Bio on (Ret.) Lt. Gen William Boykin

(Ret.) Lt. Gen. William Boykin

Gen. William Boykin Former Delta Force commander and deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence

Lt. (Ret.) William G. “Jerry” Boykin was one of the elite warriors chosen in 1978 to make up the first unit in America’s Delta Force. He then became commander of the unit, and later still, commander of all U.S. Army Special Forces. His thirty-six years in the military included a tour at the C.I.A. and clandestine missions around the world.

Jerry retired in 2007 after serving his last four years as the deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence. His awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Read more about Gen. Boykin's compelling life story in his biography, Never Surrender: A Soldier's Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom.

© 2009 Solomon Productions. All Rights Reserved.

Bio on Joel Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenberg Best-selling author and founder of The Joshua Fund

Joel C. Rosenberg is the New York Times best-selling author of The Last Jihad, The Last Days, The Ezekiel Option, The Copper Scroll, Epicenter: How the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your World, Dead Heat, and Inside the Revolution with more than two million copies in print. He is also the founder and president of the Joshua Fund, a nonprofit charitable and educational organization that provides humanitarian relief for victims of war and terrorism in Israel and the Muslim world.

As a communications strategist, Joel has worked with some of the world's most influential leaders in business, politics, and media, including Steve Forbes, Rush Limbaugh, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As a novelist, he has been interviewed on more than 300 radio and TV programs, including ABC's Nightline, CNN Headline News, Fox News Channel, the History Channel, MSNBC, the Rush Limbaugh Show, and the Sean Hannity Show. He has been profiled by The New York Times, The Washington Times, and The Jerusalem Post, and he was the subject of two cover stories in World magazine. He has addressed audiences all over the world, including Russia, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Belgium. He has spoken at the White House, the Heritage Foundation, AOL, and the International Spy Museum, as well as at dozens of conferences, universities, churches, synagogues, political events, book-seller conventions, and charitable fund-raisers.

The first page of his first novel-The Last Jihad-puts you inside the cockpit of a hijacked jet, coming in on a kamikaze attack into an American city, which leads to a war with Saddam Hussein over weapons of mass destruction. Yet it was written before 9/11, long before the actual war with Iraq. When published, The Last Jihad spent 11 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, reaching as high as #7. It raced up the USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-seller lists, hit #4 on the Wall Street Journal list, and hit #1 on Amazon.com.

His second thriller-The Last Days-opens with the death of Yasser Arafat and a U.S. diplomatic convoy ambushed in Gaza. Six days before The Last Days was published in hardcover, a U.S. diplomatic convoy was ambushed in Gaza. Thirteen months later, Yasser Arafat died. The Last Days spent 4 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, hit #5 on the Denver Post list, and reached #8 on the Dallas Morning News list. Both books were optioned by a Hollywood producer.

The Ezekiel Option centers on a Russian dictator who forms a military alliance with the leaders of Iran who are feverishly pursuing nuclear weapons and threatening to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. On the very day it was published in June 2005, Iran elected a new leader who vowed to accelerate the country's nuclear program and later vowed to "wipe Israel off the map." Six months after the book was published, Moscow signed a $1 billion arms deal with Tehran. The Ezekiel Option spent four weeks on the New York Times hardcover best-seller list and more than six months on the CBA best-seller list. It was named the "Best Christian Novel of 2006" by the Christian Booksellers Association.

The Copper Scroll is the fourth novel in the series and a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and CBA best seller. On June 1, 1956, The New York Times broke a story that captured the imagination of the world. Another Dead Sea Scroll had been found, unlike any before it, describing unimaginable treasures worth untold billions buried in the hills east of Jerusalem and under the Holy City itself. In the years that followed, scholars came to believe that the Copper Scroll could be history's greatest treasure map, one that could not only lead to great wealth but pave the way to the building of the Third Jewish Temple. But the scroll's code has never been broken, and experts from all sides warn that any effort by Israel to rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem would unleash a war of biblical proportions. Saddam Hussein is gone. Yasser Arafat is dead. A new Iraq is rising. And now White House advisors Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy find themselves facing a terrifying new threat triggered by an ancient mystery.

Epicenter is Joel's first nonfiction book, focusing on the rapidly rising Iranian nuclear threat, why Russia is selling arms and nuclear technology to Iran, why Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad believes it is the end of the world, and why Ahmadinejad is saying that the way to hasten the coming of the Islamic Messiah is to annihilate the United States and Israel. Using exclusive interviews with U.S., Israeli, Arab, and Russian leaders and previously classified documents from the White House, CIA, and State Department, Joel examines 10 future headlines that could come out of Russia and the Middle East, and does so in the light of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian eschatology (end-times theology). Epicenter has spent months on the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and CBA best-seller lists. It is currently being turned into a documentary for a major national television network.

Joel was born to a Jewish father and a Gentile mother, Joel is an evangelical Christian. His grandparents escaped Russian persecution of the Jews in the early part of the twentieth century. Joel graduated from Syracuse University in 1989 and studied at Tel Aviv University. He is married, has four sons, and lives near Washington, D.C., where he and his wife are members of McLean Bible Church. His Web sites are www.joelrosenberg.com and www.joshuafund.net.

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September 11th: Inside the Revolution:

Won't you join us for a simulcast even, hosted by Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia. It is more than prophesy.

On Friday night, September 11, 2009, Joel C. Rosenberg and Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, former commander of Delta Force, will host a national town hall meeting to discuss the threat of Radical Islam, the future of Israel, and the role of the Church in the Middle East. They will show a 30-minute excerpt from the Inside the Revolution documentary film to an audience of some 2,500 hosted by Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia. They will then answer questions from the audience, and from viewers around the country and around the world. For more information and to learn how to web cast the live event at your church click here.

December 8, 2008

December 8, 2008

Dear Jesus,


People are in the hustle and bustle of the season in which we celebrate Your birth. For me this year feels different in so many way. I have not felt the need to hustle nor the need to bustle. I have been relaxing with and not worrying at all on what to get for the family. I am hoping that this year will be more about You and less about gifts.
But let me tell you about a project I have been given. It is for the Mostly Literate Clan (MLC). It is a writing project and it is a gift from one of the Clan members. I am enjoying writing this theme. I am going to be working on it tonight, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. It is something that I hope will honor You. I won't reveal it to You hear because I share these letters with the MLC and I want to have this project as a surprise. Though I think I miss judged how much I actually have completed.
As with any letter I may jump to different subjects from time to time. I hope You don't mind. I know that people expect to have letters follow some theme but for me I am a very random person when I write letters. Meaning that I can jump from subject to subject in a manner of minutes.
So today at work, I got frustrated when the new updates caused the system to slow down today. I felt that I could not get much accomplished today because of that much today. But I know that I did what I could. But I was also pissy. Then I was worried about my one co-worker who went to the doctors and came back in tears. I have not found out what was wrong but I will be keeping her in my prayers.

