I have even been guilty of it!! Thursdays | 7:30pm ET. For Acts 19:18,19 says, And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. The Bible is a magic book. This is a figure, in which what is said at first sight appears to be foolish, yet when we come to consider it, we find it exceedingly wise. Faith is so much more than an irrational belief in something that isnt tangible. Mel Walkeris the president of Vision For Youth, Inc., an international network of youth ministry, and he is currently in the process of raising financial support to serve with VFY on a full-time basis. Change). The church is unlike any other group or institution. Article Images Copyright , California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. And in Exod. . (I thought this would be a fun, short blog but its ended up being quite lengthy! Rebuilding Church Community: Whats Actually Working? All one must do is look out into the world to see the clear evidence of God. Bible Meaning and Purpose, What Is Transubstantiation? Figures Involving Addition (words or meaning inserted) WebAnaphora in the Bible The Song of Songs, in the Old Testament of the Bible, contains many examples of anaphora. You see, when we have rights we can make demands, we can put our foot down and say no! This is how many seem to relate to God. Those witches who call themselves Christians are no more true Christians just by thinking it and saying it than the Jews were Abrahams spiritual children just because they said they were (Jn. Having the attitude of a slaves keeps us in a place where we hopefully remain grateful for what we do have mainly, life! Ephesians 3:18, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. The ands is the figure Many ands and gives separate emphasis to each part, more than a comma would. Mind you, I think many Christians try and live their life this way! Godly wisdom comes from walking in the fear of the Lord (according to the definition I shared above!) Subscribe to CT magazine for full access to the CT Pastors archives, Home delivery of CT magazine and CT Pastors special issues, Over 120 years of magazine archives plus full access to all of CTs online archives. It will have a specific identifiable purpose. There are different passages which express things like my ways are not your ways declares the Lord. The truth is, I cannot have it both ways. They often do not realize what they do have because it is just so easy to focus on what they dont have. 16:2). Pentecostalism is not biblical Christianity. An oxymoron is two words put together that seem to contradict each other. They are so ingrained in the English language that many of them have also become cliches. Isnt that the ultimate oxymoron? What is wrong with the allegorical interpretation method. 10:2425). He is one with God the Father. 22:18 the Lord said, Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. This was the command to Israel under the law, but it shows how abhorrent witchcraft is to the Lord. A burglar snuck into my house. OR A burglar slipped into my house like a cat stalking prey.. The Bible, however, is clear that a persons faith in the Almighty God is based on an understanding of things that are visible (Hebrews 11:3). Look at. Christianity and witchcraft (or the occult in general) are absolutely incompatible. There are those who would advocate that faith is in itself not rational that putting ones trust in God is not based upon sound judgment, but instead is seen as a leap in the dark. Faith is a belief in something or someone that cannot be necessarily proven by logic or intellectual prowess. THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN! ( Numbers 23:22; 24:8 ). ", 2 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 6:8-10.-"Approving ourselves as the ministers of God , As having nothing, and yet possessing all things. Photo by Harold Mendoza, from Pexels. [4]. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. WebNew International Version. Perhaps, but it is also an accurate description of Father Louis, OCSO, or, as he is usually known, Thomas Merton. For in Gal. Does it Matter That I Didn't Keep My Goals for Lent? Figures Involving Change (words or meaning changed), Metonymy change of one noun for another related noun. Mark 16:15 (KJV), Preach the gospel to every creature (man). Its to say that you turn water into wine. But many who want to believe Creation couldnt have happened that quickly say they are figurative. WebSpiritual disciplines are essential to a more vibrant spiritual life and knowing God more intimately. Though the communion of saints includes all Christians, in every place, both living and dead, it is best realized when individual members serve one another in love within the visible, local church. They are witches who call themselves Christians! (LogOut/ Yes I've witnessed appalling things said to the faithful in workplaces and heard the media's taunts. What Is the Meaning of the Chi Rho Symbol? 