The Glory of Blog

Derek Redmond: 1992 Barcelona Olympics 400m run

2007-08-05T16:08:00.001-05:00

We Are All Witnesses

2007-06-13T13:12:00.000-05:00

In the city of Cleveland, LeBron James is huge. I mean literally huge. In the city a huge poster can be seen of the 22-year old star jumping to dunk. LeBron James is huge. Even before he ever graduated High School he was huge. It is a rare thing that an athelete can attract such a huge fan base a turn a team around. The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted LeBron with the first overall pick in 2003. Since that time Cleveland has climbed the ranks of the NBA teams to where they are now in the finals. They don't have much chance at winning, but they are there. They were the 3rd worst team in the NBA before LeBron, and now they are in the NBA finals. He has truned that team around. Since drafting Lebron the tream's worth has increased over 150 million dollars. He is huge. There are not many stars like LeBron. I have to say, when LeBron in on television I am drawn to watch. I am becoming a fan. I ctach myself cheering for LeBron. I don't know why, but I simply like to watch LeBron. I like to talk about LeBron. I like to talk about what he has done and what he could do one day. Perhaps only the likes of a Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan have made such an impact. in a sport. LeBron is a star, and he is good. I am telling you in 10 years LeBron James will be a household name. He is a star. He is huge. He is rich. Perhaps for years people will look back and talk about watching LeBron play the way we do with Michael Jordan. I love basketball, but when I watch a star emerge, and when I see these kids making multi-millions of dollars I cannot help but to wonder if they will ever get it. I know they are the role models of millions. I know most people would love to be in their size 18 shoes. However, I am reminded of the words of Jesus, "What good is it a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" All the money and hype may be good for a time, but in the end all that will matter is what we do with Jesus.

LeBron's multi-story poster hanging in Cleveland states a great truth, "we are all witnesses". Perhaps we all will be witnesses of something special. Perhaps we will se a superstar rise up before our eyes. Perhaps we will witness the emerging of the next "Michael Jordan". Perhaps we will see a legend develop. We are all witnesses of greatness. Not LeBron's greatness, but the greatness of a God that loved mankind so much that he sent His Son to die on the cross for us. A God so great that he would bless us, take care of us, sustain us, redeem us, and hear our feeble prayers. Remember, we are all witnessess. Let us get the word out. As much as I like to talk about sports and superstars in the making, we are all witnesses of something much greater.

All About Jesus

2007-05-22T09:07:00.000-05:00

Last week I went to the Men's Clinic in Hillsboro, Ohio put on by Person to Person Ministries.
The theme of all the messages was, "It's All About Jesus". I thought the topic was very good, and several things were addressed. They talked about how salvation, obedience, the home, suffering and evangelism was in essence all about Jesus.
The messages were good, challenging and applicable, but the theme itself got me thinking a lot. I realized even more plainly that when all is said and done and our lives near their end, it's all about Jesus. Whether people realize it and acknowledge it or not, the reality is this life and this world are all about Jesus. I really left with the understanding of how important it is to make our lives all about Jesus. In everything that we do, it's all about Jesus. You see, we can do the right things and be good people, but that doesn't make us okay with God. There are many that have the mindset that if they don't smoke, if they don't chew or go with girls who do then they will be okay. However, when we do the things we do it needs to be all about Jesus. He needs to be our reason and motivation. In the way we speak, it is all about Jesus. In the way we think, it is all about Jesus. In what we watch and listen to, it is all about Jesus. In the way we treat others, it is all about Jesus. In what we do when we are alone, it is all about Jesus. If we would just realize it is all about Jesus, maybe that would change what we do. Afterall, our purpose is to bring glory to Jesus in our lives, may our lives point to Jesus and not ourselves, because it is all about Jesus and certainly not all about me (or you)!

Christian Persecution

2007-05-07T08:52:00.000-05:00

We have no idea in America what it is like to face persecution for what we believe (yet). What many fail to realize is that all around the world Christians are being persecuted because of what they believe. If you are interested do a Google seacrh and see what turns up, you too may be shocked at what is going on in the world. Places like Voice of the Martyrs do a good job informing us on that persecution. I have heard that more Christians have been killed in the last century than in all of history combined. I happened to be looking at Fox News and say an article about the Christians in Iraq. The situation simply is not good for them as you can imagine. Here is a brief portion of what that article said:

Although Islamic extremists have targeted Iraqi Christians before, bombing churches and threatening religious leaders, the latest attacks have taken on a far more personal tone. Many Christians are being expelled from their homes and forced to leave their possessions behind, police, human rights groups and residents said.
The Christian community here, about 3 percent of the country's 26 million people, has little political or military clout to defend itself, and some Islamic insurgents call Christians "crusaders" whose real loyalty lies with U.S. troops.

