{"id":53802,"date":"2026-03-06T00:00:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T07:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/?p=53802"},"modified":"2026-03-09T15:57:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T21:57:57","slug":"the-explanation-for-our-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/the-explanation-for-our-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"The Explanation","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-53902\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Explanation.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"590\" height=\"734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Explanation.jpg 965w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Explanation-241x300.jpg 241w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Explanation-823x1024.jpg 823w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Explanation-768x955.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Always be ready to give an explanation <br \/>\nto anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, <br \/>\nbut do it with gentleness and reverence&#8230;<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\">(1 Peter 3:15)<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>I am not ashamed of the Gospel: <br \/>\nit is the power of God for salvation <br \/>\nto everyone who has faith.<\/strong> <br \/>\n(Rom 1:16)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div id=\"buzzsprout-player-18800297\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t <script src=\"https:\/\/www.buzzsprout.com\/1172402\/18800297.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-18800297&amp;player=small\" type=\"text\/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\">or on <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/vKY6KBU9DiI\">YouTube<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<span class=\"mks_dropcap_letter\" style=\"font-size: 60px; color: #2b2b2b; \">D<\/span>o you know how to share the Gospel? Would you even know what to say? Are you ready to share it, <em>&#8220;whether it is convenient or inconvenient&#8221;<\/em> (2 Timothy 4:2)?<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Over the years, I have heard Catholics say they don&#8217;t talk about their faith to others because it&#8217;s &#8220;private.&#8221; Well, your faith is <em>personal \u2014 <\/em>but it&#8217;s never private.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden&#8230; \u00a0your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.<\/strong> (Matthew 5:14, 16)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You might take this passage to mean that all that is necessary is to be a good person. But Jesus <em>also<\/em> commanded the Church to make disciples of the nations, <em>&#8220;teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.&#8221;<\/em> <span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_1');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_1');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_1\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Matthew 28:20<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> So it&#8217;s not enough to simply fulfill our Sunday obligation and be nice.\u00a0<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u2026it is not enough that the Christian people be present and be organized in a given nation, nor is it enough to carry out an apostolate by way of good example. They are organized for this purpose, they are present for this:\u00a0<em>to announce Christ to their non-Christian fellow-citizens by word and example, and to aid them toward the full reception of Christ.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014Second Vatican Council,\u00a0<em>Ad Gentes,\u00a0<\/em>n. 15;\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/hist_councils\/ii_vatican_council\/documents\/vat-ii_decree_19651207_ad-gentes_en.html\">vatican.va<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>These words, no doubt, will stir a number of fears and responses, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Embarrassment at the thought of talking about Jesus<\/li>\n<li>Fear of losing friends<\/li>\n<li>Fear of causing division and controversy<\/li>\n<li>Fear of being seen as a bible-thumping whacko<\/li>\n<li>Fear of having to speak if words don&#8217;t come easy<\/li>\n<li>Fear of a lack of knowledge of one&#8217;s faith<\/li>\n<li>Fear of losing one&#8217;s job<\/li>\n<li>Fear of <em>failing.\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The devil doesn&#8217;t have to kill you in order to silence the Gospel; he just has to convince you that it&#8217;s better not to rock the boat, to stay in your own lane, to <em>keep the peace<\/em>. But Jesus throws that argument overboard:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man \u2018against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one\u2019s enemies will be those of his household.\u2019<\/strong> (Matthew 10:34-36)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Why? Because&#8230;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>&#8230;this is the verdict: that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.<\/strong> (John 3:19)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Still, do you want to know what Jesus said <em>immediately\u00a0<\/em>before saying He came to bring the sword?<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong><em>Do not be afraid of them&#8230; <\/em>What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops&#8230; Everyone who acknowledges Me before others, I will acknowledge before My heavenly Father.<\/strong> (Matthew 10:26-27, 32)<\/span><\/p>\n<h5>\u00a0<\/h5>\n<h5>How to Become Unafraid<\/h5>\n<p>And here is the secret to becoming unafraid to share the Gospel. It&#8217;s not about joining Toastmasters; it&#8217;s not about acquiring a degree in theology or reading the Catechism from front to end \u2014 as beneficial as these may be. Rather, it&#8217;s about knowing Jesus <em>personally \u2014 <\/em>daily inviting He, who is love itself, into your heart, for&#8230;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>&#8230;perfect love drives out fear&#8230; We love because He first loved us.<\/strong> (1 John 4:18-19)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-53890 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Personal-Relationship-Jesus.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"324\" height=\"216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Personal-Relationship-Jesus.jpg 1803w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Personal-Relationship-Jesus-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Personal-Relationship-Jesus-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Personal-Relationship-Jesus-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Personal-Relationship-Jesus-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Personal-Relationship-Jesus-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 324px) 100vw, 324px\" \/>You can&#8217;t share what you don&#8217;t know; you can&#8217;t give what you don&#8217;t have. Becoming unafraid is a work done at Christ&#8217;s feet in daily prayer, where you will <em>encounter<\/em> His love, His Word, His presence, healing, and power.\u00a0<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>.<\/strong><strong>..we can be witnesses only if we know Christ first hand, and not only through others \u2014 from our <em>own<\/em> life, from our <em>personal encounter<\/em> with Christ. Finding him really in our life of faith, we become witnesses&#8230; <\/strong>\u00a0\u2014POPE BENEDICT XVI, Vatican City, January 20th, 2010,\u00a0<em>Zenit<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>As St. John Paul II said,\u00a0<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>&#8230;it is not a matter of merely passing on a doctrine, but rather of a personal and profound meeting with the Saviour.<\/strong>\u00a0 \u2014POPE JOHN PAUL II, <em>Commissioning Families, Neo-Catechumenal Way, <\/em>1991<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses\u2026<\/strong> \u2014POPE ST. PAUL VI, <em>Evangelii Nuntiandi<\/em>, n. 76 <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>A teacher shares doctrine; a witness lives it. Hence, one of the most powerful things you can do is to simply share your story, or a part of your story, with another soul. Share how you have experienced the love and power of God; we call this a testimony.