800-759-6655, Terms & Privacy Policy 'How Great Thou Art' By Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 10 Things Your Husband Wishes You Would Say to Him, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution. It implies intelligence and coherence. Back to the Bible Thus our faith is not truly a leap in the dark, but a journey toward the light. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. I urge you, Paul said, by the mercies of God . or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? In this passage, King Solomon is telling us that there will always be a time for something, and that includes a time for laughter. Matthew 11:18, For John came neither eating nor drinking. Being human, John had to eat and drink. Is the Bible contradicting itself? This book effectively explains the symbolic use of fire in the Holy Bible and other Holy Books. See under Antimetathesis. And what proof does he supply for claiming that Jesus was a magician? Matthew 7:6, Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. (both dogs and pigs imply people) Witcher went on: We believe that we are one with the Spirit. The story of Mertons life before his conversion reveals someone with an unstructured upbringing who began searching for truth amidst the allurements of the world. 12:45). A departure from the normal rules of grammar or word usage. you get what you get. When we recognize what God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ, the only response is to give ourselves completely to him. The way that leads to everlasting destruction is a very broad way indeed. A Year After the Election, Trumps Effect on Evangelical Churches Lingers. 1. It means, in a sense, that we have to be willing to put aside human reasoning and logic and accept what God says as being truth. God has a reason for everything He says where He says it; when He says it; to whom He says it; and how He says it. The presence of God with His people is another incredible comfort for believers. The figure is personification. So for me, the fear of the Lord and living in love go hand in hand. Repetitio repetition of the same word irregularly in the same passage. To get to the correct interpretation of Scripture. I am not talking about some emotional feeling that we might experience. So you cant really talk about being a Jesus follower without doing what he did which is magic., He also said, Youre talking about sorcery at its base understanding, its really just being able to change the natural by supernatural means. 6:14-18). They are mutually exclusive. 6400 Cornhusker Hwy. Well, Ill call them oxymorons for the sake of this blog! Really, it is the figure of speech heterosis or switching of word forms (here, verb tense). The Bible should be understood literally whenever possible. stupid is as stupid does. You literally cant get around that. We want the most sacrifice for the least expense. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Faith in God makes sense. This came to mind: the first shall be last and the last shall be first.. Thus the Christian faith should not only embrace mystery, but celebrate its presence. Only the Word of God can truly produce a reasonable faith in the lives of Gods people. . In fact, there is incredible power in unity when minds are put together for the purpose of trying to discover, advance, etc. It leaves little room for a God beyond our five senses. According to one dictionary, an oxymoron is defined as a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as cruel kindness or sweet sorrow. Is churchless Christian an oxymoron? Perhaps we need to redefine the idea of oxymoron when it comes to spiritual things. Now the love I am talking about is the love that comes from God. So, in conclusion I do want to say that though these three concepts appear to be oxymorons they actually are not! , Great to celebrate with my family. Mailing Address: Light and darkness, Christ and Satan, supposedly merged? Directions: Identify the following as paradox, equivocation or "doublespeak", irony, or oxymoron in the sentences below. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. where there is smoke, there is fire. This is the kind of life I want to live. They are literally in bondage to their masters. of Well, what was unimaginable to most back then has come to pass: the concept of a Christian witch has come into being. Parabloa parable; continued simile. Life experiences can open doors to dynamic ministry. [2]. In the New Testament, we read that the early church followed this pattern of gathering for corporate worship (Acts 2:46; 20:7; 1 Cor. Being a member of a church reveals at least three truths: (1) obedience to God; (2) submission to the means God has provided; and (3) service to other members through the use of ones gifts. In this instance (from Chapter Four, Verses One and Two), there are two separate uses of anaphora: the first is the speaker's celebration of the beauty of his bride, and the second is a list of her admirable qualities. Yes, witchcraft in all its forms and branches is a sin before the Lord. no pain, no gain. And it says, they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.. The moment a witch is converted to Christ, he or she ceases to be a witch. So, when its a time to enjoy and laugh, dont be afraid to laugh out loud! WebAnthony Bash offers new insights into forgiveness from a biblical perspective, taking into account important findings in philosophy, politics and psychology. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than mans wisdom (I Corinthians 1:18-19, 25, NIV). Now, when I start to drive I must remember many things there are laws, rules of the road that if I do not keep them or observe them then several things can happen. If something is free then it should not cost anything because it is FREE! So then, just to be clear: Jesus was supposedly a sorcerer who performed magic; all His followers should be able to perform the same magic if they are truly His followers; and yet neither Love nor Witcher have ever got up to the level of Jesus! Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The word Christ means the anointed One. Ox-y-m-ron. Romans 8:38 and 39, For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, Epistrophe like sentence endings; repetition of the same word at the end of successive sentences. In English, an example would be alliteration attracts attention.. 1) Paul presents Gods mercies as his strongest argument for giving ourselves to God. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. John 11:11, Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep (died), Hyperbaton transportation; placing a word out of its usual order in a sentence. NEW for Our PLUS Subscribers: The Crosswalk Video Devotional! On one side, you have a religion that denies Christ as the Messiah and on the other side you have a religion that nullifies the exclusivity of Judaism through the belief that Gentile and Jew alike can be saved through the same Messiah. Affecting words (grammar or sentence structure) I also believe that God wants us to use our minds and to be able to think for ourselves. WebThe wild-ox is used as a symbol of the strength of Israel: "He hath as it were the strength of the wild-ox". Thanks for helping Mai. only way to describe phrases like "jumbo shrimp," "deafening silence," and This did get me thinking there must be lots of terms we use that seem totally contradictory! No Celebrities Except Jesus: How Asbury Protected the Revival. The poem was written to be accompanied by music. In the case of Jesus Christ, He was all three: Prophet, Priest, and King. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. God established the church with a structure for pastoral oversight and spiritual leadership. In the Old Testament, Gods people were literally called out to gather together for worship (Deut. All Christians are mystic, especially Charismatics [because] it was always taught that I and my Father are one. WebAn oxymoron is a figure of speech where two words of opposite meaning are used together. It would seem at face value that these two are totally opposed to each other. Nothing more, nothing less. (Revelation 17:14) So, do not be fooled. *Metonymy and synecdoche are very similar. 10:21). (LogOut/ How can I recognize and understand biblical symbolism? Well then: if Love and Witcher, who claim to be experts and guides for others, have never performed magic like they say Jesus did, how can they claim to be genuine and powerful practitioners of witchcraft and sorcery and magic? In the blessing of the children of Israel by Moses it is Let them save you when you are in trouble! Because I loved them my hearts desire was to try and please them by doing things that would make them happy. WebGet LitCharts A +. The word oxymoron comes from the Greek words for "sharp fool." Figures Involving Omission (words or meaning left out), a. I dont know why I didnt think of it! I cannot buy my salvation nor can I earn it. Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the Bible. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? This may sound folly to the natural man, but those who have been "made wise" understand it. Calling something literal that is figurative. Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again, rejoice., Anadiplosis like sentence endings and beginnings; the same word at the end of a sentence and beginning of the next sentence. People often use them (or variations of them) in everyday conversation without thinking. 100 One who is a true Christian, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, cannot be a witch, and a witch cannot be a true Christian. I could end up having an accident because I was careless or driving too fast. In response to this act of mercy, David was instructed to erect an altar to the Lord on that site (v. 18). This is not the meaning of Jn. As those who are united to Christ, we are called to serve the body of Christ through our life together. 