Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being returned to the US for FEDERAL PROSECUTION. "The federal indictment accuses Garcia of operating a large-scale human smuggling operation over nearly a decade, transporting thousands of undocumented migrants, including MS-13 gang members, from Central America into various parts of the United States. Prosecutors alleged that Garcia’s activities were not only extensive but also involved coercive methods (like raping and taking nude photos of underaged female transportees) and were connected to “violent criminal organizations.”
"Even if the government loses the criminal case, it can still re-deport Garcia to any country where he can’t make a plausible claim of endangerment. (Garcia had argued against being deported to his home country due to fears of gang retaliation; the government agreed, but clarified that he only became a gangland target after murdering a rival faction leader’s elderly mother.)"
Killed a rival faction's elderly grandmother. That's why he was being threatened.
So way to go - defending a horrific individual. And you actually compared him to Christ.
Maybe you can spend your time and energy ADVOCATING for those who cannot speak for themselves - like the thousands that Kilmar Abrego Garcia victimized.
In scripture there are two goats, the goat that is sacrificed and the “scapegoat” set free. I’ve always understood Jesus as the sacrificed goat so we could be set free. I think I follow that politically (worldly) He (Jesus) was a scapegoat. At His trial, Jesus said His kingdom wasn’t of this world. He accepted being the political scapegoat, but He truly was the sacrificial goat.
The gospel is clear from scripture. You are adding leaven to the simple truths from the word of God. Does anyone become a Christian or appreciate what Christ has done from what you are writing? We have a very short time on earth to make eternal impacts on God’s precious created ones. Don’t let your mind of knowledge block out what will not burn up.
Tom, thanks for engaging. I really do appreciate your desire to keep the gospel central. I share that conviction deeply. I think I understand where you're coming from—I grew up with a similar understanding of the gospel: that it was primarily about forgiveness of sin and going to heaven when we die. But over time, through Scripture and walking with Jesus on mission, I’ve come to see that the gospel is far more expansive and beautiful than I first imagined.
Jesus doesn’t just forgive our sins—He announces and embodies the arrival of a Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15), one that brings good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed, and justice for the marginalized (Luke 4:18–19). The cross is not only where our debt is paid—it’s where the powers are disarmed (Col. 2:15), where the mechanism of scapegoating is exposed (Heb. 13:12–13), and where a new creation begins (2 Cor. 5:17–21).
JR’s article in question powerfully reflects that vision—it doesn’t dilute the gospel. It dares to apply it. It connects the cross of Christ to the lived experiences of those who suffer unjustly, just like Jesus did. And that’s deeply biblical.
Let’s remember: the gospel is not less than personal salvation, but it is certainly more. Jesus came not just to save souls, but to reconcile all things (Col. 1:19–20). That includes people and systems, individuals and nations, hearts and histories.
I believe this kind of reflection doesn’t add leaven—it reveals the leaven of the Kingdom at work in the world (Matt. 13:33).
You mentioned we only have a short time on this earth to make an eternal impact. I agree. That’s why we have to preach a gospel big enough to touch not just personal sin, but systemic injustice. The good news is not only that Christ died for us, but that He was raised to reconcile all things to Himself (Col. 1:20)—including the broken systems we often leave untouched.
You also asked, “Does anyone become a Christian from what you’re writing?” Honestly? Yes. Because when people encounter the Jesus who stands with the excluded, who was Himself scapegoated by both religion and empire, and who rose again to create a new humanity (Eph. 2)—they’re not just converted to go to heaven when they die. They become disciples to join Jesus on mission now and forever.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being returned to the US for FEDERAL PROSECUTION. "The federal indictment accuses Garcia of operating a large-scale human smuggling operation over nearly a decade, transporting thousands of undocumented migrants, including MS-13 gang members, from Central America into various parts of the United States. Prosecutors alleged that Garcia’s activities were not only extensive but also involved coercive methods (like raping and taking nude photos of underaged female transportees) and were connected to “violent criminal organizations.”
"Even if the government loses the criminal case, it can still re-deport Garcia to any country where he can’t make a plausible claim of endangerment. (Garcia had argued against being deported to his home country due to fears of gang retaliation; the government agreed, but clarified that he only became a gangland target after murdering a rival faction leader’s elderly mother.)"
Killed a rival faction's elderly grandmother. That's why he was being threatened.
So way to go - defending a horrific individual. And you actually compared him to Christ.
Maybe you can spend your time and energy ADVOCATING for those who cannot speak for themselves - like the thousands that Kilmar Abrego Garcia victimized.
In scripture there are two goats, the goat that is sacrificed and the “scapegoat” set free. I’ve always understood Jesus as the sacrificed goat so we could be set free. I think I follow that politically (worldly) He (Jesus) was a scapegoat. At His trial, Jesus said His kingdom wasn’t of this world. He accepted being the political scapegoat, but He truly was the sacrificial goat.
The gospel is clear from scripture. You are adding leaven to the simple truths from the word of God. Does anyone become a Christian or appreciate what Christ has done from what you are writing? We have a very short time on earth to make eternal impacts on God’s precious created ones. Don’t let your mind of knowledge block out what will not burn up.
Tom, thanks for engaging. I really do appreciate your desire to keep the gospel central. I share that conviction deeply. I think I understand where you're coming from—I grew up with a similar understanding of the gospel: that it was primarily about forgiveness of sin and going to heaven when we die. But over time, through Scripture and walking with Jesus on mission, I’ve come to see that the gospel is far more expansive and beautiful than I first imagined.
Jesus doesn’t just forgive our sins—He announces and embodies the arrival of a Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15), one that brings good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed, and justice for the marginalized (Luke 4:18–19). The cross is not only where our debt is paid—it’s where the powers are disarmed (Col. 2:15), where the mechanism of scapegoating is exposed (Heb. 13:12–13), and where a new creation begins (2 Cor. 5:17–21).
JR’s article in question powerfully reflects that vision—it doesn’t dilute the gospel. It dares to apply it. It connects the cross of Christ to the lived experiences of those who suffer unjustly, just like Jesus did. And that’s deeply biblical.
Let’s remember: the gospel is not less than personal salvation, but it is certainly more. Jesus came not just to save souls, but to reconcile all things (Col. 1:19–20). That includes people and systems, individuals and nations, hearts and histories.
I believe this kind of reflection doesn’t add leaven—it reveals the leaven of the Kingdom at work in the world (Matt. 13:33).
You mentioned we only have a short time on this earth to make an eternal impact. I agree. That’s why we have to preach a gospel big enough to touch not just personal sin, but systemic injustice. The good news is not only that Christ died for us, but that He was raised to reconcile all things to Himself (Col. 1:20)—including the broken systems we often leave untouched.
You also asked, “Does anyone become a Christian from what you’re writing?” Honestly? Yes. Because when people encounter the Jesus who stands with the excluded, who was Himself scapegoated by both religion and empire, and who rose again to create a new humanity (Eph. 2)—they’re not just converted to go to heaven when they die. They become disciples to join Jesus on mission now and forever.
Grace and peace to you.