Well I will leave You tonight so that I can do some work on my project.

With love.
RoseAnn (aka Mack)

November 29, 2008

November 29, 2008

Dear Jesus,

It is two days after Thanksgiving. I have much to be thankful for this year. But the one person I have neglected is you. I truly did not want to neglect you. But it happened. So, I have decided to write letters to you every once in a while (or once a month) to keep in touch with you.

Since the other day was Thanksgiving, I want this letter to express my thanks to you for all you have done for me. But where should I start. Let me see ...

Thank you for giving your life for not only me but for the entire world. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering you experienced at the hands of man. Yes, even my had even though I was not born as of yet.
Thank you for giving those of us who accept you the free gift of salvation. You gave us something we did not deserve for we are all sinners. Yet by grace you died for all mankind.
Thank you for life eternal. With your resurrection you gave us eternal life. Life that will be with you in heaven one day.
Thank you for knowing me before I was even born. You knew all the good days, bad days and dark days that were going to be in my life. For this I am forever grateful.
Thank you for saving me. Not only spiritually but also physically. If not for you, I would have died with out knowing you or those who are in my life right now.
Thank you for being by my side even when I do not know it.
Thank you for the medication I am on for my depression. It does not plague me quite so bad as it use to. Not saying that it is gone completely. I still need to rely on you for the niggling darkness that is still there.
Thank you for my many friends. Both real and in cyberspace.
Thank you for my dog Maya. She has truly brightened my life. She is my own little gospel come to life. I watch her and wonder how much I should be like her towards you.
Thank you for understanding my faults and failures. You never condemn but you do want these to change.
Thank you that I have once again found a passion to write. I want to thank you for introducing me to the people of Mostly Literate Clan and Legend of Satura. They have challenged me on different levels.

Lord Jesus, I want to thank you for my family. As strange as that is for me, I do thank you. They keep me down to earth even when all I want is to be in heaven.
Thank you for my family in you. With brothers and sisters that can guide, uplift and admonish gently, I am able to look towards you.

Lord, I know that I have not been in your word for a little over a year. I truly would love to be there but have not the strength to wake up in the mornings to read your living word. I pray that you will grant me that strength even when I stay up late at night.

Lord I confess that I have sinned against you in the past year. And in that sin I would make excuses for doing what I had done. Lord, I have confessed this sin to my sister in you. I don't think I can write it down at this moment. I am very embarrassed that I got caught up in this sin yet again. It is very hard for me to speak of let alone put done on "paper". I still have to take care of some of the items I have in my possession to be doing your will.

I know for those who may read this will think that I have no will of my own. But it was my decision to accept your free gift. It was also my will to turn my back on you for a season. Then when that season was over, I desperately sought you out once again. It would take two years before you gave me an answer. But in those two year, I learned how much I had lost when I turned from you. In that day, I felt the same peace you had given the first time I accepted your gift. And now I walk in your way of my own free will. I am not weak for this decision. I am very strong. I even made it through a time when suicide was once again plaguing my mind. I even made it though a brother in Christ's death. A death that never had to happen but he just choose the wrong path. It was the first time I experienced loosing a loved one by suicide. Of course it was an eye opener. It was the main reason that I started to take an anti-depressant.

Well Lord it is getting to be after 3:00 AM. I should really get to sleep. Poor Maya has fallen asleep next to me.

I bid you a fine good morning.

Yours in all I do.

RoseAnn (aka Mack)

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours - Part 7

I's asner him wit a quesion, "Can ya do me a favors? Can ya take off da coat an tie? You look ta be uncofortable."

Da man laffed an said, "Thanks for the offer, Murph." An he taked off da coat and tie. He smuthed da coat and lay it across da chair. Den he be fold da tie in haf and lay dat on top o de coat. He be take a deep breaf, "Now I feel like a human again. You know that people expect pastors to dress like this. But in truth God doesn't really care about how casual we dress within reason. What He does care about is the state of your heart towards Him. Remember how we were talking about Jesus and him coming down from heaven?"

"Yep." I's asner him. "But why's did Jesus lissin ta God? I's jist don unerstand why's man cain't do dis fer hiself. Why's we got ta haf Jesus do dis fer us?

Da man sits back and think bout wat I's say. Den he pull out dis little book. Da pages make a russlin' sound as he look fer somthin. An wen his be find it, he said, "Isaiah tells us that our sins are like filthy rags to God. And then Paul tells us that man has done no good thing to deserve to be in heaven or even ask for forgiveness because our God is a righteous God and he would not accept anything that is not as perfectly righteous as he himself is." Da man russls more pages. I's look at da clock. Da time be now 4:00 PM. Pretty soon da talk wit dis man will stop. "Now, Murph I can tell you even more but I know that time is short. So I am going to go ahead with what I can until the last moment. So I have told you that Jesus came to earth leaving most of his divine powers in heaven. This is so that he can live through what every human lives through. The hurts and deaths of loved ones. Jesus had to be born of a virgin. But that did not mean that he had to be an only child. He would suffer personal injuries as a child at play with brothers and sisters. Taking over the family after a beloved father (earthly father for Jesus) dies. Then when other brothers are old enough to take over, he will be start his ministry at 30 years of age. Before he starts his ministry he will be baptized. At that baptism the Father will speak to the crowd that is gather to be be baptized. He tells them: This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. He will be driven into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights without food or drink. Then he will face the greatest temptation ever given to man, the lust of the flesh which is the food he needed to live, the lust of the eyes, ruling everything that he can see, the pride of life, tempting God and becoming like Him. Yet he did not fall into the trap set by Satan. He did not sin."

