NEWSLETTER: LUKE, PART 14

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

There are a lot of grumblers in our churches and in society.  People who are constantly disapproving of what others do.  Churches have determined what a Christian should look like and how they should think.  Anyone who does not measure up to their conception is not Christian.  How sad.

There are also political parties out there who do the same.  They scream and yell at you, set things on fire, riot and kill if you do not agree with them.  This is what happens when God is taken out of our churches and society.  Without God, there is no Holy Spirit.  Without the Spirit of God to work on the heart, the heart is left to its sinful state.  The heart by itself is desperately wicked.  (Jeremiah 17:9).  Only good comes from God.  Without God, there is no good.  Evil is all that is left.  Amazing how few give thanks to God for the good they do. 

Instead of griping, complaining and grumbling, churches need to rejoice when a sinner returns to Jesus.  That doesn’t mean we accept the sin, it means we help the sinner to confess, repent and turn away from sin.  There still may be sins in her life, but her desire is to remove them and live the perfect, sinless and commandment keeping life.  Those griping, complaining and grumbling haven’t yet found Jesus.  They haven’t yet confessed, repented and turned away from their sins.  They are the ones who are lost.

Churches today are like the churches of Christ’s day, hotbeds of vice, sin, wickedness and damnation; all under the guise of sanctity.  We make sure we have the symbols such as steeples, crosses, stained glass windows, tall ceilings, appropriate music and proper attire to look sacred; but the hearts are full of sin.

Luke 15:1 to Luke 16:17

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 

I love that!  “Drawing near to hear Him”.  Are we drawing near to hear Jesus?  Or are we drawing near to our pastors, churches and denominational publications?  We need to draw near to Jesus by opening His Word and reading with a desire to hear only Him.

I think there are too many of us who are actually fearful of “drawing near to hear Him” because we love our sins.  Our sins are “Ok”.  It is “their” sins that are bad.  They need to draw near to Jesus.  Me?  I go to church!

And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 

Yes He did.  He received sinners.  He even “eats with them”.  Why?  So they can experience the joy of Jesus.  So they can feel His righteous character overflowing to them.  So they would be able to hear and see how to live His perfect, sinless and commandment keeping life.  Many express the same attitude towards this little ministry.  I associate with sinners to bring them God’s Word.  But the “good” church people are offended and grumble. 

So he told them this parable: 

I’m still trying to understand and put that concept into practice.  I don’t think I’m learning very fast.  He didn’t condemn them openly.  He didn’t embarrass them in front of the “sinners”.  He told a parable.  Maybe we should draw closer to Jesus to hear His parables.  I wish I knew how to give parables.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 

Since the Pharisees were the ones who offered the lambs to “appease” God, yes, I am sure they raised sheep to sell to “sinners”.  It was a very profitable arrangement.  Raise the sheep.  Sell the lamb to a sinner.  Collect a fee to sacrifice the lamb from the sinner.  We even try to fleece the lamb before we sell it as a sacrifice to get more from it.  God would be proud of us!  Yep, we don’t want one lamb getting lost.  It makes lots of money for our church!

And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 

Absolutely!  Ching, ching!  I can just hear the cash register now.  More money!

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 

“Ok, time for evening sacrifice, who needed this lamb?  Let’s rejoice that I can help a sinner pay his debt to God.”  Remember, Jesus is talking to Pharisees.  It was they who were grumbling.  Could this be what they were thinking?  Is your church only thinking of money when they go looking for the lost?

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 

“Wait a minute, what did Jesus say?  Over a sinner who ‘repents’?  No, no, no, over a sinner who buys my lamb and then pays me to sacrifice it!  After all, if they repent and stop sinning, they won’t need to buy my lamb anymore.”  Jesus was truly confounding church leaders.  He taught nothing about belonging to their church.  Nothing about their rituals, traditions or sacrifices.  Nothing about honoring them as the rightful teachers of the people.  “Get rid of this man!”

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 

Jesus was not sexist.  He believed in equal opportunity and salvation for all.  A man had sheep and a woman her coins.  Both lost something of value to them.  Both searched diligently for the lost and found it.  Both celebrated the find with friends and neighbors.  I believe that most church members are not even aware that they have lost a lamb or a coin.  They see people coming and going in their church and never diligently seek who is lost.  Not much rejoicing over the “lost and found” in our churches, unless it was a person’s wallet that was lost and found.  I think our priorities are all out of place.

And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 

Not much of that going on in today’s world.  We rejoice when one has bought a new car, a new refrigerator, received a scholarship, found a new job, etc.  Somewhere along the way we lost our love for souls.  The love of most has turned freezing cold.  Can somebody turn the heat up, please?

