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Where is everybody?

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Does my comment count?

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I'm in, let's get it going!

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I'm in too. Great class on book of Revelation. It really hit home when you gave the example of standing up for Jesus even if meant your child would be sacrified for your belief. WOW I have a son, very active in Veritical at Cedar Creek, and that really got to me. Keep up the great work. You are touching many lives.

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Ok Kyle answer this: I am stuck on the whole Oprah question Googling it I get answers in both directions. Some are it is one way and you "know" Jesus or your condemned. Others are that those who are in remote areas "know" Jesus/God in other ways. Yours/Cedar Creek's stance?

revelation class

With idenity theft growing at the rate it, could this be leading up to the mark of the beast and in stead of be a mark you can see, will it be a mirco chip that is implanted under the skin. they are doing this with dogs to be able to find them if they are lost.

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First of all, nice game Notre Lame. Secondly, Thanks for the props on the Revelation class Bobbie. I've had a great time going through this with the class, over 500 people! Hopefully I have presented the information in a way that helps everyone get involved! Thirdly, Rick...the only thing you need to know about the mark of the beast is that it will probably have something to do with the letter M. You'll see it on cars, hats, shirts, flags and in the urinal trough at the Shoe. Fourthly, no name had a question about people in remote parts of the planet who have not heard about Jesus Christ...what of them? Will they go to heaven? What of the ancient Indian tribes? If the bible says only those who believe in the name of Jesus will be saved, how is it fair for these people? Did God grant them grace? Does the bible say that every man and woman will have a chance? Let's do some digging here...I want someone to answer this, then I'll chime in with my thoughts:)

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I did read Romans 10:14 and as far as I see that is spread the message. Unfortunately that does not answer my questions. I am at Bible 101 so bear with me.
Is this appropriate Blogging, place, and what you are looking for?

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We have an "ask a Bible question" link off the website...those go myself and an answering team. But I'm sure we'll have some sizable debates in this blog. Let's wait a while and see what other people have to say about this question you've raised! I'm sure it will take a while before people start getting that we're doing this. I'm singing this week at Perrysburg, maybe I'll get an announcement in there about the new site. Whitehouse New Community was awesome tonight, Jay and the team brought the thunder. Nice work people.

Repulsed

I was amazed and could not believe the blasphemous comment by Kathy Griffin at the Emmy's. Although she claimes it was a joke, the audience reaction might have been more distressing.

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There are SO many atheists siding with her right now! I've read many articles of people who are sick of celebs/athletes thanking God. I read one where this guy (don't remember his name) doesn't believe God should even be allowed to be mentioned publicly. Like we are forcing religion down their throats by acknowledging God. How sad this has got to be to an omnipotent but sovereign Savior...waiting, watching, ready for a return that will change everything. I think it's for these people He is holding out for, one last chance...it's up to us to make it count.

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Just a quick request Kyle......We have such God given talent with you and our music team at the Creek. Lets show some of it off on the new website, people checking out our site can be inspired by it also. Please?????

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Is this blog just for pastor conversations?

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We're close to releasing our music from the weekend on the website...we are fighting through copyright issues at the moment...we'll get it figured out.
Jason...is this blog for pastor conversations? I hope not! That would get incredibly boring. -ha
I hope to find there are as big of morons out there as I am. We have to find our place here...inevitably Snyder will have intellectual, brilliant conversations going...Lee will have the 'state of the Creek' church talk going on that keeps everybody focused...Then there is me. I never took math after 8th grade (true story). I gain my knowledge through the 'For Dummies' series, but I have a red guitar...so maybe that will balance things out. -ha

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Cedar Creek just rocks! Everytime we go, I hear something I need to hear and the music.......words cannot do it justice. Praise and Worship "rock music" as some call it is just awesome!

Praise God!!!!!

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I think I have an answer to the question "What about the people who haven' heard." First the bible is clear there is only one way to heaven (John14:6, 1 Tim 2:5-6 and Acts 4:12). So if someone hasn't heard, what about them? We were created in God's image. We were given a moral conscious. We are given an innate sense of right and wrong. (Romans 2:12, 14-15). I believe the answer is that God will Judge those who haven't heard about him based on general revelation. That is, He has made Himself known through His creation. (Romans 1:18-21). So, as He reveals himself through his creation people are drawn to seek the true God. They know right from wrong because they were created in his image. What people do with the information is what God will use as the basis of His Judgment. NOT the Basis for salvation. What does that mean about people who haven't heard being in heaven? I am not exactly sure. I do know that God's judgment is perfect.

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So this is the big exciting blog huh? Well, buckle up girls. Where do I want to start?! First off, enuf of the "kyle your music is sooo groovy" comments. Kyle already knows his music is good. Its just okay to me, but I really do like the red geetar! Now what is the question? Oh wait, I am being summoned by the wife. I will get at this a little later. I like pancakes.

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Rock me Amadeus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (If you don't get that...move on) I think Junior is on to something up there. Rack it.

