Bible Group in HMP Forest Bank.

Righteousness, Peace and Joy!

Recently during my regular Wednesday morning Bible group in HMP Forest Bank Salford, I spoke from Romans 14:17 …the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

I shared that there is a reason for these three concepts appearing in God's Word in this order. Righteousness must come first, then we can enter into the Peace of God and finally enjoy the Joy of the Lord. I said the only way we can come to God and know His blessing is through the Lord Jesus who is our Righteousness.

Due to various circumstances common to prison life, only two prisoners were able to attend my group in the chapel that day. However, I think this must have been of the Lord. I believe that He wanted to focus upon these two particular individuals and this became evident when both men responded eagerly to my challenge for them to get right with God and pray with me to receive Christ.

Later that morning I came across another inmate while doing my rounds on the Healthcare wing. He told me he had been brought up in a Christian home but had never given his heart to Jesus. He asked me to pray with him there and then and to lead him to Christ, which of course I did.

Please pray for these three new converts (A, H and R) that they go from strength to strength in the Lord as they continue to attend chapel services and my Bible group meetings in the future.

Nick Stirling

Supported by Benefact Trust.