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 

Notice, it isn’t about a sinner joining a church.  It isn’t about a sinner claiming to be a Christian.  No, the angels of God rejoice over “one sinner who repents”.  Heaven rejoices when we repent and turn away from sin.  Our churches rejoice over a new carpet, organ, pews and a new pastor.  How far we have fallen.

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons.  And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 

Interesting that the father did not argue with the son and try to stop him.  Free will was understood back then.  Today, society doesn’t believe in freedom.  Everyone is trying to persuade and influence everyone else to do what they want you to do.  That is why only people who have voluntarily stopped sinning will be in Heaven.  It is freedom of choice.

There are those in today’s world, whether religions or political parties, who don’t want you to have freedom of choice.  They want to control everything you say, think and do.  If you don’t agree with them, they cancel you.  A day is coming when God is going to cancel them.  As we do to others, it will be done to us.

Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 

I think too many of us are doing the same.  We are taking the blessings that our Heavenly Father has given us and are squandering them on reckless living.  We spend and spend and spend on ourselves, but very little of it has to do with our duty to our Father.  We have truly taken a “journey into a far country” away from our Father.  Many of us may not realize we are in “reckless living”, but when compared with the life of Jesus, good probability.

And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 

Not just physically or economically, but spiritually.  There will come a time when we will begin “to be in need”.  We will recognize how foolish we have been and how dependent we really are on our Father.  I pray that we recognize it before it is too late.

So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 

We attempt to fill that need by hiring ourselves out to the world.  We look to the world to satisfy our needs.  We look for the “perfect” job.  We search for the “right” woman.  We look for the right savings and retirement plans.  We look to everything except our Father.  It is all crashing down upon us.

And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 

We look longingly around us hoping that something will fill that desire; that need within us.  We have wandered far from our Father and His blessings, and must come to the realization that nothing of this world will satisfy the love and care our Father has for us.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 

So few actually come to themselves.  Most are still running from one pigsty to another trying to satisfy themselves.  They flip channels from MSNBC to ABC to CBS and CNN to satisfy themselves.  They go from one “pod” to another IPod thinking that all the new toys will fill the void.  All the “pods” of this world will never fill the emptiness of the heart. 

I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 

Until we recognize we are not worthy, we will never appreciate our Father and what He has for us.  Lucifer, standing beside the Father, began to feel that he was worthy and that the Father owed him.  He became selfish and lifted himself up.  We can never get to heaven until we empty ourselves of self and feel our unworthiness.  Looking at Christ on the cross is the only way we can truly understand our unworthiness.  Why do you think the devil is working so hard to keep our eyes off the cross?  Instead of looking to the cross, he has us looking to Easter and Christmas, he has us looking to the church, our pastor or our denomination.  But nothing will help us understand our unworthiness like the cross.

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 

The Father is waiting to embrace us.  He is waiting to kiss us.  He has great compassion for us.  He wants to clothe us with His robe of righteousness.  But until we feel the need of His embrace, His kiss and His compassion, we will never experience it.  We must empty ourselves of all self-righteousness, pride, worthiness and all the “I” the world has to offer.  Then we can arise and go to the Father in our unworthiness.

Interesting concept.  After Jesus had humbled Himself before the world, he then arose the third day and went to His Father.  His Father saw Him coming from a long way off and sent all heaven to embrace Him and lead Him to the throne where the Father kissed and embraced Him for a sacrifice well done. 

And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 

This was not a “canned” speech.  This was not a show.  He recognized the superiority of His Father.  He recognized his own inferiority.  The world today, since about the 1960’s, has been inculcating into children, and society, the idea that we are worthy.  That we are special.  That we are important.  That “I” am to be respected and given everything “I” want.  All of that has only destroyed our families and society today.  It will also destroy our eternal life.  Fewer and fewer feel their need to work for the respect of society and the Father.  Only a humble recognition of our unworthiness will be accepted by the Father.

But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.  And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. 

Once we recognize that we are unworthy, and actually live the part of unworthiness, humbly accepting our Father as supreme in our lives, then He will be able to trust us with the finest He has to offer.  I recognize every day that I am unworthy; that I am stupid, dumb and ignorant.  Then I am able to accept all that my Father offers me.  It is all His.  He is simply sharing what He has with me to use for His praise, honor and glory.

“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.  And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.  And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’  But he was angry and refused to go in.

Yes, he was a “good” son, working hard in the church “for” God.  He was in the mission fields, house to house, soup kitchens, passing out clothes and served as deacon.  But he was angry that his Father would accept back one who had not labored as hard as himself; one who had squandered His goods.

His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.  But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’  And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.  It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” 

The Father treated both the same.  All He had was theirs.  The “good” son and the “bad” son both would receive as they loved.  The oldest son was having a real hard time loving.  He thought his hard work entitled him.  He didn’t realize that all the work in the world would not make up for an ounce of love.  We must have the love of Jesus in our hearts or the work we do will be useless.  I’m still working on that one.

