasons for faith are there?

Michael Tovornik

PART ONE OF TWO Light It Up Picture it: a big city with tall buildings, a hilltop village surrounded by vibrant farms, an oceanside community on top of a giant bluff. Cities are impressive on their own, but they’re undeniably radiant when they’re high upon a hill. And they’re extra brilliant when they’re saturated with light. Speaking to the crowds and His disciples in His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told them: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 NLT As He continued His message, Jesus explained, like a city on a hill or a lamp on a stand, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬). Jesus often used metaphors to get people thinking, so here are six things to consider as you reflect on that verse: 1. It’s all His: We are only a light when we have THE light—His light—shining through us. Anything good is first given by Him, and this should empower us with humble confidence. 2. We’re chosen: We can’t do anything to earn the honor and responsibility of being a light-reflector, but it's a title that's been given. This title is self-evident—because of who God made us and called us to be. 3. Don’t hide it: God’s light inside of us cannot be hidden. When we’re truly following Him, it is obvious and undeniable. So we can boldly and unashamedly shine brightly for Him. 4. Light it up: While we don’t want the world around us to grow darker and darker, the Bible teaches that it’s inevitable. And yet, His light will shine best in the dark. 5. No more darkness: Christ's followers are meant to be beacons of light, illuminating God’s truth and shining His love. Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness (John 8:12).

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