Da man stops an looks ats me fer a second. Den he look ats his book, "Murph you ok with this pace? If you have a question please interrupt." I's nod an give a motion fer him to cotinue. "Ok. After the temptation has be beaten, Jesus will start his ministry in ernest. Two young men saw him when he was baptized and would follow him when he returns. For they heard what John the Baptist said about Jesus. They wanted to meet him. There names were John and Andrew. They listened to what Jesus was teaching. He too was teaching about sin and to repent of them. But he also talked about the One who would forgive those sins. They would ask if they were his lives. He would take them and they would be with him until night. The these two young men would go home to there families. Andrew would then tell his brother Simon .... "

"Who be dis Simon? I's don rebemer any Simon in de story o Jesus." I's ast sudenly. An den de clock in da yard chimed 5:00 PM. I's realize da dinner will be brot fer me. I's look and da man's samich still be at da spot he put it down. Buts I's jist ast my quetion. Nows I's wait fer my anser. I's not sure dis Simon be in da Bible.

Da man gived me a big smile, "Well you know Murph, that is one great question. Simon is in fact Peter. Jesus will change his name. He told Simon that no more will he be know as Simon Bar Jonah. He will be know as Cephas this is Greek for Peter, which means rock. But Andrew will not be the only brother who say something to his sibling. John will no doubt be talking to James. Jesus will call the brothers to be fisher's of men along with Andrew and Simon. The next day Jesus will find Philip and Philip will bring in Nathanael, which some will call Bartholomew; and up to seventy people will follow Jesus. All were disciples. He would only choose 12 men. These men will be called Apostles. They are Simon, called Peter, Andrew, James and John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Out of these 12 he will choose 3 men to be in his inner circle. Jesus would bring Peter, James and John into certain areas of his ministry that the others will not be asked to come.

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours - Part 6

"I will be staying as long as Murph would like me to stay. But I think this sandwich will be fine for me until I leave." da man anser, "I will eat when I leave. The Lord will sustain me with the sandwich until then."

"Oh, ok. Well if you change your mind please let me know." da guard say.

Da man bow his head an pray over his food. Afer he be don prayin he set da samwich ta one side. I's be cofuessed by dis til da man start to talk.

"Murph, you were interrupted when my lunch was delivered. I want to hear the last part of what you were going to say. I think you said that you weren't sure about something. I will eat after you explain that part to me."

I's smile at da man. He be da first people ta treat me likes a human in a lon time. I's really be likin dat and woner if all peoples be like dat. I's anser, "I's be not sure I's be able ta be forgiven fer all my's killins. I's be call a evil man. I's jist don thin I can go ta heaven. My's mamma tol me dat I's have ta be good ta go ta heaven. I's not be good fer a very lon time."

Da man jist sit in quiet fer a few minets. I's thin he be quiet fer a wile agin. But den he say, "Murph, let me tell you about a man who had the same thoughts about himself when he met Jesus for the first time. This man was at the stoning of Stephen; a murder really, he got others to turn away from Jesus at the point of a sword and finally if they did not deny Jesus, they were put to death at his say so. He did all this attrocis acts with a smile on his face. He thought that he was doing the work of God. But what he was doing was against what God really wanted. The man was blind to this because he thought his religion was really important. He thought that no one should deviate from that religion if they were born to worship the True and Living God. Do you think he deserved to be forgiven by Jesus and go to heaven?"

I's were lisen an wen da man ast me da quesion, I's be had ta thin bout da anser. My's anser be simple, "No, he don wrong."

Da man give a little laugh an say, "That is what a lot of people would say. I even said it at one time. Do you know the man's name I am speaking of, Murph?"

Agin anther quesion buts I's anser da bess I's know how, "I's be not sure who da man be. I's be not ta church in lon time. But ifin I's can guess, I's be saying it be Judas. He be da one dat trayed Jesus."

Fore da man coul anser da clock in da yard chimed 2:00 PM. I's be turn ta look at da clock. I's cain't believe it be dat time alls ready. I's jist hang my's head an have no mores cofidence. Dat be wen da man say, "Murph you look like you lost everything. Please let me help you gain all that you have lost." Him's voice soun very sad, "So I am going to tell you that the man was not Judas. Judas took his own life before Jesus was crucified. He could not ask for forgiveness. So he lost everything he ever had in the world. No, the man I am talking about is Paul. He was blind to who Jesus was. He was on his way to Damascus with more papers to make more people deny Jesus or put them to death. As he was walking a burning bright light blinded him for real. It was then that Jesus spoke to Saul, the name he had before it was changed by Jesus. During this conversation Jesus forgave Saul and told him that He will use him to change the world. Saul would regain his sight in Damascus. From there he would got to see the apostles and then into Arabia to study the scripture then. It was after all that training that Paul returned and started his mission trips and wrote his letters. He began to change the world during these missions. But he was not the first man that Jesus forgave for doing wrong. There was one other. That man was like you and I. He was a prisioner. And he knew that he deserved the fate he was given. But we will get to him later. Right now I want to ask two questions of you. First is why do people celebrate Christmas? Second why do you think Christians celebrate Christmas?'

I's be lisen real good ta wat da man be say. I's be ready fer a quesion but not da one da man ast. Nows I's be need to thin. It be somthin dat I's never thoug o afor. Buts I's give a anser I's thin be right, "Wells, I's thin fer peoples it be ta git presents an be wit family. I's not sure bout Christian peoples. I's member my's mama an us kids goin ta church. My's father be drinkin wen he don live wit us. Afer church we's git home an be open our present hopin dat my's father not be drunk and git means wit all da family. So Christian people be da same as da regular peoples cept dey goes ta church.

My's anser is somthin I's not be happy wit. But it be da best I's can give. I's see dat da man still not eat his samwich. I's woner why he not eat it. Den da clock in da yard chimed 3:00 PM as ifin ta say it be speedin up. I's look at da man an sees peace on his face. Dat gits me all calm down so as I's can lisen ta him agin.

"Murph you are exactly right in your reasoning. But I would like to focus on the church part of Christmas and Christians in particular. For Christians this is a day for us to welcome the coming of our Redeemer as a man on earth. Jesus was born for one reason and that was to give man a way to be reconciled to God. But not all Christians will worship this way. A good many of them just go through the motions so that they can get home and open their Christmas presents. That is a shame too. They have forgotten about the Savior that was born to take away the sin of all man kind. That is what we should be celebrating and worshipping.