He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 

Both the prodigal son and this manager wasted possessions.  What made the difference?  The prodigal son did not deceive his father.  He was straight up with him.  He wanted what was his and left.  After all, it was his inheritance.  The manager took what wasn’t his and deceived the rich man.  The possessions did not belong to the manager. 

And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ 

The son could continue working for the father.  Why?  Because it was his possessions he wasted.  He didn’t lie or cheat his father.  He would come back and serve, working with honesty and integrity.  The manager had been lying, cheating and stealing.  His character was so far gone there was no chance for redemption.  There was also no mention of repentance or sorrow for his wrongs.  His only thought was about himself.

And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 

Instead of repenting, he justified himself and began looking for a way out.  He was looking at his own talents, gifts and abilities, “strong” and “ashamed”.  He should have been bowing before the master humbly asking for forgiveness and to be given any position the master was willing to give him.  No, he was looking for a way to continue his deceptions.

I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ 

He decides to become shrewd.  Maybe the debtors were in trouble and might not have paid their debt.  Therefore, he provided a way for them to pay.  Maybe they would appreciate his shewed management skills.

So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’  He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’  Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 

Ok, maybe the master received the debts paid and was thankful to get anything at all.  After all, hard times are hard times.  But it wasn’t right for the manager to make those decisions. 

The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness.

You can respect a criminal for his excellent criminal behavior, but he is still a criminal.  The manager was still dishonest and deceptive.  Therefore, he could not retain his position as manager.

For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 

In most cases, that is a fact.  The people of the world are far more involved in their business dealings and earthly desires than Christians are in their dealings with and desires for Heaven and eternal life.  Do we pay as close attention to finding the lost as we do balancing our checkbooks?  Do we pay as close attention to finding the lost as we do to buying a pair of shoes?  Are we “sons of light” or sons of sales and bargains?

And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. 

That ends the conversation about the shewed manager.  Now, looking at His disciples, Jesus is expressing His desire that instead of being shrewd and involved with this world and its “unrighteous wealth”, we need to use the “unrighteous wealth” of this world, not for selfishness, but to make friends for the purpose of bringing them to eternal life.  We are not to be unfaithful as the shrewd manager was, but faithful in the little things that have to do with eternal life.  How many friends have you made with worldly (unrighteous) wealth whom you have brought to Jesus?

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 

We must be perfect in all we do.  Whether it be little or much, hidden or publicized, everything is seen by God and we will be judge by what we do.

If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 

If we have been deficient in worldly wealth by stealing, being dishonest and managing badly, God cannot trust us with the souls of men.  God has entrusted me with this ministry along with the equipment, financing, supplies and property.  I pray I am faithful with it.  Sometimes I feel it is all for naught. 

And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 

If as a worker for another you have been unfaithful, deceitful, dishonest, how can God give you a mission of your own for the salvation of others?  You will be lost, along with those you were not willing to bring to salvation.

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” 

You cannot serve the things of this world and expect eternal life.  We must give up this world in our hearts.  God only lends us the things of this world to bring others to eternal life.  If we use the things of this world selfishly, we are not serving God and will lose our eternal life.

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 

Many of those who claim to be Christians ridicule God by the quantity and quality of this world’s goods they possess.  Claiming to be Christian, but using their abilities to acquire worldly goods, is ridiculing God and blasphemy.  Everything we have is to be used for the advancement of the gospel.

And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 

Yes He does.  Most Christians are an “abomination in the sight of God”.  They go to church, pat themselves on their back and think they are blessed by God for all the wealth He has given them.  That “wealth” will be their downfall and will condemn them in the end.

“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it. 

Yes they are.  People are building more and more churches to satisfy their selfish hearts.  They pay preachers well to preach good things to them.  They think they are saved.  They have the “good news of the Kingdom of God”, but they don’t have the “good news of the Kingdom of God” in their hearts.

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void. 

The Law of God teaches humility: not to steal, not to lie and to love others as yourself.  But Christians today steal, lie and show their “hate” to others by not putting their wealth to work for the salvation of the lost.  God’s Law can never be done away with.  It is the character of God.  God is love.  God gave Himself for the salvation of the world.  Have you?


INMATE LETTERS

Dear Brother Ron,

Last night I received a packet about Jesus Christ Prison Ministry.  After reading the content and information inside, I too would like to be a full participant.  I would like to learn a lot more with the “Change Your Life Biblically” workbook.  Can I please be sent a book so that I may do so?  Thank you for the opportunity and your time.

Romello, NV


JCPM,

I am an inmate.  I discovered one of your biblical books “Change Your Life Biblically” volume 2 that a fellow inmate was reading.  I’m requesting a copy sent to me if possible?  I’m interested in reading and learning more about the Bible and the book of God.  If you can find it in your heart to send me this, I will be eternally grateful.

