Only God Can Forgive Sins

8/14/2019 Only God Can Forgive Sins

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Speaking softly and stuttering Coby spoke II, umm, I

Go ahead, you are among fellow sinners here today Pastor Shaw broke in swiftly.

Still speaking softly but quickly I stole from my sick mothers purse while she slept

bedridden said Coby who looked down in shame.

The Church couldnt hear you Coby, speak louder. said Pastor Shaw.

II stole money from my sick mothers purse, while she slept helpless. Coby said only

a bit louder.

Look to heaven and yell it Coby! God cant hear you unless you yell it! Pastor Shaw

ignited You stole from your sick, helpless mother while she lay sleeping

Coby burst into confession and was now yelling I stole from my sick mothers purse!

You stole from your mother for your own selfishness! Pastor Shaw yelled, and kicked

the back of Cobys legs bringing him to his knees, then moved in front of him and placed his

hand on Cobys forehead and screamed at the top of his lungs You are a greedy young man who

Satan has brought to sin! There was a bit of commotion in the audience, Jesse looked around

and saw that Joshua Rachman had gotten up and was leaving. Pastor Shaw turned his head and

saw this but quickly turned back around.

Coby now in tears and screaming so loud his ill mother at home could hear him Im a

greedy young man who Satan has brought to follow his will!

Youve been corrupted by Satan and made to hurt your already sick mother because of

it! Screamed Pastor Shaw in his low gravelly voice.

Satan has corrupted me and brought me to bring hurt upon my already hurting mother!

cried Coby.


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You are sorry and now repent for your sin and will never follow Satans will again

blasted Pastor Shaw.

I am sorry God! Coby cried out in more tears. I have followed Satans will and repent

from doing so.

Raising the hand that was not on Cobys forehead into the air behind him and leaned

forward a bit You are forgiven Coby! Pastor Shaws hand began to shake a bit And may your

sin and Satans will be cast from you forever! Yelled Pastor Shaw once again and then using his

shaking hand still on Cobys forehead, pushed Coby to the ground where he stayed weeping and

stood above him breathing heavily.

The church clapped and roared loudly with the shoutings of many amens! and praise

Gods! and the occasional God bless him! Pastor Shaw stood by the door after the service as

usual to shake everyones hand as they left and have the occasional conversation.

God bless you sir, beautiful service. said an elderly man

I thank God every day for sending you to us. Said a middle aged woman with two

young children.

Thank you said Pastor Shaw in return and I thank God every day for sending me to

you.

Wonderful service, when will we be working on donations to the church again? said

another man.

Im always working on donations, you need only to ask to help replied Pastor Shaw

rather loudly this time.


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Then Pastor Shaw looked through some people and saw Jesse walking out towards the

exit and yelled out with open arms Jesse my friend, Ive been meaning to speak to you, does

lunch at one sound good?

Surprised, Jesse, who had only spoken to Pastor Shaw maybe once before and was rather

shaken by the service to say the least, but maybe only because Jesse was new to the area, Jesse

said in return umm sure, whered you have in mind?

How bout my house, you know where that is dont you. Pastor Shaw spoke back.

That works for me and yes I think know. said Jesse. Of course Jesse knew where Pastor

Shaws house was, it was the largest and most elegant in town, on top of the highest hill

nonetheless. Jesse shook his hand and wondered what it is Pastor Shaw would have that hed

want to talk about.

Well heres my card with my address on it in case you cant recollect. Said pastor Shaw

in return and with his usual smile. Jesse took the card, the name read: Shaw Daoi, Pastor of 1st

Georgia Church of Saul. It was a very nice card, very professional; the letters were all printed in

gold, real gold too no doubt.

Thank you. Replied Jesse Ill surely be there.

