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Matt. 25: 31 – 46 & Matt. 28:19 – 20. & Heb. 13:3
These scriptures and others well sum up the reason for A Christian Jail & Prison Ministry. Throughout the Bible are examples, descriptions, and commandments about prisons, prisoners, bondage, captivity and slavery. The Bible mentions prisoners, prisons or imprisonment more than 130 times. Though a jail or prison ministry is not a calling for everyone, it is a calling none the less, and a very important and essential one at that.
My wife, Debbie, and I have been in, or associated with, jail and prison ministry for over 13 years. We’ve seen lives changed and people saved, never to return to incarceration again. It has been one of the most rewarding ministries we’ve ever experienced. I, myself, have worked as a deputy jailer which has given me some valuable insight into jail and prison life.
Statistics from several years ago can be frightening; and they’re much more prevalent today. The statistics I saw said that 1 in every 32 American adults is in jail, prison, or on parole. 46% of inmates were incarcerated for an offense of violence. 64% of prison inmates are of a racial or ethnic minority. Only 28% of jail inmates are there on their first offense. In addition, according to Crossroads Prison Ministries, 2.2 million people (other statistics say 2.3 million) are imprisoned in the United States. Of those 2.2 million, 40% of prisoners have little experience studying the Bible; 95% of prisoners eventually will be released. A Barna research study indicates that 75% of released inmates will commit another crime and be returned to custody. However, only 14% of inmates involved in a regular, organized study of the Bible will return to prison. Some of these statistics are eye-openers to say the least.
So, why would anyone want to minister in a jail or prison? All the inmates mentioned above were created by God, to have a relationship with God. Jesus Christ was crucified to redeem them all. Therefore, we are commissioned by God’s Word to serve them by bringing them the gospel and giving them the opportunity to worship. So, how do you affect the lives of 2.2 million incarcerated people? One inmate at a time.
As Christians, we must see people where the world sees statistics. To do otherwise is to reduce inmates to something less than beings created in the image of God.
A jail or prison ministry has the potential to change lives, restore families, and make communities safer. You see, a jail or prison ministry is a field ripe for the harvest. Many inmates have hit bottom, ruined their families, and wrecked their lives. According to an article in “By Grace Today” magazine, John 8:36 tells us that only those who have the Son are “free indeed.” So, if the Lord uses prison to get someone’s attention and introduce them to the gospel, then so be it. If a person’s soul is set free from the power of sin and death, it doesn’t matter if their body remains behind bars. This powerful truth is perhaps what motivated Paul to say, “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; But the word of God is not bound (or imprisoned). (2 Timothy 2:9).
Just like a missionary to foreign lands, the Christian jail or prison volunteer or Chaplain is entering a foreign land, a land with different customs, cultures, and government. We need to understand that. It may not be easy in many cases, but it’s still a calling. We have no absolute constitutional right to minister in correctional facilities; we are permitted to be there, guests of the administration, subject to the rules of the facility. By the same token, while inmates have a constitutional right to practice their religion, there is no obligation for correctional facilities to permit volunteers into the facilities. You have no absolute right to be there. It’s only by God’s grace, many times, that we are permitted.
Remember the verse in 1 Cor. 3:6 which said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”? In a jail or prison ministry, we can plant the seed of the Word of God into their hearts and minds, or we can water those seeds where someone else has planted, but in the end, it’s God who gives the increase of our labor. But, without planting and watering, there would be no increase.
Remember the parable of the sower and the seed in Matthew 13? A sower sowed some seed. Some fell by the wayside as it surely will be in a jail or prison. Some seed fell on stony places and among thorns, as it will surely be in jail or prison, where some inmates will hear and believe for a period, but the word won’t be planted deep in the heart, or, someone will come along and cause them to deny the word. But then some seeds sown will fall on good ground, take root, and spring up into a productive life in Jesus Christ. That’s what I’m talking about.
The Chaplaincy Training Library form the Chaplaincy Training Institute put it like this: “Christian Chaplains are an extension of Christ’s ministry to all people. There is a common misconception that Chaplains have left the real ministry to do social ministry. This could not be farther from the truth. Jesus did make a habit of regular synagogue attendance, and he often taught there (Luke 4: 16-24). However, most of His ministry was very much outside the walls of the institutional “church.” He taught on the seashore, he taught on mountaintops, he taught over dinner tables, and he taught along the roads as He walked. Additionally, He did not limit His ministry to devout Jews, but befriended sinners and tax collectors, healed Romans and Samaritans. He preached to crowds of mixed Jewish and Gentile ancestry.” Boy, that sure goes against the grain of some church members today!