Ronald, CA


Ron,

I have received the Bible study and have been reading it for 2 days.  The “Brainwashing” section really opened my eyes to how simple it is for us to be led to believe something in a completely obscured perspective from what the truth really is.  I grew up in a church and at 16 I saw how hypocritical church was and cold to a 16 year old kid.  I needed some place safe to figure out the confusion of losing my grandfather and put out on the streets.  Instead they turned their back on me.  I walked away from church and to a degree God and Jesus all together.  Needless to say, for the next 20 years I was in and out of juvenile and prison.  I finished my last sentence on April 2011.  I got out and got married and things were good until 2018 when my wife and I split and things just completely fell apart.  I went back to selling drugs.  My faith was in the fact I was going to end up back in prison.  I now sit in prison.  I have started trying to get back to figuring out my relationship with God and Jesus.  My faith is growing as I learn more and more and spend more time in my Bible.  Now with your Bible study, I’m getting more from my readings.  I’m hoping to gain a full measure of understanding my Bible from reading your Bible study. 

I never thought obeying was a part of having faith.  I mean, I knew obedience was an act of love and fear of punishment, but not as an act of being faithful.  I’m starting to see that my past view was jaded by actions that weren’t ordained by God.  Jaded by obscure view of how the Bible was presented to me and my family.  I have already let go of a lot of my preconceived notions spoon fed to me by the church.  The way you have made me stop and think about the meaning behind “Son of God”.  I also like your description of Spirit.  It made it a lot more understandable to see how Spirit is more than a lack of physical form. 

Hildreth, TN


Dear Brother Ron,

I learned a lot of good things during these last few pages.  I would always wonder about a lot of these questions you have now given me answers to.  One of them was about speaking in tongues.  I would always wonder why they do that in some churches.  Are they really saying something?  Or are they playing around and acting?  After I read this, I realized those questions don’t even matter anymore. 

I also loved the story about Elijah when he told the “What is wrong with your God that you have to shout at him?”  I smiled when I read that because there are always people making a big scene about how they pray loud and want everyone to hear and watch them because they think they look cool doing it.  In reality, they do it all for show and not even for true prayer.  And all these people fasting!  I always wondered does it really have to be that way to show discipline to your God when it comes to food.  I always believed it was true to fast because I see every religion fasting.  But now I understand what true fasting is.  You have opened my eyes to so many things I would have never believed or had questions to; and done with facts.

Then you broke down the Sabbath for me.  I was left in a beautiful feeling and with a smile.  So the 7th day SABBATH was the first “Father’s day”.  Every 7th day, Saturday, is “Father’s Day”.  It’s sad because everyone looks up to the government and by them celebrating Sabbath on a Sunday, they don’t even realize they are doing one of the biggest sins of all by changing that day.  But no matter what, Satan will never win.  You know why, Ron?  Because Jesus and God have me and you.  I will stand in the front of the line ready to die for Jesus and God.  I love the fact that even the women went back to the tomb after the Sabbath was over.  Jesus never broke the Sabbath, not even to rise.

I will keep the Sabbath and all the Commandments.  My long term goal is to be like Jesus: sinless.  All I have learned has opened my eyes and has changed my thoughts about the way I see life.  Ron, honestly, I had some magazines, brand new, that just came in at mail, all of women.  Because of your book, I got rid of them.  It was so hard to let them go.  I didn’t want to.  I knew I was doing it for the love I’m now having for Jesus.  I see myself growing.  I can feel it.  Your book is making a big difference in my life.  I would like to really thank you a lot.  I gave out some of the flyers for your book.  You should be receiving others that are wanting to learn and read.  I try my best to find people by explaining your wonderful book to them and reading out of it. 

Daniel, IL


Brother Ron,

How you doing my friend?  I received your letter with the pictures of the ministry.  Thank you.  I fully understand what you are saying.  I enjoy talking about the book as it starts conversation about the Bible.  Sounds like something I could do.  I really would like to tell people about “CYLB” and the truth that is in it.  I get upset when I think about how the church is misleading people and causing them to fall.  People look to the church for guidance and for truth and they trust their church or their pastor and it’s just not right what is happening in the churches.  I feel like it isn’t fair because there are a lot of good people who are being misled.  I’m just trying to learn as much as I can and stuff so that I am equipped to explain it to people if the situation comes up.  I gave my friend Juan the address to the ministry to request “CYLB”.  He is a good guy and wants to learn about God. 

Gregory, CA


Hello Brother Ron,

I came across your address by one of my friends.  I have been in jail since I was 16 years old.  I’m now 29.  I have been a troublemaker my whole 13 years that I have been here.  I’m ready to change my life.  Can you send me the book, “Change Your Life Biblically”.  Thank you very much,

Juan, CA


Dear Ron,

I extend my love and gratitude towards you.  I’m sending $40.  I don’t have much, but I pray and hope it is helpful.  Thank you for your program that has been helping me change my life around.  Your book, “Change Your Life Biblically” has shaped my mind and heart to start loving and to put away evil.  I’m closer to Jesus and our father now than I have ever been.

