Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I look at myself and wonder if I have picked up the cross. Personally, I think I was seized and had it laid on me. Not that I mind, but I think that if left to myself I probably would have hesitated or turned away. Picking up the cross voluntarily is very hard to do. Few do. I imagine that the cross was not constructed of fine, finished wood. I think of it as rough, splintery and very heavy. It is changing my life. I thank God for seizing me and laying the cross on my shoulders. I pray it doesn’t fall off or get dropped by the way.
“I spoke of Christ’s hanging upon the cross. He said to the thief, ‘I say unto you today,’—while hanging right there helpless and a criminal— ‘I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.’ [Luke 23:43.] That was the death knell of Satan, to think that he ever should obtain the victory. He had set men to mocking Christ. He had set even the Jews to mock Christ and to oppose Him, ‘You that will destroy—.’ [Matthew 27:40.] That insult and reproach, what did it do? Christ bore it right upon the cross; He was carrying it out for you and me. What cross are you bearing? What crosses are you bearing here in . . .? Every one, we want to be a living witness for Christ. Every one of us, we want to arouse from our stupidity and backsliding.” 22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 23.
When troubles, annoyances, irritations and problems arise in my life, there are way too many times when I want to lash out. I am thankful I don’t have the power to solve the problems “my way”. When the anger builds up within me, and the frustration wants to overflow in a negative vain, I’m learning to “see” Jesus being beaten, scourged and nailed to the cross. The difference between us and Jesus, He had the power to solve the problem “His way”. He could have wiped them all out and returned to Heaven. Yet because of His love for you and me, He stood there and took it. We must have that same love if we plan on being with Him in “Paradise”.
Luke 23:26 to Luke 23:56
And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.
Most of us have been wandering around in the country of sin for a very long time. Do we resist or accept the cross when Jesus lays it on our shoulders? Do we look for a resting place to put it down? Do we look around to make sure no one is watching when we lay it down? Do we try to get others to carry it with or for us? I have. Even though each of us has our own cross to lift and bear, there are times when we can help each other carry their cross. Even though Jesus bore His cross, there came a time when He was unable to bare it and another had to carry it for Him. Jesus didn’t resist carrying the cross, it was impossible for His human nature to carry it any farther. I have been very thankful when someone stepped up and helped me carry my cross. I am thankful that Jesus is willing to help bare our crosses. True Christianity is helping each other carry the cross.
“and laid on Him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.” Interesting that he did not carry it in front of Jesus, but “behind Jesus”. I suppose too many of us are carrying “a” cross in front of Jesus. That way we don’t have to look at Jesus or go in His direction. Probably the “cross” we are carrying is of our own making: smooth, clean, light and fancy so as not to interfere with our worldly pursuits.
Maybe we should pick up the cross of Christ and follow Him. Churches, denominations, priests, pastors and church members carry the “idol” of a cross. They have it slung around the neck, hanging on a wall in their home or dangling from the rearview mirror in their car. Few have the cross in their heart and on their shoulder. Most don’t want the cross. They truly don’t want Jesus. He is nothing more than a “rabbit’s foot” to carry around and kiss for good luck.
And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.
I would assume that in the crowd there were those whom Jesus had healed. Maybe those whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They were probably confused. They were not able to understand why the church was treating Jesus so cruelly when He had only brought joy, healing and peace to those who accepted Him into their lives.
Yet, there they were, “a great multitude” following Jesus. Other than the women, this great multitude was there for the show. This was the greatest excitement since the tower fell on people at Siloam. (Luke 13:4). I’m wondering if most were following to see when this Miracle Worker would disappear, as He had done on numerous occasions before. No different from people today. Many are “following” Jesus to see the miracles and be part of the entertainment and show. Few are mourning and lamenting for the suffering of Jesus, their sins and the sins of the world.
And of course, that is why the church was putting Jesus to death. Great multitudes were following Him. That was not permitted by the church. You must follow the church, not Jesus.