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_2');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_2');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_2\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[2]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_2\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">cf. Rev 12:11<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> The point, especially with unbelievers, is to help them to put their faith in Jesus; to accept Him as their Savior too, and thus, to receive the gift of eternal life.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The following is a basic explanation of the &#8220;reason for our hope.&#8221; When the time comes, you can articulate its essence in whole or in part in your own context and in your own words, with confidence and joy, as the Holy Spirit leads&#8230;<\/p>\n<h5>\u00a0<\/h5>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Explanation<\/h4>\n<p><em>God created man and woman in His own likeness.<\/em> Unlike animals, humans are created with both an eternal soul and free will. God made us for Himself, to freely love and be loved. He created the Earth for us to live in and enjoy, as both an expression of His love and a reflection of His divine attributes:\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator.<\/strong> (Wisdom of Solomon 13:5)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Part of God&#8217;s creation includes angels, who also possess free will. Sadly, some turned away out of pride. The Devil, in turn, tempted our first parents (Adam and Eve) to pride, to become their own gods. They disobeyed their Creator and thus&#8230;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>&#8230;through the devil\u2019s envy death entered the world<\/strong> (Wisdom of Solomon 2:24)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Indeed, the Bible tells us that <em>&#8220;God is love&#8221;<\/em> (1 John 4:8) and that&#8230;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>God did not make death, and He does not delight in the death of the living.<\/strong> (Wisdom of Solomon 1:13)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-53913 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-Abyss.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"325\" height=\"325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-Abyss.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-Abyss-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-Abyss-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-Abyss-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-Abyss-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/>All the sadness and suffering in the world were never God&#8217;s plan&#8230; but they were always a <em>possibility<\/em> because He created us to be free to love or reject Him. Adam and Eve freely rejected His love, and as a consequence, deprived themselves not only of friendship with God but also of eternal life.<\/p>\n<p>But rather than abandon the human race, the Heavenly Father had another plan:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.<\/strong> (John 3:16-17)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Jesus became man, taking our human form.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_3');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_3');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_3\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[3]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_3\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">&#8220;Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage.&#8221; (Hebrews 2:14-15) <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_3').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_3', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> He suffered and died on a cross out of love for <em>you<\/em> so that the eternal consequences of sin could be wiped away.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;\"><strong>For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord <\/strong>(Romans 6:23). <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>He himself bore our sins in His body upon the Cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.<\/strong> (1 Peter 2:24) <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>He brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, having canceled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this He set aside, nailing it to the Cross. He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him.<\/strong> (Colossians 2:13-15)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>So now, Jesus is offering you this free gift: <em>eternal life<\/em>.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_4');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_4');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_4\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[4]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_4\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">&#8220;When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.&#8221;(Ephesians 4:8) <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_4').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_4', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> He is offering to forgive all your sins, to wash you clean, and restore you to the Father. Jesus wants to set you free from the powers of darkness and shame, and restore you to friendship with God.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_5');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_5');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_5\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[5]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_5\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">&#8220;He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins&#8230; our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.&#8221; (Colossians 1:13-14, 2 Timothy 1:10) <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_5').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_5', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>What do you need to do?<\/em> The Scriptures say:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.<\/strong> (Acts 3:19)<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_35848\" style=\"width: 335px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35848\" class=\"wp-image-35848\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/jesusmercyabyss.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"325\" height=\"325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/jesusmercyabyss.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/jesusmercyabyss-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/jesusmercyabyss-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/jesusmercyabyss-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/jesusmercyabyss-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/jesusmercyabyss-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-35848\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u201c \u2026between Me and you there is a bottomless abyss, an abyss which separates the Creator from the creature. But this abyss is filled with My mercy.\u201d (Jesus to St. Faustina, Diary, n. 1576)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>We have to turn away from those things which separate us from God \u2014 what we call &#8220;sin.&#8221; The Bible says, <em>&#8220;To be a lover of the world means enmity with God&#8221;<\/em> (James 4:4). But Jesus said,<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.<\/strong> (John 14:6)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>We come to this new life in God by believing in Jesus, which means obeying the truth He taught \u2014 and <em>&#8220;The truth will set you free&#8221;<\/em>, He said.