Will God ever forgive me for cheating?

Theological column by Adrienne Greene

Q:

Dear Pastor,

During the lockdown a bunch of us figured out how to cheat on our University exams. We all did it. Will God ever forgive me?

A:

            One of Jesus’ disciples said this: “I promise you that any of the sinful things you say or do can be forgiven, no matter how terrible those things are. But if you speak against the Holy Spirit, you can never be forgiven. That sin will be held against you forever” Mark 3:28, 29, CEV.) God forgives all things except acts of blasphemy toward the Holy Spirit. What is blasphemy? It’s the practice of using your mouth to curse God; instigating hatred of the Holy Spirit and the refusal to acknowledge salvation through Christ. It’s safe to say, you’re not in that category! The fact that you are convicted of your sin after getting involved in cheating tells me you are a perfect candidate to be washed completely clean and forgiven entirely.

The spirit behind cheating is the demon-spirit of lies. Satan is the father of lies, so when we cheat or lie, we partner with the Devil directly. Satan was able to possess Judas on the night of Christ’s betrayal, for example, because he was a thief who deceived people into believing he was one of Christ’s righteous men (John 12:6.) He wasn’t. Thieves, liars and cheaters all fall under the wicked umbrella of deception. If I cheat on an exam, to use your example, I am attempting to project the image of a good student and excellent academic. I’m manipulating false grades to advance myself a certain way. It comes from the desire to deceive and manipulate the truth into a false outcome.

Have no fear! Jesus is very much aware that human beings are tempted to sin and they do it often. This is why Christ died; to provide for us the escape from our wicked behavior through his forgiveness. However, this gift of forgiveness is not simply doled out and applied randomly without asking. We have a vital part to play in receiving our pardon: we must confess what we’ve done (you’ve achieved this by contacting me) and repent (ask God for forgiveness), and then receive the freedom from the sin (forgive ourselves.) Most importantly, we must never do it again. Why? Because then we find ourselves in dangerous, repeated patterns of sin. Once we’ve gotten away with something, our flesh likes to do it again.

Repeated-sin becomes a habit which then becomes a lifestyle and way of life—what the Bible calls a “stronghold.” Once our sin has taken root and becomes a stronghold, we will then often need deliverance to free us of the sinful thing, deeply rooted. Christians cannot be demon possessed because they have the Holy Spirit living inside them—no demon can exist in the same space as God. However, we may, through our sinful thoughts, actions and behaviors, become a demon host. You see, sin attracts demons. They then attach to us because we’ve opened the door and invited them. Often, their oppression only comes through a special kind of prayer and counseling called “deliverance,” where the demon is removed. We close the door, so to speak, on their invitation and revoke it.

Cheating on an exam is not deliverance-level behavior unless you do it all the time. As soon as you understand the toll sin will take on your relationship with Christ; and the deep scar it leaves on your life (every sin does this, by the way), turn away from it entirely and sin no more. Jesus required this difficult task of a woman in John 8:11 who had repeatedly participated in sexual sin. She humbled herself before Christ and was forgiven. Jesus then made one important request of her: “Don’t do it again.”

My friend, you are at an age where you are deciding what kind of person you will become for the rest of your life. It doesn’t sound to me like you are the cheatin’ kind. Repent of this mistake, be washed and set free. Pass the test of honesty, integrity and good citizenship.

Do you have a question or comment for Pastor Adrienne? Send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information and resources, please visit www.askpastoradrienne.com or the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel for sermons and insights.

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Old Guy Rant: Biden’s lies about Second Amendment

Political column by Larry Wiwi, FC resident

By now you have heard all sorts of commentary on Biden’s executive orders and attempts to take a couple more steps toward the Democrat’s goal of disarming American citizens, but just in case you read the NYT, or listen to CNN, here are some very simple, verifiable facts you should know.

First, there is no such thing as an “assault weapon,” – that term was invented by anti-gunners because they think certain forms of semi-automatic rifles are scary looking and as such want you to be afraid of them.  In truth all guns are assault weapons and all guns are defense weapons, the difference is literally in the hands of the person holding it and their intent.