Murph, Jesus didn't have to come to earth early that morning as a baby. He could have stayed in heaven and just let man continue on the course we deserved. But He did not do that. He obeyed the Father and came to earth. He gave up much of His godly power so he could experience much of what man did. He would be tempted just as man is tempted everyday. The one thing different about Jesus from man is that Jesus never gave into these temptations. Jesus was the only man that never sinned. He had to be spotless in order to reconcile man to God." Da man cotinue ta say. He nver took a bite o his samwich wile he tell me dis about Jesus. My's face must be show a bit surprise cause da man say, "Murph, if you have any questions about what I am saying please feel free to interrupt me. I am trying to tell you a whole lot in just a few hours. I don't want to have you just listening and not understand something."

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours - Part 5

Da man look sad at my's word. It amost look like he be given up ons me. It be da first time I's sorry see some ones look sad. An it be a man dat I's say mean word to wens I's meet him. I's afrad da he be leavin fore he be start. He not strike me ta be like dat. I's start ta feel like I's be lost and da man be a beacon flickerin at dat edge o de woods. I's don wan ta be lost. I's wan to be in da light weres da man be standin. Den de clock in da yard chimes 12:00 PM. I's be hungry but no wans to eat. I's jist woner bout how ta keeps da man from leavin. I's still need ta talk ta him. I's gots questns. Wats I's gonna do ifin he decide ta leave? Dat wens da guard came back.

"Do you want to something to eat? I can put a call through to the cafeteria for something? Murph, how about that dinner you ordered for tonight? Do you want to add anything? I can call let the cook know when I call in the order."

"Naw, I's be fine fer now."

"How about you Pastor? Would you like me to order you something for lunch?"

"Well, I could go for a ham and cheese sandwich if it is not too much trouble. Oh sir, some more water. It seems both Murph and I have finished what you brought us earlier."

"Ok, I will tell the cook. Do you want to order dinner now as well?"

"No thanks. I will be fine." the man say.

Da guard go ta makes da order. We's set in quiet. I's still thinin bout ta says ta da man fore da guard come in. I's be cofused by da look on da man face earlier. But nows I' knows dat I's have to give him a anser. Wats to anser is da questn. I's poner an poner bout wats ta say. It be very hard to make a anser fer him. It be quites a wile ta thin bout my's anser. Da man be quiet da hole times I's be thinin. I's woner wats he be thinin bout. Coud be as my anser make him sad. Or coud be he thinin bout somthin else. I's diside ta wach him fer a wile. It be dat I's learn somthin wiles I's wach him. Da lunch he be ordred will be dlivered in bout a hour so I's got some time ta figure wats da man really wans.

I's notise dat da man be bout 30 or 35. He got short hairs dat is a bit longer dan a DI cut. His face be clean shaven fer da most parts. His eyes be like warm caramel. Alls a swirl in golden brown. He be light in color. He be not too light as ta be cofussed as a white man. He be bout five foot an eleven inch or so. He be clothed in wat I's thought ta be silk but actually it be a spensive cloth. Da clothes be dark green dat kinda look black. Da tie be a lighter green dan de jacket an de shirt. Da pants be creased. Da shoes be like the clothes, a dark green dat kinda look black. Or dey be black an reflect the dark green. I's look up and da man be waching me. Dis gits me abit angry. Den I's member dat da man be here cause I's ast fer him ta come. I's calm down. I's cain't git angry cause I's ain't got da time. So's I's look down ta git calm. Wens I's look up agin da man be bowin his head. I's not sure but he coud be prayin. Was he be gittin ready fer his lunch? I's not be sure. But I's be quiet an let him pray.

Da clock in da yard chimed 1:00 PM but da lunch did not come yet. I's was woner ifin we be quiet til it came. I's hope not. I's cain't stan da silent much longer. I's be in silent fer bout 4 day now. I's jist don wan dat no mores.

"Ahem." I's hear from da man kinda cough. "I am sorry that I was quiet for so long. I was not sure what to say after your answer. I was kind of dumbfounded by the answer to tell the truth. I don't recall getting that answer before so I had to pray for what to say next. I hope that it didn't make you uncomfortable, Murph. I did not realize that I was very quiet for an hour. I now think I know how I can teach you who Jesus is and what He did for all men."

I's jist shrug my's shoulders. I's be not sure ifin God would wan somone like me in heaven. Afer all my's mom said I's had ta be good. I's never be good fer a very long time. I's be down righ evil. How be it dat God can forgive me fer alls I's don. I's look at da man an sees him give me a smile. It be a peaceful smile. One dat say you can say anythin an he be not angry at da anser. I's look up at da clock an jist hangs my's head. I's mite well hear wah da man wans ta say.

"Ok." I's say. "I's got no thin better ta do at da moment."

Da man look at me kinda strange like, "Murph, I want you to know that I am not going to force you to listen or make a decision. That will be your choice. You can still throw me out before we get started. I cannot make you accept anything as I say. You will have to listen from within your own heart if you want. If you do you can make a decision but I cannot make that decision for you. It is not my right to make that decision. So I am going to ask again. Murph, do you want me to teach you about Jesus or do you want me to leave?"

My's eyes kinda bug out. I's be shocked at wat da man say. I's know dat I's don wan him ta leave. I's still wan ta talk ta him. So I's say, "I's want ta talk ta you. So I's guess we can talk bout Jesus. I's be not sure ..."

Da guard come back wit da man's lunch an a cooler o water. I's be angry at da inruption. It be not polite ta inrupt a person who be talking.

"Murph, the cafeteria people told me that your dinner will be ready at 6:00 toinght. They did say since they will be deliving the meal at that time, they would like to have the pastor's order by 4:30 at the latest. That way they can deliver both meals at the same time. That is if your staying that long pastor?" He den put the samwich in front o da man.

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours - Part 4

Wiles dis man be talkin de guard return wit de water. De guard know me dat he brung me three waters. I’s be drink one down. I’s be lisen ta da man an his life fore he become a preacher man. I’s be inpress bout de fact dat he be to prison. I’s see de man in a diffnt light. He be like me but be not like me. I’s be more respecful o de man. De clock on de wall show 9:00 AM. I’s jist shakes my’s head. My’s time is windin down fast. I’s just have to cotinue cofessin my’s killins.

“Wells I’s be killins bout thousand o peoples fore I’s turn 30. My’s killins start comin faster an faster. I’s gits a bit sloppy wit some o da peoples I’s kills. But no one looks ta me as de killer. I’s be killins bout 5 peoples in a day. Sometimes it be evn mores. I’s thin I’s be lucky nots ta be catched since I’s kills so manys.