Daniel, IL


Ron,

Thanks for the short story about your life.  I enjoyed reading it.  What is strange about your story is my dad was in all the prisons you talked about.  He passed away in Chino State Prison.  I would appreciate if you sent me your book. 

Matthew, NC


JCPM,

God bless!  I am writing in hopes of getting involved in your ministry and being sent your book “Change Your Life Biblically”.  I received your address from a pamphlet that was out on the book cart.  I hope you are still functioning and are able to assist me.  I have been incarcerated since 1988.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Dino, CA


Dear JCPM,

I received the booklet you so graciously sent me.  Thank you so much.  I really appreciated it.  I am looking forward to receiving the Bible course.  I am doing 16 of a 20 year sentence.  I have been in since 2013.  Honestly I have never taken a Bible study course since I have been in prison.  I decided to follow Jesus Christ since day one in here.  Since then, I have been blessed.  I would like to tray yours.  For some reason I feel connected to your story because you know what it feels like to be on the other side. 

Maynor, FL


Dear Brother Ronald,

Thank you for responding to my letter so fast.  That was awesome!  I really appreciate that.  In your letter you thanked me for requesting the “Change Your Lie Biblically” book.  That is an awesome picture of Duke that you sent.  It totally reminds me of my dog. 

Vincent, CA


Brother Ron,

I have a 15 year sentence for intoxicated manslaughter.  I veered off the road at 75 mph, drunk and hit a semi-truck parked on the side of the road.  My friend Danny was in the passenger seat.  He was 21 with a 1 year old son.  Three months prior to this, I found my little brother Samuel dead in his RV.  He was 19.  I gave up hope that day and it led me to drinking heavily.  I cursed God and blamed Him and turned my back on Christianity.  My heart was full of hate and despair.  Then I joined the Arian Brotherhood.  I was a fool.  After ending up in AD/Seg I started reading the Bible.  Then, all of a sudden, my neighbor asked me if I wanted to check out a book.  He wanted to show me some pictures in it.  When I looked at it, I didn’t know what to think.  I just thought, “This is crazy”!!  I devoured each page.  I couldn’t set it down.  It was just a great book.  I’ve changed my whole outlook on everything.  I’m tired of my heart being so full of hatred.  I’m tired of living in sin.  I’m just tired.  Your book, “Change Your Life Biblically” lays the truth down as it is.  Like a 9 pound hammer—BAM!  No sugar coating, nothing.  That is what I needed.  I’ve really and truly learned so much.  The first time I just read it like a book.  But now I’m going to read it as it is, a workbook.  I just want to express my gratitude for sending me a copy of your book.  I will study it diligently. 

Isaac, TX


Hello,

The reason for my letter is to ask if there is any way I can receive a copy of your “Change Your Life Biblically” Bible study book.  The Christian brother Martinez let me borrow his copy.  I’m reading the first few pages it got me interested.  I’m very much interested in getting to know God better.  I really want to live differently.  I really appreciate your ministry.

Christian, CA


This is Marcell, 

I’m sending in my letter about what I have learned.  I love the book.  I love what JCPM is doing.  And like I said in my first letter, I want to be a part of it.  My love and respect goes out to you. 

Marcell, AZ


Hello,

Thank you again for sending me the “Change Your Life Biblically” Bible study course.  I am really glad that my Christian friend let me borrow the book.  Your Bible study course is a lot more in depth than others that I’m doing at the moment.  I really enjoyed reading the small book about how your ministry started.  It was truly amazing how God has helped you.  Reading the first 8 pages of “Change Your Life Biblically” was very interesting and eye opening as well as refreshing to my mind.  I really enjoyed navigating throughout the Bible to read the Scriptures.  I really liked that all that you say is backed up by Scripture. 

Christian, CA


Dear Ron,

I extend my utmost gratitude and respect towards your way as always.  So I finally made it to the next letter.  There was so much history from the last time till now.  It is like I’m traveling back into time when I read your book.  Full of so much power and knowledge.  I had no idea the Bible was full of so much war and that all those movies I have watch were really from the Bible.  If it was not for your book, I would have never been where I am at today.  I’ve come a long way in just a short period of time.  I am finally proud of myself and how much I’ve changed.  Jesus Himself has helped me in ways I’ve never seen before.  Thank you for opening my eyes to the Sabbath and the day it is supposed to be on.  Without your help, I would have never figured that out.  I am glad I read your book first, then the Bible.  Now when I read the Bible, it is way more easier for me to understand.  The world needs to know all of this.  Your book needs to be spread all over the planet in different languages.  I am willing to help.  As soon I receive some more funds on my account, I will send some more to keep this book going.

