My Brother's Keeper

Volume 10, Number 1, January-March, 2005

Growing on the WORD

A scripture study

The Word of God is the source of light, truth, and power, for those who seek it’s meaning and apply it to their life. Jesus Christ is the word made flesh, and we seek to follow him.

John 8:12 (NIV) - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Each issue of “My Brother’s Keeper” features a WORD study. This issue’s word study is from Vicki Perry, an inmate at Pruntytown Correctional, Grafton, West Virginia.

Standing Firm

by

Vicki Perry

When you think of standing firm and standing your ground, what do you think these words mean? To me, standing firm means having my feet firmly planted on the ground, giving the impression that I will not budge, no matter what. Standing your ground is much the same. It is holding to the things you believe in, no matter what.

When beginning a battle, the warriors in bible times would stand with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Their shields and weapons readied in preparation to fight the battle that would come their way. They would stand their ground, even if it meant death. They were fighting for what they believed in.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul speaks of the armor of God. I want to point out verses 11-14a, which reads:

Ephesians 6:11-14a (NIV) - “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...”

The Apostle Paul is telling us to stand our ground, to stand firm. [As inmates] our battle is not against the system, the people who run it, medical, our families, or whatever else [we might think] is causing our problems. Our battle comes from an unseen force that can direct all the troubles and problems we have in our lives. When you stand back and think of one situation that occurred in your life and how it came down, instead of looking at what the individuals did, look at who directed the whole thing to cause you confusion and pain. That one is the devil and his cohorts. The scripture above says the devil schemes against us, that there are spiritual forces of evil that come against us.

As we continue to read in Ephesians 6:14-19, Paul describes the weapons and armor that God has given us. These weapons are to be used to fight our battles. As we have seen, all battles are spiritual. We have the promise (in the midst of these battles), if we stand our ground, the Lord will fight our battles for us (2 Chronicles 32:8). But, we are to stand firm by making a conscience decision to stand firm and stand our ground. All through the Pauline Epistles, Paul admonishes us to stand firm.

Galatians 5:1 (NIV) - “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Our yoke of slavery is incarceration. Paul asks us to stand firm, to stand strong in faith and not allow this bondage to be a burden. He (God) will fight this battle for us if we believe.

Philippians 1:27b-28a (NIV) -
“I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”

Again, we are encouraged to stand firm and not be frightened by those who oppose us. There are (or can be) many dangers in prison. I like this verse of scripture that says, we don’t have to be frightened by those who oppose us. Who do you think opposes you? Remember, it isn’t a person, or group of people, it is the unseen forces using these people and situations to get you to fall. Use the following scripture as a promise to help you to stand firm in the Lord.

Colossians 4:12b (NIV) - “...that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

The will of God for our lives is written in the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We are to stand firm in these words. When we do, we will mature in Christ and be fully assured. It takes great faith in God to stand firm in Christ and in what you believe.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NIV) - “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you...”

We must stand firm in God’s Word, in what we fully believe.

James 1:22 (NIV) - tells us,
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

When a person really believes in something, they will bring about the action step of being steadfast in that belief, standing firm and not budging. Taking the words of God to heart and believing in them whole-heartedly; this is standing your ground, when you don’t budge from that belief. For those of us who are incarcerated, it means standing our ground and not allowing sin to take control of our lives again.

Incarceration and Christianity are like oil and water. It’s hard to keep them mixed. We as Christian inmates have to stand firm in what we know to be true or we will be pulled into the things that happen around us. It’s not always easy, but as I’ve shown you from God’s Word, it can be done. The Lord has given us all the weapons that we need to stand firm. He will fight our battles for us, if we stand our ground and if we do not allow ourselves to compromise what we know to be true.

It’s easy to compromise our faith. I live with this battle every day. However, I know that if I make a conscience choice to withdraw myself from this compromise, the Lord will give me the grace to withdraw and turn toward what I know to be true.

What do you believe in? What standards have you established for your life? What boundaries have you set? Do you fight for what you believe? Paul goes on to say:

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

I encourage all who are Christian to stand firm in your faith. Do not compromise what you know to be true. We can be fully assured, we can become mature in Christ. This is the only way we can survive these months and years of incarceration.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Vicki’s Personal Testimony (Note: After Vicki wrote the Word Study entitled, “Standing Firm”, she soon found herself needing to apply everything she wrote to her own life.)

