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Today is the anniversary of the finding of the body of St. Stephen; who was the first Christian martyr. His body was found in the year 415 some 20 miles out on the outskirts of Jerusalem.

Acting on information given to him during a sequence of two visions involving a man who called him by name, a respected priest named Lucien took the matter of the remains of St. Stephen and other servants of Christ being buried beneath the ruins of an old tomb the place called Caphargamala — which was where his church stood — to his Bishop, who was named John.

The Bishop knew of a heap of small stones which lay in a field adjacent to the church and he concluded that this must be the spot of the holy relics of which Lucien spoke.

There three coffins were unearthed and several local officials of the church came to the place to bear witness to the events.

When St. Stephen’s coffin was opened the earth shook. An amazing and wonderful fragrance eminated from it as it was opened like no other ever experienced by those present.

There was a great number of witnesses some of whom were affected with all manner of illness, disease, and injuries. Seventy three were healed upon the spot.

The relics were taken to the Church of Sion in Jerusalem except for a small number which were left at the church where they were found accompanied by the singing of psalms and hymns along the route.

Dove World Outreach Center has announced that it intends to host an “International Burn a Quran Day” for the incendiary immolation of the Quran — that book containing the sacred writings of Islam said to be revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad during his life at Mecca and Medina. Pastor Terry Jones has said that the congregation of the Dove World Outreach Center feels that Islam is “a religion of the devil”. The National Association of Evangelicals is asking the church to cancel the event. The Council of American-Islamic Relations is asking Muslims to attempt efforts at educating the public at large.

While l am not into burning books of any kind and lean toward more moderate Christian attitudes with an emphasis on peaceful coexistence when possible; I have to say that the Taliban, and Al Qaeda and the other extremists in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, and sub-Saharan Africa have wrought this type of attitude in others. Until that time the Muslim community can better control it’s collective behavior regarding the murder and mayhem it would impart on both it’s adherents and the rest of the world, I’m afraid that criticizing the opposite end of the theological spectrum becomes merely a moot point. The Taliban singularly is the most murderous destructive so-called “religious” entity on the face of this Earth and if the sandal fits it should certainly be worn as appropriate.

Islam is of the Devil

Frequently asked questions

Tell us about the church, Dove World Outreach Center and about what the belief of the church is?

We are a New Testament, Charismatic, Non-Denominational Church that believes in the whole Bible and that we are to act in response to the word of God in order to change the times we are living in. Those times have gotten further and futher (sic) away from God; full of deception like abortion and same sex marriages.

Why would the Church put up such a sign?

To expose Islam for what it is. It is a violent and oppressive religion that is trying to mascarade (sic) itself as a religion of peace, seeking to deceive our society.

What is the reason or message the Church wants to get out with a sign such as that?

The message of the truth that there is only one way to God, only one way to salvation, and that is through the blood of Jesus. Through the repenting of your sins and being born again. It is time that all Christians unite, stop being passive and selfish and stand up and fight for the truth.

What is your response to those offended by the sign or the message of the sign?

The truth should never offend us. We should embrace the truth. That is the foundation of our country and that is the only way to true freedom. Islam is a lie based upon lies and deceptions and fear. In Muslim countries, if you preach the gospel or convert to Christianity – you will be killed. That is the type of religion it is.

Excerpt:
FAQ
http://www.doveworld.org/the-sign 07/31/10

Reprobus, also known as “Christopher” was a Canaanite said to be 7.5 feet (2.3 m) tall. It is said that his face was described as fearsome.

He was serving the king of Canaan when he got the idea that he should serve the greatest king there was.

Upon serving this king he discovered that the ruler feared the devil and thus set out to find and serve the devil — who was greater than the king. He encountered a band of outlaws learning one of them referred to himself as the devil where upon Christopher decided to serve him.

It was during that service that Christopher learned that the devil feared Christ and that was the point in time where he made the decision to serve Him.

He encountered a hermit who gave him instruction in Christianity. Christopher inquired as to how he could serve Christ. The hermit suggested fasting and prayer which Christopher rejected saying that he could not perform that type of service.

Then the hermit implied that due to size and strength Christopher could serve Christ by assisting people in crossing a dangerous river where many were perishing in the attempt. The hermit assured Christopher that this service would also be pleasing to Christ.

Christopher had been performing this service for some time when a small child asked him to carry him across the river. During that crossing, the river became swollen and the child seemed as heavy as lead, so much so that Christopher could scarcely carry him to the point that he found himself in great difficulty.

Finally upon reaching the other side, he said to the child:

“You have put me in the greatest danger. I do not think the whole world could have been as heavy on my shoulders as you were.”

The child replied:

“You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but Him who made it. I am Christ your King, whom you are serving by this work.”

The child then vanished.

Christopher later visited the city of Lycia and there comforted the Christians who were being martyred. He was brought before the local king who commanded him to sacrifice to the pagan gods.

Upon his repeated refusal, that king tried to win him with riches and by the attention of two beautiful women in an effort to tempt him. Christopher converted both of the women to Christianity, as he had already converted thousands in the city.

The king ordered him to be killed. Various attempts failed, but finally Christopher was beheaded after numerous episodes of other physical torture.

In the West, the feast of Saint Christopher in the Calendar of Saints is held today.