Image of JR and Jackie Draper at Encompass Hospital (2020) 1ZAi50PH
Me and my wife, in 2020, after serious injuries left me hospitalized during COVID lockdowns. God met me there, alone in the quiet. I was broken and He rebuilt me, and gave me a new heart.

Hello, Faithful Servants

My name is JR, and this website exists to document my journey as a born-again follower of Jesus Christ. My personal testimony is real and conversion sincere — but make no mistake, any faithfulness I have is by God's grace alone. This project isn't an attempt to add to His Gospel; it's simply a labor of love. As Paul wrote in Colossians 3 (MSB):

'Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.'

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Focus of the Website

I am a servant of God and strive to speak in that spirit — not with authority, but with a heart to walk alongside others in faith. My testimony is shared here for those who have ears to hear it, and being a faithful servant means that I always preach the whole counsel of God: Hell, Wrath, Grace, Sovereignty, Blood, Cross, Resurrection, Ascension, Judgement, and Glory.

'Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.'(1 Peter 3:15-16, BSB)

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#Testimony
Image of JR and Jackie Draper at Encompass Hospital (2020) 1ZAi50PH
Me and my wife, in 2020, after serious injuries left me hospitalized during COVID lockdowns. God met me there, alone in the quiet. I was broken and He rebuilt me, and gave me a new heart.

Hello, Faithful Servants

My name is JR, and this website exists to document my journey as a born-again follower of Jesus Christ. My personal testimony is real and conversion sincere — but make no mistake, any faithfulness I have is by God's grace alone. This project isn't an attempt to add to His Gospel; it's simply a labor of love. As Paul wrote in Colossians 3 (MSB):

'Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.'

Learn More
Contact Me

Focus of the Website

I am a servant of God and strive to speak in that spirit — not with authority, but with a heart to walk alongside others in faith. My testimony is shared here for those who have ears to hear it, and being a faithful servant means that I always preach the whole counsel of God: Hell, Wrath, Grace, Sovereignty, Blood, Cross, Resurrection, Ascension, Judgement, and Glory.

'Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.'(1 Peter 3:15-16, BSB)

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#Testimony
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The Cross is where mercy met judgment, and grace won.

The Gospel

For the first thirty-five years of my life, I was ignorant of God's Word, blind to His truth, and deaf to His call for repentance. But the Gospel — the 'Good News' — is simple and clearly outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:

'Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.'(ESV)

Since the Lord opened my eyes and gave me a new heart — a work of grace known as 'Regeneration' — I've shared His truth with many, including those with hearts of stone. Every time, I come back to these key verses — the very heartbeat that drives every element on this site:

'For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.'(1 Corinthians 1:17, MSB)

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Image of Wooden Cross Ai3XaFD
The Cross is where mercy met judgment, and grace won.

The Gospel

For the first thirty-five years of my life, I was ignorant of God's Word, blind to His truth, and deaf to His call for repentance. But the Gospel — the 'Good News' — is simple and clearly outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:

'Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.'(ESV)

Since the Lord opened my eyes and gave me a new heart — a work of grace known as 'Regeneration' — I've shared His truth with many, including those with hearts of stone. Every time, I come back to these key verses — the very heartbeat that drives every element on this site:

'For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.'(1 Corinthians 1:17, MSB)

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The Spirit of God teaches, and the Word pierces.

Bible Study

Since my unexpected conversion in 2020, I’ve grown to appreciate many translations of the Bible. In fact, this site references the New International Version (NIV), Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), International Standard Version (ISV), Modern English Version (MEV), Easy-to-Read Version (ERV), New King James Version (NKJV) and the Disciples’ Literal New Testament (DLNT), among others — proving a familiar yet instructive expression: “The best translation of the Bible is the one you read." My goal is NOT to convince you of which versions are right or wrong, but to encourage serious study and meditation on Scripture, regardless of the version you choose.

If you are local to the Greater Las Vegas Area, you’re invited to join our in-person Bible Study at my home. We meet every Monday and Friday to read, study, and grow together in the truth of Scripture.

'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.'(2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV)

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Image of People Studying Bible Ai3XaFD
The Spirit of God teaches, and the Word pierces.

Bible Study

Since my unexpected conversion in 2020, I’ve grown to appreciate many translations of the Bible. In fact, this site references the New International Version (NIV), Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), International Standard Version (ISV), Modern English Version (MEV), Easy-to-Read Version (ERV), New King James Version (NKJV) and the Disciples’ Literal New Testament (DLNT), among others — proving a familiar yet instructive expression: “The best translation of the Bible is the one you read." My goal is NOT to convince you of which versions are right or wrong, but to encourage serious study and meditation on Scripture, regardless of the version you choose.