I read that and I have several thoughts run through my head.

1. First of all, I think about what I would do in a situation like those people are in. Would I remain faithful to Jesus? Would I be willing to die for my faith? I would like to say that I would be strong, that I would be like the Apostles in the book of Acts and rejoice that I was counted worthy to suffer for Jesus. I guess you never know what you would do until you are in that situation.

2. I also wonder what the future will be for the Church in places like Iraq and other Muslim dominated countries. Will this Iraq war open up doors for missionaires? Will it provide more freedoms in the long run for the Christians? I hope so. More than that I pray that the church will be strengthened and perhaps through some Christian (maybe a soldier) being over there the Gospel will spread.

3. I think of how ignorant we are of what it means to suffer. We cry and complain over a stubbed toe, and these people have real "issues" that dwarf mine. We have people doubting and turning from God because they don't get what they want, yet many of these people going through great persecution are growing in their faith. We have no idea what it means to suffer!

4. I wonder what would happen if and when persecution comes to America. We often pray and thank God for the freedom that we have to worship without fear of persecution, but I am torn on this issue. Let me explain. I don't want to face persecution and I don't want my children facing persecution, however I realize that the church would be strengthend. I realize it would weed out the uncommitted. I realize that all new converts would really have to count the cost. I realize that in the end the church would grow in strength and in number. My personal opinion is that the time is coming in America, and it will be sooner than later. You can see Christian intolerance increasing. It is already a hate crime in places like Canada to stand up and speak out against certain sins, and that will be here soon. It is just a matter of time.

5. I am convninced of my need to pray for the persecuted Christians all around the world. We need to pray for their strength.

Praise God that no one can rob our hope or joy we have in Christ, and no matter what we need to be faithful until the end.

Baby Number 2

2007-05-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, so Stephanie and I found out we are expecting baby number 2. We are making a dent in my goal of 10, just kidding. Well, our first baby was a girl, Hannah, who looks just like her momma. I don't know about you, but early predictions have baby 2 looking like me...see if you can see the resembelance.

Anyways, it is my turn to name a child, so I will be taking suggestions. Any ideas? I personally like a good Biblical name, something like Melchizedek Cole. Any other ideas?

I know I have been a lousy blogger, but I guess I will try to post every now and then. I enjoy it when I have the ability to vent on issues and spread the news of what is going on in my life.

Jesus is Watching!

2006-11-17T13:27:00.000-05:00

Perhaps you have been in someone's home and seen a portrait of Jesus on the wall. I have always found pictures of Jesus to be kind of funny. They always portray him as a white anglo-saxon looking guy, when the portraits probably do not really favor what Jesus actually looked like. Perhaps you have seen someone out that has a cross necklace hanging from their neck. I always found this to be funny too, what if Jesus would have been killed in a guillotine , would people where guillotine's around their necks? I know, I know...I may be missing the point.

I have been in many homes visiting with people and they always seem to have the same portrait of Jesus hanging. Sometimes I wonder in my mind, what does Jesus get to see in their homes? I was in one home, where there was a lovely portrait of Jesus on the wall, looking right into the living room. When we came the guy was drinking a beer and tried to hide it from me. I thought to myself, it's okay Jesus already saw it. There does not have to be a portrait of Jesus on your wall for Jesus to see what you do, he sees all that we do. Just some food for thought, what does he see as he watches you? Many people feel they need the Jesus portrait or the cross necklace to identify themselves as a Christian. It is almost a fashion rather than a lifestyle. Nothing bothers me more than to be out and see someone wearing a cross acting and talking like you would not believe. I wish they would have the integrity to at least remove the cross from their neck. I know that many of those people may be quick to claim their love for God, but the Scriptures say: "if you love me you will obey my commandments." Whether you wear a cross or have a portrait of Jesus is not the question, the question I want to know is what is Jesus seeing as you live your life? Don't let the cross and pictures of Jesus be for fashion and decoration, but rather let your life tell people about your relationship to Jesus.

I Found This to Be Funny

2006-11-09T12:37:00.000-05:00

Separated at Birth???

