Contributed by Adam Gillespie

We Must Continue to Fight

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you testified so well to your faith before many witnesses.

As believers in Christ, we must never have the misconception we are to lay back on the sidelines. That life will be easy, and we will never face trials and tribulations. Once we have made the decisions for Christ. Our enemy (Satan) will fight to get you back. Our spiritual enemy opposes the Christian pursuit of godly ideals. So, Paul urged his younger friend Timothy to plunge into this conflict. The goal is worth fighting for and it requires fighting for. So, my Christian brothers and sisters lets boot up and suit and get ready for war.

Ephesians 6:10-11

10. Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord In union with this might strength!

11. Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the adversary.

The only way we can withstand the attacks of the enemy is to put on the full armor of God that he supplies remember this struggle does not, not take place in the physical but in the spiritual. It is essentially warfare on the spiritual level with an enemy we cannot see.

1 Samuel 17:32 David said to sha’ul no one should lose heart because of him; your servant will go and fight this, Philistine.

You see David have the faith in God knowing he would hand this philistine over to him to defeat him. So, what enemy in your life that you need God to defeat for you? Have faith and he will do it.

1 Samuel 17:37 Then David said “Adonai, who rescued me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will rescue me from the paw of this Philistine! Sha’ul said to David “Go, May Adonai be with you”

Each battle that God gets us through prepares us for the next one. But we must do our part and walk by faith, not by sight.

1 Samuel 17:51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine took the giant’s sword, drew it out of its sheath, and finished killing him, cutting off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead they fled.

We to when we draw on the strength of God to defeat our enemies they will flee as well. When we make a practice of this in our lives, we know we can face anything with God!!

James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Moreover, take a stand against the adversary, and he will flee from you.

In this chapter, James is talking about letting go of selfish motives. We must be enemies of the world, not friends. The only way that we can face our enemy is to submit to God. Once we fight the enemy (Satan) in the power of the Holy Spirit the enemy has no choice but to flee.

Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths, so they would not hurt me, this is because before him I was found innocent, and also, I have done no harm to you, your majesty.

Although men were against Daniel to have him killed Daniel trusted God knowing there was a death sentence waiting for him for doing so. Daniel didn’t fight in his own might. He entrusted himself to God. We to must fight our enemies with the same mindset, If God is for us, who can be against us. (see Romans 8:31)

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Paul knew his life would be soon over. He knew he had fought and ran the race well that God had set before him. Mainly the minister of the Gospel. He spent the first part of his life fighting against God then spent the rest fighting for him. He remained faithful to the lord, and service for him, this enabled him to face death courageously. Let us be encouraged by this. Continue to fight the good fight of faith. An award awaits us, to forever be in his presence, Hallelujah!!!!

Contributed by Adam Gillespie

Is there something in your life that you hold dear to you that God is calling you to sacrifice on the altar? Or does something have you in chains that God wants to free you from? Well then, I encourage you to bring it to the mountain of sacrifice and leave it at the altar. God is waiting.

Genesis 22:2 He said “Take your sone your only son, whom you love, Yitz’Chak (Isaac)and go to the land of Moriah. There you are to offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain that I will point to you.”

Abraham and Sarah were promised a child long ago. When they were past the years of Sarah to bear children, the promise came to fruition, and Isaac was born. The son of promise at the age of 13 God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice to him on Mount Moriah the same place where Christ died on the cross for our sins.

Romans 4:3 For what does the Tanakh (scriptures) say? Abraham put his trust in God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness.

We too, if we put our complete trust in God his righteousness will be bestowed on us. Is God asking you to trust him to use you for his glory? Is he asking you to trust him when he says this job isn’t what you need right now? This relationship will only lead you away from me not towards me. Whatever struggle you are in right now take it to the mountain of sacrifice and put complete trust in God who knows what’s best for you.

Psalms 54:6-7

6. Then I will generously sacrifice to you; I will praise your name Adonai because it is good,

7. Because he rescued me from all trouble, and my eyes look with triumph at my enemies

David wrote this Psalm while being pursued by Saul and all his enemies. David knew God was still good and daily looked to praise his name. Even when all your enemies have surrounded you praise God and lift him up. Acknowledge that he will rescue you from all troubles. Sacrifice at the altar all fear and doubts.

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of Adonai, “Whom should I send? Who will go for us?” I answered, “I am here, send me!”

During this time the Northern and Southern Kingdoms were declining spiritually. Judgment was upon them.  Isaiah set himself apart for God rather than fall into sin and be of service to God. Is God asking you who will go for me?

