Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

[Watch the Video “Whatever It Takes” below.]

Take time to remember one of the saddest days in the history of our nation.  It was a day when evil reigned in a Colorado city. The day was April 20th, 1999.  Two youths opened fire on their classmates at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, and 13 people were killed. it was the day of the Columbine Massacre.

The Columbine Massacre — 25 Years Later

As we mark the 25th anniversary of this tragedy, reflect and remember the victims. Thirteen lives were taken far too soon, and many others were changed forever on that fateful day. Let us never forget that in the midst of that evil and tragedy, Jesus was there.

Light in the Darkness

The light of our risen Lord is the hope in the darkness of such tragedies. He is the only true hope in all our lives. For those of us who were alive and old enough to watch the events unfolding on TV, we saw the evidence of the wickedness of man.  Two youth entered their school and began their killing spree, resulting in 12 students and one teacher being killed and another 27 people being injured.  After their killing rampage, the shooters took their own lives, ending a day of violence and horror and beginning an awakening of the growing epidemic of school shootings in our country.

The investigation that followed revealed that the shooters had known psychological and emotional illnesses and were greatly influenced by terrorist attacks such as the Oklahoma City bombing and violent video games that they obsessively played.  The evil that dwells in man’s heart was manifested on that day.  Many of us will remember the day well, yet we must pause to ask…

What Should Be Remembered from the Columbine Tragedy?

The world focused on the terror and tragedy of that day. But in the darkness emerged a beacon of light when stories began to be told — stories of faith in God and testimonies about Jesus, who is the Light in the darkness and true Hope in tragedy. The most notable stories were of two young ladies who were murdered, Cassie Burnall and Rachel Scott.  Both were faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and lived their lives for Him.

Cassie Burnall

Two years earlier, Cassie Burnall dedicated her life to Christ.  On the night of her death, Cassie’s brother Chris found a poem that Cassie had written two days prior. It read:

“Now I have given up on everything else. I have found it to be the only way to really know Christ and to experience the mighty power that brought Him back to life again, and to find out what it means to suffer and to die with him.  

“So, whatever it takes, I will be one who lives in the fresh newness of life, of those who are alive from the dead.” [emphasis added]

One year before her death, Cassie had written this in her notebook:

“I try to stand up for my faith at school. . . . It can be discouraging, but it can also be rewarding. . . . I will die for my God. I will die for my faith. It’s the least I can do for Christ for dying for me.”

And on the morning Cassie was killed, she handed this note to a friend,

“Honestly, I want to live completely for God.  It’s hard and scary but totally worth it.”

Cassie was shot as she was praying to the One who had saved her.  The One whom she knew to be Faithful and True.  The One she loved and the One to whom she had committed her life. She knew where to turn in the face of evil and the darkness of the shadow of death.  She turned to Jesus! And when the shooter’s bullet took her life, she immediately entered into the purest of Light, and she saw Jesus face-to-face.

Rachel Scott

Rachel Scott is another example of a rich and fruitful life of faith that reflected the light of her Saviour.  She was the first of the 13 who died on that day.  According to her friends, Rachel had thought she would die young, but she also believed she would have an impact on her world. And that she did!

In her journal, the year before she was murdered, Rachel wrote, “This is my last year, Lord. I have gotten what I can. Thank you.”

She also drew a picture known as Rachel’s Tears; it has two eyes with thirteen tears falling down. Her parents believe that Rachel somehow knew that she and twelve others (13 tears) would die within a year.

Rachel’s father, Darrell Scott, now spends his days running the organization he founded, a non-profit organization called The Columbine Redemption.  He speaks often, sharing about his daughter, her life, and her faith and spreading his message of the need for change in our country.

On May 27, 1999, Darrell Scott appeared before the Subcommittee on Crime of the House Judiciary Committee.  He spoke painful truths that needed to be heard that day — truths that still need to be heard today:

“I wrote a poem that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:”

Your laws ignore our deepest needs; Your words are empty air.
You’ve stripped away our heritage; You’ve outlawed simple prayer.

Now gunshots fill our classrooms; And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere; And ask the question “Why?”

You regulate restrictive laws; Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand; That God is what we need!

What Should Be Remembered?  

Rachel’s and Cassie’s short lives on this earth remain a beacon of hope—hope in Christ. We do not need more laws; we need more God.