In the 4 years I’ve been down, I had not received a single “write-up”. I had a friend who was placed in segregation for doing something wrong. I was working in the commissary at the time, so when he placed an order for a note pad, I wrote an encouraging note in it.

Normally the Correctional Officers (COs) don’t check that closely. That day they did! The CO who caught it came to me and asked me if I wrote the note on the note pad. I could have lied. It would have been easy to lie, because he couldn’t prove it was me. Nevertheless, I didn’t. I had already compromised once and broke the rules. I wasn’t going to go any further. Therefore, I told the CO that I wrote the note. It took a lot of courage and breaking of old habits to tell the truth. By the time all was said and done, I was fired from my job in the commissary. I was found guilty and given a class 2 “write-up”; and lost my privileges of seeing the Parole Board the month I was scheduled to have my hearing.

Everyone was so disappointed in me, because this was unlike me to do wrong. The COs were persistent. They dogged me for days. The fear
of another “write-up” was strong.

Therefore, every morning I would pray the armor of God to be applied to my life. I would quote Isaiah 54:17 that says, “no weapon forged against you will prosper”. I also quoted Isaiah 52:12, that says, “the Lord will go before you...[he] will be your rear guard.” It was one of the fiercest battles I have ever been through. I had to remind myself of [the force] who was behind all of this.

I knew I couldn’t compromise anymore. I had to stand firm on what the Word of God said. This went on for a month and it literally brought me to my knees. I continued to remind the Lord of His promises in His Word. Eventually things cleared up. The COs stopped their close watch of me. Through all of this I came out of it a much stronger person. I had more faith. Why? Because I stood firm and used the weapons God gave me.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV) – “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

I encourage you to follow the words of I Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [women] of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Note: Vicki will be discharging her sentence in March of 2005. Our love, prayers, and support go with her.

All Means, “Everything”

by

Larry A. Thompson

The Holy Scripture of Matthew, chapter 22, verses 37 and 38 from the King James Version reads: Jesus said unto him, ”Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” [Emphasis mine]

First, I’d like to point out–when either the Pharisee, or the Sadducee, tried tempting the Lord Jesus into a debate over which is the greatest of God’s commandments, Jesus didn’t hesitate to take them straight to the beginning of “The Law”.

The abbreviated version of the First Commandment that most of us are used to hearing is this: “I Am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no strange gods before me.” (For a complete reading of the First Commandment, please read Exodus 20, verses 2 through 6; in which there is so much more to be found than just “thou shalt have no strange gods before me.” There we also learn that the Lord our God is a “...jealous God...” who will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children unto the third and fourth generations of those that hate Him; and also that, He is a merciful God to them that love Him and Keep His Commandments.)

I firmly believe that in Christ’s answer to the question, “...which is the Great Commandment in the law?”, His words were specifically chosen to make this particular point: God is a full-time God who is worthy of, entitled to, and deserving of more than part-time praise, worship, and love.

He said, “...Thou shalt...”, which in my interpretation means “You will”. It doesn’t mean that the giving of yourself (once you’ve come to believe) is optional. It means you will, not by force, but by choice “...love the Lord thy God with all...” not with just a portion of, but, “...with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...”

Just for a moment, let’s consider what the meaning of the word “all” is. “All” means “Everything”; “Every-Thing”; again, not just a portion of. When Christ willingly allowed Himself to be nailed upon the cross, knowing full well that His mortal life was going to painfully end there, He didn’t stop in the middle of the program and say, “Well, I’ve given enough blood, enough pain, enough tears, and enough prayers to pay for the sins of man. My Father will accept this portion as enough.” No, He stayed upon that cross and finished His earthly course, giving His all, in order that we can be forgiven of our sins, so we can spend our eternal lives in the presence of God - in His house, which is in heaven; the house that Christ, the Lord has gone and prepared for us; for it is written:

John 14:2-3 (KJV) - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Loving the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind is not an easy thing to do, because it requires sacrifice, which is the letting go of our “wants”. It requires total and unconditional trust in a power that is so much greater than “self”. And, it demands our willingness to relinquish what little control we think we have over people, places, and things.