But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
Jesus still offered forgiveness and salvation to any who would accept Him. But a day would come, not too far distant, when that offer would be closed forever. Through my study of the Bible I have come to the realization that each of us have a “closing” period. Cain had his. Those before the flood had theirs. Sodom and the surrounding cities had theirs. King Saul had his. The nation of Israel had its “closing” period. The Jews at the time of Christ had theirs. Herod and Pilate had theirs. The scary thing is, none new at what moment their “closing” period came. Yet, they lived on thinking they were “OK”. And then, retribution arrived and people will long for and search for the forgiveness of God, but it will no longer be available. And when He comes in His glory, the enormity of their guilt will come up before them and they will cry for the mountains to fall on them and cover them from the face they hated, abused and turned away from. Your church will not be able to save you. Do you know Jesus?
As I write this, California is being ripped apart by storms. Fortunately, God has His ministry protected behind the mountains. Yes, we are getting hurricane force winds and have had to replace a few shingles. But we are being protected by the angels of God. We still have our power. As soon as we are out of debt I plan on putting in batteries and then we will be self-sufficient when things get worse. We are at the time of “all these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:8.
Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.
The whole world is condemned as criminal. We have all been led away to be put to death. But if we accept Jesus into our lives, being willing to die with Him, then we will also be raised with Him.
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
In the midst of a world of criminals Jesus was not ashamed to be counted one of them. He came to save sinners. Where do you stand? Who is on your right and left? Are you standing with the “good” church people? Or are you standing with “criminals”, some with “the skull” tattooed on them, and bringing them the Words of Life.
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
I believe that His prayer included far more than those who put Him on the cross. If we truly believe that “my” sins put Jesus on the cross, that prayer is for “me”. As I look back upon my childhood and upbringing, I now understand that prayer in clearer detail. Jesus forgave me because I did not know what I was doing. My sins were totally outside of my comprehension of sin. Now that I have a better understanding, I praise God for His love a mercy in forgiving my unknown sins. His grace has given me time to know, understand, repent and turn away from them.
And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”
I think all too often we stand by and watch people who have been chosen by God be scoffed at. We judge by their appearances, how much money they have, how much honor they receive from the world and other worldly standards. How sad they refused to understand that if He saved Himself, they would all be lost. By refusing to save Himself, all of us have the opportunity to be saved.
The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”
“Save yourself”! The devil was doing all he could to goad Jesus into saving Himself. That was the only way the devil could secure his own eternal life. For the devil to have eternal life, we all had to die. But if Jesus died so we could have eternal life, then the devil would have to die. Now you see who loves you. That is why I have thrown in my lot with Jesus.
There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Yes, He was!
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
Many of our churches have the same attitude. It is all selfishness. “Save me!”. “I am saved by grace”. “God wouldn’t dare destroy me. I go to church.” Or some other “I do . . .”. Jesus didn’t come to save Himself. If we plan on going to Heaven we are not to think of ourselves, but those we can “save” by living as Jesus commands us to live. Never are we to think of ourselves.
But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
There are few of us left who rebuke the wicked. Most just go along keeping their heads down. We are all under the “same sentence of condemnation.” We have all sinned and the wages of sin is death. So that is the question, “Do you not fear God?” Not many do. It is all about church, as it was back then. However, please keep in mind, rebuking is not the same as condemning. I suppose most do not “rebuke” because they refuse to live as Jesus commands. It is much easier to condemn.
And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
How true. In the end we will receive “the due reward of our deeds”. Over and over again in the Bible we are told that. But not many believe it. Why? Because of our churches. In the end we will acknowledge that “this Man has done nothing wrong.” We will admit that we deserve the reward we are earning: either eternal life or eternal death. No one to blame but ourselves.
And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Those who stand up for Jesus can ask to be remembered when He comes. Not because they are worthy, but because they have surrendered their lives to Jesus. They were able to see past the church and world nonsense and see Jesus for who He really is in their lives.
And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
We must remember, there were no punctuations when the Bible was written. The above punctuation was done by man. As it is above, it makes a liar out of the Bible. But if we move the comma over one word, it makes perfect sense. It should read, “Truly, I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.” What a difference a comma makes. For most, their lives are built around misplaced commas and texts taken out of context. Why? In order to sin and believe they are still “worthy” of eternal life. Churches and denominations and religions are built around misplaced commas and texts.
It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
It was now 3 o’clock in the afternoon and time for the evening sacrifice. The lamb was on the altar and about to be slain. The priest raises his hand with the knife to slay the lamb when there is an earthquake and the knife falls from the hand of the priest. The lamb escapes and the curtain separating the Holy from the Most Holy compartments of the temple is torn from top to bottom. The Lamb of God has now died. We can now look upon the true sacrifice of God for our sins.
Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
Jesus knew He would rise from the tomb before the cross. But when His Father hid His face from Jesus, laying on Him the sins of the whole world, past, present and future, Jesus had to face death as we all must face it: trusting God. Since He had committed His spirit into the Father’s hands for over thirty-three years, He was simply continuing His habit. But that didn’t make it any easier. If it was His Father’s will that He should not be raised from the tomb, so be it. He died in faith in His Father and in love for us.
Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!”
He was the first one on earth to be converted after the cross. The angels, and beings of the other unfallen planets, stood in amazement at the treatment of Jesus. Not just because He was a holder of the God title, but that any people, those created by Jesus, could treat another person in such a shameful way. They understood now why God had to eject Satan from Heaven. Who would want to live eternally with such hate and brutality?
And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.
Poor humans. Always looking for a “spectacle” to amuse their lives. I sometimes wonder if we are doing the same in our churches. Are we assembling for a spectacle, or do we return home beating our breasts to put away sin?
And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
Many see but do not understand. Many leave because they do not want to understand. The women stood “watching these things” because they wanted to understand. God honored their desire to understand by revealing the resurrection first to the women. They were the last to leave and the first to come. Are we as willing to “watch”? Jesus has told us to “watch” for His coming. We are not to go around yelling and screaming or posting, “Jesus is coming”. What we are to be teaching are the teachings of Jesus to be perfect, stop sinning and to keep the Ten Commandments to get your eternal life. Then you will be prepared when He comes. Just as the women were prepared for the resurrection, unknowingly, by “watching these things”.
Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
God is placing good people in positions of power and influence who will come to our defense at just the right time. He is doing it now in our governments and in the media in order to bring about justice and righteousness that has been trampled in the dust. Do not worry. Do not fret. Prepare your character for Heaven.
This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.
There are many who are waiting on the sidelines watching. But they lose much by not being close to Jesus. He was afraid he might lose his influence by outwardly acknowledging his love for Jesus. Eventually he learned the lesson, don’t be afraid, just do your duty and God will take care of the rest.
It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.
It was Friday, and the 7th-day, Saturday-Sabbath was beginning. Friday mornings I spend several hours cleaning and preparing for the Sabbath. Since I do not know what the rest of the day may entail, I make sure that everything is ready for the presence of Jesus when the sun sets. Sabbath is such a blessing. I praise God for the Sabbath. This also puts to rest all the conspiracy theories about when Jesus died or rose. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.
The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Approximately 50 years after the death of Christ, the Christians still understood the importance and holiness of the 7th-day Sabbath. Since there was no “New” Testament as we know it today until 300 years after Christ, the early Christian still observed the Sabbath as commanded by Jesus in the Ten Commandments.
INMATE LETTERS
Dear Ron,
I am 23 years old and I am facing a hard case. I just found Jesus while in jail. I could use a friend. And yes your book and any other help you can offer.
Gabriel, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
I received both of your letters and was happy to hear from you. I pray that Jesus continues to bless you and heal you. I am well and you are right—all prisons are the same. Forgive me for complaining. You are absolutely correct when you stated that I must focus on Jesus and let Him fill me with joy and that my first thought upon waking up should be of Jesus. Thank you for the pictures of Duke and Butch. They look very contented. Brother Ron, I want to thank you again for your advice. Your wisdom and encouraging words have truly helped me. I read about Joe and the great help he has been there, which is nothing short of a miracle. It’s amazing how much he is able to do at his age. But that just shows us the power of God and the way He looks out for His people. Praise Jesus.
Ricardo, TX
Dear Ministry,
I am currently serving a 71-month prison sentence. I gave my life to Christ on November 22, 2018. A few months after being arrested. I have lost everything due to my incarceration. This includes my family. I write my two kids, Peyton and Morgan, each month, but my “ex” returns my letters unopened. My family has given up on me. My kids and I sure could use some prayers. I am contacting you today looking for tools to help me grow in my walk with Christ. I would love to study the Word of God through your ministry.