Daniel, IL


To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to request a copy of the “Change Your Life Biblically” workbook that you guys offer.  I’ve heard nothing but great things about your ministry and all the wonderful resources that you offer.  I ask that you please send me a copy of the book at your earliest convenience.

Jeff, KY


JCPM,

I would like to request your Bible study materials.  I got a paper about you, so I thought I would write you and see what you got to offer.  Thank you for your time and your assistance.

Raymond, AR


Dear Brother in Christ,

I am interested in your workbook, “Change Your Life Biblically”.  I was pleased to read a few lines in this workbook about the Red Sea Crossing.  It is always pleasant to see someone who is not afraid to tell the truth.  I would appreciate a copy of your workbook.

Amos, WI


Dear Brother Ron,

I would like to begin the Certification Process.  I received “Change Your Life Biblically” earlier this year.  I was eager to begin, but quickly realized this was not the run-of-the-mill Bible study.  And to be honest, after a few days, I was frightened by what I learned.  So, I put it away in a folder and didn’t read any more for a few months.  I kept thinking that once I read this, I would have no excuse any more.  But then I realized I have no excuse anyway, especially if I have the truth and choose to not look at it.  I was still quite nervous and decided to read through it entirely before beginning the assignment portion.  Yesterday I finished the book and today I a starting it again so that I can begin the process.  Although it still scares me, I know it is important to learn everything.  I am just so sad and afraid for the world.  Everyone wants an easier, gentler way to do whatever they want and still gain the reward.  For a long time, I did too.  It is very simple and it all makes sense.  Thank you for giving your life to this mission from God.  I think I am understanding something: stop sinning, be perfect and follow the Ten Commandments.  Nothing to be confused about.  The rules are the same as they have always been.

Krysten, CA


Dear Brother Ron,

I would like to say that I love your booklet and I agree with you 100%.  I know that you understand how much false doctrines are lies are in this place.  Let me tell you how much they hate us in here.  May I please have a copy of your “Change Your Life Biblically”? 

Michael, TX


Hello,

My cellmate and I received your “Change Your Life Biblically” book.  He told me I could read it due to him being consumed with another study at the time.  I’ve read about 1/2 of the book so far and I’m highly interested in the contents of the book.  It’s most certainly causing me to question some of the things I’ve been taught throughout my 37 years on this planet.  Can you please send me your book as I’m going to have to give this book back to my cellmate?  Continue, my brother, in your work for the Lord.  He is obviously giving you much knowledge.

Eric, TN


TESTIMONY FOR GOD’S CHILDREN

My Dear Family in Christ,

I look around at the world today and I am alarmed at the size of people.  People have lost their self-control.  Without self-control you have nothing.  A machine out of control is very dangerous.  Out of control people yell and scream, hurt and hate, want and crave without any consideration of others.  It is all about “ME”! 

If we call ourselves Christian, then we need to be like Christ.  Christ sacrificed.  Christ never thought of Himself.  Christ gave up everything for us.  Christ taught us that perfection and sinlessness are the end result of love.  Jesus said that He was the “End of the Law”.  Yes, He was the perfection of the Law lived out in human form.  We are to be the “End of the Law” in our lives as we follow His example.  The Ten Commandments are the epitome of self-control.  Let us begin practicing the life of Christ.

Power of Appetite

One of the strongest temptations that man has to meet is upon the point of appetite. Between the mind and the body there is a mysterious and wonderful relation. They react upon each other. To keep the body in a healthy condition to develop its strength, that every part of the living machinery may act harmoniously, should be the first study of our life. To neglect the body is to neglect the mind. It cannot be to the glory of God for His children to have sickly bodies or dwarfed minds. To indulge the taste at the expense of health is a wicked abuse of the senses. Those who engage in any species of intemperance, either in eating or drinking, waste their physical energies and weaken moral power. They will feel the retribution which follows the transgression of physical law. 

According to the medical staff at Loma Linda University Hospital, who cared for me before and after my surgery, I am alive because of my good health.  My primary care doctor says I have the health of a 30 year old, at the age of 71.  I believe that God works through our obedience to His laws: physical, mental and spiritual.

The Redeemer of the world knew that the indulgence of appetite would bring physical debility, and so deaden the perceptive organs that sacred and eternal things would not be discerned. Christ knew that the world was given up to gluttony and that this indulgence would pervert the moral powers. If the indulgence of appetite was so strong upon the race that, in order to break its power, the divine Son of God, in behalf of man, was required to fast nearly six weeks, what a work is before the Christian in order that he may overcome even as Christ overcame! The strength of the temptation to indulge perverted appetite can be measured only by the inexpressible anguish of Christ in that long fast in the wilderness. 