Loving God with our all requires the diligent exercise of patience, which for many of us is not an easy thing to do. A dear friend recently wrote me a letter in which she penned these words; “Patience is a calm endurance based on the certain knowledge that God is in control.” One of the rewards of knowing the wonderful woman, who sent me that message, is the assurance of knowing that she, Marti, has spoken the truth.

Control has never been mine to wield, and when I fully accept that fact, I am then at liberty to “Let go, and to let God”. Then, and only then, will I be at the point when I’m able, ready, and willing to love the Lord my God with all of my heart; with all of my soul; and with all of my mind. At that point alone will I be able to fulfill “...the whole duty of man.” As it is stated in the Book of Ecclesiastes:

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV) - “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

When I’m able to do that, then will I have done all; and all means, “Every-Thing”.

= = = = = = = = = = = = =

(Copyright 2004) Larry is an inmate serving time at Sterling Correctional, Sterling, Colorado.

“Almost”

By Merissa Lee Kelley, Newport News, Virginia

If Jesus had only “almost” died

On Calvary’s tree that day

How different things would be for us

For we would have to pay

If he had called the angels from on high

To release him from the cross

“Almost” redeemed would be our fate

Condemned to suffer loss

He didn’t “almost” follow through

He kept his word and rose again

It wasn’t an option to “almost” defeat

The tyranny of sin

He isn’t the “almost” solid rock

That crumbles with every blow

He isn’t “almost” coming back

For a church “almost” ready to go

He doesn’t just “almost” love you

His love is sure and steady

Even when he hears your same excuse

“I’m almost...but not quite ready.”

“Almost” can be a chilling word

In the end it will seal your fate

“Almost lost”...but saved in time

“Almost saved”...but waited too late

Chance after chance...you let slip by

Always betting on one more day

“Almost” deciding...“almost” persuaded

But your “almosts” got in the way

Don’t “almost” choose to live for Christ

His benefits are eternal, my friend

For if you’re counting on borrowed time

It won’t be there in the end

So when you hear the Savior calling

Don’t “almost” answer his voice

You’ll spend forever...always remembering

I “almost” made the right choice.

(Revelation 1:7 - “Look, he is coming with the clouds,
and every eye will see him...”)

Sharing the Good News

“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
II Corinthians 5:20-21

From: Jason B. Hilbun,
Ohio Dept. of Corrections,
Orient, Ohio

Dear Sister Griffee, Thank you for your wonderful letter that helped me to realize my own will and the choices I make. I really do want to go out, live righteously, and follow the will of God. I also want to show my four-year-old daughter, Megan, the way to Jesus Christ. Thank you for all you have done for me. I’ll be praying for you and all the brothers and sisters at Christian Ambassadors. In Christ’s love, Jason.

=======================

From: Steven Lashway,

Wende Correctional Facility,

Alden, New York

Dear Brother and Sister Griffee,

Greetings in the holy and wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. I will be released from prison in December 2004, after 17 years of incarceration. The Lord knows I’ve enjoyed receiving your newsletters! I most sincerely thank you, Alan and Sharon, for having me on your mailing list.

Although I have no home, no cloths and no worldly possessions, I’m standing on the Lord’s word of Romans 8:28 (KJV), “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” I know in Jesus name, he’ll see that I have a place to live, and he’ll see to all my needs. I know and believe the Lord will open doors for me that no man may close, and he will close doors for me that no man can open.

Please hold me up in prayer as I stand believing on the Lord’s promises without doubt - walking, standing, and jumping on his Word, A-men! Thank you again for having me, in Jesus’ name. May God be with you and richly bless you all. Your brother in Christ, Steve.

=======================

From: Everett Test,

Lingle, Wyoming

Dear Alan and Sharon, Remembering you at Christmas and wishing you much happiness now and in the New Year. It was good to get your Christmas Letter! I do believe in the work of Christian Ambassadors. It is a ministry that is needed and I am proud to have a small part in serving. May God bless you both. Your friend always, Everett.

=======================

From: Robert J. Crawford,

CSP Sacramento,

Represa, California

Dear Alan and Sharon, I want to thank you for the Christmas Letter! It helped me out during this holiday season, and I do appreciate the Bible courses [spiritual growth lessons] I receive from you. Sincerely, Robert.

