Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Recently a Christian brother and I were discussing an evangelism tool our church is rolling out called 3 circles. It basically draws a picture of man’s progression from God’s original design, to the Brokenness we live in now, and the Gospel as the solution to restore our relationship with God. We use various scenarios to practice using the tool.
The most common scenario begins during discussion of a serious problem someone is struggling with, such as a close relative diagnosed with cancer. We practiced this scenario and used the tool to walk through presenting the Gospel. Then a very pertinent question came up – How does the gospel message of salvation through Christ alone address the original problem? How does it make things better?
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)
I think many Christians may come across that question as they share the Gospel with others. How does a newfound faith apply to the original problem?
I pondered the question and believe the Holy Spirit led me to an answer. When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and are saved, we also receive God’s Holy Spirit who counsels us and leads us into all truth. And that Truth goes way beyond our current circumstances, and beyond our very lives. He gives us a new perspective on a much grander scale, where we can see ultimate healing when this life is over and there is no more sorrow, death, or sin. While God may indeed intervene in our present circumstances and bring healing in this life, we can now see the brevity of this life in light of eternity. And I believe that context can change our perspective on our current problems.
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. (John 16:13-14)
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
The enemy would have us believe we are alone in our struggles, but for the saved the light of Christ and fellowship within the family of God prove otherwise. Men and women in prison are very much in tune with feeling alone in their struggles, and we thank God for our wonderful Chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich who consistently share and model the Gospel within the walls of Chester County Prison. We are also very thankful for all of you, whose support allow this prison ministry to continue. May God bless you in a special way this week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda
Here are the requests for this week:
B.R. – sweet young woman, pursuing God, working her way through Bible study books; recently left CCP.
C.J. – asked for prayer; reincarcerated shortly after a previous incarceration.
R.O. – “Please, please, please can I have a journal, a Bible and just stuff to learn more and be closer to the Lord. Please and thank you.”
V.M. – a young woman dealing with severe mental illness, to the point of hallucinations and incoherency. She settled down and allowed me to pray for her and was very receptive. Please keep her in your prayers. God is able to heal.
Prayers from Onesimus Ministries
Continued prayers for safety, wellness, and achieving their goals for Chaplain Heinrich and his wife Susan as they travel throughout Africa on an extended trip.
Also continued prayers for sanity and strength for Chaplain Rhonda as she “minds the store” while Heinrich is gone.
Lord, help us wait upon you, and we pray your timing is very soon to finally open up Chester County Prison to religious volunteers. We acknowledge it’s all in your hands, and pray any roadblocks be put aside and your will be done. Thank you for the progress made thus far, help us be patient for your perfect timing.
May the staff, inmates, and their families all enjoy your perfect peace in their hearts, minds, and bodies, as seen through Bible studies and fellowship, calmer attitudes, and healthy bodies.
Father, please pour out your blessing upon those who care for recently released women and men coming out of prison. May the various aftercare ministries be effective in discipling these former inmates, and bless these souls as they forge a new path for their lives with You at the center.
If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.
These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/
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