The walkway up to pastor Shaws house was quite nice too as to be expected, a man so

good only deserved to live so well. The walkway was lined on both sides with beautiful looking

bushes and shrubberies assorted with all sorts of varying flowers, and all matching. They were all

perfectly trimmed as well. Jesse couldnt help but think of how perfect a man Pastor Shaw was,

generous to the world, and the world generous to him. Jesse rang the doorbell, still with no idea

why Pastor Shaw would have asked to have lunch together. The door opened Jesse, do come

in. Pastor Shaw Greeted Be sure to take your shoes off, the floor dirties easily. The table is


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already set, its around the first corner and to the left, you cant miss it. Go ahead and take your

seat, make yourself at home

Thank you Pastor Jesse said while removing the forbidden shoes and then walked

down the hall and easily found the table fully set, food and everything, just as Pastor Shaw had

said. It was odd though, for Jesse knew Pastor Shaw had no wife, and he had no servants to any

knowledge; he had only been home maybe thirty to forty minutes yet had prepared a large filling

meal for two in that time, roast beef and all. He was truly a man of many talents. Jesse went

ahead and took a seat, and looked around some more; the large window to the left had a perfect

view of the street crossing perpendicular to the main street which one could look directly down

all the way to the church at the other end; from that room one could see all that was going on in

town.

How do you do today Jesse? Pastor Shaw asked as he entered the dining room.

Jesse replied fine I presume, as good as usual, no worse

Splendid, no reason to feel bad is plenty reason itself to feel good I always say. replied

Pastor Shaw. He took his coat off, placed on the back of the chair directly across from Jesse, sat

in it, placed his hands on the table before him entwined as if he were to pray but leaned forward

looking straight at Jesse instead. Your somewhat of an artist I understand arent you Jesse?

Pastor Shaw said to Jesse in more of a proposal than a question.

Jesse grinned Why yes, I do believe I am, the best in north Georgia, at least to what Ive

seen of my competition.

An almost equal grin spread across Pastor Shaws face Absolutely Splendid! he

continued with another proposal like question Im sorry to inform you I have not seen much of

your work, but if you would so be inclined to tell me my friend, have you much experience with


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drawing houses or buildings? He leaned back in his chair, put his hands behind his head and

relaxed a bit.

Jesse replied Well Ive been more accustomed to doing landscapes, but I have been

known to do the occasional house or two. Curious, Jesse asked Why, would you like for me to

paint your home for you?

Heavens no. replied Pastor Shaw This old thing. He said in almost disgust despite his

homes beauty. You see Jesse, our church has grown, it hardly fits the congregation within its

tiny little walls anymore.

Jesse was curious and spoke back slowly Im following.

Good! said Pastor Shaw My churchour church has grown past its current physical

boundaries. We need a new building, a bigger building, we need a new church Jesse, thats what

we need. Id like you with your expertise as an artist to design that new church for us Jesse,

could you do that for us? I sure do hope you will agree.

I dont know Pastor Jesse replied Ive never designed a building before, thats

architecture, drawing is more copying what you see, thats more of creating what you want to be

Pastor Shaw rejected Nonsense! It is all the same principle in the end. Youre my first

choice Jesse, please accept. I am fully confident you can design it, I would not have considered

to trust you with such a monumentous task had I not thought you capable

Jesse couldnt turn the good Pastor Shaw down, smiled and said Of course I accept; I

can have it done in six weeks.

Splendid! yelped Pastor Shaw while he slapped the table with joy, shaking all the plates

on the table. Just wonderfully splendid, six weeks it is, the power of God growing just excites


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your bones does it not? Oh, I almost forgot about lunch he said as he picked up food to offer to

Jesse. I do hope your hungry?

Still smiling, Jesse took the food and said replied Yes, yes I am, I did not eat breakfast

this morning

Pastor Shaws grin faded a little and he quickly picked up another plate of food to give to

Jesse Well in that case you shouldve said something, we could have talked as we ate, sorry to

keep you waiting. Jesse took the tasty looking food and began to eat. Pastor Shaw looked out the

window onto the town below. His eyes focused in on one man and his eyebrows tilted inward in

slight anger. Jesse of course took this as the good pastor having bad eyesight. Pastor Shaw spoke

You see that negro man down there, the one unloading the sheered sheep wool, do you know

who he is?

Yes, thats Joshua Rachman I believe. Seems like a friendly fellow, though as I saw

earlier, not to fond of your service Jesse did not dare mention they were of similar opinions on

the topic.