Ruth 1:16-17

16. But Ruth said, “Don’t press me to leave you and stop following you, for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.

17. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried May Adonai bring terrible curses on me and more as well if anything, but death separates you and me.

This is where Ruth who was a gentile became a Jew, Like Abraham forsakes her land her birthplace, and her father’s house to convert to the ways of God. God’s calling on our life requires much sacrifice. All you, all in for God?

Luke 9:23 Then to everyone he said, “If you anyone wants to come after me, let him say no to himself, stake up his execution stake daily and keep following me.

We must daily deny our flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to give us new Godly desires

The word cross in the Greek Strong’s 4716 says this: Crucifixion is metaphorically used of renunciation of the world, that characterizes the true Christian life.

Matthew 10:37 Whoever loves his father or mother more than he loves me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than he loves me is not worthy of me.

To be a true disciple of Christ one must always put him first even if it means losing relationships with family members. Being identified with Christ will come at a cost. Jesus must mean more to us as Christians than all other relationships.

Contributed by Adam Gillespie

Even In the Darkness

All of us have gone through dark times in our lives and some of us are going through it now. We have even asked God where are you at? And why are you allowing me to go through this? Take comfort in knowing that even in the dark God is at work on your behalf. When you are having a sleepless night fretting and worrying about situations in your life know that you can cast all your cares on him. For he cares for you. (See Peter 5:7)

Exodus 14:21 Moshe (Moses) reached his hand out over the sea and Adonai caused the sea to go back before a strong East wind all night. He made the sea become dry land and its water divided in two.

The Israelite’s who just left Egypt were in fear of the Egyptians who were in pursuit of them. Moses assured them God would save them (see Exodus 14:13-14) God worked all night pushing the sea back on both sides to pave the way for the Israelite’s while their enemies are pursuing them. That’s the way God works for us. He brings us to safety and protects us from our enemies.

Genesis 50:20 You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good so that it would come about as it is today, with many people’s lives being saved.

Joseph was reassuring he would do no harm to his brothers for what they did to him. He knew God meant it for the good. You see Joseph was hated by his brothers, they sold him into slavery. He was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, yet in those dark times of Joseph’s life, God was working on his behalf, and was shown favor wherever he went. Joseph ultimately knew God that no matter the rough times he was going through God would see him through.

Psalm 23:4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.

David in his younger years was in danger of losing his life at the hand of Saul for his jealously. His own son Absalom chased him off his throne and wanted him dead so he could be King, yet David knew God would protect him even in his darkest times of life.

Psalm 27:10 Even though my father and mother have left me Adonai will come for me.

Even when those closest to us have abandoned us and we feel alone rest in the assurance God will never leave us or forsake us.

Job 35:10 But no one asks “Where is God my maker, who causes glad songs to ring out at night

If you are having a sleepless night for one reason or another, ask the Holy Spirit to fix your eyes on God who will comfort you. Praise him and fix your eyes on Him and He will give you peace beyond understanding.

James 4:8a Come close to God and he will come close to you.

No matter the tough times you are going through God assures us in his word he draws close to us if we draw close to him. So, humble yourself, cry out to God, and seek him wholeheartedly.

Acts 16:25-26

25. around midnight, Shaul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, while the other prisoners listened attentively.

26. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake that shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

Even amongst the prisons, we are living in no matter what they may be, fear, thoughts of suicide, mental illness etc. if we can praise and worship God in the midst of all that those chains will fall off and the prison doors open

Luke 22:42 “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; still not my will but yours be done.

The cup Jesus is talking about here is a cup of suffering. We need to call upon God when no matter the pain and suffering we are going through. We just need to trust that God is at work and his will, will be done.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who by his power working in as is able to do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine

No matter the darkness you may be in right now the power of God working in you will see you through. His thoughts and ways are beyond our understanding don’t give up.

Contributed by Adam Gillespie

Sanctification

is a progressive work of God and believers that make us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives. This is a process which continues on in someone’s lifetime. We will not completely become like Christ in this lifetime. At the moment of regeneration, a moral change begins in our life. We are beginning to be renewed by the Holy Spirit.

John 17:17 set them apart for holiness by means of the truth-your word is truth

Jesus is speaking here and asks the Father to set apart his children for holiness by his word. As his children for we are to live out his word in our lives to become Christ like.  God’s word is truth therefore we should allow our hearts and minds to be yielded by it.

Romans 6:11 & 14

11: in the same way, consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God, by your union with the Messiah Yeshua

14: For sin will not have authority over you, because you are not under legalism but under grace

To be sanctified on a daily basis you must be dead to sin and no longer be a slave to it. We are under grace, not the law.