Biden stated that gun manufacturers are the only industry that are not liable for the product they make – absolutely a bald face lie.  If you buy any firearm and operate it as instructed by the manufacturer with the proper ammunition and it injures you, you can absolutely sue the gun maker with common product liability laws.  Biden wants to make gun manufacturers liable for damage caused by people who misuse the product by for example shooting innocent people in restaurants, stores or schools – this is no different than suing Ford Motors because some drunk driver, driving a Ford injures you – patently absurd.

The commander-in-thief also claimed he was going to close the “gun show loophole,” perpetuating the myth that you can go to a gun show and buy a firearm from dealers without a background check – again a total lie.  I have personally purchased and frequently witnessed the purchase of firearms at gun shows and those licensed sellers require you to fill out the same federal background check form that you do if you buy from any licensed firearms store – the same form that we now know Hunter Biden falsely filed.  Private citizens do bring firearms to gun shows for the purpose of potential sale or trade and they may buy or sell with another private citizen and there is no background check.  That may sound a little reckless to you, but keep in mind any day of the week you could advertise a gun for sale and legally sell it to another non-felon American citizen with no background check.

Finally, there is this notion that certain firearms are “weapons of war” and have no place in American homes.  If Biden or Harris really understood the 2nd Amendment, they would know the real purpose of the 2nd Amendment is to ensure that Americans always have the ability to overpower their government in the event that government becomes too overbearing or dictatorial and if it takes a “weapon of war” to achieve that end, count me in.

Larry Wiwi

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Obituary for Richard “Dick” C. O’Neal

RICHARD “DICK” C. ” O’NEAL

Richard “Dick” C. O’Neal, 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 14, 1938, to the late Chester C. O’Neal Sr. and Gayle Holland O’Neal in Pennville.  

Dick graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree.  

On December 21, 1984, he married his beloved wife of 37 years Elaine Epps in Connersville.  

Dick served in the United States Navy and the National Guard for a combined 13 years. During his time in the Navy, he was awarded Sailor of the Year in 1962. After his time in the service, he attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, where he was in the Charter Class and graduated in 1968. After graduation, he proudly served Connersville as a police officer for 30 years and retired as the Chief of Police in 1999.  

He served his community proudly by being on the city council for 16 years and being the president of the council for six years. He also served in the Utility board for three years.  

Dick was a committed member of the Connersville Lions Club, where he was elected for President for three terms. While he was a member, he received the highest award bestowed upon a Lion, the Melvin P. Jones Award, as well as the W.P. Woods Fellow Award. 

Dick was a lifelong member of the Fairfield Masonic Lodge #98 F&AM. 

On June 4, 2010, Dick was inducted as a Kentucky Colonel.  

Along with his wife Elaine, he will be greatly missed by his children, Kimberly Sue (Glen) Klein and Ryan M. (Tina) O’Neal; stepchildren, Chad (Jennifer) Friend and Shane Friend; grandchildren, Austin Cramer, Loggan Friend, Lauren Cotton, Jason (Nikki) Klein, Ryan (Danka) Klein and Kevin (Wendy) Klein; great grandchildren, Kainin, Kaylee, Chloe, Landon, Cohen, Cameron, Joshua and Casey; Great Grandson, CJ Cotton, a brother, Gary O’Neal and his special buddy “Rudy”.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Chester O’Neal and William O’Neal, a nephew, Brian O’Neal and his beloved pets Brandy, Ellie, Raz, and River. 

Visitation for Dick will be held on Monday, April 19, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St. Connersville. A masonic service will begin at 2 p.m., with the Fairlfield Masonic Lodge #98 F&AM. The funeral service will follow with Pastor Gerald Holmes officiating. Burial will follow in Sims Cemetery.  

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message, visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary for Albert Eugene Meyer

ALBERT EUGENE MEYER

Albert Eugene Meyer, 76, of Connersville, passed away Monday evening, April 12, 2021, at Reid Health of Connersville surrounded by his loving family.

Albert was born in Rushville, on October 25, 1944, one of three children of John and Estella “Jackie” Mohler Meyer. He was a 1962 graduate of Rushville High School.

On July 6, 1963, he was married at Calvary Baptist Church to Barbara Adkins, and they lived most of their lives together in the Connersville area.

Albert farmed many years on the family farm, and together they owned and operated Peaceful Valley Stables, around Stant Curve near Milton. Albert was also a farm implement dealer.