Here is what Frank Mastrolonardo, Senior Chaplain, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has to say, “Jails are full of people with lots of time and little distraction. They come to Bible study, church services, or Fundamentals of the Faith classes curious and looking for answers. They are often desperate and broken, and the Lord has used their circumstances to prepare them to receive the gospel. It seems like every week someone behind bars asks me, “What must I do to be saved?” Answering that question is the biggest joy of my life.”
Need I say more?
Don Woolett.
hpcjailministry@gmail.com

Some suggested reading:
“Thinking About Jail and Prison ministry; A Guide For The Lay Volunteer” by Larry Nielsen
“I’m Not Coming Back!” John Sala Story. Published by International Prison Ministry.
Publications by Gregory Von Tobel from prisonersforchrist.org/store

Copyright 2020 Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net.  P.O Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky.  42748

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  Duplication & Distribution without permission Prohibited. Thank You For faithfully Supporting This Ministry

The Tremendous Power OF Prayer
Philippians 4: 6-7 tells us,
(6) “Be careful for nothing; (in other words, don’t worry about anything) but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” That is a promise that through the power of prayer we can receive what we desire from God through prayer! This Scripture covers about everything we need from prayer; peace of mind, peace in heart, and the keeping power of God.
It shouldn’t take a worldwide pandemic for us to pray.
You see, prayer is communion between man and God in the name and authority of Jesus Christ. Prayer is not some magic formula so that we can get something out of God. Prayer should not be a selfish petition to God so that we can fulfill our own lust for the things of life. Sometimes we just need to pray to praise Him.
When we do find time to pray however; when we do put everything else aside and have communion with God, we can know we’ve touched the throne of Heaven. We can know we’ve gotten God’s attention and we can know for assuredly that there is tremendous power in prayer.
Here’s what some of the great preachers and theologians had to say about prayer:
Ralph Herring said, “Prayer is a summit meeting in the very throne room of the universe. There is no higher level.”
Oswald Chambers said, “Prayer is the vital breath of the Christian: not the thing that makes him alive, but the evidence that he is alive.”
Billy Graham said, “If you do not feel like praying, it is probably a good indication that you should start praying immediately.”
Elisabeth Elliot said, “It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given. One or the other becomes the habit of life.”
Charles Spurgeon said, “For a successful season of prayer, the best beginning is confession.”
Then Dwight L. Moody said, “Spread out your petition before God, and then say, ‘Thy will, not mine, be done.’ The sweetest lesson I have learned in God’s school is to let the Lord choose for me.”
There are many different forms of prayer: Praising God, Confessing our sins, and thanking him for all the blessings we enjoy, and interceding for others.
Prayer is more than reciting words and phrases we’ve learned by heart.
Prayer is vital to the peace of mind and soul. It’s a person’s measure of his Christianity, understanding of spiritual matters, and his experience with God. Prayer is listening and talking to Him.
Prayer is simply intelligent, purposeful, devoted contact with God.
James 5:16b tells us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This assumes, however, that you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord been saved and born again according to the Scriptures. You must be reconciled to God through faith in Christ before you can rightly pray, except for the initial prayer of faith to get saved. Jesus must be your personal High Priest, whose blood has covered your sins. You see, we can’t use prayer as some magic formula so that we can get something out of God. The prayer of faith saves.
Pray without ceasing. Rejoice evermore the Scripture says. We should be in a constant state of prayer, talking to God through Jesus Christ. We should be communicating with Him when we rise up and when we lie down. Before a meal and after a blessing.
1 Thes. 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” You see, we should always be in a constant state of prayer with our mind on Jesus Christ at all times. That doesn’t mean we neglect our everyday duties and responsibilities.
Phil. 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. If we’re thinking pure thoughts, being honest with our neighbor and in business dealings, truthful with everyone, etc. we will be in a state of prayer. Prayer is more than getting down on our knees. It doesn’t matter the position of our body. What does matter is the condition of our heart. That’s what makes prayer so effective. The prayer of faith is the prayer of accomplishment. We can accomplish great things with God when we pray.
Also, when we pray, pray simply. We don’t have to have great flowing words as if we want to impress the Lord. Keep it simple. God knows what we need before we ask anyway. Also, don’t be mechanical. Pray from the heart. And, make prayer an integral part of your everyday life. We can change the world with the prayer of faith.