Wens I’s be 40 I’s slow downs my’s killins. I’s be gittin sick mores an mores. Wens I’s be good health I’s be out killins people. I’s be gittin mores an mores sloppy wit de accidnts I’s makes up. I’s be killins bout forty peoples. I’s be catched wens I turns 50. Right on my’s birtday. I’s be foun guilty o da killins o des forty peoples. I’s den have ta wait fer da jury an da judge ta give me my’s sentence. It don takes long. I’s knows my’s sentence da same day I’s be foun guilty. I’s be tol I’s be sentence ta deff. I’s jist nod my’s head. I’s figure dat I’s be gittin dat sentence. I’s don evn wants to go back ta trial. I’s jist accpt my’s fait. Nows dat I’s be cofessin do you thin dat God will forgive me? I’s be no good an I’s not sure ifin I’s shoud be forgived. I’s don da unpardnable sin. I’s cain’t be forgived.”

Da clock in de yard chimes 10:00 AM. I’s be finish cofessin an I’s feel alls wore out. I’s be scared dat the man will be angry wit me. Dis be da first times dat I’s evr share my’s killins wit any body. Sos I’s be anxious bout wat da man be thinin. My’s stomach be in knots. I’s wait ta see wat he be say afer I’s stop talkin.

“Mr Murphy …”

I’s inerupt, “Jist call me Murph. I’s be no mister. I's jist be Murphy o Murph.”

“Ah, then Murph, can I ask why you think you deserve to die? Besides the murders what makes you think that dying is something that you deserve?”

I’s be catched off guard agin. But dis time I’ be able ta anser. “I’s be no good an I’s be a killer. I’s don broked da command o God. He tol us not ta be killins peoples. It be wrong. I’s thin dat I’s needs be killd fer my killins. It be right. I’s evn be sure dat it be wat da peoples familys want. I’s be sorry bout bein catched but til today, I’s nevr be sorry fer killins dos peoples. Nows I’s be sorry fer dat too. Dey nevr did nothin ta me. I’s jist kills dem.

Do dat give you a anser? It make no nevr mind ta me. I’s don wat I don. I’s don diserve ta live”

“Murph, you have grasped a concept that most people who are on death row have a problem understanding. You told me just now that you deserve to die because you murdered people. More people than anyone knows deny this fact; but you realized your crimes in the last few years caused others pain as well as yourself. Though you did not show sorrow at first you are showing it now. You are asking to be forgiven. Not of those whom you hurt but from the very God whom you sinned against. You seem to be expressing a need to be forgiven by God but don’t think you deserve even this from Him. Is that what you are asking for, Murph?”

Fore I’s anser da clock in da yard once agin chimes. It be 11:00 AM nows. I’s jist cain’t believe how fast time be going now. I’s git over da fact dat it be 11:00 AM an I’s anser da man.

“I’s be thinin dat dat be wat I be needin. I's don know ifin God can forgive me. Afer alls I's don killd alls dem peoples. I's don thin I's shoud be forgived." I's tell da man alls sad like. "Der is nohing I's can says dat will makes God forgive me."

"Murph, what if I told you that your view of God is not right. It is a view that most people have so you are not alone. God is so much bigger than anyone can imagine. Yet we try our best to put Him in this little itty bitty box. We try to limit what God can do. Just like saying that He could not forgive you because of all the murders you have committed. You have put a limit on Him. But the fact is God can and will forgive your of all your sin. You just have to ask for it and that is where I can help you. Would you like that help, Murph?"

"I's s'pose so. Buts I's don thin I's can do it. Afer alls I's be bad and I's do no good. My's mama tol me dat God cain't forgive any ones dat be bad. She say dat Jesus need me ta be good sos I's can go to heaven. But you tell me differnt. I's not unerstand buts I's be lisenin."

"You know I believed that I had to be good and believe in Jesus when I was young. When I went to prison I thought I had lost my way to heaven. That was before I heard the pastor explain salvation. I would like to explain salvation to you slow enough so you can understand but fast enough for you to make a decision. If you need to ask questions then please ask. I may not have all the answers but I do have my Bible. What I don't know I will let the Lord guide us to an answer."

I's inerupt and say, "You wans ta teach me bout de Bible in ..." I's look at da clock, "... less dan 7 hours? I's jist don know ifin dat will helps me much."

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours - Part 3

"Thank you, Mr. Murphy. I know that I make you uncomfortable but I hope that won't last too long. After all, I just want to share the love of Christ with you. I am here as a brother in Christ. Not of the world if you prefer." de nigero say, "I will leave it up to you on how we start. You can ask me questions or if you like I can just tell you something of myself. I leave it all in your hands. You are in charge."

I's put mys head down. I's not sure how ta start. I's jist know dat I's need to cofess my killins. I's need ta tell someones. Might wells be dis nigero.

I's sighs an start quiet like wit my's head still down, "Did dey tell you bout my killins fer you came down?"

I's lif mys head ta see de nigero shake his head. I's did't thin so an ifin dey did den would he be so nice? "Well, I's kills mostly nigeros wens I's get ta be bout 24. How you feel bout dat?"

De nigero shook hims head, "I am a bit saddened by what you have said, but I am not here to judge you. One greater than me will judge you on all your deeds. I am here to listen and provide a way to be forgiven of all your sins. You see Mr. Murphy, I am only a sinner that was saved by grace. I do not see myself better than you. Nor do I see myself lower than you either. I see us as equals in God's eyes. He is the only One who will judge all men, race and creed at the appointed time. Do you believe this?"

I's look at da nigero fer a bit. I's wonder ifin wat he don say was da trufth. I's not sure hows ta anser da nigero and it bodered me. Why's it bodered me? I's member wat mys mama tol me's wen I's be youn. But I's never heared bout alls peoples bein sawd de same. As I's poner dis, de clock chimed 6:00 AM. Twelve hour alls I's got now. I's bes not be draggin my's feet no mores. I's got ta make my's cofessin to da nig ... er dat is ... de preacher man. It be alls I's got.

I's poner a bit mores and final says, "I's not sure bout wats you said. But ifin you's can jist lisen to my's confessin den I's be happy fer jist dat. Ifin you's cain't den I's be lost an be dying witout cofessin."

"That is quite all right with me Mr. Muphy. But I as a boone, a favor if you will, for myself," da nigero say, "I would like to share the love of Jesus with you as you confess your murders. Will that be all right with you?"