For many years, Albert also was employed for Roots-Blower/Dresser Industries retiring as Service Manager of Roots Rotary Products Worldwide. After retirement, he worked as a consultant for GE Energy.

He was a faithful member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church and served as Eucharistic minister.
He also enjoyed serving in other church activities, including the annual Thanksgiving meal. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus for the last ten years.

Albert was a dedicated volunteer at the Whitewater Valley Railroad where he served as the organization’s vice president.

Survivors include four children, Becky Hymer, Mike (April Collier) Meyer, David Meyer, and Sarah Russell, all of Connersville; six grandchildren, Charlene Hymer, Lindsy Meyer, Mike Meyer, Stevie (Dylan) Lynn, Jon (Desiree) Meyer, and Phillip Russell; three great grandchildren, Dani Abrams, Gabriel Lynn, and Payton Meyer; his mother, Estella “Jackie” Meyer of Falmouth; two sisters, Brenda Meyer of Falmouth, Della Dewees of Brownsville; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Meyer, who passed away May 30, 2006, his father John Meyer, and a son-in-law, Larry Hymer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in memory of Albert to either Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Church or the Whitewater Valley Railroad.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021, at St. Gabriel Church with Reverend Dustin Boehm officiating. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery, Rushville. Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Friday, April 16, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Ann L. Berninger

ANN L. BERNINGER

Ann L. Berninger age 98, of Connersville, died early Wednesday morning April 14, 2021, at her residence in Connersville.

Born March 13, 1923, in Brookville, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Schrieber) Gindling.

A homemaker, in her leisure time she enjoyed flowers, gardening, and watching the hummingbirds.

Survivors include four children, Virginia (Robert) Schubert, Ronald Osborn, Charles (Leona) Osborn, and Dennis Osborn all of Connersville; 12 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Evan Osborn Sr., her second husband, Clayton Berninger; a son, Evan Osborn Jr, a sister, Mary Bailey, as well as three brothers, Henry Gindling, Robert Gindling, and John Gindling. 

Family and friends may visit from 9 till 11 a.m., Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville.  

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, with burial following in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Orange Christian Church. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Ann Berninger, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .

Brookville Police Chief tells council, council members desire to track police vehicles could compromise investigations

By John Estridge

Brookville Police Chief Terry Mitchum seemed more than a little incredulous the Brookville Town Council members, specifically Brooke Leffingwell and president Curtis Ward, are pushing to put tracking devices on the town’s police vehicles.

Council wants to put tracking devices on all of the town-owned vehicles as a way of gathering data, Leffingwell and Ward have said in the past and again at the Tuesday night, April 13 meeting.

However, Mitchum said putting tracking devices on police cars is entirely different from putting tracking devices on garbage trucks and school buses. He used the example of a BTC member doing some illegal activity, and there is an ensuing investigation. That investigation would be compromised by the council member in question having access to where all the police vehicles are at any given time.

“Let’s just say in four years, there’s a new board,” Mitchum said. “How do we know someone on that board isn’t doing something wrong. And he has that power to track the location of police officers. That is big.”

Leffingwell and Ward emphasized the council members want data. Ward said it is to see how the vehicles are being treated.

“The basis behind wanting information is what we have talked about,” Ward said. “When you come in and ask for more cars, we want to see how those cars are being treated on a regular basis. Not just your cars but other cars we own: water, street.”

Leffingwell said it is in case Mitchum comes in and asks for new police vehicles and council members are asked questions by the public, they can point to the data accumulated by the tracking devices as a way to justify any purchase of new vehicles.

She said this is not a case where she and Ward want to micromanage the individual departments.

However, Mitchum said that data is already at council’s fingertips without taking this drastic action.

“We have a sheet and the board can ask for it at any time,” Mitchum said.

According to Mitchum, an officer writes his mileage down at the beginning of a shift and then writes the mileage down again at the end of a shift. Mitchum said he has been with the Brookville Police Department for 23 years so he has a great understanding of how many miles should be on the department’s vehicles with every shift, and he keeps track of that.

Mitchum said he does not have any problem of knowing where his officers are at any given time. That is among his duties as police chief.

According to Mitchum, police work, by its nature, needs a lot of secrecy in its investigations. A tracking device that other people have access to could greatly jeopardize investigations.

Town Manager Tim Ripperger said the information would be accessible in his office.