If you don’t know how to pray, ask the Lord to teach you. He taught his disciples how to pray. He can teach you through His Word and Holy Spirit.
Leonard Ravenhill said, “Books on prayer are good, but not good enough. As books on cooking are good but hopeless unless there is food to work on, so with prayer. One can read a library of prayer books and not be one whit more powerful in prayer. We must learn to pray, and we must pray to learn to pray.”
Let me share some more quotes by famous authors and other people concerning prayer.
James Gillion said, “Prayer is putting the lens of your soul on time exposure. Prayer is putting on earphones that shut out all noises but the voice of you and God. Prayer always has four statements: “Thank You”, “I’m sorry”, “Teach me”, “God with me.”
Paul S. Rees said, “If we are willing to take hours on end to learn to play a piano, or operate a computer, or fly an airplane, it is sheer nonsense for us to imagine that we can learn the high art of getting guidance through communion with the Lord without being willing to set aside time for it. It is no accident that the Bible speaks of prayer as a form of waiting on God.”
During the Civil War, the following item was discovered on the body of a fallen Confederate soldier. Although his identity was unknown, one thing was clear: He recognized how wonderfully God had answered his prayers, even though those answers had not been the ones he sought. This is what was found:
Answered Prayer
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve; I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
You know, we may not always get exactly what we ask for but God knows our true needs and what’s best for us. Sometimes He says “No” and sometimes, “Just wait” but he always answers prayer.
The Cross on Calvary, where Jesus took on Himself the punishment for our sins, is the greatest example of intercession in the history of the world. In His own words he said, “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved,” That Divine intercession on our behalf, however, did not end at the Cross. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:26 that even though we don’t know what or how to pray, the Holy Ghost, himself, intercedes for us.
Matthew Henry noted that “Christ intercedes for us in heaven, the Spirit intercedes for us in our hearts.” Because Jesus is constantly interceding for us, should we not follow His example and pray for those around us? In doing so, we not only imitate Christ, but we invoke His power, the power that can raise men from the dead, a power that can heal the sick, a power that can change lives and draw even the most hardhearted to Himself.
Many verses from Scripture represent wise counsel indeed, but they are far more than that; they are the sacred promises of God Himself.
In 1873, shortly after the successful conclusion of the Revolutionary war and six years before he would become our first president, Washington composed a ‘Prayer for the United States of America.’ In it he acknowledged that without the guiding hand of God, “We can never hope to be a happy nation.” (and I say look where we are today)
The Book of James, Chapter 5, tells us something we all need to remember.
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Prayer will get your home straightened out.
Prayer will make your spouse straighten up.
Prayer will Make your children act right.
Prayer gets your bills paid and put food on your table.
Prayer will give you peace of mind and make your enemies leave you alone.
Prayer can give you comfort at the loss of a loved one.
You don’t need a special time and place to pray:
You can pray in your car and you can pray on the job.
You can pray in your living room or kitchen, bathroom or bedroom.
You don’t need a special time or place to pray or praise God.
Your feet or hands may have chains on them like Paul & Silas, but nobody has put any chains on your soul.
You can pray any time; Midday or midnight.
You can pray in the morning like Jesus did before he went to the cross.
You can pray at noon like Daniel did standing in the lion’s den.
Pray at midnight like Paul and Silas sitting in a jail cell.
You can pray any way; pray short like the publican did. Pray long like Moses did. Pray All night like Paul and Silas.
You can pray anywhere. You can pray In the belly of the Whale like Jonah did.
You can pray in the wilderness like John did.
You can pray on the house top like Peter did and he was instrumental in Cornelius and his whole household getting converted!
You can pray In chains like Paul and Silas.
You can pray for anything. You can pray for wisdom like Solomon did.
You can pray for longer life like Hezekiah did & God added 15 yrs.to his life.
You can pray for mercy like David did.
You can pray anytime, anywhere, about anything & God will hear you when you pray
the prayer of Faith.
Prayer is probably one of the most essential attributes a Christian must have because without prayer, a person cannot even get saved.
I ask you to pray more; pray often. Pray for our Nation and our leaders. Pray that God will keep communism and Marxism out of the White House and Congress. Pray for your Church, your home and family. Pray for protection from those who would do you harm. And most of all, pray just to thank and praise almighty God for sending Jesus to take our place on Cross to forgive our sins & give us a place with Him for eternity.

