The Wired Word for 01252026 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 01/25/2026 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article4.6bc1851654a0.png) Dear Class Members, Our lesson this week uses a church leader's call for clergy to be prepared for martyrdom to consider the nature of the call to follow Christ and our own level of commitment to be his disciples. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Bishop Urges Clergy to Prepare to Die** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of January 25, 2026** **In the News** On Friday, January 9, outside the Statehouse in Concord, New Hampshire, Episcopal Bishop A. Robert Hirschfeld, issued a call to Christians gathered in the rain at a vigil mourning the death of Renee Macklin Good at the hands of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer two days earlier. The bishop characterized Good, the niece of a Presbyterian pastor, as one of a group of Christian martyrs that includes Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who was assassinated while celebrating Mass for protesting against death squads, [four Catholic women missionaries](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGZHuw5oxPDsbG9fwOrTubu5IdbT9V91612hV8-2F6B6uCM8EsfM355JvUvVxTKXXy4uINSo0w1wdiI-2F-2BGqC0TMxQ-3DVe_K_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BioqOcDQ4i-2FHndgDljrOTiTqmxvqJLtWdgrYC4pETEjGLZ0EtWSC-2BCaCikmx-2Bjr2VqhjMSeudtOrdGBHUYGWj8POxz83o2P6bVnMFg1JpydfR6nZhPVDcqhuoHQ2inS4mvZGnwk1EEImTgGDicDnC-2FLXYNz5Jgr37l316J0edwElQNf7QYxHSzu9N-2FJivyoh7IQqTu6-2FOYuvCNl44fkEKHs-3D) who were abducted, raped and murdered for siding with the poor in El Salvador, and [Jonathan Daniels](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEbM8Iwdme-2Bf1wwLT-2Bgah4e39aFKxN278NM0pvHqwGxoHKFOBG9DZhbHgsLYELybIUKw0zf6hqOuPeAMuBdIsT-2FpeYubu-2FCgTdKs-2BNwGJzijDE65FkAUB5fnS7Cr9dYo8baE-2B4Z-2FfT-2FdOkfRmQvakjU-3DWrqw_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bp3Pk0VL5zvlkTL-2BPpvVK2rmlSZEagHzJYkhidDIt-2BHJTolZnStPa6XbdiKRqVyO9Yw5BCcQNBTvl1tRwD1e9BC6eFpl3D8uFMIaER7k8ldFwnHzlV3U-2BF0GSRKj8-2BIdl6n-2FA6yJBkJa2nibOAHd15zKuq7O-2FkSoJzlKUdNSwF1fHi2PXgGSvzL-2FLqEyRCo1WWx5XtI6zHHpik6MPAcTIAQ-3D), a white Episcopal seminarian who was killed by a sheriff while shielding a black girl during the Civil Rights Movement. In his remarks, Hirschfeld advised the clergy in his diocese "to get their affairs in order -- to make sure they have their wills written, because it may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable." To act this way, he said, requires that we "put our faith in the God of life, of resurrection, of a love that is stronger than death itself." On a January 13 Zoom prayer service, Bishop Craig Loya of Minnesota agreed: "This may be a time when we are called to put our own bodies on the line, to stand with those who are marginalized and targeted in this moment ... to resist the forces that are breaking down beloved children of God, ... disrupt anger with love ... [and] agitate the forces of oppression with ... the power of God's love." Such words echo the sentiments expressed by [Erika Kirk](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGN3Trtxm3aiQzElMwKbYADOexdBq-2F0wRyGrKhSVlm7UQXzPxKBl2sne1ipE7M1XIklAXMgO6cnXYx5ArnFYmCrXbDLM66-2FYx8b3crCD94aQ2D2P4pzmLcMs9wyIlU5P5h6nZRFrpADdn6gGpzwapkg-3DnXLU_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BlP5qcfWos1ExH2Xk4jHUxWOZp7L6se1E8DTEbBdYNmzzzD4dZqDFtBa7sa02lWul8Beeogmg4XTgK7IXx4nQMl1Pz-2Bw-2FP9DVIwwRVekC2ivWn-2FY-2B1PAw-2BeIV50VYU0Vzu7y5tIc5UBfTA1FgPDJHDUc6bC1q98CYgBCsbzUZzSaX26Led5-2FpWzM6izI3e5pUc1Dp-2BV2X90wIfHifg04uhg-3D) after her husband Charlie was killed: "My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life ... On the cross, our Savior said: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' That man -- that young man -- I forgive him. I forgive him because it's what Christ did. And it's what Charlie would do. ... The answer to hate is not hate. The answer -- we know from the gospel -- is love. Always love. Love for our enemies." Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called Hirschfeld's comments about martyrdom "absurd." No clergy have been killed in the past year while protesting the administration's mass deportation tactics, but several have been arrested or injured by pepper balls and tear gas fired at them by federal agents. According to [Reuters](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHdMwa3Sk61QJHbe9zIocxv2vjNAxnwcRJwyZMAYhbF0I8bw9Eod9HYCQjIpktbTWahFrA1ZyGGjGzGRZYfvAGIM8b4ePtey2MPv4iWBon0GO9WFM8LTeGzyOC0eSaHersVVynyPz9njtrNrwNWub5w-3DZdVt_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bnov6P-2FPOQQO3e-2FQ0Dr0UcxBSQ6r3RzfZ4koTBD9ygb-2BIA231Znl2L2NXSTwJgi-2F5GDigAfarRj70BpI0YP5DQDCMmlV6971y30QmWjqgUwy-2BWcrXknMj8S32o6WXh0ZfBEDOF9fsYHqbRIxMkTLGodgzWCuSk-2FfI-2B5R4o7-2B9X77jwuNPpUzAMXns2ZACuoHK1wLYpMfsCtt92QFjDPhcaU-3D), more than 30 people died in ICE custody in 2025 and four others perished in the first 10 days of 2026. "I'm not telling clergy, 'Go find a rifle to stand in front of,'" Hirschfeld explained on another occasion. "I'm not saying, 'Go look for a way to martyr yourself.' All I'm saying is, when we put on those garments of our Christian faith, they are not always welcomed in this society. Those virtues and those postures in this world can be met with rage and even violence." "It used to be that ... you might go to jail, and now you might get shot! So it makes us need to be a lot more brave," said the Rev. Betsy Hess of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Berlin, New Hampshire. "I hope I would be brave, but I can't promise that I would be able to. But definitely, it's time to move beyond 'I won't do anything that has any risk whatsoever.'" Since October 2025, nearly 290 faith leaders from the Chicago area have signed a letter objecting to ICE's actions and declaring that they "accept that following Christ's example may mean we are mocked and assaulted, opposed and even arrested." The Rev. Tom Gartin of Faith Episcopal Church in Cameron Park, California, said, "I didn't sign up to be a martyr. I have a family and a congregation who rely on me. If I was gone tomorrow what would happen to them?" "Not everyone can be a Jonathan Daniels," Hirschfeld said, but "we're increasingly called to go into places that feel dangerous." While some people in powerful positions seem to believe that might makes right, Hirschfeld pointed to Paul's teaching in Philippians 2, that we should have the same mindset as Jesus had, "Who though [he] had every force in the world and could just lay assault to the whole universe, chose instead to enter our humanity, to empty himself, and to take the posture of weakness, of vulnerability, to enter even death, even death on the cross. ... That's what we are to model." "Those of us who are ready to build a new world, we also have to be prepared. If we truly want to live without fear, we cannot fear even death itself, my friends," Hirschfeld concluded. More on this story can be found at these links: [Bishop Rob's Reflection From the Renee Good Vigil in Concord, NH - January 9, 2026.