=======================

From: Samuel Sutton,

Arrowhead Correctional Center,

Cañon City, Colorado

Dear Alan and Sharon, Happy Christ filled holidays. I am doing well, glory to God. I am remembering the many blessings that I’ve received this year, and those who have blessed me by showing that they care. I thought of you two, and I wish the very best for you in the coming year. Thank you for everything. Yours in Christ, Samuel.

======================

From: Louis McCray,

Woodbourne Correctional,

Woodbourne, New York

Dear Alan and Sharon, Praise God! The Christmas Letter you both sent out was great, and really touching. The Spirit of our Lord and Savior really does rest in your hearts. And, the love of your laboring is felt.

The McCray family and I wish every one of you a joyful Christmas celebrating the love God has for us all. He gave us His only Son. Amen. Thanks for the Letter! In Christian Love, Louis.

=======================

From: Robert Estabrook,

Ely State Prison

Ely, Nevada

Dear Brother Alan and Sister Sharon Griffee, As I write this letter, I pray that you and everyone of the subscribers and contributors to CA are blessed with love, joy, peace, health, happiness and contentment, freedom and every needed provision during this joyous season, the coming new year and for the remainder of your life here on earth.

I know that I fall short and that I get so caught up in the cares and concerns of my own life, that I neglect to contribute, comfort, and nurture. There is no excuse that can justify my failure to focus more on the CA Family. Today I felt the need to let you know that your word studies, letters, poems, prayers and other contributions made to this family of ambassadors, is gratefully appreciated by me.

These have been the most trying times of my life, and if it were not for Sharon and every one of you, I seriously doubt I would have maintained my sanity much less my humanity. So, I send my heartfelt wishes, hopes, prayers, and spirit to you this season and forevermore.

In acknowledging Sister Sharon, Brother Alan and each of you, I am acknowledging our Father and His Son Jesus Christ, who works in and through you all. Your love, commitment, and teachings have made a difference in our lives. Let us never forget to express our gratitude to God for every blessing in our lives. I love you all, in spirit and in truth, Robert

======================

From: Troy Clerk,

Mt. McGregor Correctional,

Wilton, New York

Dear Sister Griffee, I must say your letter was very convicting and at the same time very challenging. It caused a deeper introspection by the Holy Spirit into my own heart. I want to be pleasing to the Lord and be able by his grace to approach closer and closer to his presence. And, if there is pride in my heart, I don’t desire that in me.

Thank you again for everything Sister Griffee, your words have been hard, but helpful. They will be the instruction I need to get me to where God is taking me. May the Lord remember you, as you’ve remembered us - the prisoner. Amen

=======================

From: Kenneth Chikwendu,

Nigeria Prison Services,

Aba, Nigeria

Dear Rev. Okechukwu, Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am overwhelmingly thankful for the purposeful and helpful visit you paid me yesterday. I pray and hope you went back to Umuahia very peacefully and safely. I welcome and appreciate your numerous visits since I have been incarcerated here in Aba, Nigeria. It’s rarely that I am blessed with such visits here in prison. Family members and friends I had before my horrendous ordeal in 1990 have since grown very, very forgetful of me. I end up not having visits for months and nearly a year.

You are so close and very near to my heart, and so are your very kind and God fearing wife and others. You are a special gift God sent to me at this crucial period in the history of my life. Things would be very hard for me, life unbearable, if you had not come running to my aid all this while that I am imprisoned in Nigeria prison. God in heaven knows best how to reward and bless you abundantly.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank you greatly for the Christian literature (My Brother’s Keeper) you left with me. I have found reading them very helpful and enriching spiritually and otherwise. My friends here in prison, who equally received the literatures, read the materials too, and are blessed as well.

I [continually] need your prayers and hope and pray to see you soon. Stay blessed. Friendly yours, Kenneth

=======================

From: Edward Alford,

Bibb Correctional Facility,

Brent, Alabama

Dear Alan and Sharon, Greetings in the name of Jesus. We can sleep peacefully Brother and Sister Griffee, knowing that the God we worship is accessible in every aspect of our daily lives. If we let Him, He will lead us, protect us, and teach us...He is the Good Shepherd.

His love was evident all the way to the cross. As he died a horrible death, he didn’t say “Father, save me”, no, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

I’m happy to report we now have three [faith based] Ambassadors classes here at Bibb County. Brother Walter Hill and Brother Kenny Kimble teach the other two classes. All three are filled to capacity and are very much enjoyed by each member. God truly has blessed us in that respect. With that in mind, I’d like to let you know that we are in need of more Spiritual Growth Lessons.