Supreme Court to Decide on Abortion

2006-11-08T11:42:00.000-05:00

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States is hearing a case regarding the 2003 Partial Birth Abortion Ban signed by President Bush. They are determining whether it is unconstitutional. To me and to many Christians this issue is very important. We believe that life is valuable. We will all be interested to see the outcome of this case, with two new, supposidly conservative justices in Roberts and Alito.

Partial Birth abortion in particular is really disturbing. This procedure takes place in the the third trimester of a pregnancy. There are a few thousand of these annually, out of the 1.25 million abortions that take place annually. As I write this, my heart breaks. My heart breaks as I sit and remember the doctors visits when my wife, Stephanie was pregnant with our daughter. I have never seen something so amazing as those ultrasounds. I could see such detail in our daughter's body. We could watch her move, we could see her even interact with us.

My heart breaks because that child aborted was a life, an innocent life who had no choice in the matter. My heart breaks as I listen to people beg for a woman's right to choose, I wonder if they realize they had the right to choose before conception. My heart breaks because a nation that throws away the innocent and unborn and devalues life is merely a hop and a skip away from Hitler's holocaust. In fact, we have out done Hitler many times over through abortion. My heart breaks for the mothers who have abortions, because years later they will most likely be overwhelmed with guilt and grief for their actions. I have no idea how someone can even have an opinion on this issue, especially partial birth abortion. I have no idea how a person can be charged for killing a pregnant woman for both the mother and unborn child, yet abortion can be advocated.

As the Supreme Court meets to decide on this issue, let us pray that the right thing is done.

Loosing Control

2006-11-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, now that the elections are over or near over and it seems that the Democrats have control of at least the House, what does this mean for us? First, this puts the Democrats in a seat of responsibility. We have heard all sorts of rhetoric coming from the liberals on the Republicans handling of Iraq, now that they have a place where they can do something, let's see what they are going to do. Let's see what they will do with Iraq, let's see what they will do with homeland security, let's see what they will do with terrorism. Let's see if they can do anything more than point fingers and complain, let's see if they can do something themselves. The Democrats win will make them a target!
Also, this likely makes Nancy Pelosi the Speaker of the United States Houses or Representatives. How bad is that? She voted "No" on making it a crime to hurt a fetus during another crime. She voted "No" on banning partial birth abortions. She voted "No" on barring transport of minors to get an abortion. She is very liberal on the social issues, which are the issues of primary concern for me.

Well...the reality is there is nothing we can do about it. All we can do is uphold our values, and pray that God will bless America, but I would love to see America bless God. Maybe Jesus will return before the inaguration day in January.

For some good thoughts on the election, also check out Novice at Best.

Why Ted Haggard...Why?

2006-11-04T18:36:00.000-05:00

Perhaps by now anyone reading this may have heard of the scandal involving Ted Haggard. In case you haven't it came out that Haggard, a leader among evangelical Christian circles, he was a preacher of a church of 14,000 people in Colorado and he was accused of being involved in a homosexual relationship and also drugs. Through that it got me thinking about a few things. ..

1. It is sad that someone’s moral fiber is so low, the issue is deeper than just an outer action, there is a heart problem somewhere that is not as evident and obvious to all. Sin does not just happen, it spring from a heart that has been corrupted. We need to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).

2. It is even sadder that Mr. Haggard did not have the love and respect for his wife and five kids to avoid such immorality. You cannot help but to feel badly for them in this.

3. It is sad that Mr. Haggard, spoke out so boldly against homosexual marriage and yet was probably living in this lie. You have to wonder what is Mr. Haggard going to do with his life now?

4. It is sad that Mr. Haggard made a living preaching one thing and living another. Many people refuse to go to church because there are hypocrites in the church they say. While I think this is more an excuse than a reason, many Christians have given a reason for this thought. If you are reading this please know that not all Christians are hypocrites, some really do try to live what they believe. Not everyone is a Jim Baker or Jimmy Swaggert or Ted Haggard. I hate that their witness was ruined. Perhaps people also need to realize that all people have faults as well. This does not make them okay though.

5. It is sad that this has become so public and political. Is this a coincidence that this information came out right before the elections, where the homosexual marriage issue is a big thing in many states? I doubt it. The liberals will use this to their advantage and manipulate the system, especially on the issue of the homosexual marriage issue.