Speaking crankily like hed just been woken up Pastor Shaw replied hmm, doesnt

surprise me. You know that man makes as much money as anyone here in town off raising and

sheering those sheep of his, yet he prospers none off it. He refuses to give to the church as well.

Pastor Shaws voice was becoming tense He gives it all to poor folks he sees as he passes them.

Says its better spent that way. Well, shows what little he knows Pastor Shaw was now staring

down intently at Joshua who had stopped unloading sheep wool to help an elderly man carry

some cumbersome supplies of some sort across the road. Jesse looked up and followed the

Pastors eyes to Joshua and back several times, chewing the food slower as the tension seemed to

increase. Pastor Shaw looked up at Jesse then quickly down to Joshua, then back to Jesse and to


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Jesse walked through the door, looked back and replied As am I pastor, I am glad to

help. Pastor Shaw waved goodbye with his right hand and a slight tilt of the head, then closed

the door with his left. He went back to the dining room and watched from that window Jesse

walk down the walkway to the street below, smiling has he followed along. Then he saw Jesse

walk over and speak to Joshua Rachman. The smile faded into disgust then he let out a bit of a

grunt first and then spoke out loud in a harsh still gravelly voice Hmm. Dirty Nigger! then he

turned around away from the window and walked away, leaving all the food left to sit on the

table and spoil.

Excuse me. Its Joshua isnt it? Jesse said to the man he already knew to be Joshua

Rachman.

Joshua was unloading the last bit of Sheeps wool as he looked up Thats what they call

me, your Jesse, the artist, arent you, is there something I can help you with?

Jesse replied Yes I am, and I believe so, you live up on that road going out south

towards the pasturelands do you not?

Mhmm, sure do. nodded Joshua

Well I live not far down that road, on the dirt one that forks off about a mile down yours,

if it would not be too much trouble could you drop me off there at that fork. I would walk, but

you see I have an idea for a project of mine and I need to record it down as soon as possible.

Jesse replied.

Joshua had turned away placing down the last load of wool for the general store to come

pick up. Then turned around and opened the passenger door to his truck, and with a smile that

seemed extra illuminated in contrast to his black skin Of course I can, just hop in, try not to

mind the mess, I wasnt expecting company.


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Thank you so much. Replied Jesse who then hopped into the cab, pushing away a few

cluttering items to the middle seat. They drove out of town towards their home quiet and not

speaking when Joshua broke silence In all the time Ive lived here I dont think Ive ever met

someone who lives down that road.

Well, I havent lived there long and I cant speak for the others who have called it their

home. Replied Jesse.

Fair enough. Joshua agreed

Jesse looked around the cab and saw an extremely weathered and used Bible on the

dashboard, riddled with notes sticking out from the side. This seemed odd to Jesse whom had

just recently heard the good Pastor Shaw, a very righteous and religious man, speak none too

fondly of Joshuas church practices.

Jesse was curious Is that your Bible? and nodded towards the one on the dashboard.

Yes it is. Joshua nodded.

Its quite used, Im not sure Ive ever seen one quite so used. Replied Jesse

I read it every day, as all should. If I ever feel angry or mad towards someone, I just

come out to my truck here and crack open the good book and my anger is gone.

Jesse was intrigued Wow, its rare to ever see someone so content with life

All you have to do is to follow whats in that there book and anyone can be the same!

Joshua responded with a hint of assertion. He continued I pick a verse from it every day he

began reaching in his coat pocket and fiddling with around presumably looking for something. I

write it down and carry it with me all day to remind me that my life, however miniscule it might

be, is from God, and I am to do with it as God told us he nodded once again to the Bible then

continued to live as God taught us, and just as importantly to treat others as our savior taught us,


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Love your neighbor as yourself, thats what he told us and thats what I intend to do. After some

tedious effort, Joshua drew a small piece of paper from his pocket Ah, heres todays verse,

Psalm 22:1.

I see. said Jesse unsure of what else to say in return, but thankfully realized that they

were not but a hundred yards from the fork which was to be the end of the ride.

Well heres my stop. Announced Jesse but immediately following heard the blinker to

the truck turn on and Joshua turned down the fork towards Jesses home.