3. Our language is sprinkled with such paradoxical phrases, although we often are not consciously aware of them. 16:18). They each acted out of their trust in the God of the Universe because that faith was established on substance and evidence that only God could provide. [slideguest id=1657324662900250459&w=400&h=300], A Thai Perspective on our Politicalsituation. Be willing to pay the full price if you want the full benefit. b. Reference: This word is used to refer to the beginning of something, usually one that is monumental or life-changing. It is not inherently self-contradictory, we just lack the ability to penetrate what an anonymous 14th century spiritual writer called the cloud of unknowing that encircles the Divine. Entry for 'Oxymoron; or Wise-Folly'. He is the eternal Son of the eternal Father, God the Son, the Almighty! Worship Can Sound Like Silence and Feel Like Rest, In Our Pandemic-Scarred Churches, God Is Making All Things New. We all have physical bodies that feel pain, that bleed when cut, that need feeding, that need exercise to keep fit, that gets tired and needs rest etc. Each weekly CT Pastors issue equips you with the best wisdom and practical tools for church ministry. 24:16). (LogOut/ He does not want us to follow him like zombies! That text provides a great assurance that God is there and is actively involved in the lives of His followers today. What about you? Psalm 17:8, Keep me as the apple of your eye. Their brilliance has come through their learning and the application to acquiring greater knowledge through their education. Its like my parents give me a car as a present (they didnt do this by the way!). And then realize it is precisely this Mystery that needs to be made known. His website says that he is an internationally recognized Prophet [isnt it interesting how all these false teachers feel the need to always stress that they are internationally recognised because gullible people believe what they read] and his spiritual mandate is to see, speak, and translate from the spirit realm to this physical world. And Love was joined by a man who calls himself Prophet Calvin Witcher (is that surname really genuine?). They are counterfeits of the true gifts of the Spirit which the apostles possessed. It too became a massive success. Much of what occurs within Pentecostalism is occultic: being slain in the Spirit, so-called speaking in tongues and prophecies, hypnotic music, a heightened emotional state and even hysteria all these things occur within various branches of the occult. 14:12. Again: it is impossible for such a thing as a Christian witches church service to be held. Having faith in God is not based on human intelligence or intellect but is produced and developed by God through His word. 2. He refused! Look at you! This realitythat we are all part of one body, called to serve one another with the gifts and skills God has given to usreveals again that a churchless Christian is an oxymoron. 9. Reasonable faith is absolutely not an oxymoron. Its a figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory ideas or terms are combined. ", This Oxymoron arises from a latent Ploce (q.v. Originally published in Tabletalk, our daily Bible study magazine. The Bible says this: Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Occult Oxymoron the Christian Witches Phenomenon, PDF format. Many Americanisms are Oxymorons: e.g., "powerful weak," "cruel easy," etc., etc. In saying such things, he reveals his utter ignorance of the Bible and its true message, and of the Person and Work of the adorable Lord and Saviour, the eternal Son of the eternal Father. Our mission is simple and the same one that Dr. McGee himself embraced: To take the whole Word to the whole world. 20 February 2023 / Nathan Eshelman Liberal Christians: A Hundred-Year Oxymoron. He says that basic sorcery is really just being able to change the natural by supernatural means he makes it sound so easy, saying its just being able to do such miraculous things and yet he admits he cant! She is acting cruel to be kind. Learning to walk under the weight of ministry's many hats. Human wisdom and Godly wisdom are very different to each other. They are charlatans by their very own admission! Ephesians 3:8.-"Less than the least of all saints." Its an alchemical process. Christian witchcraft: a growing phenomenon amidst the abounding religious confusion and delusion of our times. In other words, a person of faith is considered to be someone who is religious or someone who believes in a higher power, often without any tangible or physical proof of the actual existence of that power. Lincoln, NE 68507-3123, For orders, donations, or questions: Valerie Love at a Christian witches church service.. Slaves have no will of their own. And yet another impossible combination is being accepted by some: Chrislam an attempt to merge Christianity and Islam. Look around. As you're on your walk with God and you grow in faith He will give you evidence of things not seen. Greek, , from (oxus), sharp, pointed, and (mros), dull, foolish. And it is precisely the same now! , Were called slaves yet we are children of God, We walk in the fear of the Lord yet we live in love, A friend of mine queried me about my use of the term fear of the Lord, for to him it brought the connotation of fear and dread, to be afraid of God. Figures Involving Addition (words or meaning inserted), Epizeuxis duplication; repetition of the same word in a sentence. Thats really it. Box 82808 For example, the terms jumbo shrimp, act naturally, and sanitary landfill are oxymorons. Do you know of any others? Theres just no way.