Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ,

"The strongest bulwark of vice in our world is not the iniquitous life of the abandoned sinner or the degraded outcast; it is that life which otherwise appears virtuous, honorable, and noble, but in which one sin is fostered, one vice indulged. To the soul that is struggling in secret against some giant temptation, trembling upon the very verge of the precipice, such an example is one of the most powerful enticements to sin. He who, endowed with high conceptions of life and truth and honor, does yet willfully transgress one precept of God’s holy law, has perverted His noble gifts into a lure to sin. Genius, talent, sympathy, even generous and kindly deeds, may become decoys of Satan to entice other souls over the precipice of ruin for this life and the life to come.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:15, 16. {MB 94-95}

Hi,

I am in prison in Georgia. I was in the library and found your book, "Change Your Life Biblically" volume I. I would like to get one of my own. I have really enjoyed it and want to become a member of your ministry. I also want to answer the questions and send them back to your ministry. I am a new Christian so I need all the prayers I can get. I want to get closer to God. I have two beautiful daughters and a Christian wife.

Christopher, GA

Dear Brother Ronald,

I thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the ability to send you these stamped envelopes. I know that they are not much, but please accept them as a deposit for the workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically". I have included 10 extra envelopes to help someone else.

Steven, WA

Dear Brother Ronald John,

May our loving God bless you and your ministry always. I got your encouraging letter, as they all are. Thank you. And of course it found me learning about our Lord and His plan of salvation and sharing what I learn with my wife via the U.S. Mail. Thank you for the resource list. I will put it to good use. You are a great blessing my brother. I understood that tongues was simply languages as that is how it is stated in Acts. It’s just that 1 Corinthians 14 sort of confused me. But now I see that Paul was actually condemning the idea of utterances that are not understood as they don’t edify anything. But thank you for clarifying that for me.

Joseph, CA

Dear Brother Ronald,

I received your ministry’s pamphlets along with your letter. Thanks for writing. I know you must be busy. Trusting Jesus foremost is what I’m learning and applying what I’ve learned from "Change Your Life Biblically". I think on the Sabbath lately and how I was not honoring God. The key word "was". CYLB helped me see I was wrong. What I’ve applied so far is I stopped doing drugs. I also took the earrings out of my ears. My thinking was and is very messed up. Obedience to Christ is hard but worth it. I see I must drop little bugs about Jesus to others. I’m getting bolder in how I drop those bugs now. These are things I’m applying in my life today. I’m going real slow in CYLB. I think it is good for me. I retain more. Well, I just wanted to tell you some areas I’m applying what I’m taught by "Change Your Life Biblically". God rid me of drugs and ear piercing. Jesus is Love. The Pond of Peace looks great. I’m learning more and more daily.

Marc, CA

JCPM,

I received the "Change Your Life Biblically" book and I enjoy it totally. It helps for me to read the book daily to get through the tough times. I ask Jesus daily to help me and to watch over my family and friends while I am in Prison. The Prison Ministry and Jesus have helped make my life better and to make time pass quickly.

Jed, UT

Dear Brother Ron,

We need to learn how to let go and let God deal with us. It’s not our place to become angry when someone does us wrong. We are to forgive and love, not hold a grudge and hate. I’m still learning this. I know how hard it is to stop doing something when it’s been a habit for a long time. Don’t worry brother, the funds will come. As long as you are doing what Jesus tells you to do you will have what you need. Well bro, you are in my prayers. Keep your head up. Don’t let the devil get to you.

Anthony, NV

Dear Brother Ronald John,

To begin this letter, let me say, I’m 18 years old and I am currently in the county jail. Well, I had heard about your book like a month or two ago. Didn’t pay much interest. It went from one ear and came out the other. But today, I found a booklet in the day room that has letters from other inmates on it. I picked it up and started reading it. It was so wonderful. I was sitting down and another inmate asked me if I had the goose bumps. I did. I started explaining a little about what you went through to get your ministry started and stuff. He said that’s good. This isn’t the life for me and I can honestly say I’m scared. It’s my first offense and I’m stressing it at times. I will be getting your book and sending you some stamps as soon as we get to store. With much love, keep up the good work.