Christopher, TX
Dear JCPM,
I am a 38-year-old female. I am incarcerated due to my charges stemming from my 10-year battle with methamphetamines and opiates. I ran away from myself, my God, my family, the truth while on drugs. I want to rebuild my relationship with the Lord. I read the “Change Your Life Biblically” from another inmate here and would like to please ask for one for myself. I know I can truly benefit and your story gives me so much hope.
Laine, LA
Hi Brother Ron,
This letter concerns the “Gospel” newsletter. I read it again and it blew me away, yet again. I’m dedicating my life to the missionary service as co-worker of Jesus to get the truth across to the unbelievers. There are a few that really thirst to hear the truth. I’ve been doing my part though, and they seem to be really intrigued and amazed at what the Spirit of God has been moving me to do. It feels so good to be used by Jesus as a vessel of righteousness and not wrath. God bless you, Brother Ron. I praise Jesus for sending you in my path.
William, LA
Dear Sir,
I read the introductory issue of JCPM and would like to request a “Change Your Life Biblically”. I do believe that the Ten Commandments are eternal as God is. Obedience out of love for Jesus and not out of fear. Let me know if you have it in Spanish. I participate in Spanish Bible studies with Spanish inmates and I know they would like it as well. Please send me what you have for growth in the knowledge of God’s Word.
Carlos, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
I just thank God for the chance again to repent and come back to Him. I thank Him for this workbook and my freedom. The study is having a very big impact on me and is causing a whole new way of thinking and doing things.
Andrew, FL
Dear Reader,
I am doing my best to stay in faith, which is real hard to do at this facility. Hard to fellowship with brothers through the door, but we try. An inmate gave me your information and to write and ask for a copy of “Change Your Life Biblically”. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Johnathan, CO
Ronald,
I received your introductory issue in the mail and wanted to thank you for reaching out. I have read your story and I myself am a believer. I have not 100% dedicated myself to Christ, but hope to someday soon. I do speak to the Lord every day when I wake up and every night before bed and I try to obey His commands. But I tend to slip here and there. I have several years left on my sentence and would like to receive your “Change Your Life Biblically” book.
Joshua, IN
Dear JCPM,
The reason for me writing is because my cellmate had a little booklet from this ministry. He let me read it. I found your testimony intriguing. Now I am writing to find out what this workbook is all about, “Change Your Life Biblically”. I have been incarcerated since 1996. I have been walking with the Lord ten years.
Jepthe, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
The “Book of Matthew with Commentary” is very good. I can truly see how bias, prideful, arrogant and greedy the churches of today are with all their rituals and ceremonies and traditions. I can see how church is one of the wickedest places you can be. People are running up in church like it’s a methadone clinic. I know, because I use to be one of them. It’s just like getting a fix for the week hoping it lasts until the next church meeting. I’ve learned that it is better to be a witness around sinners than to be sitting idle in a church around people that think they are better than others. You are my dear friend. I just got your letter and it brought me great joy to hear from you. Brother Ron, you are doing exactly what God wants you to do.
William, LA
Dear JCPM,
I’m a new follower of Christ for about a year now. I’m trying hard to change my life all the way around and live only for the Lord. However, I struggle with understanding the Word. I believe that your book, “Change Your Life Biblically” will help me in a big way. Can you please send it to me if possible? Thank you.
Shaun, VA
JCPM,
First and foremost, I want to thank you for your work and ministry on showing me and all of those of us who the Lord is and how much He loves us. I have just arrived here and I am a new believer in Jesus. I am doing all I can to know the Lord and love Him. I was blessed to have a cellie who has your book, “Change Your Life Biblically”. He was kind enough to let me read some of it. I must say, it got my deepest attention. If it be at all possible, may I receive a copy of this beautiful book, “Change Your Life Biblically”. I want to have a strong start in my walk with Christ; to be the man for my Lord, family and all around me.
Michael, CA
Dear Ron,
I’ve been in prison for 17 years. I was raised in a Southern Baptist church and I believe in God and Jesus, just not in religion, per-se. I have not picked up a Bible my whole time down. When I came in I did not think I would ever get out, and that mentality led me to get involved in the gangs and violence and drugs. Something happened in the last year which made me realize that I was still the same punk kid that’s doing the same punk things. When will I ever change and be a real man. Well, I dropped out of the gang and am now on PC status which has really been hard. I’ve really been struggling with the question of God and Jesus in my life. I just don’t believe in the churches and organized religion. I received your pamphlet today, just out of the blue. I’d never ever heard of you guys or the book before. It really intrigued me. Could this be the hand of Providence? So, I would really like to read “Change Your Life Biblically”. Will you please send me a copy? I’m really glad you reached out to me.