I thank our Heavenly Father for both of you, and for all of my Brothers and Sisters in confinement across the globe, as well as those in the free world who join us in making it the “Body of Christ.”

=======================

From: Timothy Jones,

Connecticut Correctional,

Enfield, Connecticut

Dear Christian Ambassadors, Thank you so much for your Christmas letter. Even though I received it late, it was right on time. The holidays are kind of depressing in here, but with the knowledge and Spirit of the Lord, comes strength and hope. So keep up the Lord’s good work. Hebrews 13:1 (KJV) “Let brotherly love continue”. God Bless, Timothy.

From: Tony D. Smith,

Idaho Dept. of Corrections,

Orofino, Idaho

Dear Alan and Sharon, Thank you so much for the Christmas letter. It was very uplifting and helped me to keep focused on the true meaning and reason for Christmas. You are so right that Christmas can be hard while in prison. What with thinking about and being away from family and all. Fortunately, God gives us His Word to remind us that as long as there are other Bible believing, God fearing Christians around, we are amongst our Heavenly family (Mark 3:34-35).

My relationship with God through my Lord Jesus Christ is the only thing that has sustained me through the time I have been incarcerated. He has blessed me abundantly with Christian fellowship, supplied all my needs, and sent His Spirit of comfort when things seemed uncertain. He really is an awesome God. Thank you again for showing me the love of God through your ministry, and I pray that God will shower you both through this new year. God Bless and God’s Best, Tony.

=======================

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Your letters are welcome and appreciated.
If you or a loved one is incarcerated in a jail or prison facility, anywhere in the US or abroad, please write for more information:

Christian Ambassadors, Inc.
PO Box 62876

Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2876 USA

Your family and friends may also check our website at:
www.christian-ambassadors.org

The Word of God,

The Dividing Line!

by

Sharon K. Griffee

Romans 1:16 (NIV) - “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes...”

God’s Word - the message of the gospel, has the divine power to transform lives, to remove sin and change the human heart. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who “believes”. This is the good news of the gospel!

But as powerful as the message is to divinely transform lives, some people will remain unchanged [unaffected] by the gospel. The gospel is not good news for those who turn away in “disbelief”.

When God looks into the heart of someone who truly “believes” and has accepted Jesus as the only way of salvation, he sees that person as righteous, as though they had never sinned. On the other hand, when God looks into the heart of someone who adamantly opposes, “disbelieves” in Jesus’ plan of salvation - He sees the sin and his wrath is kindled!

Romans 1:18 (KJV) - “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness...”

John 3:36 (NIV) - “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.”

A few weeks after moving to the City of Colorado Springs, I opened the local newspaper one Sunday morning and was immediately impressed - awestricken. Included in the plastic bag with the Sunday edition, was a paper back copy of the New Testament. (Made possible through a group of local churches, in conjunction with the International Bible Society)

Printed on the front cover of the New Testament were these stirring words, “Our City, God’s Word”. How appropriate, I thought!

Matthew 5:14 (NIV) - “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Turning to the back cover, I was inspired by the caption, and was once again moved by the words; “The heart and soul of the Bible is its account of God’s intention to bring all things back to himself. That includes this great place. And, that includes you. This New Testament is being given to you to help you find your place in this drama of restoration.”

The words pierced my heart; echoing and affirming the foundation scripture of Christian Ambassadors, II Corinthians 5:19, “...God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation...”

May all inhabitants of the earth rejoice! God continues to call the world back to himself and he is using every willing means available. Because the message of Christ and his kingdom must be proclaimed without reservation, to the ends of the earth, we can be assured that God is backing it! As Christ’s messengers, there is no escaping our responsibility. What Jesus tells us to do, we must do! We do it out of deep appreciation, because his love compels us! Anyone involved in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, soon learns an undeniable truth, there is no such thing as secret discipleship.

His loyal messengers have been given the fearless freedom to publicly proclaim his message! This in spite of the fact that not everyone will receive the message. Knowing we will face opposition, Jesus tells us to go out on the front line (regardless) and confront the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nothing must be concealed.

