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JAME S A L AN B US H
1 2 1 1 E A ST S A N TA C L A R A STR E ET # 4
S AN J O SE , CAL IF O R N I A
(408) 685-4049
means for Him to impart such intimacy, and to establish a path to a mutual relationship
of intimate harmony.
On top of all of that, comes God's eagerness to perfect His creation (i.e., you) using
every burden you bare to build you up and strengthen you in all manner of
worthiness. Next to humility, suffering is the most significant part of being a follower of
Christ; without it, Christ cannot complete His work in you, which is tantamount to
godly perfection [Matthew 5:38]:
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation
unto all them that obey him. [Hebrews 5:8-9]
Suffering actuates the shaping and moulding of your heart and mind into that of our
Savior, so it's important to know what it truly is, and what you are to do with it:
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. [2
Timothy 3:12]
Without it, you cannot learn obedience in the manner of Christ
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered. [Hebrews 5:8]
and, you cannot identify with Christ on a level so as to be called one of His own:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. [2 Timothy 2:12]
All of this tells you how you can identify with Jesus, and how you can relate to Him;
and, it tells you why He made the effort on your behalf. Let me now close with how you
can and why you should move forward with Him for the rest of your days.
Jesus is our hero, a leader in an army against the very forces that created and
perpetuate the circumstances that led you to where you are now. He declared war
against the Gates of Hades:
Then Jesus said, I came into this world for judgment [as a Separator, in order
that there may be separation between those who believe on Me and those who
reject Me], to make the sightless see and to make those who see become blind.
[John 9:39]
Jesus came to draw two lines in the sand between good and evilone declared war:
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but
a sword. [Matthew 10:34]
the other declared him commander-in-chief:
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the
works of the devil. [1 John 3:8]
His army includes His followers:
And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros a large piece of rock], and on this
rock [Greek, petra a huge rock, like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the
gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be
strong to its detriment or hold out against it]. [Matthew 16:18]
As a leader in that war, Jesus promises victory:
This I speak unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall
have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. [John
16:33]
That should give us a starting point. I will write more shortly, but wanted to let you
know just as soon as I heard about you that I am here for you in every way that counts,
and that I will do whatever it takes to bring you to the place you want to be. Although I
have four other persons in my charge, each of you will get the benefit of my best
effort. Your salvation is my number one priority, just as you are Gods number one
priority, and I will not divert my attention from it for anyone, for any reason.
With all my strength, I will endeavor to be your brother-in-arms, just as if my salvation
depends on it (because it does). Thats realistic if both us express our hope of victory
to God through consistent, righteous living everyday, and until that day.
In the meantime, while I prepare a more thorough response to your concerns, please
write me (if you can) with more about you and with any questions you may have. Like
the Apostle Paul said of himself once, I am the chief of sinners [1 Timothy 1:15], so
hold nothing back, neither being afraid of sending the wrong message nor of saying
the wrong thing when you write.
Yours in Christ,