Jonathan, IL
Brother Ron,
It’s been a while and you really got on my case last time I did hear from you. I was moved to a different facility. However, the county that I was at didn’t let me take your book with me. I hope this is not too much to ask, but can I please get the “Change Your Life Biblically” workbook sent to me?
Joel, CA
Dear Mr. Ronald,
I am 3 years now in prison on a 20-year sentence. When I woke for breakfast, I had my mail on my bunk and your JCPM Introductory Issue was with my other mail. I never signed up for it, so I was a little confused. This was 1 am and its 10 am and I just finished reading it. I feel I know why I got it. For the past 2 weeks I have been telling God, “My heart is open. I’m looking for guidance if You are there.” Seriously, that is what I told God. I have been struggling with faith and other personal problems. Was raised Baptist but walked away from it all because I wasn’t happy at all with their teachings. Your story is truly touching and tells a lot about God. I feel that God sent you my way all the way from California to my Texas prison. So, yes, I would like to give it a shot.
Jamie, TX
Brother Ron,
I was loaned, “Change Your Life Biblically” by another inmate here. I had been away from the church for most of my life. I started attending here and joined for the fellowship and to get to know the Lord and Bible. I saw brothers in Christ baptized and studying the Bible but I didn’t feel right about it. Since everything has shut down, due to Covid, it seemed that the other church brothers have changed. I was at a loss as to why some would change and revert back to their old ways, even some that were baptized. Having your book to read opened my eye again to the Lord. I have returned the book back and would really appreciate having copies of all volumes to have to study for myself. Thank you,
Harden, NC
Ronald,
Thank you so much for the books in English and Spanish. I’ve been reading non-stop since I got them. I gave the request form to 3 people that are part of the study group. I know they received the books in Spanish. It’s been a blessing. I was one that was not reading Romans properly. New light has been shed. Others have written, “But this is so strict, surely He does not require that of me!” Our Lord is strict and He does require that of us. I knew about the Sabbath, 7th-day, and have always told people that part. But people are indoctrinated, especially those from Latin America. 500 years of brainwashing by the Roman Catholic Church. I was blessed/spared by God’s will from such teachings. I see how publically we have walked away from God as a nation. Thank you again!
Carlos, CA
Dear Ron,
I first & foremost want to thank you for sending me volume I. I enjoyed it deeply and it’s helping me understand what I read in my Bible more and more every day. Thank you for your ministry work. But, more importantly, I want you to know that as my Brother in Christ, you are loved and appreciated very much for all that you do. I read your introductory issue and know you have had a hard year in 2020. Please know that I have you in my prayers. After reading your introductory issue, I don’t feel so alone.
Michael, CA
Brother Ron,
Thank you for offering CYLB. Your story in the introductory issue was touching. I’m looking forward to checking out the next book. I just finished reading the Bible all the way through for the first time. It’s something I should have done long ago. It’s nice to see Scripture talked about in a publication and be able to think back and remember reading about that topic in the Bible. I can only imagine how well you know Scripture after reading front to back over 100 times. Thanks for your time and efforts.
Christian, MI
Brother Ron,
I must say, I was very surprised when my name was called for mail. I sincerely was not expecting it. So, I want to thank you deeply for that. I’ve taken your advice and am taking my time and going through Volume I. I’ve also been enjoying it very much. I have suggested and recommended it to quite a few brothers here. Thank you for all your kindness.
Michael, CA
Hello Brother,
I really hope and pray that you have been able to fully recover from the health set back that you shared with me. That is one gnarly scar. It’s no wonder you were out of commission for a bit. So I finished with the book. I took my time and read/studied it but mostly on Sabbath when I do my resting and studying. Now I decided to start it over from the beginning and complete the assignments. So, I’m back at the beginning of the book. My book has been through so much with me over the past year. It is all taped up and stitched together like a kid’s stuffed animal. I was hoping you might send me the latest edition, please. I’m starting to grasp from reading the book is that some of the Scriptures have a deeper meaning. I want to thank you for this book and the Holy Spirit that guided you through as you wrote and studied and passed on the knowledge and wisdom to others.