Israel, CA

Brother Ronald,

Thank you for the certificate and the chance to be on the pen-pal web site. But thank you most of all for the truth that means more to me than anything. God bless you and your ministry for the work you do. Thank you for saying that you were proud of me. I haven’t heard that in a very long time. I too am proud of you and JCPM as I know Jesus is proud of you too. I hope to one day help you and your ministry as you’ve helped me. I don’t see parole until 2011 so that will give me time to work out any weak spots in my walk as well as give me time to spread the true gospel of Jesus in here. This I will do. I’m not sure if people really write inmates from JCPM web site, but it would be nice to have someone to write to. As you know mail from the world is a highlight to an inmate’s day. Mail is something I hardly get. I know all I have to do is look to Jesus if it’s His will it will be. Well, I’m not going to take up any more of your time. Just know I am truly grateful to you and JCPM and the ministry work is something I’m very interested in. In here as well as upon my release. Anything that you could do to help me with that would be a blessing. I will keep you posted on my walk.

Jonathan, TX

Dear Brother Ron,

About a month ago I sent a letter out to your ministry with no P.O. Box # or Zip Code and by the grace of God it reached you. A week later I received your workbook and from sun up until I go to bed I study whole heartily. I have truly put my heart into learning about God and I wanted to say "Thank you" for everything. You truly are a man of God. Brother Ron, I get seriously depressed because I don’t get mail or visits and I don’t have anyone except of course Jesus. I need human compassion. I need a friend. I’ve written to numerous "churches" prior to receiving your book and not one ever wrote me back and I see why now. I need a friend and I believe that the Spirit is telling me, "Brother Ron will be your friend on the outside". I’ve read your book and totally agree with all you’ve written. I just want to study and read it at least 3-4 times before doing the test. I’m asking you to please correspond with a brother like me who’s spirit needs to be uplifted at times. I’ve spent numerous hours trying to lead people to the truth about Jesus and how to get to Heaven (be perfect, stop sinning and keep the Ten Commandments) and sometimes I have been called "rude". Every day I get more persecuted so I must be doing something right. But it sure takes its toll on me at times. Thanks again for helping me to not fall into paganism.

James, CA

Dear JCPM,

I am an inmate. I’m doing 4 years on 20. I would like to have a copy of your Bible study, "Change Your Life Biblically". I read your book in the county jail. I liked it very much but when I got done reading it, I could not find the answer sheets to it. So I’m praying that you will send me a new book so I can do the Bible study and send it back to you. I have been doing things in my life that will one day send me over the edge. I think your book can help me to stay on the right path.

Troqier, GA

JCPM,

I’ve just got through reading the book I found in this cell I moved into called, "Change Your Life Biblically". I’ve got to say, it was very enlightening. I am now requesting a book of my own. I want to read all you have printed in this collection of books. Thank you. God bless your ministry.

Michael, CA

Dear JCPM,

I am 25 years old. About 8 months ago I sent you a letter to inquire on your Bible study course. At the time I sent you a letter, I was at a county jail and didn’t know how long I was going to be there. I am now at my permanent facility where I will be for the next 2 years. I would like to use that time I have to complete the correspondence program. This is a program that I have great interest in and it is something that I would like to do.

David, CA

Hello Brother John,

I had the pleasure of getting a quick glance of your book. And what little I got from it made me hungry for more of it. But my only problem is, I don’t have the funds at all. So I am putting this prayer in God’s hand and I hope He hears me.

Rocky, CA

Hi Ron,

I just wanted to quickly say hello and share some more good news with you. Sharon is STILL reading the book and this morning I told her that I had more books if she knows of anyone that would like one. So she told me that her roommate, Jackie, wanted one. So I gave her one. Sharon told me that the DVD didn’t work in Jackie’s DVD player so I gave her another one to try out. If not, I will ask them if they would one day like to sit down with me and watch it on the laptop here. Sharon told me of her Jewish friend (has A.D.D.) who is reading the book. How he is now doing better because after praying they got the medication he needed to help him with his problem (A.D.D.) Before the medication, he was not able to concentrate. Now he is doing better and they are dedicated to reading "CYLB". Sharon told me that she will tell others about the book. She said that she is planning on purchasing a motorhome to live in. She has a friend that has one to help her out with the process and all. I can see it in Sharon’s eyes and all that she is doing better and feeling better. She sure is happy with how the book is helping her. She said, "Joe and I were talking and I told him how we need to give God more time. We need to set a time apart to study. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t give God His time." Isn’t God good. She gave me a hug again thanking me for my help. She asked me if there is anything that I needed? I told her to just keep telling me of the good news and how the book is helping her.