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Yah you know I think he might be on to something. Let me take a wack at it. Wanna hear it? Here it go! people are accountable to God whether they have “heard about Him” or not. Bible says that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that we are some sinful people and we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:21-23). Apart from God's grace, God would give us over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to see just how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. He does this for people who reject Him (Romans 1:24-32).
In reality, it is not that some people have not heard about God. The problem is that they have rejected what they have heard and what is clearly seen in nature. Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Everyone who truly seeks after God will find Him. If a person truly desires to know God, God will make Himself known. (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
Again, the problem is, “there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:11). People reject the knowledge of God that is clear in nature and in their own heart, and instead decide to worship a “god” of their own creation. I think its dumb to debate the fairness of God sending someone to hell who never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ. People are responsible to God for what God has already revealed to them. The Bible says that people reject this knowledge, and therefore God is just in condemning them to hell.
Instead of debating the fate of those who have never heard, we, should be doing our best to make sure that they hear. Remember, we are called to spread the Gospel throughout the nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). The fact that we know people reject the knowledge of God revealed in nature must motivate us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only through accepting the Gospel of God’s grace through the Lord Jesus Christ can people be saved from their sins and rescued from an eternity apart from God in hell.
Now chew on this for a second. If we assume that those who never hear the Gospel are granted mercy from God, we will run into a big pickle. If people who never hear the Gospel are saved…we should make sure that no one ever hears it. The worst thing we could do would be share the Gospel with a person and have him or her reject it. If that were to happen, they would be condemned. People who dont hear the Gospel must be condemned, or else there is no motive for evangelism. Why run the risk of people possibly rejecting the Gospel and condemning themselves – when they were previously saved because they had never heard the Gospel?
I had this answer tucked away in my files. I think its from the book (What About Those Who Have Never Heard?) by Ronald Nash. Just remember like Junior said, "Gods judgment is perfect". We wont always understand everything! Remember Deuteronomy 29:29.
Hope that clears it up for you! Yes, I tend to run on. SO WHAT! Holla!

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So have we transitioned to talking about fantastic 80's music?? I'm in!!

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I have coming to Cedar Creek a year now and I have to say the sense of being "comfortable" is the reason I have been coming back. If you would ask me a year ago if I would be going to church every weekend I would tell you you were nuts! I now have a new sense of what my relationship with God is. I just wanted to thank Cedar Creek for giving me a place to be accepted.

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I like it Falco!

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Soooo, can we get something going here or what? Kyle, come up with a new topic or something. Maybe we could talk about how stupid Snyder is for being a Notre Dumb fan. Do you know about the candel lit mary shrine in the middle of the campus? How about the huge statue of a person they call Touchdown Jesus that supposedly brings them good luck. What a freakin joke dude. If Falco was a non denominational pastor, he would definitly not be telling people that he was a die hard catholic football fan! C'mon people! This is a blog!! Lets get at it!!

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Ok! Sorry. I shouldnt have called him stupid! Absurd, silly, even ludicrous, but not stupid. I still got love for him, just a little to close to the dark side if you ask Falco.

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Right on Falco! Notre Lame is one team I will never endorse.

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hey kyle!! just a shout out from all of us here on St Kitts. we just started a new semester and we continue watching cedar creeks videos on sunday mornings (although we're still trying to figure out the new website layout..haha). last semester our church had a communion service and 3 baptisms! God is moving in great ways down here! please continue to pray for us! God bless!

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Falco better watch his P's & Q's. It wouldn't hurt to stop referring to himself as Falco, either.

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Hip. HipHop. Hiphoppanonymous! I will let you know that I have infact been watching my P's, my Q's and my R's and S's! Now can we please talk about something good? I am getting boooorrred! Hey Hiphoppanonymous, is me referring to myself as Falco annoying you? SO! Falco likes it!
Oh hey by the way, I noticed that Doug Masters has joined us! Thats great! Hey IronEagle, what happend to Chappy?
Falco out

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Chappy has been running the dream with Gail Devers. Lets just say his career has gone done hill since taking on the Russians. Lets leave Chappy out of this though.

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Chappy's career is going down hill, not done hill. It appears I need to cross my t's and dot my i's before I comment. Anyway, we have a new thread on global warming go check it out.

Question

First of all YOU ROCK!!!! Second.....I am hoping you can answer something for me. I dated someone in high school for a few years, and he had committed suicide, I am now 37, and I still struggle with many many things because of that, but one thing is that I don't know if he is in Heaven or hell. I have been told suicide is a straight shot to hell.

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Once someone attempts to address (and I think we know who will have the wordiest, most drawn out thread) Kerry's concern above...I'd like to hear what he has to say about then sucking cancer sticks down like they're lollipops with gum inside. I wonder if committing a slow, drown out suicide is comparable to a quick one? Like, would you ask Jesus for a light? I'm just asking...

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I would like to address the comments on Notre Dame. I assume Falco was being sarcastic and humorous when he said that being a non-denominational Christian does not enable one to cheer on a Catholic football team. I hope he was just poking fun at Snyder but if not, it was a classic case of bigotry and intolerance. I went to St. Francis de Sales and I always wish the best for my school as well as all the schools in the Toledo Catholic Diocese. And I am not even Catholic. :)

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I would like to address the Hiphoppanonymous statement but now that will have to wait. Hey there Jason! How the heck are ya? Good. Good. Hey lets imagine that Falco was raised in a satanic home and went to a satanic school. Well, lets say this school had a great football team and even though they were satanic and outwardly and boldly practiced and proclaimed blasphemy against the one true God and His holy scriptures, I still cheered for them and told people how much It upset me when they lost a game. Can you be okay with that Jason? Maybe Jason needs to understand just exactly what his catholic roots has been and is now teaching people. Jason did you know that the so called infallible pope of the catholic religion thinks that because you are not catholic that you are going to burn like the disco inferno? Yup, along with everyone else who doesnt conform to the unbiblical practices and beliefs of the catholic religion. Now who is the bigot (RCC) and who is the one pointing out nonsence (Falco)? I made it easy, I put the answers in parenthises for you. Cedar Creek is puting on a 3 week class on Thursday evenings coming up. It will talk about the differences between the catholic religion and the BIBLE which is the stance of Cedar Creek. I think that you and Snyder should sit together. If I were you I would also bring some tissues to wipe each others tears. Oh by the way Falco grew up catholic as well. Come on Jason, educate yourself a little before you start saying things like "classic case of bigotry & intolerance".