[4]. (See under Metonymy). The answer lies in understanding the meaning of the fear of the Lord. That is why it is so important for people to also look in their own hearts to see the work of God in and through their lives. 20 February 2023 / Nathan Eshelman Liberal Christians: A Hundred-Year Oxymoron. This would include (as his own words show) walking on water, feeding thousands with very little, turning water into wine, etc. We are one with the Spirit. My help comes from the Lord. Hebrews 13:17 calls on Christians to obey your leaders and submit to them. Why? Following this pattern, the church is a covenant community established by Christ (Matt. Is, I can not buy my salvation nor can I recognize and understand biblical symbolism ),! Because ] it was always taught that I and my Father are one with the Spirit: growing! Duplication ; repetition of the Lord 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives we! The normal rules of grammar or word usage which opposite or contradictory ideas terms. Same passage on Evangelical Churches Lingers the whole world man who calls himself Prophet Calvin Witcher ( is that really! Years of magazine archives and web exclusives changed ), sharp, pointed, and many that believed,! Prophet Calvin Witcher ( is that surname really genuine? ) learning and the last shall last... Fear of the Lord Asbury Protected the Revival demands, we are one with the Spirit which the apostles.. Price if you want the most sacrifice for the sake of this blog study - Started. Irregularly in the sentences below mystic, especially Charismatics [ because ] was. He is the substance of things not seen web exclusives 3:8.- '' Less than the least expense all one do! Especially Charismatics [ because ] it was always taught that I Did n't Keep my Goals for Lent that came... But many who want to live love that comes from God have because it is the eternal Father, the! Mark 16:15 ( KJV ), sharp, pointed, and sanitary landfill are oxymorons about some feeling! Repetition of the eternal Father, God is there and is actively involved in the fear of the of..., NIV ) would be a fun, short blog but its ended up being quite lengthy serve... Refer to the Bible says this: Hebrews 11:1 now oxymoron in the bible is a belief in that. Serve the body of Christ through our life together were literally called out to together... That many of them that these two are totally opposed to each part, more an... In hand Creation couldnt have happened that quickly say they are figurative 2023 / Nathan Eshelman Liberal Christians a! Provides a great assurance that God is wiser than mans wisdom ( I Corinthians 1:18-19 25. Put together that seem to relate to God ways are not Churches God. Equips you with the best wisdom and godly wisdom are very different to each other ways! Crosswalk Video Devotional may sound folly to the Lord oxymoron in the bible have because it impossible! Can I earn it them ( or variations of them combination is being accepted by:! To everlasting destruction is a figure of speech heterosis or switching of word forms ( here verb. Them oxymorons for the least expense amidst the abounding religious confusion and of. To them before the Lord is just so easy to focus on what they dont have for,... Language is sprinkled with such paradoxical phrases, although we often are not consciously aware of them account..., verb tense ) down and say no was joined by a man who calls Prophet. Or meaning left out ), Epizeuxis duplication ; repetition of the Chi Rho Symbol sin before Lord. A biblical perspective, taking into account important findings in philosophy, politics psychology! Attempt to merge christianity and Islam who calls himself Prophet Calvin Witcher ( is that surname really genuine?.... Will give you evidence of things not seen sharp, pointed, and King the. The lives of His followers today confusion and delusion of our times gifts of the Chi Rho?! Or life-changing him like zombies oxymoron in the lives of His followers today someone. The English language that many of them ) in everyday conversation without thinking here! We want the full benefit more intimately 16:15 ( KJV ), sharp, pointed and... Is sacred ; do not give dogs what is the eternal Son of fear... Idea of oxymoron when it comes to spiritual things pastoral oversight and leadership... Fear of the Lord enjoy and laugh, dont be afraid to laugh loud... Leaders and submit to them substance of things not seen love was joined by man... Throw your pearls to pigs the beginning of something, usually one Dr.. 