Jonathan, CA
TESTIMONY FOR GOD’S CHILDREN
My Dear Family in Christ,
In one sense, we are all children of God. In another sense, we are all parents in the family of God. We not only have the obligation to learn from others, but the obligation to train and teach the other “children” who are growing up in their stature of Jesus Christ.
Becoming a Christian is no different from becoming a parent. We have responsibilities far beyond our own selfish desires and plans. As parents we must begin thinking of the “children” in the family of God who need our gentle instruction. Yet, it is also our responsibility to make sure we have studied deeply to know how to instruct the children of God.
Parental Training
I have been shown that very many of the parents who profess to believe the solemn message for this time have not trained their children for God. They have not restrained themselves and have been irritated with anyone who attempted to restrain them. They have not by living faith daily bound their children upon the altar of the Lord. Many of these youth have been allowed to transgress the fourth commandment by seeking their own pleasure upon God’s holy day. They have felt no compunctions of conscience in going about the streets on the Sabbath for their own amusement. Many go where they please and do what they please, and their parents are so fearful of displeasing them that, imitating the management of Eli, they lay no commands upon them.
These youth finally lose all respect for the Sabbath and have no relish for religious meetings or for sacred and eternal things. If their parents mildly remonstrate with them, they shield themselves by telling of the faults of some of the church members. In place of silencing the first approach to anything of the kind, the parents think just as their children think; if this one or that one were perfect, their children would be right. Instead of this they should teach them that the sins of others are no excuse for them. Christ is the only true pattern. The wrongs of many would not excuse one wrong in them or lessen in the least their guilt. God has given them one standard, perfect, noble, elevated. This they must meet, irrespective of the course which others may pursue. But many parents seem to lose reason and judgment in their fondness for their children, and, through these indulged, selfish, mismanaged youth, Satan in turn works effectually to ruin the parents. I was referred to the wrath of God which came upon the incredulous and disobedient of ancient Israel. Their duty to instruct their children was plainly enjoined upon them. It is just as binding upon believing parents in this generation. “Give ear, O My people, to My law: incline your ears to the words of My mouth. I will open My mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done.”
Children are what their parents make them by their instruction, discipline, and example. Hence the overwhelming importance of parental faithfulness in training the young for the service of God. Children should early be taught the sacredness of religious obligations. This is a most important part of their education. Our duty to God should be performed before any other. The strict observance of God’s law, from principle, should be taught and enforced. “For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments: and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.”
Here is seen the great responsibility devolving upon parents. Children who are allowed to come up to manhood or womanhood with the will undisciplined and the passions uncontrolled, will generally in afterlife pursue a course which God condemns. These are eager for frivolous enjoyments and irreligious associates. They have been allowed to neglect religious duties and indulge the inclinations of the carnal heart, and, as a consequence, Satan controls the mind and principles. In —– parents have given him ample room thus to work. Most of the backsliding from God that has occurred in that place has come in consequence of the parents’ neglect to train their children to a conscientious, religious life. The condition of these children is lamentable. They profess to be Christians; but their parents have not taken upon themselves the burden of teaching them how to be Christians—how to recount the mercies of God, how to praise Him, how to exemplify in their lives the life of Christ.
When these children enter school and associate with other students, those who have been really trying to be Christians are ashamed to act out their faith in the presence of those who have had so much light. They are ashamed to appear singular and deny inclination, and so they throw away their armor at the very time when it is most needed, when the powers of darkness are working through these irreligious companions to lead them away from Christ. They enter upon a path that is full of danger without the protection and support of religious principle, because they think it will be difficult or unpleasant to carry their religion with them to the schoolroom, the playground, and into all their associations. Thus they lay bare their soul to the shafts of Satan. Where are the guardians of these youth? Who have taken a firm hold of the throne of God with one hand while with the other they encircle these youth to draw them to Christ? It is just here that these children need to know the power of religion, need to be held back with a firm hand.