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Yah, that would be fun to talk about smoking and suicide. Or heck, even taco bell and suicide. Why not oreos and suicide!? I see where you are going there and I DO like it. But not right now. Hey Kerry! First off I am really sorry that you had to experiance that and even more sorry that you are still struggling with it. Let me try to clear something up for you. No where in the bible does it say that killing yourself is a direct ticket to the hot pond. What it does say is that with out Jesus, you are sure to end up in the BBQ. No question about it. Killing yourself is considered to be the sin of murder in the bible. According to the Bible, whether a person commits suicide is not what determines whether he gains entrance into heaven. If an unsaved person commits suicide, he has done nothing but “expedite” his journey to lava lake. The person who committed suicide will ultimately be in hell for rejecting salvation through Christ, not because committed suicide. I do not believe that a Christian who commits suicide will lose salvation and go to hell. Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s love! “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). If no “created thing” can separate a Christian from God’s love, and even a Christian who commits suicide is a “created thing,” then not even suicide can separate him from God’s love. Jesus died for all of our sins...and if a true Christian were to, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commit suicide - that would be a sin that Jesus died for. HOWEVER, there is no circumstance that can justify someone, especially a Christian, taking his or her own life. Christians are called to live their lives for God – the decision on when to die is God’s and God’s alone. If you still feel like discussing this, I would suggest the (ask a bible question) link in the Cedar Creek web page. They usually give great answers!

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LOL...Falco, you never cease to amaze me. Your answers, although not as humorously decorated as you probably think, are always sound and profound. I love that you back up your stuff with scripture. That way, whether your threads sting or inspire...people can go right to the source and feed themselves. Now...tell me, would you or would you not ask Jesus for some fire to light your hump back?

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OK Hiphopanonymous. Lets get at it. The Bible never directly mentions smoking, but there are a couple of principles, that definitely could apply to smoking. First, the Bible commands us to not allow our bodies to become "mastered" by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, "Everything is permissible for me" - but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me" - but I will not be mastered by anything." Smoking is undeniably strongly addictive. Later in the same passage we are told, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Smoking IS bad for your health.
Ok just so you know, I look at this (smoking being sinful) in a couple of different ways. If 1 Cor.6:19-20 says that we are to honor God with our bodies then should we not eat fast food, use sweat & low in our ice t, & move to cities with no smog? On the other hand Scripture says "Everything is permissible for me" - but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me" - but I will not be mastered by anything." So if one is not mastered by smoking but just enjoy's a smoke here and there, I see nothing wrong with it. However, if Falco's smoking were to make another brother fall, I would not do it around him. These are just some beginning thoughts on the topic. And yes, I suppose that I would ask Jesus for a light. He might pass me a Bic, or he might slap me. I guess we would know for sure then wouldnt we?! Your thoughts...

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I am doing great! Hopefully, I didn't offend you at all, Falco. :) I am just a person who tells it like it is. lol I have to respond to what you said earlier. First of all, I am not Catholic. I didn't convert ten years ago because I disagreed with some of their beliefs among them being the one true church as you said. But I have to ask the question in reverse of whether Cedarcreek and in turn you as well believe that Catholics are going to hell. I don't believe that to be the case. I have met many Catholics over my lifetime and their level of faith in Christ puts me to shame sometimes. lol I also admire the Catholic church for standing by its beliefs even when the culture thinks differently. For example, a lot of churches and people agree with abortion or stay silent on it but the Catholic church thinks it is wrong and should be illegal. Also I have to point out that everyone's view of Scripture is different from everyone else's. My opinion on what a certain passage means might be different from yours or Kyle's or Lee's or whoever. I consider myself to be a contextual or symbolic reader of Scripture. I don't take it literally in all cases although I know some people do. But if they were honest, they would admit they don't because they would have to believe for example that women are inferior and shouldn't wear jewelry or makeup, that the earth is flat and only 6, 000 years old, that sex is only for reproduction, and so on and so forth. I also believe that just because something is not in the Bible doesn't make it necessarily bad. I see nothing wrong with lighting candles in worship even though the Bible doesn't mention it. I also like crucifixes because they are a visual reminder of Jesus' sacrifice for us. Finally, the Catholic seminar at the Creek will not be the Catholic slash and burn that you had hoped for. I talked to Hooty and he said that the forum would be conducted with love and respect for the Catholic church. He said he would state Catholic beliefs and then show where Cedarcreek differs. I have no problem with that. An open, nice dialogue is always better than personal attacks in my view. I hope this clears up my thoughts on the topic.

