I wanted to stop and write to tell you what a lifeline your Romans tapes are to me. From what I have heard in the last 31.75 years, you get closer that anyone to the heart of Paul and EXACTLY what he means and how it applies to our lives. I hate to think where I would have ended up without your teaching. This Gospel is preached and taught so rarely that I contend the body of Christ is emaciated. Pray hard that God would use me WHEREVER to preach and teach this GREATEST of news! I am sure I will wear out the tapes in my players. I get so sick of other useless teaching, don’t you?…God has taken you through Hell and back…and it comes out in your depth of insight in Romans.
God bless you real Big.
B.P.
Your message of God’s forgiveness through Christ, independent of my actions, is a joyous shock and a glimmer of hope to me. I can’t count the number of spiritual cycles I’ve experienced through the years: When I feel in God’s favor (in other words, when I’m not in the midst of gross sin), I experience short-term joy, but I quickly begin to feel accused of self-righteousness, smugness, complacency, and lukewarm devotion. On the other hand, when I feel God’s wrath (when I’m acting out homosexually, or planning to, or remembering fondly when I did), then I feel lost and truly deserving of eternal abandonment. This yo-yo cycling goes back as far as I can remember.
When you speak of focusing my attention on Christ instead of on myself, all of my old patterns are shaken. I realize that when I stand before God (whether in an “achieving” or a “failing” condition), I bring absolutely nothing to the table. I’m 100% dependent upon His grace. Your program, newsletters and tapes are helping enormously!
The paradox is that, as I say this, my life is a mess. I’ve recently started acting out again…here I am seeking these disgusting junkie sexual highs for the hundredth time…living a lie is truly sad. And yet, in spite of all of this, I still believe that I am reckoned righteous…through Jesus’ love for me. I plan to keep listening and learning, and I know that I’ve found God’s redemptive hand in your ministry. Keep the good stuff coming, and keep praying for yo-yos like myself. I’ll stay in touch with you.
B.C.
I can’t tell you how much you and your ministry in our life means to us. I know God is using you to uphold us in faith and hope as we are waiting on Him to move powerfully on [our son’s] life, performing Ezekiel 36:22–27. I believe too with all my heart, that you have been strategically placed in our life for [our son]. We love you and hope you are feeling better.
M. & C.B.
I struggle with food addiction and am receiving strength by your teaching during your a.m. radio program (I’ve been listening for a few months).
Thank you. In Christ’s love,
P.W.
Thanks once again for your continuous work. Monthly pledge is enclosed. I am slowly learning what the darkness in my life is all about and seeing more of God’s will in my life.
God bless.
L.H.
I listen to your show when I can. Just want to say I appreciate your honesty and truthfulness I’m glad that there are Christians out there that don’t try to cover or hide real issues that we all feel or deal with. You and I counseled a while back. I’ve struggled with depression and self worth on and off the last six or seven months. I’ve had some falls, trying to cover or lessen the pains with drinking and drugs. It doesn’t work! Would you pray for me, that God might break through all the fog and confusion that sometimes seems overwhelming. I do love the Lord. But you question, Do I really? Why can’t I just rise up and walk in the Spirit? I know the truth, but struggle to walk in it. I heard your radio show about standing before the Lord naked just as you are, how he designed me, nose, stomach, penis, butt, feet. How honest! Simple! Thank you for being real. I hope the Lord blesses your ministry, Colin. I know people need to hear the truth about themselves and their feelings, something which most teachers don’t talk straight up about. Thank you, brother! I’ll pray for you as you come to mind. Thanks for your encouragement and direction.
Love ya, brother.
M.P.
Your radio ministry is really a blessing to me. I have found that too many evangelical ministries are teaching works as a Christian’s only way to guarantee salvation. Please add my name to your monthly “teaching newsletter” and monthly tape. May I have a catalog of your other materials as well?
I hope that my one time gift will give some help to catch you up with finances.
J.S.
Thank you for using your God-given brain and for exercising your God-given faith. Keep on with your faithfulness and example. I am so glad you are keeping at your writing. I really enjoyed your last one [newsletter] so much—always do, but that especially lit up some areas for me. Received the tapes from your Faith Training Seminar—Power of Praise. Thank you so much.
C.B.