6. It is sad that people will always remember Ted Haggard for this situation. No matter what good he did prior to this, this incident will be his life long legacy and what he will be remembered for. He may have done a lot of good and helped a lot of people, but this one fault really hurt his reputation. His sin made national and perhaps international news. Was this sin worse than other people’s sin that never gets exposed? Not really. Was his sin worse than our sins that no one knows about? Not really.

7. It is sad that repeatedly he lied about it when confronted. In his resignation letter to the church he at least had the integrity to admit, “I am a liar and a deceiver.” At least he called that sin what it really was.

8. It is sad that guilt and a repentant attitude came only with being exposed in his sin. Many people are like that. The guilt only comes from being caught, not in what they did.

Where do we go from here? Certainly this will affect us, because any of us who attempt to say one thing may get accused of living another. All we can do is do or very best to teach and more importantly live what is right and stand by our principles and convictions no matter what. One person's faults do not remove our responsibility to do what is right nor do they change the absolute standard between right and wrong. Remember no one is above the Devil’s attacks, so be on your guard.

Duke Basketball '06-'07

2006-11-04T11:32:00.000-05:00

Different people get excited over different things. Some get worked up over politics (I have my moments), others over many different things. Next to my faith and my family, I get fairly passionate about Duke Basketball. November through March I grow in my obssesion. April through October I spend counting down the time until Duke Basketball will start. Well...It is about that time. The basketball season is about to begin. Preseason Duke is ranked #11, under-rated of course. Even though the team lost some of the best ever at Duke this past year, they still may be great. They are a team without any seniors! Watch out for Duke, come March Madness. The team is ten deep this year, and is ready to roll. Of course I will keep my Duke rants going on my blog, especially when they do well.

Hannah's Messy Eating

2006-10-28T19:37:00.000-05:00

I Am Indebted to Jesus...

2006-10-25T14:23:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Arron Chambers' blog (http://http://christianstandard.com/MyLordandMyBlog.asp) and thought it was thought provoking...

This story is inspirational and an amazing story of a man giving his life for his friends.http://enews.earthlink.net/article/nat?guid=20061014/453060c0_3ca6_1552620061014720346870
CORONADO, Calif. - A Navy SEAL sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout, fellow members of the elite force said.Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor had been near the only door to the rooftop structure Sept. 29 when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor, said four SEALs who spoke to The Associated Press this week on condition of anonymity because their work requires their identities to remain secret."He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs' lives, and we owe him."

I really liked that...
When I read that, I cannot help, but to think of Jesus. There is one of two things wrong with our society. Either people do not know what Jesus has done for them or they don't care about what Jesus has done for them. Those soldiers realized if it wasn't for the one guy who jumped on the grenade, they would have died. They realized that they would have died had not someone intervened. Theire response was a sense of debtedness. What is our response that what Jesus has done? Many people may not realize it, but when we say Jesus died on the cross for our sins. They fail to realize that they deserved eternity in Hell because of their sins, but Jesus took on himself not only the pain of the crucifixion, which was awful, he encountered the wrath of God that we deserved to encounter. What does that mean to us? How should we live our lives then? It changes our perspective on, attending church, on leaving behind certain sins, on living in a certain way. We are saved by grace, but our thankfulness is shown in our response of how we live. I am forever indebted to Jesus, and may it be seen not in what I say, but in how I live. I am forever indebted to Jesus, therefore I will serve Him with all I have. I am forever indebted to Jesus so I will love others and tell them about what he means to me. I am forever indebted to Jesus and I cannot wait to tell him face to face one day. Praise God, he intercepted the punishment we deserve. The most basic teaching of the Bible, but it never grows old.

I Have The Answer

2006-10-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

Well...we have been kind of busy over the past few weeks, and that is a good thing. I think we are finally settled here in Falls Mills. We have been blessed with all sorts of great people around us and good friends. It is hard to believe as I look at the calendar that October is flying by, and it is getting colder here in the moutains. I dread the cold winters.
The past few weeks also have been crazy in the world. Everytime I watch the news I see all sorts of things going on, and it can be discouraging. We have the situation with North Korea, Iran, and of course in Iraq. We have elections coming up, which is a bg deal. I pray that the Democrats do not take over primarily because Ultra-Liberal Nancy Pelosi would become the Speaker of the House. There are all sorts of political maneuvers taking place, i.e. Foley. All these things make people begin to panic, if you are like me you may wonder, how much longer can it be until Jesus returns? I don't know the answer to that, but I do have the answer to many of the worlds problems, and oddly no one has ever contacted me from the government for my thoughts. All the problems, all the crime increases, all the immorality, and all the fighting are symptoms of a great disease, Christlessness. We see people all over the world trying to fill that void in their heart with so many things: drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, hatred, violence, etc. The problem is those things only temporarily satisfy a person, in the end they leave people hurting, broken, and needing more. The things of this world simply do not satisfy, but I have the answer. I see people trying to reach God, or some form of God through many different ways, but they are going the wrong direction. I have the answer. The answer of course is Jesus. Only He can satisfy. A non-Chrstian reading this will think that sounds silly and idealistic, but it is true. The answer to the world's problems in Jesus. The good news is one day He will return, and that truth has some implications on our lives.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise and some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The Heavens will disappear with a fervent heat; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed it's coming." ~ I Peter 3:9-12