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A note to Falco... dude... I'm fairly sure your tirade against the Catholic church is not what God has in mind when he calls us to love one another. As a 'born again' Christian whose 'born again' sons attend Catholic school (and who regularly bring our Catholic friends to Cedarcreek!), I am begging you to please stop the Catholic bashing! 'Someone' once said that 'conviction without love is repulsive'! ;) I am definitely not feeling the love. Please don't be a stumbling block to my friends coming to faith in Jesus Christ. There is no perfect church out there so let's keep our focus on Christ and His redeeming work on the Cross! The indwelling Holy Spirit will take care of transforming the heart and mind of the believer. I would add that while sometimes God calls us out of a particular church... He also may call us to stay in that church and make disciples there. I would warn you to be careful not to play 'junior holy spirit' in the lives of others! Thankfully, God looks at the heart and not at 'church membership'. I'm pretty sure that no one on this side of heaven has it all right! Grace and Peace! ><>

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I'll tell you what my thoughts are on your lame response there Faglco....I never once suggested that smoking was a sin, nor did I elude to the idea that I thought it was...I just simply asked how someone thought it compared to suicide. I mean, if it says right on the carton that it WILL KILL YOU, yet you continue to spend the outrageous $4.87 (I'm guessing) to smoke them...what's the difference between that and using any other method to knowingly shorten your life? I also find it interesting that your subconscious immediately interpreted the suggestion that it was sinful. You know, once they start putting a message on the side of my Taco that says "THIS IS GOING TO KILL YOU"...I (might) stop eating them. And, yes, there are several things that aren't very healthy that we all like to indulge in. Rice Krispy treats, Oreos, ice cream, double thick chocolate malts...while these things aren't healthy, their effects on the body can be balanced, controlled, even reversed through other activities...smoking can't. People sometimes argue that you can develop lung disease and lung cancer and never have smoked/been near a cigarette before in their entire lives. This is absolutely true. But tell me this (stay with me now), would you send your child through a prison yard of pedofiles? Why not? I mean, it could have been your child that those criminals got to on the outside before they were put in prison. You didn’t need to send your kid to them. But the common sense answer is that you wouldn’t do it because it isn’t safe. It’s risky and it is not good judgement. You wouldn’t intentionally increase the odds of harm coming to your child. So why would you intentionally increase the odds to harm yourself? It seems to me that it is a deliberate (although I understand an absolutely addictive) intentional act that brings nothing but harm to yourself. Maybe you use the reasoning (in your own mind) that disease won’t catch you. You’ll quit before that happens. I wonder how many people use that same mentality with actual sin. Something like… “The world’s not gonna end today. I got time. I can get a few more sins in before I need to really quit.”

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1. I dont think all catholics are going to hell. I am not a heart reader and so I cant make that call.
2. You admire the catholic church because they stand up for some good. Dude, Hitler stood up for some good. Muslims, Mormans, Jehovas Witness, etc. all have a couple of good things going for them. But that doesnt mean that we should respect them. They are an abomination to God, but you respect them?!
3. This will be the big one. Scripture can be viewed differently on an acute level. But we are talking about the big stuff here man! Praying to the dead is recommended by Rome.- Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping “them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” Para 958. We can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world.” Para 2683. Just to name two out of the catholic catechism. But what does Gods word say?- “There shall not be found among you any one…that useth divination, or an observer of times, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. [one who calls up the dead].” Deut. 18:10-11. And again- “And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits [divination; contacting the dead], and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus. 20:6-7. Just to name 2 out of many more! Now can we have different views on what scripture is saying here? No way. Or wait how about Mary being the queen of heaven.- “Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation.... Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the [Roman Catholic] Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.” Para 969. But what does God say?- In Salvation the Lord Jesus Christ Alone Mediates. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”(I Timothy 2:5) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name [Jesus Christ] under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Are you getting my point here Jason? This is just two examples out of about 20 that contradict the words of our Lord. Okay, lets move on. I want to pick apart your entire post but that would be a looong post on my part so I will just pick a couple more. Okay, the flat earth thing. Yah, 2200 years before Christopher Columbus, The bible already told us that the earth isnt flat. "It is he who sits above the circle of the earth"(Isaiah 40:22) And yes, I believe in a young earth, because I have put in the time to study the evidence for both and the young earth view blows the old earth evidences out of the water. Moving on- nothing is wrong with lighting candles in worship. As long as its not worshiping someone or thing other then God. (Exodus 20:3) How about crucifixes. If Jesus would have been shot in the head and killed would you wear a bullet around your neck and put up pictures of guns? Read (Exodus 20:4) also let me remind you of how mad God was when Aaron made a little gold calf to remind the Israelite's of their God? He wanted to kill them remember? (Exodus 32)
Finally, I am not for a catholic burn session. I am however all for what Jude 3-4 says, along with the many others that warn us of false doctrine and mysticism. I dont respect that church, but I do care about the people in it who are being led astray. I hope you attend the class. I also suggest actually studying your bible:) I hope this clears up some of my thoughts on the topic.