Matthew 10:26-28 (NIV) - There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

The following week after the copies of the New Testament were placed in the plastic bag, alongside the local newspapers, sure enough - the Word of God was challenged. A group of “non-believers” spoke out. They were offended that the New Testament (Word of God) had shown up, unannounced, with their Sunday newspaper. Frankly, this behavior of offense is nothing new; in fact, it is to be expected. When offense comes because of the Word, Jesus tells us to rejoice and be exceeding glad!

Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV) - “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven...”

The Word of God has always been the source, the initiator, and ultimately the dividing line between the “believer” and the “non-believer”.

Naturally, everyone will not receive the message of Jesus, because the gospel runs crosswise with the values of the world. The gospel is going to upset some folks. Jesus warns of the conflicts that could arise between people, even among members of one’s own household. To be confronted with the gospel, is to be confronted with the choice to accept Jesus or to reject Him.

Matthew 10:34-38 (NIV) - “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -- a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

These may seem like stout words, nevertheless, the truth of his words will prevail. Jesus did not come to bring the kind of artificial peace that the world seeks, a peace absent of conflict. A pseudo-peace that makes us feel good while we are doing wrong.

No! Jesus didn’t come to tell us that we are fine as we are. That is not the message of the gospel. He came with a sword [the Word of God] to cut through the nonsense, and bring us into the genuine, lasting peace of His Kingdom. Its requirements are a changed life. We can’t “stay” as we are (in bondage to sin), and follow Jesus at the same time. This is the dividing line - where the rubber hits the road. We are either for or against Jesus.

Matthew 12:30 (NIV) - He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.

It is a given - those who will not take up their cross daily and follow Jesus, will often be found fighting against those who do. These unbelievers stubbornly fight the Word of God. Why? Because they are offended by the truths that it proclaims. Lacking the desire to make changes in their own life, they spend their time, instead, nitpicking and finding fault with the smallest details of the Bible, for one purpose only. They erroneously think, if they can find errors in the Bible, then they are off the hook and don’t have to follow its teachings.

These unbelievers also deal with messengers of Christ (sent to teach the Word), in much the same manner. Not wanting to listen to the truth being proclaimed, they readily find fault with the messenger. According to their thinking, if the messenger can be picked apart, somehow proven to be unworthy, then this takes the heat off themselves. When the truth of God’s Word comes a bit too close to home, the unbeliever either sends the messenger away, or they go away themselves. In other words, they scatter [separate themselves], just as Jesus said they would. Why?

They simply do not have the faith in Jesus to come face to face with him, and accept the truth about their own sin. Nevertheless, it is this very faith in Jesus Christ that sinners are in desperate need of - if they are to be set free from the slavery of sin; if they are to be saved from the clutches of Satan and into the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 13:15 (NIV) - For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.

The bottom line: The Word of God is powerless to save those who are offended by its message. The offended shut God out. They refuse to hear, they refuse to understand, and they refuse to believe its message.

Oh, how blessed are those who are not offended by the Word of God! They are highly favored by Jesus.

Luke 7:23 (KJV) - “...blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

Romans 1:16 (NIV) - “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes...”

In summary: As much as men and women would like to live their life without interference from God, God is one issue that no one can escape. There will be divisions when the Word of God is proclaimed, but the light of Christ cannot be hidden.

II Timothy 1:8-10 (NIV) - So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Two Ways To Lie

by Denis deRougement, “the Devil’s Share”

“There are two ways of lying, as there are two ways of deceiving a customer. If a scale registers 15 ounces, you can say, “it’s a pound”. Your lie will remain relative to an invariable measure of the truth. If the customer checks it, he can see that he is being robbed, and he knows by how much you are robbing him; a truth remains as a judge between you. But, if you tamper with the scale itself, it is the criterion of truth which is denatured; there is no longer any possible control, and little by little, you will forget that you are cheating. You may even bet that you will exercise all your scruples in giving exact weight, perhaps by adding a few pinches for “good measure”, for the smile of the buyer and the satisfaction of your virtue. That is “pure” lying; the moment you falsify the scale of truth itself, all your virtues are at the service of evil, and are accomplices in its contagion.”

Submitted: by ÓDavid Todeschini,

From “Our True Colors”, A Work-In-Progress

Click here to return to the Newsletter Page

Click here to return to the CA Home Page