Christ knew that in order to successfully carry forward the plan of salvation He must commence the work of redeeming man just where the ruin began. Adam fell by the indulgence of appetite. In order to impress upon man his obligations to obey the law of God, Christ began His work of redemption by reforming the physical habits of man. The declension in virtue and the degeneracy of the race are chiefly attributable to the indulgence of perverted appetite. 

There is a solemn responsibility upon all, especially upon ministers who teach the truth, to overcome upon the point of appetite. Their usefulness would be much greater if they had control of their appetites and passions, and their mental and moral powers would be stronger if they combined physical labor with mental exertion. With strictly temperate habits, and with mental and physical labor combined, they could accomplish a far greater amount of labor and preserve clearness of mind. If they would pursue such a course, their thoughts and words would flow more freely, their religious exercises would be more energized, and the impressions made upon their hearers would be more marked. 

After my medical condition, it was impossible for me to accomplish much in the way of physical labor.  I was no longer able to walk the distances I had before.  Just moving a few feet was challenging.  Therefore, I had to keep my health in order to keep the ministry operating.  I purchased three exercise machines and built a gym to house them and the indoor pool.  Almost immediately my health began to improve.  We spend so much on non-essentials, but when it comes to our health, few put forth the necessary expenditures to live in obedience to Jesus.  True, many waste money on expensive foods, since appetite is what they love, but expensive, organic foods are a waste of money.  I eat simple food and know that God will bless it as I work for Him.

Intemperance in eating, even of food of the right quality, will have a prostrating influence upon the system and will blunt the keener and holier emotions. Strict temperance in eating and drinking is highly essential for the healthy preservation and vigorous exercise of all the functions of the body. Strictly temperate habits, combined with exercise of the muscles as well as of the mind, will preserve both mental and physical vigor, and give power of endurance to those engaged in the ministry, to editors, and to all others whose habits are sedentary. As a people, with all our profession of health reform, we eat too much. Indulgence of appetite is the greatest cause of physical and mental debility, and lies at the foundation of the feebleness which is apparent everywhere. 

At 92, Joe is realizing the truth to these statements.  He came to this ministry at the age of 87 in ill-health and overweight.  The doctors wanted to put him on lots of medication.  I said “No”.  He now has the health of a 50 year old and is on no medication.  His eyes have improved along with his mind and spiritual life. 

Intemperance commences at our tables in the use of unhealthful food. After a time, through continued indulgence, the digestive organs become weakened, and the food taken does not satisfy the appetite. Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving for more stimulating food. Tea, coffee, and flesh meats produce an immediate effect. Under the influence of these poisons the nervous system is excited, and, in some cases, for the time being, the intellect seems to be invigorated and the imagination to be more vivid. Because these stimulants produce for the time being such agreeable results, many conclude that they really need them and continue their use. But there is always a reaction. The nervous system, having been unduly excited, borrowed power for present use from its future resources of strength. All this temporary invigoration of the system is followed by depression. In proportion as these stimulants temporarily invigorate the system will be the letting down of the power of the excited organs after the stimulus has lost its force. The appetite is educated to crave something stronger which will have a tendency to keep up and increase the agreeable excitement, until indulgence becomes habit, and there is a continual craving for stronger stimulus, as tobacco, wines, and liquors. The more the appetite is indulged, the more frequent will be its demands and the more difficult of control. The more debilitated the system becomes and the less able to do without unnatural stimulus, the more the passion for these things increases, until the will is overborne, and there seems to be no power to deny the unnatural craving for these indulgences. 

The only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not, tea, coffee, wines, tobacco, opium, and alcoholic drinks. The necessity for the men of this generation to call to their aid the power of the will, strengthened by the grace of God, in order to withstand the temptations of Satan and resist the least indulgence of perverted appetite is twice as great as it was several generations ago. But the present generation have less power of self-control than had those who lived then. Those who have indulged the appetite for these stimulants have transmitted their depraved appetites and passions to their children, and greater moral power is required to resist intemperance in all its forms. The only perfectly safe course to pursue is to stand firmly on the side of temperance and not venture in the path of danger. 

The great end for which Christ endured that long fast in the wilderness was to teach us the necessity of self-denial and temperance. This work should commence at our tables and should be strictly carried out in all the concerns of life. The Redeemer of the world came from heaven to help man in his weakness, that, in the power which Jesus came to bring him, he might become strong to overcome appetite and passion, and might be victor on every point. 

Many parents educate the tastes of their children and form their appetites. They indulge them in eating flesh meats and in drinking tea and coffee. The highly seasoned flesh meats and the tea and coffee, which some mothers encourage their children to use, prepare the way for them to crave stronger stimulants, as tobacco. The use of tobacco encourages the appetite for liquor, and the use of tobacco and liquor invariably lessens nerve power. 