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What

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I want to let you all know that as of now, Falco will be retiring from the blog. It was never Falco's intent to turn people away, or burn the ears of the readers. I feel that this may be what Falco has been doing and that is the exact opposite of what I would like to accomplish. The blog is so impersonal that I tend to be very sharp in my answers and not think about the soul on the other side of the screen name. I dont want to renig on anything that I said, but I do want to apologize if Falco hurt your feelings with his superciliousness.
--Falco out--

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We lost a fellow blogger today.
Amadeus Rocks No More
R.I.P. 9/18/2007 – 9/25/2007
His lame sense of humor and the broken safety on his bible guns will be no more.
May his supercalifragilisticness (or whatever) go in peace.
LONG LIVE FALCO!!!

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Well, since Falco is retiring from the blog, he probably won't see this post but I definitely need to respond again. He basically solidified any thoughts I had of him being bigoted and intolerant. Thanks, Susan for your comments. Catholics and Mormons are similiar to Hitler?! That is something the Ku Klux Klan would say. Dude, you don't belong at Cedarcreek. You belong in a Baptist, Pentecostal, or some other fundamentalist church where your views are welcome and you can spew your hatred with impunity. Cedarcreek has built its reputation on being welcoming to all visitors and being nice to people. That doesn't fit you. You need to go back and listen to Lee's sermon on being nice to people and not being a fanatic or did you miss that one? :) Or it might speak to something more sinister about the Creek which I hope is not true. That is the fact that the pastors and volunteers appear to be nice and tolerant at the church but behind the scenes are arch-conservative and intolerant like Falco. That is fine if they are sexist and anti-Catholic. People can hold whatever views they want. But they need to say these things from the stage or pulpit to everyone at services and not let them find out later as I did blogging in this post. lol Finally, your comments about the Catholic church being an abomination to God. Dude, there are some people who think Cedarcreek is an abomination to God. Afterall, we sit in an auditorium, we listen to rock music, we have coffee in the worship space, we can dress however we want, and we can believe and do whatever we want. These are not my opinions but what other Christians who worship at other churches have told me when I tell them I go to Cedarcreek. So it is all relative. :) On a lighter note, I would like to meet Falco face to face one day and have a talk over coffee or something. I have this feeling that he is not as much of a hater in person as he sounds on this blog. lol Hopefully, that is the case. With that in mind, peace out!

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FALCO I would encourage you to stay or this blog will turn into one like Lee's. (yawn) Jason I thought Cedar Creek was for anyone? FALCO I would encourage you to leave an opening to us that are just asking questions and looking. I can not argue or even engage you when I know very little about the Bible. If I agree, disagree, or even if I am offended by your response you did at least respond to the question. Thank you. I do have to admit I was surprised by the TEXT of the message as this is a church site. I was questioning if I would need to block the site so my kids could not get to it. If nothing else I would have read the entire Bible by the end of the month just by reading your blogs!

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I think the message that Falco so insensitively and untactfully try tried to deliver with his threads on Catholicism was to BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHINGS. Some people are so alarmingly passionate about this warning in the bible that in trying to get the message out...they burn the ears right off of people they are trying to reach. I think you are right Jason, I don't think Falco is anything like the freak that he sounds like, I think he has a sense of urgency for the people who think they got it down and don't. Not everyone should be public speakers...ya know? Falco had his facts straight in regards to what the RCC teaches people and what the bible clearly states, however, his opinions and his inability to express them with love and understanding left those facts unheard. I know others like Falco. Their whole-hearted sincere intent is to bring souls to Christ. One thing I’ve learned about people over the course of my life is that fear develops into anger. Falco’s fear of fellow Christians being misled by false teachings scares him to the point of anger (it seems). I hope we hear from him again. I hope Falco is still reading (I can't believe that he's not) and I hope he busts out of retirement a new blogger. One who sees the error of his ways and really opens his mind and heart to what he so perfectly quoted above in his response to the suicide thing…Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s love! “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

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Dang are we done yet? Dumb I tell you, completely dumb that this conversation continues. It is real easy to talk smack online, but it is another thing to have an intelligent conversation. Hopefully we are moving past the drama and get into some good stuff. Stop the lame bickering and let's do something productive with this space! I think I can speak for the Church when I say that intolerance is not expectable at CedarCreek, however on the other hand, CedarCreek has made some VERY clear statements as to what the church professes as Followers of Christ…check them out…they are called the 8Gs. If you are confused about what they stand for, there are a couple of great classes..Intro to the Creek and the Membership class where you can talk with someone who represents the leadership team and can speak on behalf of the Elders.

I think we all need to remember that this is a public blog….meaning that anyone can chime in and state their beliefs. With that being said let us not assume that what is stated on this blog by any means really represents CedarCreek, unless Kyle or one of the other Pastors comments.

By the way I am not a pastor or a staff member. I am just speaking on behalf of what I know to be true at CedarCreek.

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FALCO, I also think you should come back out of retirement. Micheal Jordan and Jay Z did, so why not FALCO! Just try to be a bit kinder in your approach brother! Let's keep it saucy by kind!

Re: convictions

I'm afraid I am opening myself up to a more than I am up for by doing this, but, I would like some input on something.
If you have strong convictions about something (that is generally accepted as being no big deal, or just a lot of fun) being wrong, but participation is an expectation of employment...... what do you do?

Thanks in advance for your input.....