“The Tremendous Powder Of Prayer”
Words & Music: Don Woolett

The tremendous power of prayer
Can turn the world around.
The tremendous power of prayer
Can turn a problem upside down.
Prayer can touch the throne of Heaven.
Change a life in deep despair.
Nothing on earth can compare
To the tremendous power of prayer.

The prayer of faith can save from sin.
Heal the broken hearts of men.
Raise the dead to life again
And set the captive free.
The broken home, the troubled mind,
The life that seems so out of line
Can be remolded just in time
By the tremendous power of prayer.

A nation brought down to its knees
Can be restored to liberty
And once again have power and peace
Where justice can prevail.
Men must turn their hearts around,
Seek God while he may be found,
Stand firm on the solid ground
Of the tremendous power of prayer.


© 2000 Don Woolett/DewCrest Publishing(BMI), P.O. Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky 42748 (270) 723-5184

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  Duplication & Distribution without permission Prohibited. Thank You For faithfully Supporting This Ministry

Three Killer Questions to Ask a Biblical Evolutionist
1. What part of a literal creation do you have the most trouble with?
2. Are you saying God couldn’t or didn’t create everything in six days?,
3. Can you show me a Scripture to support your position?

Questions to ask an atheist or humanist :
1. What do you mean by what you are saying?
2. How do you know what you are saying is true?
3. What difference does it make anyway? (so what!)
4. What if you are wrong?
5. What would you accept as evidence?

More Questions:
1. Is it impossible for the God of the Bible to exist? (If they answer “yes”, you ask, “How do you know it is impossible? Do you know everything?”)
2. Is it impossible for the Bible to be what it claims to be: a revelation from God?
3. Could the God of the Bible reveal himself in such a way that we are absolutely certain of his existence?
4. Could you be wrong about everything you think you know?

RELIGION : (As defined by Webster’s New World College Dictionary)
“Any object of conscientious regard and pursuit”
(As defined by Merriam Webster’s dictionary and Thesaurus)
“A cause, principle or belief held to with faith and ardor {warmth of feeling}
Copyright 2020 Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net.  P.O Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky.  42748

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  Duplication & Distribution without permission Prohibited. Thank You For faithfully Supporting This Ministry

ANSWERS FOR ATHEISTS

If there is no life after death; if there is no eternity or judgement of God, then why do you fight to stay alive when something goes wrong with your health?  Why do you go to a doctor? Why do you seek to get well?  Why do you have fear of something happening to you?

People who have no assurance of their salvation through Jesus Christ fear death. If there is no God, then death would be merely a ceasing of existence, with nothing to fear.  However, if Christianity is true, then those who do not believe should fear death, since the fate of believers and non-believers is quite different.

There are many theoretical possibilities on the existence of God.  Atheists say that God doesn’t exist and that death results in the end of individual existence.  If your brain just shuts down, there should be no fear of death.  Deists say that God exists but doesn’t have any interests in humanity.  Deists also believe there is no heaven or hell and death ends it all, as in atheism. 

