Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2Co 5:17).

Prison for me wasn’t a place of punishment, but a place of God’s grace and mercy to become the man of God I was created to be.

I spent nine years in prison on a ninety-nine year sentence. Fortunately, I can earnestly say those were the most profound years of my life. Why? Because I was transformed into the man of God I’ve been for twenty-eight years.

After about four years of growing as a new creation in Christ, God called me to preach and teach His word. I’ve been out for nineteen years as of (8/2022), and by God’s grace I’m still committed to that call.

My life in Christ has been an amazing and challenging journey! A journey that has given me the opportunity to grow and experience life as a Christian, husband, father, and minister. There’s no doubt that my life is a living testimony of the transformative power of Jesus Christ!

Just because you have a past you’re not proud of, and a stigma that’s associated with your name, doesn’t mean you can’t live a successful life. On the contrary, because you are a new creation in Christ, you are more than capable of living a successful life regardless of how society see you.

The truth is, there isn’t any situation you face in life that you can’t overcome as a child of God. However, there are three foundational principles you must attain and maintain as a daily practice:

Principle #1: Keep your relationship with Christ biblically intact.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (5)”I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (Jn 15:4-5).

Principle #2: Submit to the Bible as supreme authority in how you think and live.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (Pro 3:5-6).

Principle #3: Stay connected with Christians who see life from a biblical perspective, and live life guided by biblical principles.

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed (Prov 13:20).

God bless!

Min. Eddie Sanders