How could this person stay saved in prison?

Lost · #1 06-22-2007, 10:27 AM

We'll assume that this person has been born again according to the Acts 2:38 message, but still has to pay the consequences of being convicted of previous crimes from their pre-Christian days. Their prison term is five to ten years in a low-to-medium security facility, although they are not allowed to leave the prison facilities (road-crews, etc).

They are a prisoner that has only the most minimal personal possessions, and only weekly access to outside visitors (which we will also assume is usually, if not always, local family - spouse, children, etc). There is no prison ministry that teaches Bible truth, as there is no local Apostolic church in the immediate area.

This person was only recently given his prison sentence and you were notified of this by his family. Given the limited info, what would you say to advise this person on how to stay saved? Would you suspect it is even possible?

Kutless · #2 06-22-2007, 10:35 AM

How about contacting the closest church. Surely the pastor could make visits from time to time. Have the family get a small team of letter writers together to send mail frequently. If they are able to have a small library in the facility he/she is in make sure there is ample reading material. How many phone calls are allowed?

Paul spent a lot of time in jail.

Is there cable TV.....TBN.......oh wait

Lost · #3 06-22-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kutless

How about contacting the closest church. Surely the pastor could make visits from time to time. Have the family get a small team of letter writers together to send mail frequently. If they are able to have a small library in the facility he/she is in make sure there is ample reading material. How many phone calls are allowed?

Paul spent a lot of time in jail.

Is there cable TV.....TBN.......oh wait

We'll assume that if there is a library, it is very minimal in content.

We'll assume that this prisoner can receive one phone call a week, in addition to one "outsider" visit per week.

COOPER · #4 06-22-2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost

We'll assume that this person has been born again according to the Acts 2:38 message, but still has to pay the consequences of being convicted of previous crimes from their pre-Christian days. Their prison term is five to ten years in a low-to-medium security facility, although they are not allowed to leave the prison facilities (road-crews, etc).

They are a prisoner that has only the most minimal personal possessions, and only weekly access to outside visitors (which we will also assume is usually, if not always, local family - spouse, children, etc). There is no prison ministry that teaches Bible truth, as there is no local Apostolic church in the immediate area.

This person was only recently given his prison sentence and you were notified of this by his family. Given the limited info, what would you say to advise this person on how to stay saved? Would you suspect it is even possible?

By whom was he baptized?

Lost · #5 06-22-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COOPER

By whom was he baptized?

We do know he was baptized in Jesus name.

Jesuswins · #6 06-22-2007, 10:36 AM

I definitely think it is possible and even probable!!!
He can have a Bible in his Cell, he can write letters to his Pastor for advise, and Mostly he can give his Creator undivided attention! God can speak to him and lead him in a great way while he's in his "Prayer Closet". God may be able to start a work through him to minister to other inmates.
What an opportunity he has to do an awesome work for the Lord!!

RevDWW · #7 06-22-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesuswins

I definitely think it is possible and even probable!!!
He can have a Bible in his Cell, he can write letters to his Pastor for advise, and Mostly he can give his Creator undivided attention! God can speak to him and lead him in a great way while he's in his "Prayer Closet". God may be able to start a work through him to minister to other inmates.
What an opportunity he has to do an awesome work for the Lord!!

Good solid answer.

There are probably other men, who though incarcerated, my be studying the bible and praying together. Prison has a way of helping some seek God. He should try and find some that are seeking God and hang with them.

He can start a study and prayer group. If he reads the Word with prayer and fasting he can make it. Prison walls do not keep God out!

Lost · #8 06-22-2007, 10:36 AM

We'll also assume that this prisoner can keep a Bible and may receive letters from family or friends (after it's searched, of course)

COOPER · #9 06-22-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost

We'll also assume that this prisoner can keep a Bible and may receive letters from family or friends (after it's searched, of course)

Can he have music?

Music can help keep Jesus in the brain.

Maybe one of the guards are Christian too. Or he could get with the Chaplin of the Prison and fellowship.

Lost · #10 06-22-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COOPER

Can he have music?

Music can help keep Jesus in the brain.

Maybe one of the guards are Christian too.

Or he could get with the Chaplin of the Prison and fellowship.

Perhaps, but only during certain times of the day and only below a certain volume. What if he can't find any Christian radio stations?

Perhaps, but unlikely. He might be able to find another "Christian" as it is a larger facility, but once again it would only be limited exposure. Perhaps, in the mess hall or during any outside free-times.

Perhaps, but is not Apostolic in his message.