Romans 6:17-18

17: By God’s grace, you who were once slaves to sin, obeyed from your heart the pattern of teaching to which you were exposed

18: and after you had been set free from sin, you become enslaved to righteousness.

God’s grace is bigger than our sin.  We are freer from the bondage of sin and are slaves to righteousness which reaps eternal life. Just as we use to offer ourselves to more and more sin, we are now to offer ourselves to more and more righteousness for sanctification.

2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us, with faces unveiled, see as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, and we are being changed into his very image, from on degree of glory to the next, by Adonai the spirit.

As we go on in this Christian life we are becoming more and more like Christ.

Philippians 3:13-14

13: Brothers, I, for my part do not think of myself as having yet taking hold of it, but one thing I do; forgetting what is behind me and striving towards what lies ahead

14: I keep pursuing the goal in order to win the prize offered by God’s upward calling in the Messiah Yeshua

Paul is saying that he is not perfect. He keeps pressing on toward the goal Christ has called him. To become more Christ like we to need to keep pressing forward and not worry about the past. Christ has saved us for a purpose.

Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is continually being renewed in fuller and fuller knowledge, closer and closer to the image of its creator.

Now that we are new creatures in Christ, we are to put on our new selves daily and look more and more like the Messiah our savior.

God’s Role in Sanctification

Most of the work of sanctification is done by God.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 May the God of shalom (peace) make you completely holy-may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless for the coming of our Lor Yeshua the Messiah.

It is God who makes us holy and gives us the desire to become more and more like his son.

Philippians 2:13 For God is the one working among you both the willing and the working for what pleases him.

God’s work in our lives causes us to fulfill his will in our lives to be free of sin and to do what pleases him.

1 Corinthians 1:30 It is his doing that you are united with the Messiah Yeshua. He has become Wisdom for us from God and righteousness and holiness and redemption as well.

Jesus earned our sanctification for us because of who he is we have an example to follow. In him, we have hope of eternal life.

Our Role in Sanctification

We depend on God to sanctify us. We are to take steps to be more like his son and strive to obey God and his word.

Romans 12:1 I exhort you, therefore brothers in view of God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical “Temple worship” for you.

Since we are brought from death to life, we should offer our lives to God as slaves of his righteousness.

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to your old nature, you will certainly die, but if by the spirit you keep putting to the death the practices of the body you will live.

To become like Christ our old nature must be put to death daily. To practice righteousness on a daily basis produces a life reflecting who Christ is.

Hebrews 12:14 keep pursuing shalom with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the lord.

Becoming sanctified we must become holy turning off the old desires of our sinful nature and produce fruit that pleases God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 What God wants is that you be holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality.

Sexual sin is one area that entangles a lot of us, but if we continue to pursue holiness and become like his son we will be from that old nature.

Hi Jim, 

Here are four of my husband’s Bible studies that he wrote. He is currently incarcerated in Canon City Colorado and leads a weekly Bible study. He has wanted to find a way to share his Bible studies with others outside the prison walls. He and I both hope these bless others. I can send more as well, he sends his writing of these to me weekly to type up for him. by Jolynn Gillespie

This is the first Lesson!

“Who We Are in Christ

Contributed by Adam Gillespie

Before the foundation of the world, we were elected by God the Father to be in Christ which brings us the reward to be called a son or daughter of God. Our relationship with God is in some way connected to our relationship with Christ. In Christ, we have redemption from the power of sin. In Christ the old man is dead, and the new man arises (see 2 Cor 5:17). We are in Christ and Christ is in us.

God Always Had a Plan

Ephesians 1:4   In the Messiah, he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence.

It was God’s grace that he chose us to be his holy children, not because of anything we have done. It is in the Messiah that we have this blessing of salvation, redemption, and justification. In Christ, we can share in the blessings and inheritance that Christ has.

In Him We Are Righteous

Romans 5:19   For just as through the disobedience of the one man, many made sinners, so also the obedience of the other man, many will be made righteous. 

1 Corinthians 1:30 It is his doing that you are united with the Messiah Yeshua, He has become wisdom for us from God, and rightlessness and holiness and redemption as well!!

Philippians 3:9 and be found in union with him, not having any righteousness of our own based on legalism but having that righteousness which comes through the Messiah’s faithfulness, the righteousness from God based in trust.

Without being in Christ we are just disobedient sinners who have no right standing with God. It is through the perfect sinless life of Christ, his death burial, and resurrection on our behalf that we are righteous. He took our sins and gave us his righteousness.