Juan, (Our Translator)

Dear Brother Ron,

Thanks for the book. It is crazy here. Running rampant with demons. This whole jail is full of demons. For sure, the devil’s playground. Well bro, I’m studying the workbook. It’s helping a lot being so unfamiliar with the Bible. The Old Testament is a great history book. It makes the New Testament make for sense. When I was in GP the smallest mention of the Sabbath was enough to start an argument. So needless to say, not a lot of Sabbath talk went on. I hate jail. I will never come back here. And with the Lord’s blessing I will not go to prison.

Michael, CA

Dear Brothers and Sisters and JCPM,

I have a Christian friend from Houston that strongly recommended me writing you about a Bible study. It’s called "Change Your Life Biblically". My Bible has told me to study to show myself approved a workman that need not to be ashamed. Well, I’ve been doing that ever since I got saved. Can this study be used as a tool to raise up a brand new Christian? I’m asking because I have a new celly that is asking a lot of questions about God and the Bible. There isn’t a doubt in my heart that he is fixing to be born again. And I would love to have a structured study to walk him through.

Ricky, TX

Hi Ron,

Hey, more good news. On Tuesday a co-worker asked for a book. I gave it to him. But on the train after work (Tuesday) I was talking to him as he skimmed through the book. A lady overheard and she seemed interested as she got up and moved to the seat in front of me. I asked my friend for the book I gave him to give to the lady. I told him I would give him another one when I see him again. So today I gave it to him after work. I pray that God will bless him as he reads it. He’s young, about 23-25, Mexican and speaks very well in both languages. Maybe he will be willing to help me out to check the Spanish online. I am just happy that he was willing to take the book so that he can read it. I did give him a DVD also. Thanks so much for everything. I also pray that you both will have a wonderful weekend. Love in Christ,

Juan, (Our Translator)

Dear JCPM,

I am totally indigent. The stamps that you are requesting are not available. We are on lock down. We have no access to Bibles. I am speaking of me and my 19 year old cellie. I am trying to coach him in the Word of God. I can only do this because I have a lot of Scripture memorized. If at all possible, can you please send a Bible study. My cellie seems eager to want to know about God. I’m doing what I can for him in that area along with your book. I’m a fatherless orphan with no family to speak of.

Michael, CA

Dear Ronald John,

I finally have five dollars to send you. Praise be to the Lord. One of my cases was dropped and my bond money was released to me so now I can get your book. And I’m glad about that because I’ve been wanting to change my life. I hope that it will get here soon because I may be getting out next month, if God’s willing. On the fliers you sent me before, it says "would you like to work for Jesus?" Yes, I would. Just let me know what to do.

Randy, IN

Dear Ron,

It’s been a few months since I’ve touched bases with you and I just wanted to let you know I found your testimony in my last newsletter very interesting. Thank you for sharing with your readers how JCPM got started and the difficult start you had. I’m still working on my book doing the questions in the back. But you said if we ever had a question for you to ask. I’ve got a gentleman here who is very knowledgeable. He has started telling me he is into the "true" word and if I knew what the Word God and Lord and Jesus meant I wouldn’t use them. I’ve always been under the impression God knows when I’m talking to Him and knows what’s in my heart when I praise Him. So I would like to know your thoughts on this. In other matters I’ve tried to get some info and it’s always been a hassle because some people are so into their version being right that there is no discussing it with them. If you don’t believe the way they believe, they don’t want to discuss it at all because it’s controversial. So I just thought I’d ask your take on these issues as I find you very knowledgeable. My brother, I want to thank you for all you have done in the service of the Lord and how much I appreciate your time and effort spent on prisoners and encouraging us to be solders in God’s army.

Jose, OR

Brother Ronald John,

Thanks for all the Christian encouragement you send my way. It helps me to keep on keeping on. I too am learning many things about God and His will for us and trying to adjust my life accordingly. Sometimes I feel as though I should be doing more. But I realize that my security restrictions prevent that. God bless you my brother and may He always bless your ministry. Thank you for your letter. It was encouraging as always.