You dont have to take me all the way, you only had to drop me at the beginning of the

fork. said Jesse.

No, its no problem for me to drive you all the way, it takes what, ten minutes out of my

life? said Joshua

I was just saying that you neednt bring me the whole way, you did not even have to

give me a ride if you didnt want Jesse said back.

Nonsense, Ive already come this far, whats a bit farther? Regardless it would be

pointless for me to let you out now when Id have to drive to the end to turn around anyway.

He had a good point; Jesse argued no more and rode silently the rest the way home.

Joshua stopped in front of Jesses house and Jesse got out and thanked him once again Thank

you so much, I am in your debt.

Youre welcome and no debt necessary, you would have done the same. Joshua replied

with a smile then drove around the turn around and headed back down the dirt road. hmm

Jesse sighed looking on, then turned around and headed inside where the work on the design of

the new church began immediately.


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Ladies and gentleman, believers and nonbelievers, members and visitors of 1 st Georgia

Church of Saul Pastor Shaw began Today we gather here to celebrate, not only the presence of

God, but the growth of it. As you can tell our church building here, bless its heart, has grown to

small for our congregation

From the back one of the bakers dozen or so men who was forced to stand for there were

no seats gave a loud Amen! and laughter spread throughout the church.

Pastor Shaw smiled and carried on pleasantly Glad to see were in agreeance Tate. Six

weeks ago I asked a fairly new, yet very talented member of our town and church to help us with

this, and by Gods graciousness our good friend Jesse agreed to use the fortunate gift of artistic

skill to design us a new church. Pastor Shaw explained as he stuck out an arm pointing to Jesse

who was sitting in the second pew from the front at the end far end closest to the middle aisle. A

man behind Jesse patted Jesse on the shoulder in congratulations. Pastor Shaw carried on Well

Jesse has worked endlessly since that time to design and paint for us a drawing of that new

church. Jesse is the only one who has seen it, not even I have taken a look at it beforehand.

Pastor Shaw paused for a moment and looked directly at Jesse That is how much trust I have for

my good friend. He stared at Jesse a moment longer then looked back up Well, it is time we

see what our future church shall look like dont you think? Pastor Shaw yelled out with his arms

open and extended into the air Boys, bring her in! Immediately the double doors entering the

church opened and two men carrying a six by eight foot canvas, covered with a sheet to keep its

picture hidden draped over it, walked down the middle aisle and placed it on a pair of easels

already up by the pulpit. Jesse may you give us the honor? Pastor Shaw asked Jesse.

Jesse stood up, nodded, and proceeded towards the large canvas up front. Pastor Shaw

traded places and sat down where Jesse had stood up from. Jesse stood to the left of the canvas,


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grabbed the guarding sheet from top and bottom with each hand, took a deep breath, and pulled

back revealing the large picture of the new church placed right next to the current one in the field

next to it. The church went completely still and silent, a long pause occurred that seemed to last

eternity. A single clap rung out, it was Pastor Shaw. He stood up clapping once again in the

process, then when fully erected, then speeding up his clapping gradually from slower to faster.

Another man stood and did the same; a woman quickly and similarly followed. Soon people

were rising left and right, all clapping, and no one was showing a hint of letting up. After a whole

minute had passed, the whole church was giving Jesse a standing ovation, the painting and more

importantly, the new church, was the most beautiful thing they had ever set eyes on. Pastor Shaw

began to walk to the front; he wove both hands in front of him up and down to signal the

congregation to conclude and retake their seat, even with Pastor Shaw giving the signal, the

action still took a good minute or so. This seemed to frustrate Pastor Shaw and he began to wave

his harms with more force to get the church to stop; they got the message.

Pastor Shaw looked to heaven God! Holy righteous God! You have provided us dearly

with a great gift, that gift is Jesse, we are forever grateful He walked to Jesse and put his arm

around him. Today, our church has received another great gift, Jesse here hath provided. Funds

for this magnificent church He pointed to the painting will start being collected immediately,

Jesse will be the one leading that as well as the building of our new church Pastor Shaw turned

his head and grinned at Jesse. Jesse smiled back, not knowing anything to say, the honor just

bestowed, by Pastor Shaw nonetheless, was too great for words. A year from today we break

ground, may God be fruitful in his gifts to the church in that time.