He Bore Our Sins

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made this sinless man to be a sin offering on our behalf, so that in union with him we might fully share in God’s righteousness

Isaiah 53:6 We all like sheep, went astray; we turned each one, to his own way; yet Adonai laid on him the guiltless all.

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness, by his wounds we are healed.

By him taking all our sins on the cross God sees Christ’s righteousness not our sins. In him, we have the freedom to die to our sins so now we should not let sin rule in our bodies. We must give our lives over to him.

In Him, We Have a New Life

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is united with The Messiah, he is a new creation-the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new.

1 John 5:11 and this is the witness: God has given us eternal life and this life is in his son.

2 Timothy 1:1 From Sha’ul, an adversary of the Messiah Yeshua by God’s will, which holds forth a promise of life through being united with Messiah Yeshua

So, from these scriptures, we see we do have a new life in Yeshua. This good news should cause us to deny ourselves and pick up our cross daily and follow him. The first Adam brought death the second Adam (Yeshua) brought life.

In Christ, We Are to Live for Him

Romans 15:17 In union with the Messiah Yeshua, then, I have reason to be proud of my service to God.

1 Corinthians 15:31 Brothers by the right to be which the Messiah Yeshua our lord gives me I solemnly tell you that I die every day

Paul knew what he had in his savior Yeshua the Messiah. He knew what it was to die to his flesh every day and to live for him. He was proud to be constantly working for God and bringing many into the fold. He also knew who he was outside of Christ. So, let’s remember the children of God who we are in Union with the Messiah.

On May 16 2022 Interviews were made with several of the chapel orderlies at Dick Conner’s Correctional Center in Hominy OK. In addition to this we also recorded a round-table discussion with all the orderlies, and on the next day May 17th 2022 we recorded the evening service. Reggie participated in the sermon, and is one of the men The Park Church of Christ sponsors for a higher education in bible Studies. He is close to completing his masters degree work and will soon be working towards his doctorate.

 

LETTER FROM THE EX – PRISONER MR. KYEYUNE RICHARD.

I am Mr. kyeyune Richard from Namungona, Luzira Kampala.

I was a prisoner at Kitalya min max prisons wakiso ( second biggest prison in Uganda). I was at the charge of murder and I was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Before being taken to prison, I was such rude and violent person of which in my violence, I used to steal vehicles in kampala with my ganger, I could beat and kill the difficult owners of the vehicles.

One day, I killed mr. kiiza samuel who was driving himse3lf and I took his vehicle a.k.a prado. The police traced me using CCTV Cameras installed in the city ways and I was arrested and taken to Upper maximum security prison Luzira( biggest prison in Uganda). I was there for six months remand and taken to high court and they sentenced me for 20 years imprisonment. I was taken back to to upper prisons and I spent there 08 years in upper prison then later in 2019 I was transferred to Uganda Government Kitalya min max.

From there my lawyer came and told me that my application to court of appeal has failed and I had nothing to do except to finish my sentence.

Time came and I saw one day my fellow prisoners organizing and I asked them what was going on and they now said there is a team from Gotopo who preaches the gospel to us, then I waited to see the people they were talking about.

In the afternoon I saw them entering the hall where prisoners were seated. We praised and worshipped then finally,
Pr. Poela benard came and preached the gospel and then after him came anoSther man called kyomuhendo who asked among us who would wish to accept and give his life to Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and savior. Inside me I felt touched and I ran for salvation. then, that day I took Jesus to be our personal Lord and savior.

Next day when they came I approached Pr. Poela and kyomuhendo to pray for me about my appeal application and they requested go to do a miracle in my life. They prayed for me and departed, but really God does unbelievingly. It was a Sunday when I heard my name being read among the people who are going on Tuesday to court of appeal. That I remembered the words of his servants they told me when they were praying for me.

The day came and I was taken to court, I was taken in the presence of the judge and he re- read my first judgment and finally made he a final decision and reduced the years of imprisonment of which he placed it to 16 years of imprisonment and of which he included the six months of remand and the years I spent in prison. Then due to remission given by prison on the sentence, the judge commanded me to be released and I was set free.

I will never forget the God who enabled me to go out of prisons and I thank team Gotopo for the work they are doing. Really am a live testimony. Even today am a changed person working with them. I still persue my certificate in Theology sponsored by Gotopo.

To God be the glory
KYEYUNE RICHARD
EX – PRISONER KITALYA MIN MAX.

Remembering prisoners are people who love, hate, and hurt.