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the coming Lamb of God (Mal 3:1, Mat 11:10), who would go to the cross and offer Himself for the sins of man. Jesus is that Lamb. He died to pay the penalty for our sins. And He rose from the grave, conquering death, so He can give us eternal life.

One day, our Lord and Saviour will return.  Until then, we can serve Him by preparing the way, by being a testimony to His light in this dark world and His saving grace for sinful man.  The problem in the world is not guns or video games.  The problem is sin. And the only thing that will change this world is to turn the hearts of the people to God.  We are the messengers sent to prepare the way of for Jesus’ return.  Jesus clearly gave this commission to Paul:

“…I send you, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” (Acts 26:17-18)

Just like Paul, we are the Lord’s ambassadors to turn the hearts of people to Jesus, to share the gospel of His saving grace, and to grow the Kingdom in preparation for His return (2 Cor 5:20, Matt 28:19-20).

Twenty-Five Years Later
What Should Be Remembered? 

“God is what we need.”  — Darrell Scott.
“I AM the light of the world….I am the way, the truth, and the life” — Jesus Christ

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Whatever It Takes Lyrics

Ask me if I believe in God, and I’ll say, Yes with all of my heart.
And I’ll tell you I do with the last breath I take, that He is the one I belong to.
Ask me to give up my life and I will, whatever it takes to obey.
For I know that as Jesus was brought back to life, I will also as roses in springtime.

Chorus:
Whatever it takes, I will be one, who lives In the fresh, newness of life.
Of those who are alive, From the dead, whatever the cost.
Whatever it takes, I will be one, whatever It takes.

Ask me if I would die For my faith, with His strength I pray that I would.
Jesus said if a man would give up his life, he would surely gain it back again.
He said, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am my servant will be.
And my Father will honor the one who serves me, Who lays down his life for my sake”

 

Today take a minute and remember those who died on that day.

Pray for their families who, once again this year, remember their great loss and feel the sadness of missing their loved one. [1]

Cassie Bernall: A 17-year-old junior who had dabbled in witchcraft and drugs had turned her life around two years before she was killed. She became active in her church and was restructuring her life.
Steven Curnow: A 14-year-old freshman, Steven loved aviation and dreamed of becoming a Navy pilot. He also loved to play soccer and to watch the Star Wars movies.
Corey DePooter: A 17-year-old who loved the outdoors, Corey loved to fish, camp, golf, and inline skate.
Kelly Fleming: A quiet 16-year-old who liked to spend time in the library writing short stories and poetry.
Matthew Kechter: A shy, sweet sophomore, Matthew was a football player and a straight-A student.
Daniel Mauser: A smart but shy 15-year-old sophomore, Daniel had recently joined the debate team and the cross-country squad.
Daniel Rohrbough: As a 15-year-old freshman, Daniel loved to play hockey and Nintendo with his friends. Often, after school, he helped his father in his electrical store.
William “Dave” Sanders:  A long-time teacher at Columbine, Dave was the girls’ basketball and softball coach and taught business and computer classes. He had two daughters and five grandchildren.
Rachel Scott:  A 17-year-old who loved acting in plays, could play the piano by ear, and had a strong belief in Christianity.
Isaiah Shoels:  An 18-year-old senior, Isaiah overcame heart problems (two heart surgeries) to become a football player and a wrestler.
John Tomlin:  A 16-year-old with a good heart and a love of Chevy trucks. A year before he was killed, John traveled to Juarez, Mexico to help build houses for the poor.
Lauren Townsend:  A beautiful 18-year-old senior who loved Shakespeare, volleyball, and animals.
Kyle Velasquez: A 16-year old sophomore, Kyle had only been a student at Columbine for three months. His family remembers him as a “gentle giant” and he was a big fan of the Denver Broncos.
[1] http://history1900s.about.com/od/1990s/tp/columbinedead.htm

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At  Reasons for Hope* Jesus, we are committed to equipping, encouraging, and empowering Christians to know Jesus better, love Him more, and share their faith. We also reach the lost through our Salvation Page. 

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***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
  2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
  3. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
  4. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
  5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
  6. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
  7. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
  8. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
  9. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
  10. Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

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TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
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  9. THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share 
  10. Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)

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