That day Jesse stood with Pastor Shaw at the exit of the church and shook peoples hands

as they left. That day however, most the handshakes were for Jesse.


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Pastor Shaw looked over Jesses shoulder to see the check Five thousand dollars, you

prove more useful everyday Jesse.

Of course Jesse took great compliment to this and replied Thank you pastor, I do try.

I bet you do. said Pastor Shaw as he left to catch the last few remaining members

leaving the church.

A year had passed, and fundraising for the church had been successful by any definition

of the term. There was an outside picnic held by the church that Sunday after the regular service

to celebrate in the field where the new church would be built. Pastor Shaw stood on a chair and

bellowed Everyone! Everyone please quiet down! The moment weve been waiting for has

finally come all attention turned to the good pastor. Pastor Shaw picked up a shovel that was

propped against the chair he was standing on and held it high in the air. Today my friends, our

church begins a new chapter in its great story. I will delay now longer. he looked out and

spotted Jesse in the middle of the largest table. Jesse! I believe this is your job now and thrust

his arm holding the shovel out towards Jesse. Jesse stood and walked to where Pastor Shaw

stood and took the shovel, held it in the air for all to see, then with great force dug it deep into

the ground picking up much dirt and setting it aside. Everyone clapped and Cheered Well done

exclaimed Pastor Shaw who was stepping down from the chair you have done a great service to

God. Jesse looked out and savored the moment of praise, not a soul wasnt celebrating, at least

Jesse thought for the moment. Jesse continued to look out and saw one man not cheering or

clapping, it was Joshua Rachman.

Jesse went to him and curiously asked Joshua, are you not happy our church has grown?

This is a time to celebrate. Joshua looked sadly at Jesse and replied The money for that church

could have been much better used; many people in our own state went without food last night


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because they could not afford it. And what do we do, we build a new building. He turned and

walked away back towards his truck to leave. Pastor Shaw looked at them from across the picnic

and could only grin. Jesse did not know what to say but shrugged it off as a misguided opinion,

for Pastor Shaw himself had wanted this church to be built, and what the good pastor said was

always in our best interest.

The weeks passed into winter and the new church being built was the talk of the town,

especially after a couple of months when it was beginning to show the beauty it had shown in the

painting but was not done yet. Everyone admired as they passed, all except for Joshua. Jesse and

Pastor Shaw noticed this one day from the dining room window in the good pastors house as

they ate dinner. While they watched him he did not even glance towards it as he walked passed

it, but kept straight ahead.

How ungrateful can one be? exclaimed Pastor Shaw in disgust.

I dont know responded Jesse I think he just keeps to himself and wants to be more

independent, thats all.

Joshua stopped to help a group of men working on the road unload some wood for a new

sign they were putting up. He was down there often; he was spending the night next-door for a

twenty four hour caned food drive. Keep to himself eh? asked Pastor Shaw No that man has

no respect for the church, and all we do for him too. Ungrateful! Thats what he is, nothing else,

you remember that Jesse, you hear me?

Ehh, well maybe so. Said Jesse

Jesse said Pastor Shaw moving on Id like for you to spend the night at my house

tonight, theres something about the new church Id like to work on in the morning, first thing.


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Sure, but I can just come in the morning from my house, it takes no more than forty five

minutes to walk to the church. What would be so important to get started immediately anyway?

Nonsense replied Pastor Shaw No need in making you walk so early in the morning

when you can wake right here, for what youd be walking or waking for is a surprise though, you

mustnt know what it is quite yet.

Taking Pastor Shaws word Well alright, I do hope its as important as you say

responded Jesse.

Great! Well finish dinner and head straight to bed, it will be an early rise tomorrow

exclaimed Pastor Shaw.

Exactly how early? asked Jesse.

Youll know when you wake up wont you Jesse? replied Pastor Shaw.

Yes. I suppose I Will. said Jesse while standing up after finishing dinner, and continued

Good night pastor Im anxious for tomorrow.