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_6');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_6');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_6\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[6]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_6\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">John 8:32<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_6').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_6', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> We just have to choose whether we will follow Jesus&#8230; or follow our own way, as Adam did&#8230;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>God in the beginning created human beings and made them subject to their own free choice. If you choose, you can keep the commandments; loyalty is doing the will of God. Set before you are fire and water; to whatever you choose, stretch out your hand.<\/strong> (Sirach 15:14-16)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Referring to the Devil, who, by the way, also has a plan for your life, Jesus said:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.<\/strong> (John 10:10)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>I want this abundant life. Jesus wants you to have it, too. To whatever you choose, stretch out your hand, for <em>&#8220;to those who did accept Him, He gave power to become children of God.&#8221;<\/em> (John 1:12)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5>Receiving Salvation<\/h5>\n<p><em>That is the essence of the Gospel.<\/em> If someone chooses Christ in your presence, you can lead them right there in a prayer like this:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;\">Lord Jesus, I choose You. <br \/>\nI am sorry for the sins I have committed. <br \/>\nI accept your love and forgiveness. <br \/>\nI ask you to be my Lord and my Savior. <br \/>\nI want to follow you and be your disciple. <br \/>\nFill me with your Holy Spirit <br \/>\nthat I may be one with you <br \/>\nand the Father in Heaven. <br \/>\nJesus, I thank you for dying for me.<br \/>\nJesus, I trust in you.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-36583 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BAPTISMbreath.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"325\" height=\"325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BAPTISMbreath.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BAPTISMbreath-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BAPTISMbreath-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BAPTISMbreath-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BAPTISMbreath-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BAPTISMbreath-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/BAPTISMbreath-640x640.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/>If the person has never been baptized, encourage them to do so, since it is God&#8217;s will for initiation into the Body of Christ.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_7');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_7');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_7\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[7]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_7\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">\u201cAmen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit&#8221; [John 3:5]; cf. Matt 28:19, Acts 2:38, 8:38, 10:48, 19:4-5, Rom 6:3, etc.<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_7').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_7', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> Put them in touch with a good priest. Encourage them to read the Bible; to begin spending time each day speaking to Jesus as if to a friend;<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_8');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_53802_1('footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_8');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_8\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[8]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_8\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">cf. John 15:13<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_8').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_53802_1_8', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> to find help if they are struggling with addiction; to break with the past. And make yourself available to them in whatever way is practical and possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If the person you are accompanying is someone who has fallen away from the Faith, you could lead them with a prayer like this:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Lord, I have let myself be deceived; <\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, <\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>yet here I am once more, <\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>to renew my covenant with you. <\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>I need you. Save me once again, Lord, <\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>take me once more into your redeeming embrace.<\/strong> <\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\">\u2014<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/apost_exhortations\/documents\/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html\">Evangelium Gaudium<\/a><\/em>,\u00a0n. 3<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Finally, put your faith, not in your own skills, but in the <em>power<\/em> of the Gospel. He has commissioned us to share the Good News, and thus, there is <em>power<\/em> in the<em>\u00a0<\/em>Word<em>:<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes&#8230; The message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.<\/strong> (Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>I leave you with this powerful exhortation:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Do not be afraid to go out on the streets and into public places, like the first Apostles who preached Christ and the Good News of salvation in the squares of cities, towns and villages. This is no time to be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the time to preach it from the rooftops. Do not be afraid to break out of comfortable and routine modes of living, in order to take up the challenge of making Christ known in the modern \u201cmetropolis\u201d. It is you who must \u201cgo out into the byroads\u201d and invite everyone you meet to the banquet which God has prepared for his people.\u00a0<em>The Gospel must not be kept hidden because of fear or indifference.<\/em>\u00a0It was never meant to be hidden away in private. It has to be put on a stand so that people may see its light and give praise to our heavenly Father.<\/strong> \u2014POPE JOHN PAUL II, Homily, Cherry Creek State Park Homily, Denver, Colorado, August 15th, 1993; <a href=\"http:\/\/w2.vatican.va\/content\/john-paul-ii\/en\/homilies\/1993\/documents\/hf_jp-ii_hom_19930815_gmg-denver.html\">vatican.va<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-28042 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/EHJesusBlrdCrpdNewEyes.jpg.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"325\" height=\"364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/EHJesusBlrdCrpdNewEyes.jpg.jpeg 1830w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/EHJesusBlrdCrpdNewEyes.jpg-1373x1536.jpeg 1373w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/EHJesusBlrdCrpdNewEyes.jpg-268x300.jpeg 268w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/EHJesusBlrdCrpdNewEyes.jpg-768x859.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/EHJesusBlrdCrpdNewEyes.jpg-915x1024.jpeg 915w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u2026the first proclamation must ring out over and over: <br \/>\n\u201cJesus Christ loves you; <br \/>\nHe gave his life to save you; <br \/>\nand now He is living at your side every day <br \/>\nto enlighten, strengthen and free you.