I's looks at da nigero and jist shrug my's shoulders. Wat can I’s says to his r’quest. “I’s guess it will been ok. Longs as I’s can cofess den I’s can lisen ta you. I’s do wan ta start nows ifin you don mind.”

De nigero smile and bow his head. I’s take dat ta mean I’s can start. “Well lets see. How do I’s start.” I’s tries tar member wen da killins started, “I’s be bout 11 wens I killd some animals. My’s mama foun out an beat me amost ta deff. I’s was in bed fer bout a week. Den I’s learned how to hide my’s killins o de animals. Wens I’s turn 15 I’s kills my’s first people. It be a friend da gots me great mounts angry. I’s hits him ovr da head wit a stick. I’s hits him an hits him til he be no movin. I’s thin he be ok cause he be still breatin. I’s learns he be died couple days latr. He nevr be wake up afer I’s beat him. Evryone thins my’s friend die cause o him be fallin down a hill. I’s nevr tell any one da I’s be da one dat kills my’s friend. I’s foun out dat I’s like killins peoples. I’s nows look fer peoples to be killd. It be my’s new game ta play. Wens I’s find a people I’s really wans ta kills den I’s follow dem until I’s see ifin I’s can kills dem like a accidnt.”

I’s cotinues ta esplans. I’s be temblin since I’s never tol any one bout des killins. I’s rubs my’s hans on my’s pants ta dry dem.

De nigero ast, “Mr. Murphy, can you tell me how many people you murdered while you are a teenager? I am asking to see if we can get to your twenties, thirties, forties and did you murder anyone in your fifties?”

De clock chimes 7:00 AM. I’s gree wit de nigero dat we have ta hurry. My’s time be runnin down. I’s nods my’s head an cotinues, “I’s thin dat I kills bout thirty ta forty peoples before I’s be 20. I’s nevr be foun out neither. Den wens I’s reach 20 I’s started ta kills miles away from my’s home town cause I’s cans drives. Dis is da time I’s start ta kills nigeros. I’s jist don like dem. My’s killins alls look like accidnts an I’s don leave my’s trail. I’s be killins mores an mores. It be up ta bout 3 by day. I’s be changing my’s style nows. I’s be makin it looks like a accidnt but I’s be moving people ta places ta be foun. I’s tol you da by 24 I’s be killins mores o de nigeros. I’s still be killins whites peoples too. Buts not so many nows.”

De nigero preacher man den ast, “Do you know what made you want to murder people? Some people would say that they had a bad upbringing. Or maybe they were a child who did not know their fathers. Or did you murder just for the sake of murdering? I ask because it just seems that you got some type of thrill out of killing people and not being caught.”

I’s be surprise by dis questn. I’s nevr thin bout whys I’s be killins people. I’s jist did it. I’s be stop in my cofessin cause o dis questn. I’s be thinin bout da reason but cain’t come up wit one. It be hard to member whys I’s start killins. I’s poner an poner an poner. I’s jist cain’t thin o any thin ta say. Alls dis thinin make me be thirsty. I’s wonner bout the nigero. Is he be thristy too?

“You be thirsty?”

“I could use something to drink. Do you want me to call the guard, Mr. Murphy?”

I’s jist nod an stays silent. I’s be thinin bout whys I’s be killins many peoples. I’s not happy wit de questn. It be distrbin me nows. De clock chimes 8:00 AM. Is time speedin up nows? Afore it be go slow nows it be fast. I’s needs be give anwr ta da nigero. Dat wens de guard show up at my’s door.

“You two need something?” he asts. “I will get you anything within reason.”

“Mr. Murphy and I would like something to drink. What can we have?”

“Well since Murph has a guest I will see what I can do. But if worst comes to worst, will you accept water Pastor Gregory? What about you Murph?”

“That will be fine with me. I would rather have water than anything else.”

I’s jist grunt at de guard. An I’s stays silent. I’s jist don know how ta anser da man questn. I’s be cofused. It must be shon on my’s face cause de nigero den starts ta talk.

“Mr. Murphy, did I make you uncomfortable with my questions? If I did I am sorry. You don’t have to answer them.

But while you are quiet, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the love of Jesus. I told you earlier that I was a sinner saved by grace. Well, the truth be told, I was a drug user and dealer. I went to prison many times for these crimes. Then one day a man came to the last prison I was incarcerated in. He was a pastor of a nearby church. He told us about Jesus and how He died for all to take away the sin of the world. He died for me and for every person in that room. That is what the pastor said. All we had to do was accept the free gift He offered us in His death. A bunch of us accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. While I was still in prison, I study the Bible and took courses to become a pastor. I did not have any luck at being a pastor for a very long time after getting out of prison. I just took the courses without being called to teach and pastor. Once I yielded my life to the Lord, I began having success as a minister to those in prison. My specialty was the prisoners that I knew best, drug dealers. But the Lord called me to minister to the men and women who were on death row. Today that calling has brought me here to minister to you.

If you would rather continue with your confession instead of trying to answer my questions then it will be fine with me.”

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours - Part 2

Da clock outside chime 4:00 AM. I's must been hearin thins. It cain't bes right. It be too early fer da preacher man ta git here. I's den hears more dan de guard's voice. Dere be bout three voices. One be the guards, de utter be the wardens and de last one be a strange. Coulds dat be da preacher man voice? I's cain't make out wat dey be sayin. Dey be far down de hall. I's try hearin wat dey be sayin pushin my's ear to de cell door. Bit at da time I's hear dem mores and mores. Souns like da preach man be ejucated. I's jist cain't see him. I's wonder wats he looks like. I's mites well set down an not be so anxious lookin. I's den remembrs I's be sweatin. I's go ta da sink an warsh up. Den I turn ta mys bed.

Afer wat seem like hours, I's hear de keys jangling outside my's cell. Den dey are put in the lock. I's set up straiter. I's straitn my's hair. I's all excit bout da preacher-man dat be comin in my's cell. I's see de guard firs buts cain't see round him.

"Murph, you have to promise to show this man respect. He is a man of God and is the only one who could come out tonight." de guard esplains. "He may not be exactly what you are expecting."

'Wats dat s'pose ta mean?" I's ast spiciously. "Wats da matter wit de preacher-man? Whys you makin say sech a thin?"

"Murph, let me introduce you to Pastor Gregory," da guard says. Den he move out o da way. A person walks in ta my's cell.