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Hey Stacey...one question...could you tell me What Not to Wear? Also, what is "saucy by kind"? :)

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Thanks for your comments, No Name. I do believe Cedarcreek is for anyone. I was just stunned that someone with Falco's beliefs and attitude would be at Cedarcreek. He comes across as someone who thinks he knows it all and someone who like I said is bigoted. I believe he belongs at a church where his beliefs are more welcome and that shares his worldview. We are a church that is reaching out to people who are unchurched with the message of Jesus Christ. People like Falco are a major stumbling block to that as Susan alluded to in an earlier post. Thanks for your comments as well, Stacy. First of all, I wasn't talking smack online. If you read the earlier posts, Falco came out of nowhere with an attack on the Notre Dame football team but it was more of a broadside against Catholics. I said the comments were inappropriate and intolerant and defended my fellow believers in Christ. He then launched into a personal attack on me and my beliefs implying that I was ignorant and a spiritual lightweight so to speak. He also increased his attacks on Catholics further by saying they don't deserve respect and so on. When someone says things that I believe are beyond the pale and especially if they attack me personally, I am going to respond and it won't always be pretty. :) You can call that talking smack if you want but I am just telling it like it is. lol Finally, you said that people on this blog don't necessarily represent the views of Cedarcreek or its staff. I don't know who Falco is or whether he is on staff but based on earlier posts, I can assume he is very close to Kyle and Ben. I can discern then that he has some influence at Cedarcreek and on its pastors or that they share his views. I hope that is not the case. I like Cedarcreek and want to continue attending it. I would hate to believe that Falco's views and attitudes are the norm. But if they are, I will increasingly feel unwelcome attending Cedarcreek as well as other people out there who read his ignorant diatribe online. Peace out folks!

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I work at a long term care facility, where an evening of inviting children in to trick or treat, activities and a costume contest is a big event, as well as an afternoon Halloween party for the residents and misc. other smaller activities leading up to Halloween. Since I work part time in Rec Therapy, participation is not really an option..... but the inner conflict with all of this is pretty intense...... on a side note, have any of you read This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti? Although it is fiction, I believe the spiritual battle represented therein is closer to truth than fiction.

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I'm confused, are you saying you are or are not required to participate? And to what extent? And in what part of Halloween lie your objections? I'm assuming you know of its Christian origins...I can see objections to evil-looking costumes but you certainly aren't required to wear one, right? I must say I sit on the side of the fence that think it's a great way to bring some much-needed happiness to those in what is probably for most, a depressing situation.

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Wow! My statements are worse than Falco's? Unbelievable! I don't what to say to that. lol I will say that I never accused Cedarcreek of having any type of view or belief. I just saw a wrong being committed in a post and I sought to right that wrong. I also never had any personal opinions either on anything discussed so far on this post. I just jumped in when I saw his bigoted comments. I need to apologize to you Kyle and Hippo for making the insinuation that the views of the people on this blog are the views of the people on staff. I just assumed that everyone blogging here went to Cedarcreek. It is clear Falco does not now. I thought that the people at Cedarcreek would have to have the same views as the staff because they have to get their views from somewhere since Cedarcreek reaches out to the unchurched and those who have little knowledge of Christianity. I hope there are no hard feelings over this. Again, my apologies.

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Uhm...Christy? What "Christian origins" would those be?

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I apologize, I was thinking of the practice of the early catholic church replacing pagan holidays with Christian ones, like for this one All Saints Day on Nov. 1...it was a CATHOLIC thing, my bad. Very bad bad!! But regardless I still get worked up over this matter for a couple of reasons...First, I have always LOVED Halloween as a kid and it never had ANYTHING to do with evil of any kind, it was about the fun of dressing up, trick-or-treating with a bunch of kids and the excitement over all the candy we got, there are a lot of fond memories associated with it. To say it was all "wrong" rubs me the wrong way. Secondly, I also remember as a kid visiting my grandma in such a place, and the sight of kids just brightens up the elderly like nothing else. And cute kids in cute costumes??? Oh my gosh, to kill the idea because of the origins of Halloween sounds like something the Pharisees would do. Can you say LEGALISM??? (and I only mean in this instance, this isn't a blanket statement) But if your objections are still that intense call in sick that day and organize another event that brings the elderly and kids (or animals maybe?) together. P.S. I just saw Kyle's blog on this subject on this site and it's awesome, he nails it.

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I heard that Halloween had Christian origins as well. But I don't think replacing it with All Saints Day is a bad thing, Christy. I think it was a good attempt by the church to rectify what they saw as a pagan holiday. But I have no problem with Halloween as long as it is kept innocent.

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Hey Jason...let's move on to something a little more constructive, shall we? I think we've all had enough of your assumptions and attempts to link a random blogger to Cedar Creek staff. This blog is supposed to bring people to church and ultimately to Christ. After reading the constant references you make to the position of the Creek (which are grossly unfounded and dangerous) I’m afraid your words are going to cause much more people to turn from the Creek than Falco’s. AND, the only person who seems to be up in arms and still going on about the things Falco said is YOU. I think we need to focus on a new topic. I'm not on staff at Cedar Creek, not even close, but I am 100% sure that this is a PUBLIC blog and the Falco's and Jason's of the world do not represent the views of this church...they represent their own. The church does a perfect job of presenting its views all by itself. So...with that being said, I would like to address Colleen's thread. What kind of things are you dealing with at work Colleen? I bet there are a lot of people who can relate.

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I'm back from vacation now. Thanks for your post Jason, it's all good. I wasn't upset in the least, I just wanted to make a clear point. Carry on people.

