"Condescend to Men of Low Estate"
By John Willson, Bible Teacher
What does this phrase in Romans 12:16 mean to us? It may
mean that we are interested in giving to support the Lord's work in
countries where many are living in poverty and ignorance. Or, it may mean
that we are concerned with helping missions in our own country which
help those who have been destroying their lives with alcohol, drugs, or
immoral living. But how about reaching the men and women who
are serving time in jails and prisons? We have in America over two
million that can be reached in jails by correspondence Bible lessons and
literature. Those in city or county jails are usually easily reached in person.
Many years ago, I met with the sheriff at our local county jail
and told him I would like to speak to the men there. He was very
agreeable, and this began a regular weekly ministry that another brother and
I are still involved in. We hold a Bible study, then provide inmates
with Bible lessons, New Testaments, tracts, and other things to read.
We find that many of these of low estate now have an interest in
spiritual things, and they realize that it is their sin that has put them in jail.
We tell them that they need the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, that
they need to know that Christ died for their sins and that He will give
them victory over sin and a new life.
Others can be reached by mail. We have been grading Bible
lessons for prisoners and others all over the U. S. and foreign countries,
sending out Grace literature to help them grow in understanding God's Word.
It may be that you are looking for some way to be directly active
in the work of the Lord (I Cor. 15:58). If you would like to get started in
a ministry, we can provide you with the Bible lessons you need. I
assure you that there are blessings and rewards in reaching those of low
estate and obeying our commission as ambassadors for Christ,
beseeching sinners to be reconciled to God (II Cor. 5:18-20).
For more information, please contact John Willson at:
Grace Bible Courses, 407 W. Hickory Street, Neosho, MO 64850.