Our goal in the prison ministry is to help these people find true freedom… IN TRUTH

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

I mentioned Jody will soon be reading letters we have received  from inmates on line, and will be posted both here and on our Youtube channel.

Our purpose is to share the thoughts of the incarcerated with all of you, by doing this we are hoping to make these people and their humanity more real to you, and hopefully this will lead to true prison reform.

This morning I received two letters from women in the Luzira Women’s prison in Luzira, Kampala, Uganda.

We are always asking for people to help, of course financially, and by helping in the work, but this is one simply way you can also be involved… read the letters, and share them on your personal facebook page, or other social media platforms….

What is true prison reform?

My observation as a prison minister….

Where does prison reform begin?

In the home, the classroom, and the schoolyard.

First: Everyone talks about prison reform when we should be talking about prisoner reform, and society reform.

In other words get rid of the stinkin thinkin

We need to quit thinking in terms of revenge and punishment, and replace those ideas with rehabilitation.

Prison reform starts with prison facility and Nutrition reform, not population reduction…

These first two changes, means showing respect to people who for the most part have not been respected, or had self-respect…

I think some of the Scandinavian nations give a good example of modern prison design.

Drug abuse must first be brought to a stop… currently there are more drugs available in the prisons than on the outside… an alcoholic will not be cured by giving him a drink… they need serious time away from their addiction

A prisoner needs to be trained in a skilled labor, or a profession.

A spiritual/ faith foundation must be instilled to change a criminal mind to the mind of a honest hardworking citizen who contributes to society rather than takes from society.

A gradual removal from the prison system… prison with training and then to a half-way house for up to a year or two with no stress or pressure on the prisoner.

a gradual re-entry into society with supervision that diminishes over time as the prisoner adjusts to an acceptable lifestyle that will contribute to society.

We have several goals with the Park Church of Christ Prison Ministry.

Lead the lost back to the narrow path…

Be involved with the family in order to keep the family unit together.

We are working towards this goal through the Angel Tree project, the Family Engagement Project, and the coming Pen Pal ministry… along with other ideas that will come at a later time.

I mentioned at the beginning of the article that prison reform begins at home, the classroom, and the schoolyard… what I didn’t mention is it is my belief this needs to be the same for a generation or two.

The public school system in general is no longer teaching children the basic tools for functioning successfully in society, but spending more time in political indoctrination… and that should not be the purpose, nor even permitted in the classroom.

I also hope to see Christian based private schools to start appearing, at either affordable costs, or free for students.

Hillsdale is making a serious effort in accomplishing this.

https://k12.hillsdale.edu/Schools/Affiliate-Classical-Schools/

And in Tulsa!!!

Home

As I walk down the halls of the Park COC (getting my steps in) I pray all those classrooms will someday be filled with students receiving tradition education coupled with Christian Education, which will include what Scripture says, How to live by it, and How to defend it.

One of the problems we have is people not knowing how to defend the faith in a logical manner that makes sense to the person who asks them why they believe.

This is especially important for children, for if the learn these facts early, they won’t forget them later.

The most common understanding of recidivism is based on state data from the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics , stating that two-thirds (68 percent) of prisoners released were arrested for a new crime within three years of release from prison, and three-quarters (77 percent) were arrested within five years.

Oklahoma The three-year recidivism rate in Oklahoma is 20.1%, one of the lowest in the country. Despite this, Oklahoma has the second-highest incarceration rate in the country, behind Louisiana.

Results of statistical analyses revealed that the faith-based prison had the lower recidivism rate, 16 percent compared to 36 percent for the vocational training prison. This was the case even though the faith-based prison housed more prisoners convicted of severe offenses.

Last night (Oct 16, 2022) we had our first volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

I had planned on just a simple dinner, four speakers, which included myself, Jim Pinkston, Elaine Russell, and Jody.

My original idea was to just have a dinner, thank everyone for their participation, and everyone visit and get to know each other.

That is not what happened!

This group took over, and it became quite an affair. A number of people, in fact most of the people in attendance also gave a brief talk about their experiences with the ministry, and everyone of them were very touching, telling us how their hearts and lives had been changed due to their giving of themselves to a people who have been forgotten, who lived in places they can’t leave, in the shadows of society.

The video is a part of that meeting, I think gathering is a better description, the sound is horrible, but honestly I didn’t plan on using sound in the final editing of the video, but simply using it as part of another video, and that was a big mistake. I had no idea this would happen as it did.

It reminded me of those flash dances or songs we see once in awhile in an airport or shopping mall… it just had a life of it’s own.