If you are local to the Greater Las Vegas Area, you’re invited to join our in-person Bible Study at my home. We meet every Monday and Friday to read, study, and grow together in the truth of Scripture.

'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.'(2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV)

Learn More
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When God speaks with fire, the desert becomes a sanctuary.

My Testimony

I met the Lord Jesus Christ on September 13, 2020. The introduction came by way of a motorcycle crash at Mt. Charleston in Nevada. He found me — in the air — as I was unsaddled from my Harley-Davidson. I was life-flighted to UMC Trauma and remained in the ICU + Acute Rehab for 68 days. A dozen-plus broken bones and injuries to both sides of my body had left me bed-bound, humbled, and helpless. For example, I needed assistance even to sip water, let alone use the bathroom. Visitation restrictions and occupancy guidelines due to COVID-19 had me isolated in a private room where the Lord had my attention and the Holy Spirit began a great work in me.

'I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.'(Philippians 1:6, ERV)

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Image of Burning Bush Ai3XaFD
When God speaks with fire, the desert becomes a sanctuary.

My Testimony

I met the Lord Jesus Christ on September 13, 2020. The introduction came by way of a motorcycle crash at Mt. Charleston in Nevada. He found me — in the air — as I was unsaddled from my Harley-Davidson. I was life-flighted to UMC Trauma and remained in the ICU + Acute Rehab for 68 days. A dozen-plus broken bones and injuries to both sides of my body had left me bed-bound, humbled, and helpless. For example, I needed assistance even to sip water, let alone use the bathroom. Visitation restrictions and occupancy guidelines due to COVID-19 had me isolated in a private room where the Lord had my attention and the Holy Spirit began a great work in me.

'I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.'(Philippians 1:6, ERV)

Read More
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AI-Generated Image: Prayerful Man

Hearing The Lord

A former co-worker — a salty salesman — used to say, "It's not a puzzle." The same should be said about hearing the voice of the Lord. Put simply, I believe that proximity, discernment, and obedience are necessary. It is written in Matthew 7: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."(NIV) And in John 10, the King James Version reads: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Both quotes are attributed to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the verses clearly illustrate how proximity, discernment, and obedience combine to form a message that can be understood through the Holy Spirit.
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Image of Man Praying Ai3XaFD
AI-Generated Image: Prayerful Man

Hearing The Lord

A former co-worker — a salty salesman — used to say, "It's not a puzzle." The same should be said about hearing the voice of the Lord. Put simply, I believe that proximity, discernment, and obedience are necessary. It is written in Matthew 7: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."(NIV) And in John 10, the King James Version reads: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Both quotes are attributed to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the verses clearly illustrate how proximity, discernment, and obedience combine to form a message that can be understood through the Holy Spirit.
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Is This A Ministry?

Faithful Deacon is a blog about JR's Personal Testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. Out of obedience, this website must conform to His will. I cannot speak about things to which I have not been given permission or authority to discuss. Further, the guidance and/or opinions on this website are NOT meant to replace the biblical teachings of your local pastor(s) or bishop(s). The role of a deacon is NOT greater than a pastor or bishop. Click on “The Mission" button to learn more about JR & Jackie — our faith and journey — or Contact Me with questions, comments, or feedback.
The Mission
Contact Me
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Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

⁓ John 14:6, NKJV

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AI-Generated Image: Jesus Christ

My Lord, My Savior

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"(John 14:6, NKJV) Who is the Lord to you? What role does He play in your life? Do you believe the Bible is theoretical or practical? Do you believe all Scripture is God-breathed as written in 2 Timothy 3:16, and that it's useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness? What is righteousness without a standard-bearer? Would you agree that just knowing the Bible in theory, without submitting to it, rarely produces real spiritual fruit? For me and my household, Jesus Christ is not just a figure in a book — He is our Lord and Savior. Click the "#Testimony" button to read more about my conversion and faith, or click "About Jesus" to learn more about Him.
#Testimony
About Jesus

Contact Me

Faithful Deacon is a Christian weblog that asks/answers some of the questions that new believers may have about the life, ministry, and gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about what you have read on this website or in the Bible, please click the “Contact Me” button and drop me a line. Don't worry, I respect your privacy. Any information collected is never sold, nor will you be added to a marketing list for follow-up or harassed for donations. That is not the goal or purpose of this endeavor.

His master said to him,
"Well done, good and faithful servant.
You have been trustworthy in a few things;
I will put you in charge of many things.
Enter into the joy of your master."

⁓ Matthew 25:21

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