Numerous other religions claim a god or gods, but none seems to be interested in eternal punishment.  So, if those religions are true, there shouldn’t be anything to fear when you die.  It is only Christianity that says death brings judgement to the unrepentant. With this in mind, either death brings the cessation of existence or there is life after death. Therefore, the uncertainty here is whether or not Christianity is true and the God of the Bible really exists.

If you fear death, yet believe that God does not exist, then you are being irrational.  Then again, maybe you are uncertain whether death is the end of your existence.  Are you ready to die?

You say that you don’t believe the God of the Bible exists, right?  So, are you saying that it is impossible  for the God of the Bible to exist? If so, how do you know it is impossible? Do you know everything?

Is it impossible for the Bible to be what it claims to be: a revelation from God?

Could the God of the Bible reveal himself in such a way that we are absolutely certain of his existence?

Could you be wrong about everything you think you know?

How do you know that what you believe is true? What is the basis for your belief? If you say science is the basis for what you believe, how do you know science is true. It has proven itself wrong time after time down through history, so, how can you really be sure? What if you’re wrong about science?  Are you willing to take that chance?

These are questions I must ask you. These are questions you must ask yourself!

It takes a certain amount of faith not to believe in God just as it does to believe. Therefore, atheists are religious too. 

RELIGION :  (As defined by Merriam Webster’s dictionary and Thesaurus)

“A cause, principle or belief held to with faith and ardor {warmth of feeling}

As we can see, even atheism is a religion in itself. Therefore, if atheism is a religious viewpoint, then every atheist is their own god.  Therefore, why don’t atheists know everything?

The main thing that atheists must do apart from claiming there is no God is to support that claim with some sort of reason or evidence. But you’ll find they are unable to do so.  An atheist’s  mere lack of belief is not proof or evidence of anything. It’s just their lack of belief. Atheism is supposed to be about reason, evidence and proof. Do they have any of that? Where is the evidence that God doesn’t exist?

There are so many infallible proofs that the God of the Bible does exist and that the Bible is God’s revelation to mankind, that time and space prevents me from listing them here.

The Bible says in Psalms 14:1, and Psalms 53:1, “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.”  Are you a wise man/woman, or a FOOL?

There is Hope: 

Romans 10:9:“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. “

If there is no God, then we are free to do as we want (subject to certain legal limitations).  We are free to choose how we’ll live and how we’ll treat one another.  We can make up our own rules because, in the end, this life is all there is and nothing really matters except the here and now.  That may sound good to some, but, if God really does exist and the Bible is true, eternity is a mighty long time to spend burning in a lake of fire.  Think about it.

Today people are taught that there is no God. Unfortunately, all too often there are serious ramifications if you carry the idea that there is no God to its logical conclusion.  If there is no God, we are just animals—more advanced than, but not essentially different from a dog or a cat or a snake or a slug, meaning that we ARE NOT CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE and therefore HAVE NO PURPOSE IN Life. If there is no God, there can be NO ABSOLUTE VALUES OR MORALS. This means that there are no standards to guide behavior. Therefore, almost anything goes. If it feels good, do it. But the Bible says in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Let’s see what God himself has done to make himself known to mankind so that we might recognize there is a God and that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh and come to trust in him.

In Romans 1: 18-20, Paul tells us that a man can see evidence of God by what has been made.  Paul tells us that God’s existence is supported by the external testimony of Creations, that we can see evidence of Him in the things He has made, that He is the Creator.

Now, being a Creator of something implies at least a couple of things.  One that you began it and two, that you designed it, you thought about it and it wasn’t just random.

The external existence of creation testifies to the existence of God because it reveals evidence of a beginner. The Bible states that God began things, that He created the entire universe in six literal 24 hour days (Genesis 1).  Does the creation as we see it support the idea that all we see started at some point?  Sure it does. It doesn’t matter if you’re an atheist or a believer in evolution.

The Bible tells us in Genesis 1 that God not only began things in the universe, but that He designed them according to His liking. They were not random events, but the result of an Intelligent Designer. Creation shows a Designer.