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI42UelZLUKf-2FIbussZwuLYRuhTKhEUvGcgBrJRrLvU4gOlo_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Brm8ZdQryTJU6R7PiNmS0VzWQI8O54SaEKDoY3UOrr93mBvhGfH1Aum4kgm0PPkK5qYPpBobcvLWmWoakx-2Bc6YJvQrSAoYXEnEAMsxm1vsjIGNPBlJXOY9fFSyS0wpHQvy6IoIZyoN7x3HIa-2BZ4LQz95wUS9oDWD35gT96NXPXZ8HyWOikGdT1JgJrr3-2BQFaLPwzbUGyoqOOqHwC4ln653o-3D) [*Episcopal Church of NH*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI42UelZLUKf-2FIbussZwuLYRuhTKhEUvGcgBrJRrLvU4ixUq_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BjGZWUGvh9v-2FoJjz-2FQ9g07pra-2BZSj7uRY2y-2F-2BsoHC6-2Bms9XNRhg6-2B4Gb9wAP6-2FPJaQ-2Fs7F-2FZR4RHBtNRVz9MIZhpJTP76p9rlBaXXbdx96IEe7oa5a1m3VxZrqmkdvjnDjvOsP8OLU9-2BeNIK-2Fccrdrwe7xWpt7afpA-2FlNXHHbGPJHkfLh1PnxGAOKti9-2BBXD6UA-2F8txN7bl5m0iVGhzqEug-3D) [Two Episcopal Bishops Say Clergy May Have to Put 'Bodies on the Line' to Resist ICE.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzZScVB6RQGm0otyfwuMnrxTNilfOiMuVk-2FDLG-2BdV6qT42pOTXSp6xHdUEnis3GSqLBqUu00OCJ3wAeJpHpP5eF53EK4iZqsQ9Kttp9pz2rjbny6-2F443gmlkPq6UZPrZIHQ-3D8m-J_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BtXjOpqOfrs9RY5ubHNTgRJQ-2Fc6HAH3aygxOQk2KEgW-2BNPJ0d-2FHrYD6QxQENTXin9EJahyZVnpXXmQULBt-2BLm-2FJQY84zoa0Q8KavTNrTDNVMxWtrGAAlEyZBiPj69-2FLPKlHmttAJam1zbRt7BXkAEiqJZemzkehB4AtWxrnTWcsedRat50cTatSYtWJQVbWK1qOCUlkxFGHQTdM8Z2b3rEY-3D) [*Religion News Service*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzZScVB6RQGm0otyfwuMnrxTNilfOiMuVk-2FDLG-2BdV6qT42pOTXSp6xHdUEnis3GSqLBqUu00OCJ3wAeJpHpP5eF53EK4iZqsQ9Kttp9pz2rjbny6-2F443gmlkPq6UZPrZIHQ-3Dw4PC_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BgpTSnukQW8nNGR7us3p7xROCuiUmmVI8dASBkzEb7oSpdPiJPzdjUp7HbwrK-2FCTeMVmYCrkyIut1qbW6fp8FtbyQ-2B4iiyc10n-2FRDDzGdHSM6VjledgIYzA5A0DKnU5r7lqj-2FnfFN6WxwIQ4qjmkR2viCtJCmRw-2FouZkpecyc-2FjQ5vvC2D5gDXpzrjAC8agfIv9sw1alyQJiqmjR2GCUFIs-3D) [N.H. Bishop: Prepare for Martyrdom.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKyRpCq-2FvEb0OqbySxgFWI5Y1zOADbRCXiLw9UwOKWt-2FcLOqA8GccKk0yt7diyXfLRCKgvgDm5PG37n7cYAMBbvPl1PExA2t-2FwShB40FvUmsdU3O_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BnKru4DjYYRpR6pdweA3WetI-2BFu6rnOIP4MbxbwkssBjgjwSsI34CF7loRWopEkr0x5ODIOA5D7qx9-2B-2F7wuNwKz4-2BRhPz5OumT02c5eKhCCgZsNGHAfShfKdF7l-2Be4REm9eDfqzLkgtwujYvzA7TMrJP8yluaObMGLgeJ29yjH72DacqLf0cqU0N70cqIHGdSbYE5t7GYR0kpUcJbpdohiY-3D) [*Living Church*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKyRpCq-2FvEb0OqbySxgFWI5Y1zOADbRCXiLw9UwOKWt-2FcLOqA8GccKk0yt7diyXfLRCKgvgDm5PG37n7cYAMBbvPl1PExA2t-2FwShB40FvUms-TPt_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bq0ATEsHwLJlaHVDVlVtY9zWbvAZQ8IcqE3QhRBJd09R45rD5BVsilWpxpkmPr-2FKjyV8WOGHK6JOoYZ9vx8K9M-2BRZWlOdSXMiJ9HKGWXks59vtNe-2B2z5hABZYkG7MvSH3I9e6AB8Lmuqb-2F8pmbAk81zPn404imiaz6o2t6Znj8tdhETlDlIp23f69cR9VrTHmuEAtN92comCmQyWvd9ylso-3D) [Amid ICE Clashes, New Hampshire Bishop Urges Clergy to Prepare Their Wills.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FgHDpkYtoZkveOBcTfxjEq0G39FSXRV6I4KtKlg2604DaJ6P8pCklDcjrPd6hv8v8eO7mXihJd-2BT9HH9Xk4ataIHwVxheJh6hNVzRyXitfEITVsrourgww9wlp1SGXXrQ-3DKSC1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BvB8rrehRP4yjPWnDBGEY-2Bj6FvX8JWobc9A0do9QKcWyeq3vz8b5E-2Bz3ASTVcmimUbXz1LSSRoY-2FNAYNLsquMoyiwCurbl1zqN4ZN2EQFvaQqUuZoJupW0Rf-2B80UXLBavACbZq3hdQ4-2Bceq8reD0sO-2Fi9Gf1PzqazmjEGrOyGYMx67bLwjHH9MrGiJs475dcGDw2OBw5inciEC9UOmpHCF0-3D) [*NPR*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FgHDpkYtoZkveOBcTfxjEq0G39FSXRV6I4KtKlg2604DaJ6P8pCklDcjrPd6hv8v8eO7mXihJd-2BT9HH9Xk4ataIHwVxheJh6hNVzRyXitfEITVsrourgww9wlp1SGXXrQ-3DcfZc_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Br7baLBw5OnnudETmb2cB-2BTv6KXsTn9dLsS-2B2yxB4WOoz2f4JgHOP-2B-2FjL3vEG-2FS6Cm9xKe9GeMx-2BvIPc06mG3zrYAxEk7c6SXFOLN2a0Joz2WCCb6a-2F5B5TrCawx5wsef2ltdrpH-2FR1dInFl-2FY4gwBuO-2Bmly1-2B2hNyVRa7zHS3Xk4ymuN1bl7YKa2VDXHLJbqopAzjbl9E2Dvw9Z-2BDLlz8I-3D) [Minneapolis Pastor Says He Was Detained by ICE After Joining Protest, Told 'You're White' and 'Wouldn't Be Any Fun Anyway' on Release.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPLsjsuqj5uqeTtNA4l-2Fq7wLrWLxeXeyVYTcWi5ls2ITvOW-2BM1luffdtbgmMm2-2FIGOFFtSiKsG0ZuwFO1bE4F3cIUUntKZozW4iTEm-2BnNF44EV5dW1-2Bb7HGvTgPd8tza8woPiFTfw-2F6WK2tetJjDO8OCGSByRh-2FLheKCrmS0MT9wEwX1IfNHPA6vittVPVKx4Zg-3D-3DZwqD_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BgCLeAVKVlhcTP1dMtkIjijQK24TpxMcqdTNsbijAw-2FxgRYly36l6Xjht2bkWmPvOYh9vLPDHJFqLXdd73ptWMNOWDmQKUfl-2Bq73sQJsXxzAKc8KlRVNflWjtRtXEqgAo6nHyp7h0e5-2Bs4PlB-2FvX-2FoFktT1QjNcIot2gIiMHZ3EOEgR0ruGirf-2FbtlLdKyeAovcrmgg8uFBSGdKhIH3b0wc-3D) [*People*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPLsjsuqj5uqeTtNA4l-2Fq7wLrWLxeXeyVYTcWi5ls2ITvOW-2BM1luffdtbgmMm2-2FIGOFFtSiKsG0ZuwFO1bE4F3cIUUntKZozW4iTEm-2BnNF44EV5dW1-2Bb7HGvTgPd8tza8woPiFTfw-2F6WK2tetJjDO8OCGSByRh-2FLheKCrmS0MT9wEwX1IfNHPA6vittVPVKx4Zg-3D-3DDfzN_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BlZI1a4X4slu75mXiH-2FHrDdLqsxrhU4roh-2FjSt4xoawtXsRh-2BnoOnAulww19ljDhXwLUdLkO-2F8yIyendYaEP-2FX064drYC96-2BZQPx-2BzmWEM8-2Bqgg3hxATOW7E5zEnwPVFj325dTOEWBS-2Fsqtc3D-2BgOHbFFNvHITIGjD83O5YAHrTlb0obozhtkMYveZ5kD3sqcTHrUTvrLlDDldFz0wKD-2Fg0-3D) **Applying the News Story** Use the news to discuss the call of Christ, the cost of discipleship, and victory over the fear of death. **The Big Questions** 1. For what would you be willing to die? 2. What does it mean to "count the cost"? What has it cost you to follow Jesus? 3. What biblical, historical and contemporary figures inspire you to hold on to your faith in God in the face of hateful attacks? 4. What promises of God give you strength and courage for such experiences? 5. How can the church prepare people to stand strong in faith in times of violent opposition? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Daniel 3:16-18, 28***Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up." ... Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king's command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God."* (For context, read [Daniel 3:13-30](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxTHBpP10iVPollgWVFvvw6VTQRxHXXOGaMLupvXquOpZwmare8RlTnwyAX4C3iPvjoufN_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BlfzEJjK1QvoELuLUCNT7Dx1lN0A5HLg0iDpgStVTXNDhHjeNXeV9A-2FsnmXhfgq5tFaqYoCm6Jcuzy9beT81ZMmYTQuY85rWRYYbfp9Z79rbHAInbZYRlWaJJc2UwMt-2BlnBLRYWe-2BJYrDUfpjiAB8Iql7nwIPp9DLFhlYtyMl50oqo-2Biy8syuLG-2Foo1dmqGLSBdje-2FjHp8wAPasx4rmYHNM-3D).) King Nebuchadnezzar built himself a huge golden statue, to serve as a litmus test to determine who was loyal to him and who was not. When he ordered everyone to bow down to the statue, three government officials, who had been brought as slaves from Judah, refused to obey, even when threatened with death. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, but God delivered them. The king was impressed that they had "disobeyed the king's command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God." > **Questions:** What reasonable arguments might be made for choosing to obey the king's demands? What gave Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego the courage to refuse to compromise their faith? How can the action of these men be reconciled with [Romans 13:1-7](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5ZsvoF512dk-2FRO4wYkShrPtx48tw-2Ft791s2za0Q6yomjKxtcyjs_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BqhVTy3JR7K-2Fsl6tTPa6zXSVfsQRIMEdkzPuvuRFDOqF-2B5EXZJzAH1bkwYFNNys3E7yRlbnFqVHJsG32cw92bKU1gT1rRGGREHAT4wkRH5p1YjSXDXDiRL0exGQUhxtfVGOwfSsDoKAGHK0Fzfq85Pgap1QkxoT0CmICsxqoiU67x96dxvOSzFRcZGUQyy955RhOivZ55tw9f0UcnzJbFsE-3D)? **Esther 4:14-16***[Mordecai responded,] "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this." Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."* (For context, read [Esther 4:9-17](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxXPNpVHit5-2BPG0H6e8QLgbZ1KsJ05ePO1Jw6hzZbHhX4bgalYdon0AsyjCn-2BklzgIUNj_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BgKsBkrP-2FL0ytqdonI-2BHce6aRo-2BTibSFAhBDyUTV4-2Fus49MuCpcnbF64KvC41tzJvhYD6kl5-2FQVgQYl7np-2FZ6nWYJRE43AZFeGY4zkAraSvBa0cazXG8ioTufqtCj5q2dvmbMBlbRUtc3bJ-2FL05MA3tzagsUv1itkTob-2FGs0gQCG2LQYWAiG6nj4RaP6JIsptW0DG6L-2BtAPXYYRZcUoy9jM-3D).) This book records the efforts of Haman, a close advisor of the king of Persia, to exterminate the Jews and steal their property. He framed his request for authority to destroy them as a matter of national security, suggesting that the Jews were untrustworthy "enemies of the crown." King Ahaseurus bought the lie and gave Haman what he wanted. But the king's wife, Queen Esther, was a Jew herself, although she hadn't revealed her ethnicity or religion thus far. Her relative Mordecai informed her of the genocidal plot and urged her to intercede with the king for redress. She reminded him that anyone approaching the king without being called would be killed, unless the king extended his golden scepter in a gesture of mercy. Mordecai replied that keeping silent about injustice wouldn't protect her, nor would her proximity to the seat of power. Perhaps Esther had become queen so that she would be in a position to speak up and show up "for just such a time as this." > **Questions:** Most of us don't have the kind of connections or assets Esther had. But what can we do with the relationships and blessings God has given us? What did Mordecai, Esther's maids and the broader Jewish community in Susa contribute to the fight for justice? How did their actions help Esther summon the courage to disobey the law against entering the king's presence without permission and accept the possibility of death? Who needs your help in the fight for justice today, and how can you aid them? **Luke 9:20-23***Then [Jesus] said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "The Messiah of God." He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, "The Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised." Then he said to them all, "If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."* (For context, read [Luke 9:18-27](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxQmftXyVY1bSTUQkRVi9D9z4xrIwrVUUZ89K36abuFefMW-2FTJMWfp2NjzUHeRRAepHzAn_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bl35i2CGbQXm5d8s91ZfTNcO63zjzoJ4gBW5nNrgaViKbBy1TZMaRpwTuELUH4gnyHoEDf5Mt6KifL-2FTpUjrQW-2BKvo4I3GDIO15truqhAiTUVMlxh80bI5NEdN6Z30vTPwJnT0zbwqgjwtldrb1gFwoGadoAAtte7IxmJ4L9cpMb4puV5Wf8qHBFJDz08uYG8UAx5VgeU-2Fa9XtVTFkOO4P4-3D).) Anyone who has ever worked in recruitment would probably tell you that Jesus went about it the wrong way. Who would be inspired to join a movement whose leader predicted his own great suffering, rejection by the ruling class, and murder? And how many people would line up to apply for a job that required self-denial and taking up a cross daily (which led to execution)? "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die," wrote martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in *The Cost of Discipleship*. > **Questions:** What does Jesus mean by the idea that to be his disciple, a person must die to self, take up his cross daily, and follow him? What is the significance of the phrase "on the third day be raised"? What happens if we focus only on the suffering aspect of Jesus' mission? What happens if we want to skip that part and jump straight to the resurrection? **Revelation 12:11** *"But [our brothers and sisters] have conquered [their accuser] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death."* (For context, read [Revelation 12:7-12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxL76PkgLnT0ZbDRKTq4JIBB9dvJfkpSycJa96rlG12s-2BT74tpAFeCMhNGVyd0E-2BapbMlJ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BksJNLHVimzjaf8RMq36UHYMkd-2F81hINFO0BEqRBNjvl5JahfFvHq-2F2QxbnSe2fn3IouGoh7WUQjHwwU5hqMoN8ua6E2DtlzUiznt18elQnF1yhVXuDwtcBUmmEVsjF-2BVMXvvhMFA-2Fk4uG5x1A7QOvlpVwR5jO0xS90MtBV8CDwWWEfee6nbBydc753htIzBGRKZ-2BNoKSeBzQKs5gPu3Bzk-3D).) This passage describes a war in heaven between God's angels and angels that had aligned themselves with a great dragon, during which the dragon and his forces are defeated and thrown down to the earth. Then a loud voice in heaven declares that God's salvation, power and kingdom have come, under the authority of God's Anointed One (v. 10). John the Baptist called Jesus "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxyyJ0A-2BEDvrQGKorIXaiDBoMSyX-2FgR8XVXf7E-2FB7fG7QRlzFYvW4Jt7hbATj0RiyE5glk_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BizQ0P8PNYg8MO-2Fxe6lYFBmVHW1a7TTeyVsLlgbNf-2BphIIO-2FL9e0mCqUf2P2lOlganvfaweECgd6HvL-2BC7I9kP9s87GiVaGElwS-2Fo76S96g-2FRu-2FlplJv6ol8d40Svj3Yjy4zmSuDuOg64Fyks6T0Y3LPzEL3c3VDY9n6t-2FGY4MFi-2FMsSXfrdwpdkh2Rmt3OgVbsfn-2B73lpWUqQtzTxHNFjo-3D)). The Bible tells us that "if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" ([1 John 1:7](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxgb98dt-2BAwcnX5I0t2fHJjOKTiswUOGOAquYRwwcv-2FvUauG5ysM2puRzVz-2F-2B57k2NY5_V_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BihRRST0-2B9viyj2bAXC-2B7RoHIUU-2FeNRA5y4TYVhD9nmtBTbEE3yfyuBp-2Bqa5XeYfxiTw5zSgmDpOote2p5bmnnayPO4k8UHRmQR3TYvsnBpFENigTY1LAZ29LrGXw6IFhoLDKNnNzMGwH-2FgNr14OZiYPKxZ0Punmpq6SpvA8THbHcrAlRBVtWkefxtp3mHyVzimTaSBx-2FNP2pR-2BpIPKdjko-3D)), and