Joseph, CA

Dear Ronald John,

I am writing you this letter to let you know that the workbook that you sent me is a very powerful book. It has a lot of information. It gave me a good understanding of the Bible. Brother Ron, I have some bad news. The C/O’s came into my cell and they took my workbook. Just because someone threw something off the tier everybody has to suffer for one man’s actions. Now I don’t have a workbook. It was very special to me because it was teaching me the truth. I never read or had a book like it. It filled my life with the truth of God’s Word. I was not even finished reading the book. Brother Ron, can you please bless me with another workbook? I am not able to send you any stamps for the workbook because I just don’t have any. If you can help me and send me another book, I will be very grateful to you. The workbook means a lot to me.

Willie, CA

To Whom it may Concern,

I am writing you because I briefly got to scan through your book. I was very intrigued by it. Personally I never understood the Bible but I noticed that your book could actually help me in my studies as well as help me change my life. Another thing that was opened up to me was the basic essentials of life that I’m missing. So I would really like to receive one of your books to help me with my Bible studies. I would be very grateful to have one of your books of my own and hopefully it’ll help me get closer to God. There is a lot that I did not know but with your help that knowledge will be a key to my success for when I get out of here.

Dion, MS

Dear Brother Ronald John,

I have received your response letter upon my request to receive the workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically". I am a true believer in Christ Jesus and I love the Lord with all my life, heart and with in my soul. I gave up the streets and selling drugs and living an adulterous life. I will send a $5 donation to your ministry to receive the "Change Your Life Biblically" workbook. Brother James shared some words with me concerning the workbook and your ministry. I can see that you are doing what the Lord wants man to do: love your neighbor and spread His word throughout the world. I am willing to know the truth and face the truth by studying the truth in the workbook.

Michael, CA

"If the poor now crowded into the cities could find homes upon the land, they might not only earn a livelihood, but find health and happiness now unknown to them. Hard work, simple fare, close economy, often hardship and privation, would be their lot. But what a blessing would be theirs in leaving the city, with its enticements to evil, its turmoil and crime, misery and foulness, for the country’s quiet and peace and purity. To many of those living in the cities who have not a spot of green grass to set their feet upon, who year after year have looked out upon filthy courts and narrow alleys, brick walls and pavements, and skies clouded with dust and smoke--if these could be taken to some farming district, surrounded with the green fields, the woods and hills and brooks, the clear skies and the fresh, pure air of the country, it would seem almost like heaven.

"Cut off to a great degree from contact with and dependence upon men, and separated from the world’s corrupting maxims and customs and excitements, they would come nearer to the heart of nature. God’s presence would be more real to them. Many would learn the lesson of dependence upon Him. Through nature they would hear His voice speaking to their hearts of His peace and love, and mind and soul and body would respond to the healing, life-giving power." {MH 190, 191, 192}

David vs Absalom

Absalom was without blemish

Absalom was "perfect"

Absalom did the "right" thing in killing his brother for raping and committing incest

Absalom was the perfect, self-righteous person

On the other hand:

David Killed Uriah and committed adultery with his wife.

Why did God love David and destroy Absalom?

Because David served God. His life was a life of service to God, His nation and His people. He maintained justice, law and order. He was humble and generous. Except in the case of Uriah and Bathsheba, he was perfect. Even in his sin, he was a perfect sinner. He repented and turned away from his sin and humbled himself to accept the punishment.

Absalom was perfect on the outside, but his character was evil. He was selfish and served no one without due recognition. He was proud and boastful. He looked the perfect "Christian" on the outside, and stole the hearts of the "Christians" by his "right-doing". His church attendance was perfect. But inwardly, as God sees it, he was wicked. Notice that he "stole" the hearts of the men of Judah. Stealing is the breaking of the Ten Commandments.

Please DO NOT mail me any more information on your Prison Ministry. Remove my name from your mailing list immediately!! I do not want to spend the rest of my life throwing it in the trash. I never asked for it nor do I ever want it. There are more important things to pray for than prisoners. Innocent people with terminal illnesses comes to mind. Not people who knowingly commit crimes then want forgiveness only because they’re sitting in jail.

Once again-REMOVE MY NAME! My children are wondering if I’m e-mailing with inmates and I don’t find that amusing!

CB, CA