Evidence indicates design instead of just something random and supports the evidence for an intelligent Designer in the creation process.

Psalms 19:1-2 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” So, Creation shows evidence of Design and therefore a Divine Intelligent Designer.

So, you don’t believe God exists, right?  What if you’re wrong?  What if God does exist and the Holy Bible is true and what it claims to be; a revelation from God?  What if unbelievers really are judged by a just God after death and are sentenced to punishment in an eternal lake of fire?

What if the unbeliever is right and I’m wrong about the Bible as God’s word of truth; about God being the just God he claims to be; about Jesus Christ sacrificing himself by being nailed to a cross and giving his life so that we won’t have to face the penalty for sin because it’s already been paid by Jesus?  What if I live my life on earth as a believer, doing good, keeping myself pure according to the scriptures, and believing the Bible is true, then come to the end of life and discover there was nothing to all of this?  I’ve lost absolutely nothing by the way I lived.  BUT, what if I am right and you are wrong as an unbeliever?  Are you really willing to take that chance?

Hebrews 9:27 says, “ And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”.  But let me give you some hope! Revelation Chapter 21 tells us, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. ² And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. ⁴ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. ⁵ And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”

Acts 2: 38 instructs us to “ Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” 

Acts 3:19 tells us to “Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord”

2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

We would ask you to be open minded and give what we’ve said here some very serious consideration.

Finally, Revelation 22:12 says, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.:

ARE YOU READY?

Copyright 2020 Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net.  P.O Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky.  42748

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  Duplication & Distribution without permission Prohibited. Thank You For faithfully Supporting This Ministry

Whether it’s ministry, interacting with friends or family, or just simply meeting people socially or in business, there are qualities that will successfully influence others in a positive, productive way. Below, you will find some common since things all of us must practice to be successful when meeting and greeting others. I assure you, if you follow these principles, you can be a much greater witness for the Lord.

10 Essential Qualities For Influencing Others In A Positive Way.

(or: The Simple Art Of Meeting & Greeting People)

1.  Have confidence and ease, which in turn makes others feel at ease with you. When you have confidence in yourself, others will have confidence in you!

2.  Carry authority and conviction in your voice.  Not only speak using proper grammar, but speak in such a way people can sense the authority of what you are saying.

3.  Establish trust and credibility, verbally and nonverbally. Non-verbal actions compliment what is spoken. Be  consistent in what you say and do.

4.  Be warm and enthusiastic. If a person wants friends, they must first show themselves friendly. Plus, they should have an enthusiastic, out-going personality. This is perhaps the single most important quality a person should have for influencing others in a positive way. So, smile and be friendly!

5.  Show empathy and concern.  Sympathize with the other person’s needs or problems.

6. Look at and pay attention when someone is talking to you. Don’t look away, act impatient, or glance around continuously. Use direct eye contact.

7. Maintain an upbeat, relaxed and confident attitude in every communicating situation. Develop good posture. Don’t be tense or up tight. Positively believe in what you are doing.

8. Maintain politeness, patience, and persistence to establish yourself as a successful positive influence!

9. REMEMBER: You only get ONE chance to make a good FIRST impression!

10. God gave us TWO ears and ONE mouth.  He expects us to do twice s much listening as talking!

A PRACTICAL
PRINCIPLE
“Think before you
act or speak.
Then, always act
or speak
tactfully”

© 2014 Don Woolett, P.O. Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky. 42748

Copyright 2020 Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net.  P.O Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky.  42748

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  Duplication & Distribution without permission Prohibited. Thank You For faithfully Supporting This Ministry

The Christian and Self Defense

I believe it is the supreme responsibility of every parent (Dad, Mom, Grandparent, etc.) to protect their family from anyone or anything that might do them harm. [1 Timothy 5:8]

Our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and expression, free exercise of religion, and many times freedom of association are being attacked on an almost daily bases.

There are evil people in this world, seemingly without conscience, who would seek to do others injustice. They’ll steal your identity, prey on senior citizens and abduct children. They often look for ways to bring lawsuits against you for personal gain. Many make a living out of getting something for nothing. Even some government officials seem to be on their side.