that "we are more than victorious through him who loved us" ([Romans 8:35-37](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxShxcpNB-2FkdjnrumusYgJUMqumOLKfYX9mrRbOG8aVkvqHdhrgUWBGW5eLHw7lEEK0lf4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BhDTZMRidlVPDCMgnCGWfj4SAWEd-2B8LkGKqogBMCsKYpU65fjHSQIDScg4woAHybAVfDYCeJ3MxRdQlltQCOLBnpA9Gic3K8yMIxw7U1JguSDz5BTmVBZIVHVD-2Fy3IPXEVVX21MGjWU8nsw1qxeQ-2BuoSUuDK40VhxhFLHBAH6qpuXPN4glioLJFFpr-2BP3WkykwDjwgGCyuFcSmIM-2FmoST2o-3D)). > **Questions:** What is the nature of the victory we gain through the blood of Jesus? What is your testimony about God, and how does your life provide evidence to support your words? What kind of victory do we gain over our accuser by our testimony? How can our testimony inspire others to experience victory in their own lives? How does Jesus' death free us from the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfhOLPuUklFplPPD2VWbSPCeUCdndR2-2F-2B-2BpyPuWOmm8VNeKs6sriqvc5F-2BDwzYfaaweMN_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bn8v7lsfSGPo9b-2FNwh8AGUn-2Bit0ryhoe9GvIncicCmXsNYsZZTGn2-2FSM2G1xiqKJV77wYh04rH4xJ81C1vSC4SuDfIuBJPWQpIDoZkWAOHZICbXhc4idhyhjTmIgRCI0NCGwgXwJ-2F01BQqUZN7LjVqS2-2Fl9S40-2BrBLBnlUS4ZAro2T0uze4mJVKXxbtf7k57dplfXO9jIaAvuGDpJ3m9epY-3D))? What have you conquered when you are able to "not cling to life even in the face of death"? **For Further Discussion** 1. Consider this: In 1961, Assistant to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy John Seigenthaler called Diane Nash, the 22-year-old coordinator of the Nashville Student Movement Ride, to try to persuade the Freedom Riders not to go to Alabama, where they were trying to desegregate interstate bus travel in the South. A mob of over 200 people had already firebombed the first bus of Freedom Riders, and beaten them with metal pipes. "If those students get on those buses, they will be killed," Siegenthaler warned. "The federal government cannot protect them." When he finished, Diane quietly responded, "Sir, you should know -- we all signed our last wills and testaments last night." A stunned Seigenthaler struggled to find words. Later, he said that in that moment, he understood that once people make peace with dying for what they believe, you can't frighten them. The students boarded bus after bus, confronting injustice with nonviolent resistance. Finally, the Kennedy administration sent U.S. Marshals to protect the riders, and the infrastructure that upheld segregation of public transportation began to be dismantled. Shortly before becoming a Freedom Rider himself, John Lewis, a native of rural Alabama, had his first taste of Chinese food, after hearing someone say, "You should eat well because this might be like the Last Supper." Lewis was brutally beaten by government officials and left for dead during the Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Upon his recovery, he went on to become long-time Georgia congressman. 2. Historian Heather Cox Richardson asserted in her [January 18, 2026, Letters from an American](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGFsmB-2FGohZXdnsY-2BXAJekVGqdtV2-2Fcr0OJxsjCTP6eptdniWt9XjWlnhTc7oMgd7jZWc-2FNlM6uKpXepMytdrMo-3Dhzyw_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BhXzzrJKk6NsvqUujcjd4waW0oyTFPnJr4YqZUFvYQTGQmstltBgqyDN-2B-2FXs8U95W-2B2x1RMKA6FosF5DzLijrt4B6Dnevp0ajAAJsE2C0VhAcaz-2B0e2tFrwgYCqNaNXEdO3pNMc0AjBfMoEr7ZC2ksc7312BGa-2B2-2FNQPxMeh5mo-2BaknUjQPlecgAahGGTC9rvaIydwTKkQTLGiK-2BsUefKP0-3D) that "people are wrong to say that we have no heroes left. Just as they have always been, they are all around us, choosing to do the right thing, no matter what." "Heroism is neither being perfect, nor doing something spectacular," she explained. "In fact, it's just the opposite: it's regular, flawed human beings choosing to put others before themselves, even at great cost, even if no one will ever know, even as they realize the walls might be closing in around them." Then Richardson listed several individuals who she said fit that definition of "hero": Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Anne Frank, John Hancock, Sitting Bull, Rosa Park, and Martin Luther King Jr. "None of those people woke up one morning and said to themselves that they were about to do something heroic," Richardson wrote. "It's just that when they had to, they did what was right." What names come to mind when you think about people who chose to put others before themselves, even at great risk to their own safety, livelihoods, reputations and lives? 3. React to this, from Archbishop Oscar Romero: "Christ invites us not to fear persecution because, believe me, brothers and sisters, the one who is committed to the poor must run the same fate as the poor, and in El Salvador we know what the fate of the poor signifies: to disappear, be tortured, to be held captive -- and to be found dead." **Responding to the News** Check out this article by [Jemar Tisby](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCAVChI6M-2BPi-2B90EPk8kylpK1MEAzcW34LJGuY18fULLGzX6sXU45Ib0SU0z8H3Mi-2BZuDomLflyytDPT5g3JGFAVl7QkmfdHqa9PSsU4JCGOi1wL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bphw2ku-2FLG8Wop52mo1UQ2waOKbe2W5In3X7Qgzm3yd2xF9LFVRwsTxoYbQ6CnkpjZ0XjvT3boi04wFlK-2F5dbyRvVwZ576LLtb7x-2BG2plgrHLfR1PV-2FZlh4v0jpR6ZsXNIuJEBRlklA3tUA0hElKt3g69awt6ownKytHtwYEoneWLTv58dWsRga4gSMKOnZfDxrij0hfXJ9U-2FHrKK0KUL0s-3D) for practical ways to put others before self. Choose one suggestion to implement in your own life. **Prayer** inspired by a prayer written by President Jimmy Carter, in his book, *Through the Year with Jimmy Carter* O God, give us an insatiable desire to do your will, and grant us the strength to follow through on our commitment to love you with all our mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, no matter what the cost. Amen. **Copyright 2026 Communication Resources** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=ThcOJuajy6AqmqKs7x11zDrxiBDp9FzBK9M3-Omb_5JoMDAwdTAwMMIyuUfu3xv-oYOBb3Mr1tnB75TqGePsRFEueNDEAzmDog5K9deSVidmI1FtwM2VBL-WiRiKYzFgdtGMa2QOb46o5p3amELFJDjFuS2C08klu7QM3OC-oSJdCYsCQcnKAkOK_aI4Zqm3Iv63Fnng-m1UVQUhkla7500i7Uf5Zfkctg9oMAyP0rq5hsqguPmLDchW6qURnB7IyIbhPmHqflR6ZnOtF5FPjLmdt_sCRbD39oeJYPmuLc5TynZlB2swl8nrDfyCIb8qDXiwiuvHijeMOxUMY4ORHJMewNVny_2jCeMSH_VhJnAzs3NpRDa3gNBqa2TSc9XTth1tSB3LkH0xYdvvEeIyjDU_awq3eqky_k4Leq90OdmW-IyhdnohQb242gtjc6OTgQX-vMCbmOtqNXxlVGJ75H0guLUMXaNOspeXxr8YZwwzzwN0uI8Xm4XWo0zIoAgoHBrNaFhVS-c4EHk6xaO1aftGbLy-YOhQ8NA3x1xdZIMg739zIT3zbYu_Et46mcPiiCIHzExWK2sn2P2NLPIYDuANmPOrprRr3WnrUt97tlBZ7ywtpUHDIBsgg9f-XQ6cmOMwYYbrtJU=) <div>Dear Class Members, Our lesson this week uses a church leader's call for clergy to be prepared for martyrdom to consider the nature of the call to follow Christ and our own level of commitment to be his