Pastor Shaw nodded and answerd Good night Jesse, you should be

Jesse left the dining room, Pastor Shaw still sat there looking out down the town towards

the building of the new church and repeated softly to himself You should be. and grinned.

Jesse! Jesse! Pastor Shaw rushed into the guest room Jesse was staying in, in the dead

of night and a bit dirty and sweaty at that.

Jesse groaned uhhh, what? Whats going on?

Somethings happened to the new church Jesse, quick you must hurry! Put on some

clothes and hurry! Pastor Shaw shouted.

Jesse whose eyes spread wide open, jumped from the bed and scurried to put on clothes

as fast as possible, this only took but half a minute. Jesse then rushed downstairs; Pastor Shaw


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was waiting, when Jesse came he swung the closet door open and headed back down the hallway

to grab a franticly grab a few more things and not turning to yell back, but yell back he did Its

cold outside, take a coat! There was a sense of urgency. Something was wrong. Jesse reached in

the closet and grabbed one of the five neatly hung sheep wool coats, leaving four.

Whats happening? Whats going on? exclaimed Jesse shutting the door Is this the

surprise you were talking about?

Pastor Shaw turned around in all seriousness, looked Jesse in the eye and with his low

gravelly voice commanded No! Just follow me. and headed down the hall to the front door.

Jesse followed, and paused to peer through the dining room window towards the new

church, something was different, something was radiating about it, and then Jesse realized what

it was. Smoke! exploded Jesse The church, its on fire! Jesse rushed past the door and got

into Pastor Shaws Mercedes which he had brought out and was waiting for him. Hurry

screamed Jesse, the church, its burning!

Yes I know! Pastor Shaw who was wearing only jeans and a long sleeved shirt, yelled

back and they sped down the main street of town to the slowly burning church. Jesse looked

down, the pastor had a black handgun in his lap, Jesse did not care to ask. When they got there,

the flames were not evident yet, but the smoke had grown stronger. They didnt bother parking

the car correctly, and both hopped out running towards the church. They ran, as they approached

they heard coughing from the inside, and just then Joshua Rachman burst through one of the side

doors coughing with smoke pouring out from behind him. He was carrying a little boy who was

coughing also. He put the boy down at a safe distance. Jesse recognized him, he was the little

boy who had asked if he was an angel.

Joshua what are you doing here? screamed Jesse still running.


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I was next door for the canned food drive, cough! I heard crying, cough! and came

running replied Joshua

Liar! Pastor Shaw roared You were not here saving that child, you started that fire!

I did not, you selfish, lying, poor excuse for a preacher, Cough! I was here as I said I

was, I would do no such thing! Joshua shot back.

You expect me to believe you would run into a burning building like some sort of hero!

rejected Pastor Shaw That stuff doesnt happen in real life, least of all here! He looked to Jesse

and continued screaming This man is not a man of God! Hes been corrupted by Satan himself

and brought to destroy our new church! This is a man of the devil!

Joshua, stunned looked to Jesse in support. Jesse was split, not knowing who or what to

believe. Instead of taking an immediate side, Jesse bent down to the little boy and asked Did

you see who started the fire? the little boy still to scared to speak only nodded. Pastor Shaws

face tightened, Jesse continued Could you tell me who started the fire? the little boy nodded

again but this time sat down, raised his knees and put his head between his legs and started to

cry. Please tell me who started the fire, this is important said Jesse more assertively, this time

grabbing the boys shoulder. He looked up unable to speak, with tears running down his face,

took in a deep breath, and blurted out one word Sheep! he cried and then put his head back

between his legs. Pastor Shaw, out of Jesses sight, grinned. Jesse looked up at Joshua; the

church was now in full flame.

Ah! Only sheep farmer in our county, and a devil one at that cried Pastor Shaw

pointing to Joshua. Joshua was speechless, there was nothing he could bring himself to say in

defense. Jesse! Satan has called this man to destroy Gods work. Jesse looked to Pastor Shaw


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heaven and spoke contently, some would say almost happily Father, into your hands I commit

my spirit.