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If she were to outright ask you, you need to go to your dad and tell him that he needs to tell her the truth or you will. Give him the chance to do the right thing.

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It's been months since when we went to Cedar Point, he's not gonna tell her, I just know it. But that would still be lying for me to not tell her, but really, what's more important, telling the truth, or obeying yur parents?

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Halloween is it a trick or a treat? More later...

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about Mary mother of Jesus, and Catholics and/or those looking to her for direction. Our example should be when the disciples went to her at the wedding about the wine shortage. They were looking to Mary but Mary told them to do what he tells you to do! Meaning look to Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith.

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just found the blog tonight and think falco knows his Bible from most of his posts that I read (skipped a few) I enjoyed reading them and the scripture to back it up... hope he comes back
Is it better to be wounded by the truth or believe a lie?
Sucide: I do not think it sends a believer to hell, I would not take the chance doing it, just in case I am wrong. I know this: the mercy of the Lord is forever, he knows the thoughts and intentions of our heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
The old belief 30 years ago in the church was if one kills them self they commit murder and then they go to hell cause they cannot repent of the sin before they do it, and they are dead after it so they have no opportunity to repent. How silly is that when you really think of it? When one grows in the Lord they realize his mercy. (Read Hebrews 4)How: when one has children and grandchildren, as years pass by they see the mercy. As years pass by they experience the mercy in their own lives, we all sin and fall short of God's glory (Romans3:23) Most important is to see Jeremiah 29:11 and that Father God has a plan for our lives, a hope and a future. It is not just about getting saved and going to heaven but fullfilling the plan God has for each one of us. If we would just die to our selves daily we would not find our selves in the place where we would want to kill our selves. Matthew 16 In closing he~he I do not think God will send a young babe in Christ to hell for shorting his life on earth. Life is just a vapor it appeareth for a while then it is gone. I love the examples above about ciggs and food that is not really fullfilling at all. Things that shorten our life span on earth but have nothing to do with eternity. Like it was stated all things are permissable, but are they beneficial for your walk with God?

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While I don't personally share the Catholic views on Mary, to be fair to them, their view of Mary's status comes from the Book of Revelation. There is a woman with a crown of stars who gives birth to a child. It looks from the context of the passage that the child is Jesus. So it appears like Mary not only has a place in heaven, it looks like an important position. Just looking for truth not saying the view is right or wrong. But something to ponder.

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I am hesitant to comment since I have just spent 30 minutes ready all the entries. On the one hand, as a believer, I am encouraged to see so many responses. God's people openly talking about his word. What could be better than that. On the other hand, I agree with past bloggers. We have to be incredibly careful that we do not become a stumbling block to those still seeking Christ. When you bring up religion people subconsciously get on the defensive. This is a public blog and we don't want anyone to tune out and not listen to the truth. Be gentle.

On the subject of suicide. This is a hot topic for most. If I am reading the scripture right John 10:27-29 refers to those that know their saviors voice can not be snatch out of his hand. I think the real question you need to ask is did your friend know His Saviors, Jesus Christ, voice? If so, and if you do, you will see each other in heaven.

Re: Suicide

Thank You Everyone for your comments on suicide. Keep'em coming. PLEASE! SEE YOU SUNDAY AT SERVICE.

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This blog is pretty cool. I think it's a great idea.

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Kelly,

From what you've said, your father is the one who lied? Then he needs to be the one to tell the truth. Sin is sin. Not one is greater than another. It is equally right to tell the truth and obey your parents and equally wrong to fail to do both. (The ten commandments). God knows your heart and you need to take what you've learned and move forward. You can't make your father do the right thing but it wouldn't hurt to ask him to tell his girlfriend the truth, for your sake.

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Kelly,

Let your dad know how you feel, concerning this position he's put you in. And let him know, that in the future, you will not lie for him - no matter what! This way, you are "confessing" and setting important boundaries with him. No need to tell the girlfriend, in my humble opinion.

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Hey Mickey, you made that up right?

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Okay Mickey - here is what I can tell you. I have a step son and two of my own. Be thankful they were not hurt. Be thankful that you have soup and a stove to cook it on and in the future when your wife and you wish to go out. Give them money for pizza (to be delivered, not cooked) or leave them something they can microwave.
Back to Kelley now... here is the thing. Being a step mother - if your dad's girlfriend is going to be mad at him for spending time with his children - she isn't the one so don't worry yourself over it. You are a priority to your father and that is great!! Take solice in knowing that even if she doesn't want you spending time with him alone that he will make it work - Way to go Dad!!!! It IS important for all children to have one on one time with both parents.
So, liking the Bolg... keep it up all!

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Hi mickeymouse. Have you ever tried showing your daughters how to use the stove and the microwave properly? My mom never did and when I would try and mess up she would call me stupid. It's a parent's job to guide their child. If there is no guidance than the stupidity would have to be on the parents part. Because of the ridicule, my mom an I don't have a great relationship. I have learned since how to cook very well and I am taking the opportunity to teach my young daughter early so she understands how things work. A little LOVE goes a long way. Now if you do this and your daughters still don't get it, don't give up. P.S. Dogs come with their own problems!!!