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<br \/>\n\u2014POPE FRANCIS,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/francesco\/en\/apost_exhortations\/documents\/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html\"><em>Evangelii Gaudium<\/em><\/a>, n. 164<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5>Related Reading<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/a-gospel-for-all\/\"><em>A Gospel for All<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/personal-relationship-with-jesus\/\"><em>Personal Relationship With Jesus<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/ashamed-of-jesus\/\"><em>Ashamed of the Gospel<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/jesus-remember-him\/\"><em>Jesus&#8230; Remember Him?<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;\">So grateful for your prayers and support.<br \/>\nThank you!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/donations\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Donateovalbtnonbeige.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"112\" height=\"48\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\">To journey with Mark in\u00a0<strong><em>The <\/em><\/strong><em><strong>Now Word<\/strong><\/em>,<em><br \/>\n<\/em>click on the banner below to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/subscribe\/\">subscribe<\/a>. <br \/>\nYour email will not be shared with anyone.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/subscribe\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-25916\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/now-word-banner.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"469\" height=\"153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/now-word-banner.jpeg 850w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/now-word-banner-300x98.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/now-word-banner-768x250.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;\">Now on Telegram. Click:<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/thenowword\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-46727\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Telegram-.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"55\" height=\"56\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Telegram-.png 500w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Telegram--300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Telegram--150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 55px) 100vw, 55px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Follow Mark and the daily &#8220;signs of the times&#8221; on MeWe:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mewe.com\/group\/6001b664d73c61322e27a39c\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-44298\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"584\" height=\"242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-300x124.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-1024x424.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-768x318.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-1536x636.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-640x265.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nFollow Mark\u2019s writings here:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mewe.com\/p\/thenowword\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-48548\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"584\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update.jpg 1880w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update-300x101.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update-1024x345.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update-768x259.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update-1536x518.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Listen on the following:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenoword.buzzsprout.com\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/thenoword.buzzsprout.com\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/buzzsprout3-cutout.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"165\" height=\"43\" \/><\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-now-word\/id1519573192?uo=4\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/apple-podcasts2-cutout.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"162\" height=\"42\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6sXnpNwaMtd5ja4MyA1YgX\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-43899\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"164\" height=\"42\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts.png 740w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts-300x77.png 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts-640x163.png 640w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts-720x189.png 720w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 164px) 100vw, 164px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"f6hij\" data-offset-key=\"7ormq-0-0\">\n<div class=\"_1mf _1mj\" data-offset-key=\"7ormq-0-0\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"speaker-mute footnotes_reference_container\"> <div class=\"footnote_container_prepare\"><p><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_label pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_53802_1();\"><h5>Footnotes<\/h5><\/span><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button\" style=\"display: none;\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_53802_1();\">[<a id=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_53802_1\">+<\/a>]<\/span><\/p><\/div> <div id=\"footnote_references_container_53802_1\" style=\"\"><table class=\"footnotes_table footnote-reference-container\"><caption class=\"accessibility\"><h5>Footnotes<\/h5><\/caption> <tbody> \r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_53802_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_1');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>1<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Matthew 28:20<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_2\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_53802_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_2');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>2<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">cf. Rev 12:11<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_3\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_53802_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_3');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>3<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">&#8220;Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage.&#8221; (Hebrews 2:14-15) <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_4\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_53802_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_4');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>4<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">&#8220;When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.&#8221;(Ephesians 4:8) <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_5\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_53802_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_5');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>5<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">&#8220;He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins&#8230; our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.&#8221; (Colossians 1:13-14, 2 Timothy 1:10) <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_6\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_53802_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_6');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>6<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">John 8:32<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_7\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_53802_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_7');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>7<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">\u201cAmen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit&#8221; [John 3:5]; cf. Matt 28:19, Acts 2:38, 8:38, 10:48, 19:4-5, Rom 6:3, etc.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_53802_1_8\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_53802_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_53802_1_8');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>8<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">cf. 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