Many of those who have so long rejected divine guidance and guardianship are rushing on in the path of levity and selfish pleasure, yea, more, into baser acts and defilement of the body. As a consequence their minds are polluted, and religion is distasteful to them. Some have gone so far in this downward course, and followed so earnestly in the path of the Sodomites, that they are today nigh unto cursing, and the voice of reproof and warning is lost upon them. They will never be redeemed, and the parents are guilty of their ruin. The debasing enjoyments for which they have made such an enormous sacrifice—health, peace of mind, and eternal life—are bitterness in the end.
Parents, for Christ’s sake do not blunder in your most important work, that of molding the characters of your children for time and for eternity. An error on your part in neglect of faithful instruction, or in the indulgence of that unwise affection which blinds your eyes to their defects and prevents you from giving them proper restraint, will prove their ruin. Your course may give a wrong direction to all their future career. You determine for them what they will be and what they will do for Christ, for men, and for their own souls.
Deal honestly and faithfully with your children. Work bravely and patiently. Fear no crosses, spare no time or labor, burden or suffering. The future of your children will testify the character of your work. Fidelity to Christ on your part can be better expressed in the symmetrical character of your children than in any other way. They are Christ’s property, bought with His own blood. If their influence is wholly on the side of Christ they are His colaborers, helping others to find the path of life. If you neglect your God-given work, your unwise course of discipline places them among the class who scatter from Christ and strengthen the kingdom of darkness.
I speak the things I know; I testify to you the things which I have seen when I say there is among our youth, among educated young men of professedly Christian parents, a grievous offense in the sight of God, which is so common that it constitutes one of the signs of the last days. It is so full of evil tendencies as to call for decided exposure and denunciation. It is the sin of regarding with levity or contempt their early vows of consecration to God. In a religious interest the Holy Spirit moved upon them to take their stand wholly under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel. But the parents were so far from God themselves, so busily engaged in worldly business, or so filled with doubts and dissatisfaction in regard to their own religious experience, that they were wholly unfitted to give them instruction. These youth, in their inexperience, needed a wise, firm hand to point out the right way and to bar with counsel and restraint the wrong way.
A religious life should be shown to be in marked contrast to a life of worldliness and pleasure seeking. He who would be the disciple of Christ must take up the cross and bear it after Jesus. Our Saviour lived not to please Himself, neither must we. High spiritual attainments will require entire consecration to God. But this instruction has not been given the youth because it would contradict the life of the parents. Therefore the children have been left to gain a knowledge of the Christian life as best they could. When tempted to seek the society of worldlings and participate in worldly amusements, the fond parents, disliking to deny them any indulgence, have—if they have said or done anything in the matter—taken a position so indefinite and undecided that the children have judged for themselves that the course they desired to pursue was in keeping with the Christian life and character.
Having once started in this way, they usually continue in it until the worldly element prevails and they sneer at their former convictions. They despise the simplicity manifested when their hearts were tender, and they find excuse to elude the sacred claims of the church and of the crucified Redeemer. This class can never become what they might have been had not the convictions of conscience been stifled, the holiest, tenderest affections blunted. If in after years they become followers of Christ, they will still bear the scars which irreverence for sacred things has made upon their souls.
Parents do not see these things. They do not foresee the result of their course. They do not feel that their children need the tenderest culture, the most careful discipline in the divine life. They do not look upon them as being in a peculiar sense the property of Christ, the purchase of His blood, the trophies of His grace, and as such, skillful instruments in God’s hands to be used for the upbuilding of His kingdom. Satan is ever seeking to wrest these youth from the hands of Christ, and parents do not discern that the great adversary is planting his hellish banners close by their sides. They are so blinded they think it is the banner of Christ.
By ambition or indolence, skepticism or self-indulgence, Satan allures the young from the narrow path of holiness cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. They do not generally leave this path all at once. They are won away by degrees. Having taken one wrong step, they lose the witness of the Spirit to their acceptance with God. Thus they fall into a state of discouragement and distrust. They dislike religious services because conscience condemns them. They have fallen into the snare of Satan, and there is only one way of escape. They must retrace their steps and with humility of soul confess and forsake their halfhearted course. Let them renew their first experience which they have made light of, cherish every divine aspiration, and let those holy emotions which God’s Spirit only can inspire, reign in their souls. Faith in Christ’s power will impart strength to sustain, and light to guide.
