I realize this sounds like a really awful question, but hear me out. So we have Matthew 28,
**19 **Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, **20 **and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Emphasis on ‘disciple’. When I returned to the Lord here in jail, I felt my old calling to preach stronger than ever before. I have never given an altar call or directly pushed salvation, but regardless, 11 lost souls came to me to find guidance to the cross. I have seen murderers, rapists, and thugs repent and ask for salvation. But, because of the cyclical nature of incarceration, I have only been able to disciple 1 person. The rest I had to pray for God to provide for.
Depending on where you fall on the “once saved, always saved” spectrum, I am either doing the Lord’s work, or I am no better than a new parent leaving a newborn on a doorstep. While I can’t imagine a scenario where I would discourage someone seeking Jesus, I can guarantee there is some doctrine or theologian who would discourage me from speaking at all.
I am trapped here in satan’s stronghold almost completely alone, and the local churches are woefully absent in any efforts to help those trapped by sin.
Yes, you should preach salvation. Scripture does not make that optional based on circumstances. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” ~Mark 16:15. That command was never tied to perfect conditions or guaranteed long-term discipleship. Your responsibility is faithfulness to the message. God is responsible for the results.
Paul explains how ministry actually works: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” ~1 Corinthians 3:6. One servant plants the seed. Another helps it grow later. The life itself comes from God. You are not abandoning people if your situation prevents continued contact. You are doing your part in God’s larger work.
Remember, Paul himself preached from prison. He said his chains actually served “the furtherance of the gospel” ~Philippians 1:12. Prison did not silence ministry. It became the mission field God assigned him.
Salvation does not depend on your ongoing presence anyway. Scripture says, “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” ~Philippians 1:6. If God saves someone, He is fully able to keep and grow them, even when human support is limited.
You preach Christ. You teach what you can. You pray for them. Then you entrust them “to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up” ~Acts 20:32.
You’re not leaving helpless babies on someone’s doorstep to be whomever they want them to be. You are directing them to the Good Shepherd who will NEVER abandon HIS sheep. “My sheep hear my voice… neither shall they ever perish.” ~John 10:27–28
NO. you’re not harming them by preaching the gospel there. You are being faithful right where you are. Even if that’s in a dark place. That’s where many need to see Christ the most.
Not so awful. You sound discouraged and you sound like you’re lonely. I’m glad you found this place and there are a few others here also incarcerated.
It’s not really about the numbers. Discipling one person gives you experience at discipling. Maybe that’s what the Lord intends. I’m sure you’re praying that the Lord would send souls your way and you know the outcome is His and not yours. What if its a one by one experience going forward? What’s wrong with that? Has God called you to evangelize? If He has then He will equip you in His time. But if He hasn’t, then you are like the rest of us who take our opportunities as they come.
Your response really brought me great joy and peace, @bdavidc. I was called to preach the gospel 25 years ago but denied that calling in favor of worldly lusts. Now, after all those wasted years, I am fulfilling my purpose. My only true happiness here comes from sharing His word/spirit/love.
I am definitely lonely; in fact, I could not do this without my Crosswalk family. The church has abandoned these boys, the jailers serve darkness, and the spirit of satan oozes out of every crack in the wall. It’s up to me in cells 33-64 to get the word preached to 100 men.
For to be trapped, the trap must be laid. It is better to be trapped than to trap. for im not a deciever, so maybe i will enlighten those who are traped. Fear not everything has its place.
Did you know that the “Prayer of Salvation” is not in the Word? Anywhere? Altar calls are not in the Word. Anywhere. What is in the Word is this.
John 3:16-18 Jesus. Believe in Him or not. John 3:36
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Jesus said this in John 5:24
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
Also this.
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:15-16
Now, hopefully not about to ignite another debate about Baptism, which I do believe we should do, I truly believe that once a person hears the truth and believes, they are saved. Ido not see anything wrong with the altercall. It is a way to have someone think about and acknowledge their choice of accepting Jesus publicly.
You are still preaching salvation, just not in the traditional way through an altar call.