If this is true, and I believe it is, then we need to be prepared. Where is your treasures stored up? On this Earth, where nothing will be left one day (we cannot take it with us)? Or in Heaven, where it will last for eternity?

Pictures of Hannah's First Birthday

2006-09-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

"Yummy Cake!"

Where is the Outcry?

2006-09-20T09:31:00.000-05:00

Just this past week some of the biggest news has been over comments that the pope made and the response of Muslims all over the world. The MAIN thing that got me thinking through this whole issue as I watch the Muslim response to comments that bothered them, was where is the outcry from Christians? Every time the Muslim world is offended they speak up (often in violence, which is not the right wya to handle it). They have had protests, they have burned things, they have had an outcry over their faith being ridiculed. I really respect the commitment and conviction they hold even though it is based on lies. A few months ago when cartoons were drawn mocking Muhammed, the Muslim world was outraged. During the same time a University in Oregon (I think) portrayed cartoon characters of Jesus as a homosexual, yet there was no Christian response. Whenever the religion of Islam is criticizted or their beliefs mocked in any way they have an outcry, but where is the Christian outcry? Where is the Christian outcry as thousands of Christians all throughout the world are killed for their faith? Where is the Christian outcry as our faith is mocked, especially by politicans with an agenda to remove Christianity from America under the banner of Separation of Church and State? Where is the outcry as millions of unborn babies are aborted? Where is the Christian outcry as television shows continue to emerge that mock our faith and promote immorality? Where is the Christian outcry as Muslims speaks out against us and target us? Where is the Christian outcry as we stand by and watch a world in need of Jesus die without ever knowing the Truth? Where is the Christian outcry as churches under the banner of tolerance accept that which is forbideen by Scripture, things such as homosexuality? Where is the Christian outcry as large organizations and companies financially support and propogate immoral organizations? Where is the Christian outcry as children in school are taught the theory of evolution, but are forbideen to hear and be taught about an intelligent design of a Creator God?

Am I crazy for thinking this? Is it just me that is bothered by things? I just want to know, someone please tell me, what does it take to have an outcry from the Christian world that is loud enough to let people know that we do care about what we believe, that we do believe it enough to stand behind it, and that we will not tolerarte our God being mocked. How far will we let people go? Where is the outcry?

Remember, we will reap the consequences of standing by and letting our freedoms and liberties disappear. Those that idly sit by without speaking up will have no right or reason to complain when a Christian person's freedoms are gone!