BANG! A shot rang out and Joshuas body fell limply to the ground. At the same time a

large support beam in the church fell, collapsing the middle of the church. Jesse stood in place

for a moment, not moving an inch, not even to breath. Then to make sure the job was done, he

lifted the gun once more and shot Joshua in his side; the job was done. He squatted next to the

body and opened up Joshuas hand and took out the paper he had removed from his pocket

before he died, opened it and read at it, it read Matthew 7:15. He squatted ruminating for a

moment then a look of sudden shock came over his face, he gripped the paper tightly in his hand

squeezing it until it hurt. He looked down at the coat he was wearing and said spitefully outloud.

Sheep!

Jesse stood turned to Pastor Shaw who also stood there only he stood without emotion.

Jesse asked Wheres your coat pastor, you know one of the nice sheeps wool ones? Pastor

Shaw seemed confused.

Im not following Jesse? replied Pastor Shaw.

You mentioned to me when I first came to your home that you owned six of the finest

sheeps wool coats, when I grabbed mine from your closet Jesse lifted the breast of that coat for

a moment using the muzzle of the handgun I counted five including this one, you are not

wearing one, so I am asking where is your coatPastor?

Im sorry I must have miscounted, since when is that a sin? rebuked Pastor Shaw

What does that have to do wit

There was no surprise tomorrow was there? Jesse cut him off and continued. Pastor

Shaws face went pale. Jesse persisted A bit odd for you to come wake me in the dead of night


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I an abomination? Look at him he pointed to Joshuas body he was a son of Canaan,

his people were cursed to be our slaves! He would not support the church for heaven sakes! Alls

he was, was some black smudge on the pure white cloth of my holy church!

He was a man of God! Jesse rejected harshly Far more a man of God than any other I

ever met, I see now why he did not support the church, he saw through you, saw who you really

are, your nothing but a greedy, lying poor excuse for a preacher. I hope God has mercy on I and

anyone else that ever listened to you.

He a man of God? I a poor excuse? Have you not heard my sermons? I have cast Satan

from countless helpless souls. I have helped the poor, I have prayed for those who didnt deserve

it, I have done more for God in this world and forgiven more sins than anyone alive today! Ask

anyone of my church, they have all seen me do it!

They have seen, and they have been deceived! Listen to yourself, you speak of forgiving

sin when you have just tricked someone into murdering a good man, a holy man!

The church engulfed in even more flame and another part of it collapsed once more. All

the sudden Pastor Shaws face relaxed from one of anger to a relaxed one of some obscure

emotion and said softly Yes. Your right Jesse, I have sinned.

Jesse moved closer still pointing the gun at Pastor Shaw Yes thats right you have sinned

pastor. said Jesse.

Pastor Shaw fell to the ground and began shouting I have sinned!

Jesse shouted back moving closer with the gun pointed at the pastors head You have

sinned and had an innocent man murdered for your own selfish racism!

I am a racist lord! And have had this innocent man murdered because of it! Pastor

Shaw yelled form his knees, his eyes beginning to tear.


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Yes pastor you have sinned, Satan has corrupted you your whole life! Responded Jesse

who now held the gun trembling on the pastors forehead.

Pastor Shaw looked up to heaven and shouted Satan has poisoned my heart God! I am a

sinner, Oh lord I am a sinner!

Louder! yelped Jesse.

I am a sinner lord! shouted Pastor Shaw with a face full of tears.

I said louder pastor, heaven must hear you! yelled Jesse looking down upon the man

once so respected.

Now screaming at the top of his lungs I am a sinner lord, I have sinned, oh Jesse please

forgive me, please cast Satan from my heart He spread his arms wide open and looked up to

Jesse please Jesse, please forgive my sins!

Jesse looked down at him spitefully and said to him harshly Only God can forgive sins.

Bang! Another gunshot rung out, another limp body collapsed. Jesse did not pause this time, he

walked over to the little boy, both of their eyes filled with tears, and picked him up. The boy

smothered his tear ridden, sobbing face in Jesses shoulder, gripping tightly to the back of Jesses

shirt. Jesse looked down at Joshuas dead body then patted the boy on the back of the head and

said comfortingly Its okay to cry, a good man has died here today."

Documents

Only God Can Forgive Sins