This practical instruction in religious experience is what Christian parents should be prepared to give their children. God requires this of you, and you neglect your duty if you fail to perform this work. Instruct your children in regard to God’s chosen methods of discipline and the conditions of success in the Christian life. Teach them that they cannot serve God and have their minds absorbed in overcareful provision for this life; but do not let them cherish the thought that they have no need to toil, and may spend their leisure moments in idleness. God’s word is plain on this point. Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, has left an example for the youth. He toiled in the workshop at Nazareth for His daily bread. He was subject to His parents, and sought not to control His own time or to follow His own will. By a life of easy indulgence a youth can never attain to real excellence as a man or as a Christian. God does not promise us ease, honor, or wealth in His service; but He assures us that all needed blessings will be ours, with “persecutions,” and in the world to come “life everlasting.” Nothing less than entire consecration to His service will Christ accept. This is the lesson which every one of us must learn.
Those who study the Bible, counsel with God, and rely upon Christ will be enabled to act wisely at all times and under all circumstances. Good principles will be illustrated in actual life. Only let the truth for this time be cordially received and become the basis of character, and it will produce steadfastness of purpose, which the allurements of pleasure, the fickleness of custom, the contempt of the world-loving, and the heart’s own clamors for self-indulgence are powerless to influence. Conscience must be first enlightened, the will must be brought into subjection. The love of truth and righteousness must reign in the soul, and a character will appear which heaven can approve.
We have marked illustrations of the sustaining power of firm, religious principle. Even the fear of death could not make the fainting David drink of the water of Bethlehem, to obtain which, valiant men had risked their lives. The gaping lions’ den could not keep Daniel from his daily prayers, nor could the fiery furnace induce Shadrach and his companions to fall down before the idol which Nebuchadnezzar set up. Young men who have firm principles will eschew pleasure, defy pain, and brave even the lions’ den and the heated fiery furnace rather than be found untrue to God. Mark the character of Joseph. Virtue was severely tested, but its triumph was complete. At every point the noble youth endured the test. The same lofty, unbending principle appeared at every trial. The Lord was with him, and His word was law.
Such firmness and untarnished principle shines brightest in contrast with the feebleness and inefficiency of the youth of this age. With but few exceptions, they are vacillating, varying with every change of circumstance and surroundings, one thing today and another tomorrow. Let the attractions of pleasure or selfish gratification be presented, and conscience will be sacrificed to gain the coveted indulgence. Can such a person be trusted? Never! In the absence of temptation he may carry himself with such seeming propriety that your doubts and suspicions appear unjust; but let opportunity be presented, and he will betray your confidence. He is unsound at heart. Just at the time when firmness and principle are most required, you will find him giving way; and if he does not become an Arnold or a Judas, it is because he lacks a fitting opportunity.
Parents, it should be your first concern to obey the call of duty and enter, heart and soul, into the work God has given you to do. If you fail in everything else, be thorough, be efficient, here. If your children come forth from the home training pure and virtuous, if they fill the least and lowest place in God’s great plan of good for the world, your life can never be called a failure and can never be reviewed with remorse.
The idea that we must submit to ways of perverse children is a mistake. Elisha, at the very commencement of his work, was mocked and derided by the youth of Bethel. He was a man of great mildness, but the Spirit of God impelled him to pronounce a curse upon those railers. They had heard of Elijah’s ascension, and they made this solemn event the subject of jeers. Elisha evinced that he was not to be trifled with, by old or young, in his sacred calling. When they told him he had better go up, as Elijah had done before him, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. The awful judgment that came upon them was of God. After this, Elisha had no further trouble in his mission. For fifty years he passed in and out of the gate of Bethel, and went to and fro from city to city, passing through crowds of the worst and rudest of idle, dissolute youth, but no one ever mocked him or made light of his qualifications as the prophet of the Most High. This one instance of terrible severity in the commencement of his career was sufficient to command respect through his whole life. Had he allowed the mockery to pass unnoticed, he might have been ridiculed, reviled, and even murdered by the rabble, and his mission to instruct and save the nation in its great peril would have been defeated.
Even kindness must have its limits. Authority must be sustained by a firm severity, or it will be received by many with mockery and contempt. The so-called tenderness, the coaxing and the indulgence, used toward youth by parents and guardians is the worst evil which can come upon them. Firmness, decision, positive requirements, are essential in every family. Parents, take up your neglected responsibilities; educate your children after God’s plan, showing “forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 5T 36-45.