A Look At Islam 5 Years After 9/11

2006-09-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today is a special day! It is not only my daughter Hannah's 1st birthday, but it is also the 5th anniversary of 9/11. I do not know if there has ever been an event that has changed our world like the attacks on 9/11. Along with that our society has been exposed to many different ideas, and since 9/11 there are many phrases that are now commonly known that were not known before. The attacks on the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon have drawn especially interest into the religion on Islam. As that interest increases so do misconceptions. I want to clear up a few of those.
First, many are saying that Islam in general is a religion of peace, and that what happened September 11th was the exception and not indicative of what the Koran teaches. Tony Blair said, “Islam is a peaceful and tolerant religion...and the acts of the terrorists are contrary to the teachings of the Koran.” George Bush on numerous occasions made the same type of statements, but I want to know is that a political comment seeking to not offend a group of people or is it founded on truth? Are the terrorists the exception to the rule? Is Islam really a religion of peace? If you accept that Islam is a religion of peace I challenge you to look at history. I challenge you to research the persecution of Christians in Muslim countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan. In fact the Koran advocates the seizing and the killing of any Muslim who converts. There are literally dozens of verses within the Koran encouraging violence towards infidels or non-Muslims. Muhammad's last words were, “O Lord, perish the Jews and the Christians”. There are over 100 verses in the Koran teaching, allowing, and encouraging violence. We have become all too familiar with the idea of a Muslim Jihad (Holy Way) against all other religions. Seeing the pictures after those attacks on 9/11 of people throughout the Muslim world dancing in the streets and rejoicing at the death of 3,000+ people. Does that not indicate the nature of that religion. One Libyan Muslims summed up the Muslim reaction to 9/11, “September 11 was the happiest day of my life”. Does that sound like a peaceful religion? I tell you the truth, the Islam is not a religion of peace, it never has been and it never will be. Perhaps there are some Muslims that are peaceful despite the teaching and the example of Muhammad, bit one cannot deny that the Koran and Islam's founder promote violence, therefore Islam is not a religion of peace.
Secondly, many promote the idea that the Muslim's Allah is the same God of the Bible. The pope even said that Allah is the same God of the Bible in a 9/11 memorial service by saying, “we pray in the name of our God – the God of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam” Needless to say the pope is not the best source of authority for truth. It makes no sense if that was true how we can find the same God propagating two totally different religions. There is one primary difference between the God of the Bible and the Allah of the Koran...The God of the Bible has a son and His name is Jesus, and He came to die to free people from sin. I came across this the other day and really enjoyed it...
Muhammad was the prophet of war, Jesus was the prince of peace
Muhammad's disciples killed for their faith, Jesus' disciples were killed for their faith
Muhammad was a taker of life, Jesus was a giver of life
Muhammad and his warriors killed thousands, Jesus saved many
Muhammad was a warrior, Jesus was a deliverer
Muhammad's method was compulsion, Jesus used conversion
Muhammad said, “convert or die”, Jesus says, “believe and live”
Muhammad shed the blood of many, Jesus shed his blood for many
Muhammad said, “Death to the infidels”, Jesus said, “Father forgive them”
Muhammad's tomb is occupied, Jesus' tomb is empty
Many may say that all paths lead to the same place. Many may say that Islam as well as Christianity is one way to the same God. Many might say that we should not try to change people's religion. If that is the case, Jesus was a narrow minded liar when he said, “I am the way, the Truth, and the life, and no one can come to the Father except through me.” The only way to solve the terrorism problem is to solve the disease, the cancer, the heart of the problem, a religion built upon lies and violence. The only way to win the war on terror is conversion of the Muslim world. We can drop bombs and send out troops until we are blue in the face, but my prayer is not for domination, but rather conversion. Obviously, political correctness is not my aim, but Truth is my goal -- and sometimes the Truth hurts.

Our Little Hannah Faith is growing up quickly!

2006-09-05T15:35:00.000-05:00

She is so close to just taking off and walking...Hannah's birthday is September 11th, if you haven't sent present, you better get on it!

It is hard to believe our little girl is almost one year old. She is such a blessing from the Lord!

Letter to ABC News

2006-09-05T15:09:00.000-05:00

This is a letter I wrote to ABC News concerning the airing of their show on 20/20, "Last Days on Earth", I am awaiting a reply, but not holding my breath...