disciples. <img alt="" src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 1.0pt; background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in .25in 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;">Bishop Urges Clergy to Prepare to Die <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 1.0pt; background: white; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in .25in 0in;">The Wired Word for the Week of January 25, 2026 In the News On Friday, January 9, outside the Statehouse in Concord, New Hampshire, Episcopal Bishop A. Robert Hirschfeld, issued a call to Christians gathered in the rain at a vigil mourning the death of Renee Macklin Good at the hands of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer two days earlier. The bishop characterized Good, the niece of a Presbyterian pastor, as one of a group of Christian martyrs that includes Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who was assassinated while celebrating Mass for protesting against death squads, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGZHuw5oxPDsbG9fwOrTubu5IdbT9V91612hV8-2F6B6uCM8EsfM355JvUvVxTKXXy4uINSo0w1wdiI-2F-2BGqC0TMxQ-3DVe\_K\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BioqOcDQ4i-2FHndgDljrOTiTqmxvqJLtWdgrYC4pETEjGLZ0EtWSC-2BCaCikmx-2Bjr2VqhjMSeudtOrdGBHUYGWj8POxz83o2P6bVnMFg1JpydfR6nZhPVDcqhuoHQ2inS4mvZGnwk1EEImTgGDicDnC-2FLXYNz5Jgr37l316J0edwElQNf7QYxHSzu9N-2FJivyoh7IQqTu6-2FOYuvCNl44fkEKHs-3D">four Catholic women missionaries</a> who were abducted, raped and murdered for siding with the poor in El Salvador, and <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEbM8Iwdme-2Bf1wwLT-2Bgah4e39aFKxN278NM0pvHqwGxoHKFOBG9DZhbHgsLYELybIUKw0zf6hqOuPeAMuBdIsT-2FpeYubu-2FCgTdKs-2BNwGJzijDE65FkAUB5fnS7Cr9dYo8baE-2B4Z-2FfT-2FdOkfRmQvakjU-3DWrqw\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bp3Pk0VL5zvlkTL-2BPpvVK2rmlSZEagHzJYkhidDIt-2BHJTolZnStPa6XbdiKRqVyO9Yw5BCcQNBTvl1tRwD1e9BC6eFpl3D8uFMIaER7k8ldFwnHzlV3U-2BF0GSRKj8-2BIdl6n-2FA6yJBkJa2nibOAHd15zKuq7O-2FkSoJzlKUdNSwF1fHi2PXgGSvzL-2FLqEyRCo1WWx5XtI6zHHpik6MPAcTIAQ-3D">Jonathan Daniels</a>, a white Episcopal seminarian who was killed by a sheriff while shielding a black girl during the Civil Rights Movement. In his remarks, Hirschfeld advised the clergy in his diocese "to get their affairs in order -- to make sure they have their wills written, because it may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable." To act this way, he said, requires that we "put our faith in the God of life, of resurrection, of a love that is stronger than death itself." On a January 13 Zoom prayer service, Bishop Craig Loya of Minnesota agreed: "This may be a time when we are called to put our own bodies on the line, to stand with those who are marginalized and targeted in this moment ... to resist the forces that are breaking down beloved children of God, ... disrupt anger with love ... [and] agitate the forces of oppression with ... the power of God's love." Such words echo the sentiments expressed by <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGN3Trtxm3aiQzElMwKbYADOexdBq-2F0wRyGrKhSVlm7UQXzPxKBl2sne1ipE7M1XIklAXMgO6cnXYx5ArnFYmCrXbDLM66-2FYx8b3crCD94aQ2D2P4pzmLcMs9wyIlU5P5h6nZRFrpADdn6gGpzwapkg-3DnXLU\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BlP5qcfWos1ExH2Xk4jHUxWOZp7L6se1E8DTEbBdYNmzzzD4dZqDFtBa7sa02lWul8Beeogmg4XTgK7IXx4nQMl1Pz-2Bw-2FP9DVIwwRVekC2ivWn-2FY-2B1PAw-2BeIV50VYU0Vzu7y5tIc5UBfTA1FgPDJHDUc6bC1q98CYgBCsbzUZzSaX26Led5-2FpWzM6izI3e5pUc1Dp-2BV2X90wIfHifg04uhg-3D">Erika Kirk</a> after her husband Charlie was killed: "My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life ... On the cross, our Savior said: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' That man -- that young man -- I forgive him. I forgive him because it's what Christ did. And it's what Charlie would do. ... The answer to hate is not hate. The answer -- we know from the gospel -- is love. Always love. Love for our enemies." Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called Hirschfeld's comments about martyrdom "absurd." No clergy have been killed in the past year while protesting the administration's mass deportation tactics, but several have been arrested or injured by pepper balls and tear gas fired at them by federal agents. According to <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHdMwa3Sk61QJHbe9zIocxv2vjNAxnwcRJwyZMAYhbF0I8bw9Eod9HYCQjIpktbTWahFrA1ZyGGjGzGRZYfvAGIM8b4ePtey2MPv4iWBon0GO9WFM8LTeGzyOC0eSaHersVVynyPz9njtrNrwNWub5w-3DZdVt\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bnov6P-2FPOQQO3e-2FQ0Dr0UcxBSQ6r3RzfZ4koTBD9ygb-2BIA231Znl2L2NXSTwJgi-2F5GDigAfarRj70BpI0YP5DQDCMmlV6971y30QmWjqgUwy-2BWcrXknMj8S32o6WXh0ZfBEDOF9fsYHqbRIxMkTLGodgzWCuSk-2FfI-2B5R4o7-2B9X77jwuNPpUzAMXns2ZACuoHK1wLYpMfsCtt92QFjDPhcaU-3D">Reuters</a>, more than 30 people died in ICE custody in 2025 and four others perished in the first 10 days of 2026. "I'm not telling clergy, 'Go find a rifle to stand in front of,'" Hirschfeld explained on another occasion. "I'm not saying, 'Go look for a way to martyr yourself.' All I'm saying is, when we put on those garments of our Christian faith, they are not always welcomed in this society. Those virtues and those postures in this world can be met with rage and even violence." "It used to be that ... you might go to jail, and now you might get shot! So it makes us need to be a lot more brave," said the Rev. Betsy Hess of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Berlin, New Hampshire. "I hope I would be brave, but I can't promise that I would be able to. But definitely, it's time to move beyond 'I won't do anything that has any risk whatsoever.'" Since October 2025, nearly 290 faith leaders from the Chicago area have signed a letter objecting to ICE's actions and declaring that they "accept that following Christ's example may mean we are mocked and assaulted, opposed and even arrested." The Rev. Tom Gartin of Faith Episcopal Church in Cameron Park, California, said, "I didn't sign up to be a martyr. I have a family and a congregation who rely on me. If I was gone tomorrow what would happen to them?" "Not everyone can be a Jonathan Daniels," Hirschfeld said, but "we're increasingly called to go into places that feel dangerous." While some people in powerful positions seem to believe that might makes right, Hirschfeld pointed to Paul's teaching in Philippians 2, that we should have the same mindset as Jesus had, "Who though [he] had every force in the world and could just lay assault to the whole universe, chose instead to enter our humanity, to empty himself, and to take the posture of weakness, of vulnerability, to enter even death, even death on the cross. ... That's what we are to model." "Those of us who are ready to build a new world, we also have to be prepared. If we truly want to live without fear, we cannot fear even death itself, my friends," Hirschfeld concluded. More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI42UelZLUKf-2FIbussZwuLYRuhTKhEUvGcgBrJRrLvU4gOlo\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Brm8ZdQryTJU6R7PiNmS0VzWQI8O54SaEKDoY3UOrr93mBvhGfH1Aum4kgm0PPkK5qYPpBobcvLWmWoakx-2Bc6YJvQrSAoYXEnEAMsxm1vsjIGNPBlJXOY9fFSyS0wpHQvy6IoIZyoN7x3HIa-2BZ4LQz95wUS9oDWD35gT96NXPXZ8HyWOikGdT1JgJrr3-2BQFaLPwzbUGyoqOOqHwC4ln653o-3D">Bishop Rob's Reflection From the Renee Good Vigil in Concord, NH - January 9, 2026. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPI42UelZLUKf-2FIbussZwuLYRuhTKhEUvGcgBrJRrLvU4ixUq\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BjGZWUGvh9v-2FoJjz-2FQ9g07pra-2BZSj7uRY2y-2F-2BsoHC6-2Bms9XNRhg6-2B4Gb9wAP6-2FPJaQ-2Fs7F-2FZR4RHBtNRVz9MIZhpJTP76p9rlBaXXbdx96IEe7oa5a1m3VxZrqmkdvjnDjvOsP8OLU9-2BeNIK-2Fccrdrwe7xWpt7afpA-2FlNXHHbGPJHkfLh1PnxGAOKti9-2BBXD6UA-2F8txN7bl5m0iVGhzqEug-3D">Episcopal Church of NH</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzZScVB6RQGm0otyfwuMnrxTNilfOiMuVk-2FDLG-2BdV6qT42pOTXSp6xHdUEnis3GSqLBqUu00OCJ3wAeJpHpP5eF53EK4iZqsQ9Kttp9pz2rjbny6-2F443gmlkPq6UZPrZIHQ-3D8m-J\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BtXjOpqOfrs9RY5ubHNTgRJQ-2Fc6HAH3aygxOQk2KEgW-2BNPJ0d-2FHrYD6QxQENTXin9EJahyZVnpXXmQULBt-2BLm-2FJQY84zoa0Q8KavTNrTDNVMxWtrGAAlEyZBiPj69-2FLPKlHmttAJam1zbRt7BXkAEiqJZemzkehB4AtWxrnTWcsedRat50cTatSYtWJQVbWK1qOCUlkxFGHQTdM8Z2b3rEY-3D">Two Episcopal Bishops Say Clergy May Have to Put 'Bodies on the Line' to Resist ICE. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzZScVB6RQGm0otyfwuMnrxTNilfOiMuVk-2FDLG-2BdV6qT42pOTXSp6xHdUEnis3GSqLBqUu00OCJ3wAeJpHpP5eF53EK4iZqsQ9Kttp9pz2rjbny6-2F443gmlkPq6UZPrZIHQ-3Dw4PC\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BgpTSnukQW8nNGR7us3p7xROCuiUmmVI8dASBkzEb7oSpdPiJPzdjUp7HbwrK-2FCTeMVmYCrkyIut1qbW6fp8FtbyQ-2B4iiyc10n-2FRDDzGdHSM6VjledgIYzA5A0DKnU5r7lqj-2FnfFN6WxwIQ4qjmkR2viCtJCmRw-2FouZkpecyc-2FjQ5vvC2D5gDXpzrjAC8agfIv9sw1alyQJiqmjR2GCUFIs-3D">Religion News Service</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKyRpCq-2FvEb0OqbySxgFWI5Y1zOADbRCXiLw9UwOKWt-2FcLOqA8GccKk0yt7diyXfLRCKgvgDm5PG37n7cYAMBbvPl1PExA2t-2FwShB40FvUmsdU3O\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BnKru4DjYYRpR6pdweA3WetI-2BFu6rnOIP4MbxbwkssBjgjwSsI34CF7loRWopEkr0x5ODIOA5D7qx9-2B-2F7wuNwKz4-2BRhPz5OumT02c5eKhCCgZsNGHAfShfKdF7l-2Be4REm9eDfqzLkgtwujYvzA7TMrJP8yluaObMGLgeJ29yjH72DacqLf0cqU0N70cqIHGdSbYE5t7GYR0kpUcJbpdohiY-3D">N.H. Bishop: Prepare for Martyrdom. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKyRpCq-2FvEb0OqbySxgFWI5Y1zOADbRCXiLw9UwOKWt-2FcLOqA8GccKk0yt7diyXfLRCKgvgDm5PG37n7cYAMBbvPl1PExA2t-2FwShB40FvUms-TPt\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bq0ATEsHwLJlaHVDVlVtY9zWbvAZQ8IcqE3QhRBJd09R45rD5BVsilWpxpkmPr-2FKjyV8WOGHK6JOoYZ9vx8K9M-2BRZWlOdSXMiJ9HKGWXks59vtNe-2B2z5hABZYkG7MvSH3I9e6AB8Lmuqb-2F8pmbAk81zPn404imiaz6o2t6Znj8tdhETlDlIp23f69cR9VrTHmuEAtN92comCmQyWvd9ylso-3D">Living Church</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FgHDpkYtoZkveOBcTfxjEq0G39FSXRV6I4KtKlg2604DaJ6P8pCklDcjrPd6hv8v8eO7mXihJd-2BT9HH9Xk4ataIHwVxheJh6hNVzRyXitfEITVsrourgww9wlp1SGXXrQ-3DKSC1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BvB8rrehRP4yjPWnDBGEY-2Bj6FvX8JWobc9A0do9QKcWyeq3vz8b5E-2Bz3ASTVcmimUbXz1LSSRoY-2FNAYNLsquMoyiwCurbl1zqN4ZN2EQFvaQqUuZoJupW0Rf-2B80UXLBavACbZq3hdQ4-2Bceq8reD0sO-2Fi9Gf1PzqazmjEGrOyGYMx67bLwjHH9MrGiJs475dcGDw2OBw5inciEC9UOmpHCF0-3D">Amid ICE Clashes, New Hampshire Bishop Urges Clergy to Prepare Their Wills. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHqYzlFhngTMk0G9-2F-2BQ1rl-2FgHDpkYtoZkveOBcTfxjEq0G39FSXRV6I4KtKlg2604DaJ6P8pCklDcjrPd6hv8v8eO7mXihJd-2BT9HH9Xk4ataIHwVxheJh6hNVzRyXitfEITVsrourgww9wlp1SGXXrQ-3DcfZc\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Br7baLBw5OnnudETmb2cB-2BTv6KXsTn9dLsS-2B2yxB4WOoz2f4JgHOP-2B-2FjL3vEG-2FS6Cm9xKe9GeMx-2BvIPc06mG3zrYAxEk7c6SXFOLN2a0Joz2WCCb6a-2F5B5TrCawx5wsef2ltdrpH-2FR1dInFl-2FY4gwBuO-2Bmly1-2B2hNyVRa7zHS3Xk4ymuN1bl7YKa2VDXHLJbqopAzjbl9E2Dvw9Z-2BDLlz8I-3D">NPR</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPLsjsuqj5uqeTtNA4l-2Fq7wLrWLxeXeyVYTcWi5ls2ITvOW-2BM1luffdtbgmMm2-2FIGOFFtSiKsG0ZuwFO1bE4F3cIUUntKZozW4iTEm-2BnNF44EV5dW1-2Bb7HGvTgPd8tza8woPiFTfw-2F6WK2tetJjDO8OCGSByRh-2FLheKCrmS0MT9wEwX1IfNHPA6vittVPVKx4Zg-3D-3DZwqD\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BgCLeAVKVlhcTP1dMtkIjijQK24TpxMcqdTNsbijAw-2FxgRYly36l6Xjht2bkWmPvOYh9vLPDHJFqLXdd73ptWMNOWDmQKUfl-2Bq73sQJsXxzAKc8KlRVNflWjtRtXEqgAo6nHyp7h0e5-2Bs4PlB-2FvX-2FoFktT1QjNcIot2gIiMHZ3EOEgR0ruGirf-2FbtlLdKyeAovcrmgg8uFBSGdKhIH3b0wc-3D">Minneapolis Pastor Says He Was Detained by ICE After Joining Protest, Told 'You're White' and 'Wouldn't Be Any Fun Anyway' on Release. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPLsjsuqj5uqeTtNA4l-2Fq7wLrWLxeXeyVYTcWi5ls2ITvOW-2BM1luffdtbgmMm2-2FIGOFFtSiKsG0ZuwFO1bE4F3cIUUntKZozW4iTEm-2BnNF44EV5dW1-2Bb7HGvTgPd8tza8woPiFTfw-2F6WK2tetJjDO8OCGSByRh-2FLheKCrmS0MT9wEwX1IfNHPA6vittVPVKx4Zg-3D-3DDfzN\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BlZI1a4X4slu75mXiH-2FHrDdLqsxrhU4roh-2FjSt4xoawtXsRh-2BnoOnAulww19ljDhXwLUdLkO-2F8yIyendYaEP-2FX064drYC96-2BZQPx-2BzmWEM8-2Bqgg3hxATOW7E5zEnwPVFj325dTOEWBS-2Fsqtc3D-2BgOHbFFNvHITIGjD83O5YAHrTlb0obozhtkMYveZ5kD3sqcTHrUTvrLlDDldFz0wKD-2Fg0-3D">People</a> Applying the News Story Use the news to discuss the call of Christ, the cost of discipleship, and victory over the fear of death. The Big Questions 1. For what would you be willing to die? 2. What does it mean to "count the cost"? What has it cost you to follow Jesus? 3. What biblical, historical and contemporary figures inspire you to hold on to your faith in God in the face of hateful attacks? 4. What promises of God give you strength and courage for such experiences? 5. How can the church prepare people to stand strong in faith in times of violent opposition? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Daniel 3:16-18, 28 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up." ... Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king's command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxTHBpP10iVPollgWVFvvw6VTQRxHXXOGaMLupvXquOpZwmare8RlTnwyAX4C3iPvjoufN\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BlfzEJjK1QvoELuLUCNT7Dx1lN0A5HLg0iDpgStVTXNDhHjeNXeV9A-2FsnmXhfgq5tFaqYoCm6Jcuzy9beT81ZMmYTQuY85rWRYYbfp9Z79rbHAInbZYRlWaJJc2UwMt-2BlnBLRYWe-2BJYrDUfpjiAB8Iql7nwIPp9DLFhlYtyMl50oqo-2Biy8syuLG-2Foo1dmqGLSBdje-2FjHp8wAPasx4rmYHNM-3D">Daniel 3:13-30</a>.) King Nebuchadnezzar built himself a huge golden statue, to serve as a litmus test to determine who was loyal to him and who was not. When he ordered everyone to bow down to the statue, three government officials, who had been brought as slaves from Judah, refused to obey, even when threatened with death. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, but God delivered them. The king was impressed that they had "disobeyed the king's command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God." <blockquote> Questions: What reasonable arguments might be made for choosing to obey the king's demands? What gave Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego the courage to refuse to compromise their faith? How can the action of these men be reconciled with <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5ZsvoF512dk-2FRO4wYkShrPtx48tw-2Ft791s2za0Q6yomjKxtcyjs\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BqhVTy3JR7K-2Fsl6tTPa6zXSVfsQRIMEdkzPuvuRFDOqF-2B5EXZJzAH1bkwYFNNys3E7yRlbnFqVHJsG32cw92bKU1gT1rRGGREHAT4wkRH5p1YjSXDXDiRL0exGQUhxtfVGOwfSsDoKAGHK0Fzfq85Pgap1QkxoT0CmICsxqoiU67x96dxvOSzFRcZGUQyy955RhOivZ55tw9f0UcnzJbFsE-3D">Romans 13:1-7</a>? </blockquote> Esther 4:14-16 [Mordecai responded,] "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this." Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxXPNpVHit5-2BPG0H6e8QLgbZ1KsJ05ePO1Jw6hzZbHhX4bgalYdon0AsyjCn-2BklzgIUNj\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BgKsBkrP-2FL0ytqdonI-2BHce6aRo-2BTibSFAhBDyUTV4-2Fus49MuCpcnbF64KvC41tzJvhYD6kl5-2FQVgQYl7np-2FZ6nWYJRE43AZFeGY4zkAraSvBa0cazXG8ioTufqtCj5q2dvmbMBlbRUtc3bJ-2FL05MA3tzagsUv1itkTob-2FGs0gQCG2LQYWAiG6nj4RaP6JIsptW0DG6L-2BtAPXYYRZcUoy9jM-3D">Esther 4:9-17</a>.) This book records the efforts of Haman, a close advisor of the king of Persia, to exterminate the Jews and steal their property. He framed his request for authority to destroy them as a matter of national security, suggesting that the Jews were untrustworthy "enemies of the crown." King Ahaseurus bought the lie and gave Haman what he wanted. But the king's wife, Queen Esther, was a Jew herself, although she hadn't revealed her ethnicity or religion thus far. Her relative Mordecai informed her of the genocidal plot and urged her to intercede with the king for redress. She reminded him that anyone approaching the king without being called would be killed, unless the king extended his golden scepter in a gesture of mercy. Mordecai replied that keeping silent about injustice wouldn't protect her, nor would her proximity to the seat of power. Perhaps Esther had become queen so that she would be in a position to speak up and show up "for just such a time as this." <blockquote> Questions: Most of us don't have the kind of connections or assets Esther had. But what can we do with the relationships and blessings God has given us? What did Mordecai, Esther's maids and the broader Jewish community in Susa contribute to the fight for justice? How did their actions help Esther summon the courage to disobey the law against entering the king's presence without permission and accept the possibility of death? Who needs your help in the fight for justice today, and how can you aid them? </blockquote> Luke 9:20-23 Then [Jesus] said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "The Messiah of God." He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, "The Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised." Then he said to them all, "If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxQmftXyVY1bSTUQkRVi9D9z4xrIwrVUUZ89K36abuFefMW-2FTJMWfp2NjzUHeRRAepHzAn\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bl35i2CGbQXm5d8s91ZfTNcO63zjzoJ4gBW5nNrgaViKbBy1TZMaRpwTuELUH4gnyHoEDf5Mt6KifL-2FTpUjrQW-2BKvo4I3GDIO15truqhAiTUVMlxh80bI5NEdN6Z30vTPwJnT0zbwqgjwtldrb1gFwoGadoAAtte7IxmJ4L9cpMb4puV5Wf8qHBFJDz08uYG8UAx5VgeU-2Fa9XtVTFkOO4P4-3D">Luke 9:18-27</a>.) Anyone who has ever worked in recruitment would probably tell you that Jesus went about it the wrong way. Who would be inspired to join a movement whose leader predicted his own great suffering, rejection by the ruling class, and murder? And how many people would line up to apply for a job that required self-denial and taking up a cross daily (which led to execution)? "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die," wrote martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in The Cost of Discipleship. <blockquote> Questions: What does Jesus mean by the idea that to be his disciple, a person must die to self, take up his cross daily, and follow him? What is the significance of the phrase "on the third day be raised"? What happens if we focus only on the suffering aspect of Jesus' mission? What happens if we want to skip that part and jump straight to the resurrection? </blockquote> Revelation 12:11 "But [our brothers and sisters] have conquered [their accuser] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxL76PkgLnT0ZbDRKTq4JIBB9dvJfkpSycJa96rlG12s-2BT74tpAFeCMhNGVyd0E-2BapbMlJ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BksJNLHVimzjaf8RMq36UHYMkd-2F81hINFO0BEqRBNjvl5JahfFvHq-2F2QxbnSe2fn3IouGoh7WUQjHwwU5hqMoN8ua6E2DtlzUiznt18elQnF1yhVXuDwtcBUmmEVsjF-2BVMXvvhMFA-2Fk4uG5x1A7QOvlpVwR5jO0xS90MtBV8CDwWWEfee6nbBydc753htIzBGRKZ-2BNoKSeBzQKs5gPu3Bzk-3D">Revelation 12:7-12</a>.) This passage describes a war in heaven between God's angels and angels that had aligned themselves with a great dragon, during which the dragon and his forces are defeated and thrown down to the earth. Then a loud voice in heaven declares that God's salvation, power and kingdom have come, under the authority of God's Anointed One (v. 10). John the Baptist called Jesus "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxyyJ0A-2BEDvrQGKorIXaiDBoMSyX-2FgR8XVXf7E-2FB7fG7QRlzFYvW4Jt7hbATj0RiyE5glk\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BizQ0P8PNYg8MO-2Fxe6lYFBmVHW1a7TTeyVsLlgbNf-2BphIIO-2FL9e0mCqUf2P2lOlganvfaweECgd6HvL-2BC7I9kP9s87GiVaGElwS-2Fo76S96g-2FRu-2FlplJv6ol8d40Svj3Yjy4zmSuDuOg64Fyks6T0Y3LPzEL3c3VDY9n6t-2FGY4MFi-2FMsSXfrdwpdkh2Rmt3OgVbsfn-2B73lpWUqQtzTxHNFjo-3D">John 1:29</a>). The Bible tells us that "if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxgb98dt-2BAwcnX5I0t2fHJjOKTiswUOGOAquYRwwcv-2FvUauG5ysM2puRzVz-2F-2B57k2NY5\_V\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BihRRST0-2B9viyj2bAXC-2B7RoHIUU-2FeNRA5y4TYVhD9nmtBTbEE3yfyuBp-2Bqa5XeYfxiTw5zSgmDpOote2p5bmnnayPO4k8UHRmQR3TYvsnBpFENigTY1LAZ29LrGXw6IFhoLDKNnNzMGwH-2FgNr14OZiYPKxZ0Punmpq6SpvA8THbHcrAlRBVtWkefxtp3mHyVzimTaSBx-2FNP2pR-2BpIPKdjko-3D">1 John 1:7</a>), and that "we are more than victorious through him who loved us" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxShxcpNB-2FkdjnrumusYgJUMqumOLKfYX9mrRbOG8aVkvqHdhrgUWBGW5eLHw7lEEK0lf4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BhDTZMRidlVPDCMgnCGWfj4SAWEd-2B8LkGKqogBMCsKYpU65fjHSQIDScg4woAHybAVfDYCeJ3MxRdQlltQCOLBnpA9Gic3K8yMIxw7U1JguSDz5BTmVBZIVHVD-2Fy3IPXEVVX21MGjWU8nsw1qxeQ-2BuoSUuDK40VhxhFLHBAH6qpuXPN4glioLJFFpr-2BP3WkykwDjwgGCyuFcSmIM-2FmoST2o-3D">Romans 8:35-37</a>). <blockquote> Questions: What is the nature of the victory we gain through the blood of Jesus? What is your testimony about God, and how does your life provide evidence to support your words? What kind of victory do we gain over our accuser by our testimony? How can our testimony inspire others to experience victory in their own lives? How does Jesus' death free us from the fear of death (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfhOLPuUklFplPPD2VWbSPCeUCdndR2-2F-2B-2BpyPuWOmm8VNeKs6sriqvc5F-2BDwzYfaaweMN\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bn8v7lsfSGPo9b-2FNwh8AGUn-2Bit0ryhoe9GvIncicCmXsNYsZZTGn2-2FSM2G1xiqKJV77wYh04rH4xJ81C1vSC4SuDfIuBJPWQpIDoZkWAOHZICbXhc4idhyhjTmIgRCI0NCGwgXwJ-2F01BQqUZN7LjVqS2-2Fl9S40-2BrBLBnlUS4ZAro2T0uze4mJVKXxbtf7k57dplfXO9jIaAvuGDpJ3m9epY-3D">Hebrews 2:14-15</a>)? What have you conquered when you are able to "not cling to life even in the face of death"? