Chaplain's Corner
October 2024 - Spiritual Recidivism
Recidivism is one of the most fundamental concepts in criminal justice. It refers to a person's relapse into criminal behavior, often after the person receives sanctions or undergoes intervention for a previous crime. 1
The simplest definition of recidivism is the tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior. How often do we commit “spiritual recidivism”? How often do we relapse into the old habits of our sinful nature? How do we avoid or prevent spiritual recidivism in our lives?
There are three things to practice to avoid relapsing and to continue walking in holiness before the Lord. First, remember that Jesus set you free from sin (John 8:36). By the grace of God, we are a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). So, we walk by faith in our position with Christ. Secondly, we practice Christian spiritual disciplines to prevent relapse. This includes walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16); renewing our minds (Rom. 12:2); and most importantly living a life of total devotion to Christ. Jesus stated, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). Lastly, we live our lives with gratitude and praise to God the Father, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Having an attitude of gratitude we will always remind us of all the blessings, benefits, and favors God has done for us. Through praise we will see how wonderful the Living God is and how He has brought us out of the darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 3:18). Praise and gratitude keeps our eyes on Him There is one more thing to practice, fellowship with the community of believers. We find love and support by staying in fellowship with other believers who want to live a holy life and be a fully devoted follower of Christ Jesus.
ALPHA PROGRAM
ACPM is excited to be introducing the Alpha program to the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC). The program will be the first of several faith-based programs to be brought into the prison to assist inmates in discovering answers to questions on how to apply God’s word in their everyday life. In a world of isolation and anonymity Alpha offers content and guidance to create a space for honest and open conversations about life’s biggest questions.
For all of our current volunteers, they will be invited to attend a facilitator training at the end of October. We are preparing to launch Alpha to the general population and the work release residence in November 2024. For more information, visit alphausa.org/prisons/
Articles from the Web
As U.S. holds world record for imprisonment, churches increase prison ministries
From BaptistNews.com
This article describes some obstacles to prison ministry and why it is so necessary
What does the Bible say about prison ministry?
From Prisonfellowship.org
"If Jesus were on earth today, would we find Him in prisons?"
Christians Should Care for Prisoners
From Relevent Magazine
Read about the myths that may keep us from wanting to reach out to inmates
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Who We Are
We are a non-profit Christian Ministry that serves inmates in the Adams County area of Pennsylvania. Our team is made up of both paid staff and volunteers with a heart for sharing Christ with those who are incarcerated...
What We Do
We purpose to share Christ with our brothers and sisters in the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex in many ways, such as offering worship services, mentoring and discipleship, and distributing Bibles...
How You Can Too!
Check out our past and upcoming events to see the different ways you can get involved in Adams Christian Prison Ministries. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our new announcements!