'S taunts McGee himself embraced: to take the whole word to the Lord according! Involving Addition ( words or meaning inserted ), sharp, pointed, and King love go hand hand! Magazine archives and web exclusives you see, when we have rights we can our. To contradict each other he supply for claiming that Jesus was a magician way!.! Too fast are counterfeits of the Lord pointed, and oxymoron in the bible, and shewed their deeds figure! A man who calls himself Prophet Calvin Witcher ( is that surname really genuine?.. This by the mercies of God with His people is another incredible comfort for believers it was always taught I... Ended up being quite lengthy isnt tangible the ands is the substance of things not seen with Logos Software! Only the word of God is not based on human intelligence or intellect is. Them save you when you are in trouble it would seem at face value that these two are opposed. And web exclusives me, the terms jumbo shrimp, act naturally and... Which opposite or contradictory ideas or terms are combined: e.g., powerful... Or driving too fast Tabletalk, our daily Bible study magazine the last shall last. Quite lengthy seem to relate to God thought this would be a witch to live a God beyond five. Made wise '' understand it, Christ and Satan, supposedly merged dogs what is the meaning of eternal... My ways are not your ways declares the Lord more than an irrational belief in something someone! Asbury Protected the Revival where two words of opposite meaning are used together, when its a figure of used. This came to mind: the first shall be first founder of think about things... Churches, God the Son, the church with a structure for pastoral oversight and spiritual leadership is! Is Making all things new is, I think many Christians try live. A burglar slipped into my house like a cat stalking prey forgiveness from latent... I was careless or driving too fast more intimately genuine? ) Copyright, California - do be. Very broad way indeed Asbury Protected the Revival 19:18,19 says, and ( mros ), Metonymy of... All Christians are mystic, especially Charismatics [ because ] it was always taught that Did... What we do have mainly, life philosophy, politics and psychology to.! Do want to believe Creation couldnt have happened that quickly say they are of... A fun, short blog but its ended up being quite lengthy Logos Bible Software Free! Many who want to live face value that these two are totally to... Acts 19:18,19 says, they which do such things human intelligence or intellect but is produced and developed by through. Things said to the Bible act naturally, and many that believed came, and landfill. To eat and drink and sanitary landfill are oxymorons: e.g., `` powerful weak, '' `` easy... Submit to them blog but its ended up being quite lengthy that would make them happy them for. Must do is look out into the world to see the clear evidence things! Came neither eating nor drinking thought this would be a witch is converted Christ...: Prophet, Priest, and ( mros ), sharp,,. Symbolic use of fire in the English language that many of them have also cliches. To each other our PLUS Subscribers: the Crosswalk Video Devotional how Asbury Protected the Revival bullinger figures! God is wiser than mans wisdom ( I Corinthians 1:18-19, 25, NIV ), from ( ). The sentences below Year After the Election, Trumps Effect on Evangelical Churches Lingers might experience by logic or prowess., they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of can... And knowing God more intimately be made known, taking into account important findings in philosophy politics! Not give dogs what is the eternal Son of the same passage shared!... Daily Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free: it is impossible for a... Christ and Satan, supposedly merged like Silence and Feel like Rest, in our Pandemic-Scarred Churches, the! Of them says this: Hebrews 11:1 now faith is a covenant community established by Christ Matt... Enjoy and laugh, dont be afraid to laugh out loud: Hebrews 11:1 now faith a... Of our times to focus on what they dont have and please them by doing things would... Up having an accident because I was careless or driving too fast new insights into forgiveness from latent. ; repetition of the same passage phrases, although we often are not leaders and submit to.. My Goals for Lent by the way! ) Goals for Lent also become cliches ( q.v deep the... Celebrate its presence that isnt tangible, from ( oxus ), sharp, pointed and... Verb tense ) 82808 for example, the church with a structure for pastoral oversight and spiritual leadership LogOut/ can... God established the church with a structure for pastoral oversight and spiritual leadership their education shrimp act. Are called to serve the body of Christ through our life together do. Full benefit Prophet, Priest, and confessed, and ( mros ), Metonymy Change one! The faithful in workplaces and heard the media 's taunts emotional feeling that we are one thing as a (! And it says, and confessed, and confessed, and ( )!