Dear ABC NEWS and 20/20,
This is an open letter to you and anyone interested. You said on your website that my opinions and comments count, therefore I plan on giving them. I understand that on any given day you are probably overwhelmed with e-mails and letters of both support and disagreement for various things, and I understand that you have to sift through those, however, I would appreciate it if you would at least consider my thoughts and opnions. I must admit, I only caught bits and pieces of your piece that aired last week titled, "The Last Days on Earth". The piece as fileld with scietific view points and logical questions that many have sought the answers to. The end of life as we know it is indeed a worry and question that we all have. You proposed seven different possibilities for that event, most of which were outer circumstances which we can do little about. My question and my challenge is not in what you included, but what you excluded. I am sure that many "religious wackos" have attempted to comment and I know in what light they are cast. That is not my intent, but my intent is to receive an answer as to why at least 2 things were not considered. First, why was not a decline in moral values at least mentioned? I would assume that regardless of core beliefs most people honestly evaluating things can see a decline in morals. The decline of every great nation has resulted from internal moral decay and outward armies, why should we be any different today? Shouldn't we at least give attention to this truth and try to remedy the problem before it leads to our downfall? Secondly, why was not the idea of God judging the world and bringing life as we know it to an end? I understand that God cannot be measured scietifically or by the five senses, but that does not mean that it will not happen. As I watch different media outlets I fear that you are more afraid of traditional Christian values than that of any other religion, including Islam. I simply do not understand the slant against a worldview which seeks the betterment of society. You consider global warming the number one threat, to the exclusion that there may be a creator God that sustains and will one day bring to an end this Earth and bring every evil deed to judgment. Why will you not give an equal voice on the air for vews like mine? If you are honestly seeking to report on the dangers that befall us, is not judgment from God just as much of a logical fact to be considered? Afterall, many of the things you mentioned are beyond our control, but our relationship and views towards God are in our control.
Perhaps as you read this you throw me off as a right wing, fundamentalist, religious nut, but perhaps what I am suggesting could really be of benefit to society. It could save reasearchers and scientists the time, energy and money, because the answer is plain in the Bible as to how the world will end. It could produce moral advancments in society. What if what I am saying is true? Than indeed many are gambling with what they believe to the neglect of God. We do not need to fear Nuclear war, asteroids, black holes or Global warnings, but we as a society need again to fear and love God who is really in control.
I really do challenge ABC to prove that it is fair and balanced. I challenge you to at least publically consider this as a possility for the "last days". I do not leave my intellect behind when I choose to have faith and believe the Bible, but rather tell you that what I am saying is true and reasonable and logical. I challenge you to allow all sides to have a say when you boradcast a story. There are many still who believe what I am saying. I think that the "Last Days on Earth" piece was indeed a sad commentary on our media and our nation as a whole who stands in dire need of help that no man can provide. It was sad because faith was pushed aside and God was not even considered as a possiblity. When most people watch News stories they want fair and balanced News with honesty and integrity as the foundation and that cannot be done without the Truth of the fact that the end of the world is in the hands of God not man as the underlying theme. Maybe you consider this over the top and extreme, but American and the world need to take heed and turn back to God or beware of His judgment and His chastening upon us.

With Respect and Concern,

Jason Cole
Minister, Falls Mills Christian Church

ABC missed the truth that God is THE JUDGE and Jesus is coming again. I realize a letter won't change a new station, but I wanted to draw their minds to God.

At Falls Mills...

2006-09-03T15:10:00.000-05:00

Well...Stephanie, Hannah Faith and myself have been at Falls Mills Christian Church for 3 months now. I have to admit that things are much better than I ever expected them to be. God has blessed us tremendously. We have great elders and a great congregation who desire to hear and learn the Word of God, that makes my job as preacher easier and exciting. I look forward to being here for a while and reaching many people for Christ here.
I say I am blessed so much because there are so many churches and denominations across the country that are not so great. I see immorality among church leaders, I see false teaching propogated and I see members unwilling to participate or do any real work to advance the cause of the church. I do not know if it is just America, but people have a warped sense of religion or Christianity. Our culture is flooded with the ideas that Truth is not absolute, in other words one person's religion is just as good as another. If that is the case than preaching in in vain. If that is the case than why have any convictions or beliefs. If that is the case why have laws and legislation upholding moral principles. One person may find murder or rape acceptable, shouldn't we just tolerate that?? American needs Jesus and that is the only thing that will solve our problems. Not the Jesus that people have created for themselves in their own minds, but the Jesus of the Bible, that loved enough to die, that cared enough to speak the truth, that still changes and transforms lives.
A few lights ago ABC News produced a program called the "Last Days of Earth", in which they discussed the core issues facing the world today. You know what they said was the #1 problem that would lead to America and the World's demise? Global warming! (Needless to say Al Gore was behind that). I would beg to differ! I am not saying we should not be good stewards of God's creation, but I'd say that morality would be the number one concern. We must remember that God chastens and judges nations. Anyways, the world needs the Truth!
The one religion is as good as another mindset linked with the complacency of many "christians" and the confusion of many non-Christians over truth (which has been influened by our anti-God scoiety greatly) is a major issue we are facing. All we can do is speak the truth in love, and pray for repentance on a worldwide level. Hope I have many more times of spewing my two cents.
Because of Jesus,
Jason

Here We Go!!!

2006-09-02T10:56:00.000-05:00

I am so far behind culture. I don't have any real need for a blog, and no one will ever read my blog. I don't even know what a blog is, but if Yeatts (noviceatbest.blogspot.com) can do it, so can I! Every now and then I get in a mood where I just want to spew out some stuff that excites me or frustrates me -- so this will be my avenue of release.