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I agree Beckie. I truly thing that if she can't understand that my dad needs to have alone time with his children then she's jsut totally SELFISH and screwed up. Sorry to be rude, but this really starts my temper thinking about this. I'm glad my dad took a risk, but however, he should have told her how it was going to be and did that. I jsut don't get it, my dad tells me she jsut doens't understand that stuff. My question is, "Uh, Daddy, why the heck do you like her then!?!!??!" Now that the holidays will be coming, I can only pray she will be spending Christmas Eve with her children, not with my dad and us at his parents. Oh well, if she does, sure I'll be upset, but I'm not in control. I know this sounds harsh about how I feel aout her, but I can't control the way I feel, only the way I react.
Oh and mickeymouse, your daughters aren't stupid, they may just have forgot to use common sense, I do it all the time, my friends say it's becaue my blonde roots are coming back:) (I don't really believe that's true!)

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Hmmmm. Intense. First time I've ever read blogs and the first blog I have ever written. Notre Dame football, you can go to any church you want and be a fan of a Catholic football team or any other team--isn't being free great? I grew up Catholic. It taught me to go to church every weekend YES even in the summer. It gave me my first teachings of God. It taught me to question ideals and passages in the Bible I didn't understand. And it taught me to seek God no matter what. To that end my quest so far has lead me to CedarCreek. On suicide, my f-i-law died like that 30 years ago, way before I met my husband. And 30 years down the road, there is still residual pain when the subject is discussed. But life has a way of filling in cracks and so many other of lifes joys rise to the surface. I don't know for sure what God thinks of suicide. But from my only human view, I am sincerely sorry for anyone who is in so much emotional pain that suicide is their choice. As for the dad and his Cedar Point fib. Ask yourself, will this be important in a year. If not, let it go. I have been a stepmom for 14 years now. Human relationships are hard work, mistakes are made. Sort out what's important. Your dad wanting to spend time with his kids, one on one, sounds like a good dad to me. Don't let this lie be bigger than that. Teenagers cooking. Teach them. Children have invaluable lesson resources. NO not the internet ---YOU! My kids know how to cook, do their own laundry, solve problems--not all, because at our ripe old ages of never mind and none of your business, my husband and I still go to our parents for advise. And finally, for the person who finds wearing a cross offensive. I like wearing a cross, it keeps me focused on what's most important. Besides, I fell over alot wearing my Bible on a gold chain around my neck.

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Well, we've survived our cooking incident:) My daughters now know that the stove will be off limits to them until they've completed their life skills class. As on my parenting, don't judge me, sure I've seen bad parents, but you can't blame the parents for every stupid mistake their children make. My parents taught me not to ride my motor cycle with no hands, but my senior year I got a little excited and ended up breaking my left leg and right arm, and got stitches on the back of my head. I still remember my pop's exact words. "What were you thinking!? What is the matter with you? I taught you better than that Emilio!" That's the censored phrase:) So sure, I knew common sense, did I use it, no! So it's not my fault that my daughters didn't use their common sense. My wife taught my daughters how to cook, I guess that just didn't pay off. Oh, and I know this may offend people, but one of the biggest things I disagree with the catholics on are their prayers they have to say to make up for their sins, you just have to ask for forgivness. And I think that it's superstitious when catholics use the sign of the cross all the time, especially without thinking. And Kelly, I must ask you, is it your dad's girfriend herself that bothers you, or is it the fact that your dad has a girfriend that bothers you? In most of your comments you seem very smart and un judgemental, but the topic of your dad's girfriend seems to anger you and you completely disregard that value.

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Just found this today, how exciting for the church and for US !!! I'll be watching and praying this commication piece works to everyone's advantage .

Sincerely-

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I leave for home tomarrow, so I'll probably make it to church Sunday. I'm in Brooklyn right now visiting my sister and her baby, she's soooo cute. Well, I'd blog some more bot I gotta go eat dinner now. I hope we get Italian food.
God Bless - Jeremy

power of prayer

Amazing & wonderful, the power of prayer. First, my brother in Fallbrook, California, San Diego County. Tim was told to evacuate his house this past Monday night. So he packed up my sister-in-law, 2 nephews, important papers and sentimental materials into 2 cars and they left their home. They stayed overnight with friends who opened up their home to them. Tim went back Tuesday afternoon to see if he still had a house. Amazingly the winds had changed and the firewall burned in the other direction--A QUARTER MILE AWAY FROM HIS HOME!! He was given permission to return to his home. Second, b-i-law Jamie returned from a Mexican vacation last week with what he thought was a spider bite. Turns out it was a staph infection which made his hand and arm blow up like a balloon. A second trip to the emergency room landed him immediately in the hospital and he is being treated with super strong antibiotics and should be released today. By the way he is the third person in 6 months that I know personally that has been felled by a staph infection and has gotten life-saving treatment. Third, Steve a co-worker came to the defense of his girlfriend at a local pub and was nearly beaten to death. They had arrived at an establishment for some refreshment and never made it inside because a group of male partyers decided to harrass them. As his friends cheered him on the steroid-ladened drunk beat my friend almost into a coma. Steve has gone through 2 days of surgery to rebuild his face and is back at work. Fourth, another co-workers son tried to commit suicide. Fresh from duty in Iraq where he managed not to get shot, the 27-year-old man couldn't deal with his depression even after the VA gave him anti-depressants. He will most likely be blind for the rest of his life and has several more surgeries to endure to rebuild his face. These four courageous young men, Tim, Jamie, Steve and Chuck Jr. hav