First of all, let me briefly explain, though some may disagree, my view on Christian passivism and when Christians may or may not be permitted to defend themselves and their families from an attack either spiritual or physical.

The Scriptures tell us in Psalm 62 verse six, “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense;…” Then again in Proverbs 24: 29, the Scripture says, “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.” I do not believe that Christians have a right or mandate to retaliate when slandered or insulted. Such insults do not threaten the personal safety of a Christian. Defending one’s self against a mugger, robber, or rapist is a different story, however. As author Don Boys, Ph.D says, “Christians don’t shoot to kill. They shoot to stay alive!”

There are those who attempt to apply Exodus 20:13, “Thou Shalt Not Kill” to a self defense situation.  The Hebrew word for kill literally means “the intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice;”. Matt. 19:18 clarifies the meaning of this Scripture as “Thou shalt do no murder.” Murder is defined as an unmitigated offensive killing of another human being, whereas “kill” is sometimes defensive, whether it be at a personal, civil, or military level. The words and definitions are significantly different, and Exodus 20:13 cannot rightfully be applied to a self defense or defense of others situation.  Now, I do not advocate taking another human life but sometimes it may become necessary to protect what God has given us to protect.

From my studies and experienced observation, a Christian doesn’t have a right to retaliation or personal vengeance. However, one does have a Scriptural and Constitutional right to defend himself, his family and his or her property. Remember also that Jesus, as gentle and mild as he was, drove the moneychangers out of the temple with a whip then turned over their tables. He also stood in their way so they couldn’t pass through. (Mark 11:15 & 16).

It is clear to me that God holds mankind responsible for being armed and prepared to protect and defend his family. Jesus taught in Luke 22:36 that if one doesn’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Pacifist beliefs do not stand up to the harsh reality of our fallen world nor is pacifism to be reconciled to the clear teachings of Scripture. Consider Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

There are a number of passages of Scripture that encourage escaping from danger or even using force in self-defense, if necessary, and encourage us to defend other people against wrongful attacks. Jesus’s disciples carried swords, even after three years of traveling with Jesus. In the garden of Gethsemane, they had swords. Swords in the first century were used for self-defense. So, I think there are times in which self-defense to prevent us from suffering significant bodily harm is justified.

Jesus himself told us in St. Luke 11:21, “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace”. English Common Law states that a man’s home is his castle (or palace). I believe that includes your family and possessions occupying or associated with your castle. A burglar (rapist, robber, pervert,predator, etc.) who has no regard for the sanctity of your home would likely have no more regard for your physical well being. He or she is not breaking into your home accidentally and presents a “clear and present danger”. In my opinion, the use of force to stop violence is not the same as the initiation of violence. I fully agree with Don Boys when he says that if you permit a murder or rape of an innocent child when you could have stopped it, than you are morally responsible for it! (see also, Matthew 24:43)

1 Timothy 5:8 teaches, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” I believe these provisions are not only food, clothing, shelter, proper education and medical care, etc., but protection from harm as well (Exodus 22:2).

Nehemiah 4:14 states, “….Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives and your houses.”

Proverbs 25:26 teaches us that, “A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.”

Exodus 22:2 says, “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.”

Psalms 144:1 says, “Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:”

Then, Ecclesiastes 10:4 states, “If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.” Therefore, from these and other Scriptures, it is clear to me that God holds men responsible for being prepared to stand up for his family and acquaintances and even for being armed, if necessary, and prepared to protect his family. I would never want to be found to be “worse than an infidel” by allowing someone to harm my family when I have a means to stop them.[see Matthew 24:43]. Revenge is in God’s hands; protection for our family and Christian brothers and sisters is our responsibility.

God, himself, says he is our defense. However, I do believe we, as individuals, have a definite mandate from God to defend and provide for our families.

A question often asked, and a very important one is, can someone be forgiven for killing in war? Another question is, Can I forgive myself for killing in war? My answer would simply be this.  Killing in war is usually considered self defense and self defense is always justified except in rare cases where someone is being persecuted for their faith.  War is generally not one of those cases.