Wens I's see da man called Pastor Gregory, my's jaw falls ta da floor. Dis man be a nigero! I cain't talks ta no nigero! He cain't be no preacher-man. Den my anger flares up. "Who be dis nigero! Wats he donin pretendin to be a preacher-man!?" I's yell at da guard. "I's wants a white preacher-man! Not dis ... dis ... Nige..."

Da nigero inrupts, "Mr. Murphy, please let me explain why I am here." I's just shake mys head no! I's cain't talk to him. I's cain't look at him. He be the wors person for dem ta bring ta sees me. Den the nigero says, "Mr. Murphy, they tried to get you a white preacher, but they were all busy. I was the only one who could make it out tonight. I hope you will let me speak with you for a few moments. Could we at least do that? Then I would be very interested in what you have to say if you feel up to it. It will be up to you though. I will not force you to do or say anything that will make you upset."

Wats going on? I's think, Dis nigero did't get angry wens I's said da stuff bout not talkin ta him. I's jus looks at da nigero standin fore me. I's cain't say dat he be a bad looking nigero. No, matter o fact he be a very clean, and good looking nigero. He be wearin a nice blue business suit wit fancy lookin shoes. I's ain't inpressed. He s'pose ta be a preacher man ain't he be wearin less fancy clothes? Da man jist smile and stick his hand out ta me. I's jist nore it. Did't dey tell dis man dat most o de peoples I's killa was of his kind. Den I's hear de clock outside chime 5:00 AM.

I's jist shake mys head. I's cain't do dis now. Not wit dis man. But wat ifin wat he says be true? Wat ifin no one else will come? Den I's cain't cofess my's killins. Den I's will be no peace wit God. I's start ta thinin dat I's stuck. Den I hear someone clearin der throat. I's look and de guard kind o smile at me.

"Murph, what do you want to do? Are you going to talk to Pastor Gregory or not?" he ast, "I have to know soon. If he stays then we will set up a room for you to talk in. If not then I have to let the warden know to send someone down to get him."

I's jist shrug mys shoulders. I's don care. "He mite well stay." I's say gruffly, "Not likes I's got much choice."

"Okay, I will set up a room down the hall."

"Whys not jist leave us here? I's don have much time fer changin rums now."

"That will be fine with me as well. I am interested on how Mr. Murphy wants to proceed," da nigero says.

"Okay, but if either of you need anything just give me a holler."

I's jist waves my's hand at de guard. He best ta leave us alone so's we can start. Ifin I's gonna do dis, I's needs ta do it now. I's wach as de guard turn around an leave. I's was now alone wit de nigero. Dis man who call his self a preacher man. I's cain't believe dis. I's never seen a nigero preacher man in alls my's life. I's sigh and say, "Take a seat, ni .. er ... pastor."

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours - Part 1

I's done kills many a man and woman since I's been 14. I's be 59 today and I's be on deff row now. I's be convicted wen being catched after killins forty peoples. I's never be sorry fer killin all dem peoples. Never once cept fer today. Twenty-four hour alls I's got. I' be thinkin bout God. What He think bout my kind uh killins. I's wave ta da guard who be assigned to my las twenty-four hour. It is 12:00 AM.

"What do you need, Murphy?" da guard ast.

"Ya know a good preacher-man?"

"Not off the top of my head. I'll see if I can find one for you, Murph." he tol me.

"Kin ya hurry. I's ain't got much time leff."

"I will try to get someone within the hour, Murph. That is about as soon a I can find some one to ask."

I's watch da guard go to da phone. He rings up the main jail. I's wach him talk ta sombody. Da time is 12:30 AM. I's wants ta talk to a preacher-man. I's wants ta see da preacher-man. I's hopes one be found soon.

I's pace da floor o my cell. I's look at da clock. It be 1:00 AM now. I's be gitten worried. I's heared nothin about no preacher-man. My's time is be runnin down. I's looks at da bed and thin I's can take a nap til da preacher-man gets here. I's wan to cofess my's killins but I's don't know writin skill. I's drop out o school affer my firs killin.

Da phone rings whiles I's be remembrin. I's looks up ta sees da guard anser. He be too far fer me ta hear.

Da clock be at 1:30 AM. I's look ta see ifin da call be bout me. I's all a jitter bout da phone ringin. I's starts ta a strainin to hear wat be said. But I's cain't heared a dern thin. Dis gist me to a pacin. I's be not happy not at'll. Den I's heared da phone bein hang up. I's looks up an see da guard walkin my's way. He no be in any hurry ta git ta me. I's nervous ta be wachin him. He gots his head down. I's cain't see his face. I's resists yellin at him ta hurrys up.

Da guard stop in front o my cell, "I have some good news and bad news for you Murph. Which do you want first?"

"I's take da good news firs and den da bad."

"All right. The good news is that we found a preacher who is willing to come out here. The bad news is that this preacher is two hours away. I have been informed that he left right after he agreed to come. That was about twenty minutes ago. It makes his time of arrival after three."

I's drops my's jaw ta da floor, "So I's gots ta waits until 3:00 AM? Yus cain't git da preacher-man here fast'r? Wats I's spos ta do now?"

"I'm sorry Murph. I can't get the preacher here any faster. Why not get some sleep while you wait? This way you will be more awake when he gets here." da guard said.

I's jist give him a humphs and goes lie down. But I's cain't seems ta sleep. I's toss and I's turn. I's look at da clock. 1:45 AM. Times a draggin. I's jis bout hears da clock outside chime 2:00 AM. Da nex thin I's knows somone knocks on my's cell. I's git up alls in a huff! Who be stup'd nuff ta wakes me up nows. Den I's remembr. I's be on deff row and my time be runnin low. I's looks at da clock. It be 3:00 AM. I's sleeped sinc da guard talk ta me. I's looks at da door ta my's cell. An der da guard stand. He be talkin but I's not awake nuff to unerstand.

".... preacher just arrived at the front gate, Murph. You may want to splash some water on your face." I's heared. I's smile a momnt. Den I's look down embarass like.

I's gos ta da sink an turns on da col water. I's throws it on my face. Da col shocks me mores wake. I's ready fer my's meetin wit da preacher-man. I's comb my's hair an sits on my bunk waitin. I's be more nervous now. Cain't seems to stop figitin. It be like I's a kid agin sittin waitin fer church ta start. I's be wondrin bout how ta greet da preacher-man. Dat's wen the guard say, "Now you best brace yourself, Murph. This man of God is not exactly what you may be expecting. So you best behave yourself or he will be asked to leave. Do you understand?"