Leffingwell asked if the information could be split between Ripperger and Mitchum. Ripperger said he would have to look into that and maybe it could be accessible with an app on phones.

However, Mitchum does not want that information out there where it could be accessed by others. He said the only reason police departments would have tracking devices on its vehicles is for the police officer’s safety and for that reason alone.

“A lot of times when you have tracking devices that are on law enforcement cars, it is actually set up with the chief of police,” Mitchum said. “If a police officer is on his beat and they (dispatch) calls that officer, and he does not respond; they don’t know where that officer is at. They can turn that tracking device on and locate that vehicle and send officers to his location.”

Ward asked for recommendations from Town Attorney Tammy Davis, but she declined to give any.

According to Mitchum, he ran this situation by other area police chiefs, and they were also incredulous concerning the attempt at council members to track police vehicles.

“I’ve talked to other chiefs myself, and their first response is ‘what are they thinking?’” Mitchum said. “I don’t know.”

“I want you to know I am highly against this,” Mitchum said.

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New Castle woman arrested on numerous drug-related charges and active arrest warrant out of Virginia after allegedly causing three-car accident on Ind. 3

Indiana State Police press release

A New Castle woman was arrested Monday evening, April 12, after she caused a three-vehicle crash on Indiana 3 at the intersection of Riley Road in New Castle.

Trooper JT Burns responded to the area and found three cars blocking the right two northbound lanes of Ind. 3. Trooper Burns began to assess the scene and was approached by a local ER doctor who had witnessed the crash. The doctor instinctively began to triage the drivers of the damaged vehicles. She informed Trp. Burns that two of the drivers appeared to be uninjured however, the driver of one vehicle appeared to be non-responsive and was fading in and out of consciousness. The female driver was transported to the Henry Community Health Hospital for treatment.

During his investigation, Trp. Burns learned Melissa K. Terry, 48, New Castle, was driving a 2012 Mitsubishi northbound on Ind. 3. She later admitted she was reaching for a bag on the passenger side floorboard. She didn’t see two cars, which were stopped at the stop light at the intersection of Riley Road. Terry’s vehicle struck the rear of a 2017 Fiat driver by Lisa Kimmey, 52, New Castle, causing it to strike a 2017 GMC truck driven by Gerald Creager, 73, Eaton, Ohio.

During his investigation Trp. Burns found a rock-like substance, a powder-like substance, and paraphernalia associated with drug use in Terry’s vehicle.

Terry was found to be wanted on active arrest warrants from both North Carolina and Virginia.

Terry was evaluated and released by the ER staff before being transported to the Henry County Jail.

Arrested and Preliminary Charges:

  • Melissa K. Terry, 48, New Castle, IN
  1. Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
  2. Possession of Narcotic Drug – Level 6 Felony
  3. Operating While Intoxicated (Endangerment) – Class A Misdemeanor
  4. Public Intoxication – Class B Misdemeanor
  5. Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Controlled Substance) – Class C Misdemeanor
  6. Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
  7. Virginia Warrant – Full Extradition (Possession of Dangerous Drugs)

Trp. Burns was assisted by the New Castle PD, Henry County SD, New Castle EMS, New Castle FD, Henry Community Health Hospital ER, and Affordable 24 Hour Towing

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Obituary for Winnie E. McQueen Williams Haber

WINNIE E. MCQUEEN WILLIAMS HABER

Winnie E. McQueen Williams Haber, of West Chester, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on April 12, 2021. She was born the fourth of six children to Samuel and Blanche (Edwards) McQueen on October 20, 1940, in West Harrison.

Winnie graduated from Bright High School; attended Miller-Draughn Business College and began working at the Western Southern Life Insurance Company where she retired after 42 years of service. She started as a stenographer and retired as the Executive Secretary for the Vice President of Public Relations and the Vice President of Personnel.

She married Darrell Williams on November 25, 1976, and was a member of the Grace Baptist Church. Winnie was a long-time member of the American Business Women’s Association and served as an Officer for many years. In 1991, she was honored as the Middletown Chapter ABWA Woman of the Year and competed in Las Vegas for the top 10 Business Women of ABWA.