If the moral sensibilities of Christians were aroused upon the subject of temperance in all things, they could, by their example, commencing at their tables, help those who are weak in self-control, who are almost powerless to resist the cravings of appetite. If we could realize that the habits we form in this life will affect our eternal interests, that our eternal destiny depends upon strictly temperate habits, we would work to the point of strict temperance in eating and drinking. By our example and personal effort we may be the means of saving many souls from the degradation of intemperance, crime, and death. Our sisters can do much in the great work for the salvation of others by spreading their tables with only healthful, nourishing food. They may employ their precious time in educating the tastes and appetites of their children, in forming habits of temperance in all things, and in encouraging self-denial and benevolence for the good of others. 

Notwithstanding the example that Christ gave us in the wilderness of temptation by denying appetite and overcoming its power, there are many Christian mothers who by their example and by the education which they are giving their children are preparing them to become gluttons and winebibbers. Children are frequently indulged in eating what they choose and when they choose, without reference to health. There are many children who are educated gourmands from their babyhood. Through indulgence of appetite they are made dyspeptics at an early age. Self-indulgence and intemperance in eating grow with their growth and strengthen with their strength. Mental and physical vigor are sacrificed through the indulgence of parents. A taste is formed for certain articles of food from which they can receive no benefit, but only injury; and as the system is taxed, the constitution becomes debilitated. 

Ministers, teachers, and students do not become as intelligent as they should in regard to the necessity of physical exercise in the open air. They neglect this duty, which is most essential for the preservation of health. They closely apply their minds to books and eat the allowance of a laboring man. Under such habits some grow corpulent, because the system is clogged. Others become lean, feeble, and weak because their vital powers are exhausted in throwing off the excess of food; the liver becomes burdened and unable to throw off the impurities in the blood, and sickness is the result. If physical exercise were combined with mental exertion, the blood would be quickened in its circulation, the action of the heart would be more perfect, impure matter would be thrown off, and new life and vigor would be experienced in every part of the body.

When the minds of ministers, schoolteachers, and students are continually excited by study, and the body is allowed to be inactive, the nerves of emotion are taxed, while the nerves of motion are inactive. The wear being all upon the mental organs, they become overworked and enfeebled, while the muscles lose their vigor for want of employment. There is no inclination to exercise the muscles by engaging in physical labor because exertion seems to be irksome.

In today’s world, it would be video games, texting and indoor activities.  Here at the ministry we were blessed by God who provided us four acres to get plenty of fresh air and exercise.  Almost every day we open the windows to air out the living quarters, office/gym.

Ministers of Christ, professing to be His representatives, should follow His example, and above all others should form habits of strictest temperance. They should keep the life and example of Christ before the people by their own lives of self-denial, self-sacrifice, and active benevolence. Christ overcame appetite in man’s behalf, and in His stead they are to set others an example worthy of imitation. Those who do not feel the necessity of engaging in the work of overcoming upon the point of appetite will fail to secure precious victories which they might have gained and will become slaves to appetite and lust, which are filling the cup of iniquity of those who dwell upon the earth. 

Men who are engaged in giving the last message of warning to the world, a message which is to decide the destiny of souls, should make a practical application in their own lives of the truths they preach to others. They should be examples to the people in their eating, in their drinking, and in their chaste conversation and deportment. Gluttony, indulgence of the baser passions, and grievous sins are hidden under the garb of sanctity by many professed representatives of Christ throughout our world. There are men of excellent natural ability whose labor does not accomplish half what it might if they were temperate in all things. Indulgence of appetite and passion beclouds the mind, lessens physical strength, and weakens moral power. Their thoughts are not clear. Their words are not spoken in power, are not vitalized by the Spirit of God so as to reach the hearts of the hearers. 

As our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining Eden is through the firm denial of appetite and passion. Abstemiousness in diet and control of all the passions will preserve the intellect and give mental and moral vigor, enabling men to bring all their propensities under the control of the higher powers and to discern between right and wrong, the sacred and the common. All who have a true sense of the sacrifice made by Christ in leaving His home in heaven to come to this world that He might by His own life show man how to resist temptation will cheerfully deny self and choose to be partakers with Christ of His sufferings.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Those who overcome as Christ overcame will need to constantly guard themselves against the temptations of Satan. The appetite and passions should be restricted and under the control of enlightened conscience, that the intellect may be unimpaired, the perceptive powers clear, so that the workings of Satan and his snares may not be interpreted to be the providence of God. Many desire the final reward and victory which are to be given to overcomers, but are not willing to endure toil, privation, and denial of self, as did their Redeemer. It is only through obedience and continual effort that we shall overcome as Christ overcame. 

The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have had moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character. The continual transgression of man for six thousand years has brought sickness, pain, and death as its fruits. And as we near the close of time, Satan’s temptation to indulge appetite will be more powerful and more difficult to overcome. 3T 485-491.