The Holy Scriptures teach us that if anyone provides not for his own, especially those of his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.  Again, I believe providing for your own is not only providing food, clothing, shelter, etc. but protection from harm as well.

 One may not have intended to kill A person in an encounter but instead acted in self-defense. For something to be sinful, one has to have intent to commit the act and have full knowledge that the act is sinful and then, has to actually carry it out. Only an individual, however, really knows if they willfully murdered someone when they could have gotten by without it.

You cannot apply Exodus 20:13, “You shall not kill,” to war. 
Again, the Hebrew word for kill literally means “the intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice; murder.” 
In a battle where you might have to kill someone, that is not “murder” according to the Bible. The correct translation reads, “Thou shalt not commit murder”, and there is a significant difference in the words. (Matt. 19:18)  Murder is defined as an unmitigated offensive killing of another human being, whereas “kill” is sometimes defensive, whether it be at a personal, civil or military level.   The words and definitions are significantly different, and it won’t be you that needs to be forgiven.

God often ordered the Israelites to go to war with other nations (1 Samuel 15:3; Joshua 4:13). 
God ordered the death penalty for numerous crimes (Exodus 21:12, 15; 22:19; Leviticus 20:11). So, God is not against killing in all circumstances, but he is against murder. 
War is never a good thing, but sometimes it is a necessary thing. 
In a world filled with sinful and fallen people (Romans 3:10-18), war is inevitable. Sometimes the only way to keep sinful people from doing great harm to the innocent is by going to war. 

War is necessary and God knows it. Think of all the biblical men in the whole Bible. Most all of them went to war and killed hundreds. But in the Bible it never speaks of any of them being punished for it, unless they were just plain evil people who caused the war. It’s part of life….You need to think of it more as “Killing in Self Defense”. You have enemies trying to kill you! You have to protect your country and yourself from being killed. That is not Murder! That is self defense.

This rights-based justification for killing does not rely on any particular religious belief, but it is consistent with Judeo-Christian assumptions about human rights as well as the principles of American civil law.

Our starting point in justifying wartime killing is the conviction that every person possesses the “right not to be killed.” Again, there is a saying that says, “Christians don’t shoot to kill.  They shoot to stay alive.” That saying is not only for Christians, but it is the philosophy of many who believe in the right to protect themselves or others from serious harm or death.  The ultimate source of our human rights is arguable. Some would say that source is God and the Scriptures, others cite human reason, and still others refer to implicit social contracts or even man-made laws. But I hope we can agree that all persons do possess rights—whatever their source—and that the most fundamental and basic right is the right not to be killed, followed closely by the right not to be enslaved.

So, by virtue of our humanity, every person possesses the right not to be killed. If a person intentionally threatens to violate the right of someone who possesses their right, he forfeits his own right. If someone kills the aggressor who has forfeited his rights by threatening an innocent person, that person does nothing wrong. The  defender violates no one’s rights, and he does not forfeit his own. However, When an attacker is no longer a threat, he regains his right not to be harmed or killed.

Professional soldiers, police, security personal, etc. are entrusted to defend the innocent by using force.  Every act of using lethal force is a very serious, permanent action that requires moral justification.  We kill only those who, by their own rights threatening actions, have temporarily forfeited their own right not to be killed.  Killing someone, even justifiably, is upsetting at some level. That’s normal and healthy. If the killing is morally unjustified, the psychological impact will likely be much greater.

PTSD with guilt is mind boggling to say the least. I was a helicopter door gunner flying search and destroy missions and special operations. I received a Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters. I flew nearly 300 combat hours in just a few short months.  I myself have been rated 30% PTSD because of my combat service and experiences in Viet Nam.  Interestingly, the VA has officially stated on my records that my “faith” in God has helped me overcome the effects of PTSD in my life.  Although the problems are still present, they are not controlling.

Having to take a human life is never good.  Having someone take your life is worse, in my opinion.  Also, self-defense must be considered as a last resort and in response to a reasonable threat.

Don Woolett  

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