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. Consider this: In 1961, Assistant to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy John Seigenthaler called Diane Nash, the 22-year-old coordinator of the Nashville Student Movement Ride, to try to persuade the Freedom Riders not to go to Alabama, where they were trying to desegregate interstate bus travel in the South. A mob of over 200 people had already firebombed the first bus of Freedom Riders, and beaten them with metal pipes. "If those students get on those buses, they will be killed," Siegenthaler warned. "The federal government cannot protect them." When he finished, Diane quietly responded, "Sir, you should know -- we all signed our last wills and testaments last night." A stunned Seigenthaler struggled to find words. Later, he said that in that moment, he understood that once people make peace with dying for what they believe, you can't frighten them. The students boarded bus after bus, confronting injustice with nonviolent resistance. Finally, the Kennedy administration sent U.S. Marshals to protect the riders, and the infrastructure that upheld segregation of public transportation began to be dismantled. Shortly before becoming a Freedom Rider himself, John Lewis, a native of rural Alabama, had his first taste of Chinese food, after hearing someone say, "You should eat well because this might be like the Last Supper." Lewis was brutally beaten by government officials and left for dead during the Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Upon his recovery, he went on to become long-time Georgia congressman. 2. Historian Heather Cox Richardson asserted in her <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGFsmB-2FGohZXdnsY-2BXAJekVGqdtV2-2Fcr0OJxsjCTP6eptdniWt9XjWlnhTc7oMgd7jZWc-2FNlM6uKpXepMytdrMo-3Dhzyw\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2BhXzzrJKk6NsvqUujcjd4waW0oyTFPnJr4YqZUFvYQTGQmstltBgqyDN-2B-2FXs8U95W-2B2x1RMKA6FosF5DzLijrt4B6Dnevp0ajAAJsE2C0VhAcaz-2B0e2tFrwgYCqNaNXEdO3pNMc0AjBfMoEr7ZC2ksc7312BGa-2B2-2FNQPxMeh5mo-2BaknUjQPlecgAahGGTC9rvaIydwTKkQTLGiK-2BsUefKP0-3D">January 18, 2026, Letters from an American</a> that "people are wrong to say that we have no heroes left. Just as they have always been, they are all around us, choosing to do the right thing, no matter what." "Heroism is neither being perfect, nor doing something spectacular," she explained. "In fact, it's just the opposite: it's regular, flawed human beings choosing to put others before themselves, even at great cost, even if no one will ever know, even as they realize the walls might be closing in around them." Then Richardson listed several individuals who she said fit that definition of "hero": Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Anne Frank, John Hancock, Sitting Bull, Rosa Park, and Martin Luther King Jr. "None of those people woke up one morning and said to themselves that they were about to do something heroic," Richardson wrote. "It's just that when they had to, they did what was right." What names come to mind when you think about people who chose to put others before themselves, even at great risk to their own safety, livelihoods, reputations and lives? 3. React to this, from Archbishop Oscar Romero: "Christ invites us not to fear persecution because, believe me, brothers and sisters, the one who is committed to the poor must run the same fate as the poor, and in El Salvador we know what the fate of the poor signifies: to disappear, be tortured, to be held captive -- and to be found dead." Responding to the News Check out this article by <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCAVChI6M-2BPi-2B90EPk8kylpK1MEAzcW34LJGuY18fULLGzX6sXU45Ib0SU0z8H3Mi-2BZuDomLflyytDPT5g3JGFAVl7QkmfdHqa9PSsU4JCGOi1wL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmcL8PF9uzEUaU2LtBsBQUpcaaIJIphdxIgo4-2FPnxQKKfgA4aI0Iqdn5Zn7GmKFon-2Bphw2ku-2FLG8Wop52mo1UQ2waOKbe2W5In3X7Qgzm3yd2xF9LFVRwsTxoYbQ6CnkpjZ0XjvT3boi04wFlK-2F5dbyRvVwZ576LLtb7x-2BG2plgrHLfR1PV-2FZlh4v0jpR6ZsXNIuJEBRlklA3tUA0hElKt3g69awt6ownKytHtwYEoneWLTv58dWsRga4gSMKOnZfDxrij0hfXJ9U-2FHrKK0KUL0s-3D">Jemar Tisby</a> for practical ways to put others before self. Choose one suggestion to implement in your own life. Prayer inspired by a prayer written by President Jimmy Carter, in his book, Through the Year with Jimmy Carter O God, give us an insatiable desire to do your will, and grant us the strength to follow through on our commitment to love you with all our mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, no matter what the cost. Amen. Copyright 2026 Communication Resources <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&data=ThcOJuajy6AqmqKs7x11zDrxiBDp9FzBK9M3-Omb\_5JoMDAwdTAwMMIyuUfu3xv-oYOBb3Mr1tnB75TqGePsRFEueNDEAzmDog5K9deSVidmI1FtwM2VBL-WiRiKYzFgdtGMa2QOb46o5p3amELFJDjFuS2C08klu7QM3OC-oSJdCYsCQcnKAkOK\_aI4Zqm3Iv63Fnng-m1UVQUhkla7500i7Uf5Zfkctg9oMAyP0rq5hsqguPmLDchW6qURnB7IyIbhPmHqflR6ZnOtF5FPjLmdt\_sCRbD39oeJYPmuLc5TynZlB2swl8nrDfyCIb8qDXiwiuvHijeMOxUMY4ORHJMewNVny\_2jCeMSH\_VhJnAzs3NpRDa3gNBqa2TSc9XTth1tSB3LkH0xYdvvEeIyjDU\_awq3eqky\_k4Leq90OdmW-IyhdnohQb242gtjc6OTgQX-vMCbmOtqNXxlVGJ75H0guLUMXaNOspeXxr8YZwwzzwN0uI8Xm4XWo0zIoAgoHBrNaFhVS-c4EHk6xaO1aftGbLy-YOhQ8NA3x1xdZIMg739zIT3zbYu\_Et46mcPiiCIHzExWK2sn2P2NLPIYDuANmPOrprRr3WnrUt97tlBZ7ywtpUHDIBsgg9f-XQ6cmOMwYYbrtJU=">Unsubscribe From This List</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7nhAMKua-2F6AEps4djS9ULsOidCEVrJZUbc6DEmYSzlZfPVYafKjpTR4sJzDS6xhkfFOTY7dglxPXGPRWVDN4a4HX3w1KSwsh-2FiWi8duR-2Fn7Q9win3RpCysmnVUAYueICPYvNbV7baBtUth3CY9c8foQbni3PHsBYtVYU0IHw8yelQX5fqWZjiAY7Lq1rf1-2F2pjyYjrHkkfbplYay7cYJLrJ-2FUVVFCY2n6s5-2BZov31gdOUw1FgqWsHp6YzIi9GDyZwGePz-2BTkAjvBAOp-2F00Ftbow-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 01/25/2026, The Wired Word, 01kfhtacgjfwt33p78yygwcnhy.