Those surviving who will cherish her memory include sisters, Norma (William) Rudicil, Joyce Wilson, Naomi (Ron) Poe; brother, Audley (Joyce) McQueen and sister-in-law, Peg McQueen; step-daughters, Beth (Bob) Ward and Kelly Brown and three step-grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her 15 nieces and nephews; 33 great nieces and nephews and 15 great-great nieces and nephews and two on the way. Those preceding her in death include her parents; her husband, Darrell; brother, Donald McQueen; a nephew and a great niece.

Friends may visit with the family 10 a.m. -12 p.m., Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Grace Baptist Church, 3023 Union Rd., Franklin, OH until the Celebration of Life Service begins at 12 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gideon’s or a charity of your choice.

Please visit www.breitenbach-anderson.com to leave online condolences.

Obituary for Martha Schuman

MARTHA SCHUMAN

Martha Schuman, 86 years old, of St. Leon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, April 11, 2021. Martha is quite simply described as the best wife and mother ever and giver of amazing hugs. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and would do anything for them, including challenging them at cornhole and often beating them. She adored her husband of 63 years, Joe, whom she met at a dance in Cedar Grove. They continued to frequent the local dances around town after they were married. She loved to take care of Joe and would always make sure he had eaten and didn’t need anything. Martha and Joe loved to travel and would often go to the American Legion conventions across the United States. They also enjoyed taking the kids and grandkids on their travels. Martha was known for baking pies for family, as well as the church, and St. Leon Fireman’s Festival. Each of Martha’s children had their favorite pie that she would bake for their birthday or special occasion; lemon meringue, cherry, apple and peaches ‘n creamy were at the top of everyone’s list. She loved to try new recipes and even in her last few days when she wasn’t able to cook, she dreamt about cooking. Martha loved her flower garden and grew roses of nearly every color. Martha spent a lot of time crocheting. She made delicate items like doilies and for each family she crocheted their last name, which was later put into a frame. These homemade items were undoubtedly signs that Martha loved and treasured her family. 

Martha will be deeply missed by her husband, Joe, and children Terri (Doug) Norman of Milan, Mary Jayne (Don) Cull of St. Leon, Sharon (Putt) Bischoff of St. Leon, Sue (Marvin) Hartman of St. Nicholas, Dale (Kathy) Schuman of Morris, Donna (Dave) Smith of Pendleton, KY, Larry (Mari) Schuman of St. Leon, and daughter-in-law Susan Schuman of Sunman; 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and sister Mary Schuman. Martha is preceded in death by her son, Dave (Neary) Schuman, grandson Gregory Scott Norman, parents Bernard Dall and Frieda (Ed) Berbrich, brothers Joe, George, John, Ben, Ed, and Tony.

Visitation for Martha will be held on Thursday, April 15 at St. Joseph Campus of All Saints Parish. Rosary will begin at 8:45 a.m., and visitation will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., with Fr. Jonathan Meyer presiding. For those not able to attend, mass will be lived streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials can be All Saints Parish, Ladies Auxiliary Post 464 or Margaret Mary Hospice. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022.  Please visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com to sign the online guest book or offer condolences.

Obituary for James Randall “Randy Phillips

JAMES RANDALL “RANDY” PHILLIPS

James Randall “Randy” Phillips, 61, of Richmond, unexpectedly returned to the loving care of his mother and father on Monday, April 11, 2021. Randy was born on November 22, 1959, to the late James Phillips and Evelyn Johnson Phillips.

Being a father, brother and uncle; Randy dedicated much of his time to them throughout the years. Randy was a hard-working and devoted man who loved his family fiercely. He dedicated his time to working in various industries such as sales, radio, media, communications, and manufacturing. In his leisure time, he was passionate about listening to his favorite artists such as John Prine, Jim Croce and Bob Dylan. He also enjoyed spending his time outdoors fishing and camping. Randy enjoyed watching movies and most importantly spending quality time with his loved ones and supporting them in any way he could.

He will be greatly missed by his sons, Josh Phillips and Anderson Phillips; sisters, Barbara (Tony) Williams, Diane (Gerald) Smith and Debbie (Tom) Adams; a brother, Greg (Devetta) Phillips; and several nieces and nephews; and the mother of his children and special friend, Karen.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Randy will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St. Connersville, Indiana 47331. The funeral service will begin at 7 p.m., with Brother Tom Johnson of Bethel Apostolic Church officiating.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.