I's jist look at da guard an nod my's head. I's truly don't unerstand but I's don't haf time to worry bout been shocked. I's look at the da clock. It be 3:20 AM. Comin from da front gate takes bout forty-five minetes. It be afer 4:00 AM wens he git here. Whys did da guard wake me up ifin da preacher man not be here. Den I's be not waits an worry fer so long. I's wan to confess mys killins fore I die. I's not be likin dis waitn. I's go jittery agin. I's don know wat to say to da preacher man. I's start ta git panicy. I's not sures dis be a good idere. I's pace my's small cell, frettin and sweatin. I's be soaked by time da preach man gits here da way I's be sweatin. I's look at da clock agin and find it only 3:40 AM. Whys time slonin down? Whys not speed up? My's mind start to make me crazy. I's cain't be takin dis anys more. I's need ta talk ta da preacher man nows. I's bout to rush mys cell door wens I's hear a noise down da hall. It be da door dat leads to my's private cell.

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours Introduction

Death Row: The Last 24 Hours

Midsummer story exchange

To: Mack
From: GinKazeRyuu

A man is held in prison and is sentenced to death for murder. This story takes place following an hourly basis of the last few days (originally last forty eight hours but whoever gets this can manipulate the time) of his life, until the moment he dies, following his perspective.

I have chosen to manipulate the time to that of a twenty-four hour period. My man is an uneducated white man and he is watching the clock. He is also asking to see a preacher to confess his "killins". I hope no one will be offend on how I describe the pastor who comes to see the convict.

This was a bit harder than I thought with having to remember to keep an hourly account of the last day of my main character's life.

Murphy - aka Murph - my main character and serial killer sentenced to death for the last 40 people he murdered.
Pastor Gregory - African American - A true believer of the Bible and his Lord Jesus Christ.
The guard - minor player in this story.

I am a writer

I do not know if I have mentioned in this blog that I am a writer of sorts. I have written some stories that are posted on a Norwegian based web site. I want to share one of the stories that fits well here.

I just hope it will not offend some people as being prejudice. I hope you will enjoy it for what I meant for it to do. That is to praise our Lord Jesus Christ.

I will be sharing this story in parts every week. The only thing that may be missing right now is the ending. I am still working on that and hope to have it finished before I finish posting the very last portion.

First I want to post the title page and how this story came to be. If you have any questions at any time please let me know.

I do want to let you know that GinKazeRyuu is a user name and my user name is Mack. This is from a web site I belong to that is for writers, gamers, reviews and the like.

I will be posting the first part next week. So sit back and enjoy the story as it unfolds in the coming weeks.

I thank you in advance for reading.

May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you all as you read.

One Way or Many Ways into Heaven

We have heard that there are many ways to God or heaven. But is that the truth? Do you really believe in many ways? Or is there only one way? And if only one way, how does one go through that one way?

Well, I believe there is only one way to God and therefore into heaven. After all that is what Jesus tells us. If you don't know of Jesus' words, then I will share them with you.

John 14: 1-6

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Jesus is telling us that he is going back to heaven. That there are many mansions (or rooms) in His Father's house. His Father's house is heaven. And it is there that Jesus is building our place for us in heaven. It a specific place. He also told us that He will come back for us. He will be our escort into heaven. But we know the way to our new home as well. But Thomas does not think we know the way as is shown in verse 5.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

So we come to the verse where Jesus tells us that there is only one way into heaven.

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus is using the definite article the when He says the way, the truth, and the life. First Jesus says He is the way. He doesn't say that you have to look for a way but that He is the way. Then He tells us that no man comes to the Father by through Him. That means there is only one way into heaven and seeing the Father.

But you may be asking, isn't this to narrow? Well, lets see what Jesus has to say about the way being narrow.

Matthew 7: 13-14

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Jesus tells us to enter in at the strait gate. Why? Well if you go into the wide gate and broad way we are going into destruction. Why does it lead to destruction? First it is because of the world. Who has control (so to speak) of the world at this moment? He is the king of liars, thieves and murderers. He wants everyone to follow him to damnation. That is why it leads to destruction.
Yet, Jesus mentions the strait gate first. And He explains this gate is narrow. It is the way to lead to life. But this gate is hard to find. Why? Because people like the world more than the Savior. We would rather be comfortable in the present (if you can call it comfortable) than be comfortable for a everlasting life.

But that doesn't answer the question of why only one way. Ok, let me use my pastors favorite way of putting this. If there were only one way to cure cancer, you wouldn't say that it was too narrow. No, you would be one of the first in line to receive this cure. Or if you suffered from Aids and someone proclaimed to have the only proven cure. What would you do? Would you still take the old methods with a chance of dying from the disease? I think not. You would beg to receive the cure. No questions asked. So why do we think that Jesus being the only way to God and heaven is too narrow? He is the cure for cancer, for Aids, for all the world's ills. Yet we would deny Him.

What about the many ways? Does the Bible say anything about that? The only thing that I can point to for the many ways is in the last book of the Bible. If you want to continue to deny Jesus and continue to try and reach God on your own, you will have to answer for that denial. Then your many ways to heaven will put you at the judgment seat of God.

Revelation 20: 11-15

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is the judgment that will happen to those who did not turn to Jesus. But not just turn to Him, they accepted His work on the cross. They accepted the fact that they were sinners and could not gain entry to heaven without Him. They confessed the Lord Jesus and asked for His forgiveness.

Where would you want to spend eternity? In God's presences or in the lake of fire? If you think hell is going to be a party then you are sorely mistaken. We will go over that study at another time.

As for me, I want to be with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. I want to sing His praises.

Would you like to know that you are going to heaven? Do you have more questions? Then please let me know. I would love to discuss this with you. We can even discuss how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Until our next study.
God bless you all.

Heaven Bound

I decided to call this blog Heaven Bound Messages to share the love of Christ.

The blog will have short Bible Topical Studies. I do encourage participation but it is not necessary. The studies will be coming from both the Old and New Testaments.

I cannot guarantee that this will be updated weekly. But I will try to update the studies as often as I can.

I will be monitoring any comments. I will not allow any comments to be posted that are truly cruel and have foul language going to the main post. I do not mind disagreements or even correction. But the cruel, intolerant views and foul language will not be shown here. The reason is in the first sentence. This is about love, but not just any love. It is the love of Christ. So I ask that you will respect the one rule while answering.