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Hello Friend,

My name is James Matthews; and, I am The Driver's Seat Preacher; your host at HTTPS://10-VIRGINS-PARABLE.BLOGSPOT.COM/

For six (6) years of my life I participated in Volunteer Prison Ministry while living in Southern California; and, attending a Messianic Jewish Congregation ("Simchat Yeshua"). There I would drive about an hour each way to CRC NORCO; the California Regional Correction Center in Norco, CA to teach prisoner's about the Bible. Some week's I would come on Friday night for two hours; or on Saturday's for three hours. I preferring teaching on Saturday's because it gave me more time to share; teach; and, answer questions to those who would regularly attend.

Initially I had suggested to our Congregational leader (Gene Keener) that we do prison ministry one Saturday at Congregation as were were discussing how we could put feet to our service. I got the idea from another man (Jim Stephens) whom I had previously been attending bible study with on Wednesday nights at his residence in Murrieta California when I had attended Calvary Chapel Murrieta for some eight (8) years.

Previously Gene had received letters from Prisoner's at CRC Norco asking for someone to come and teach them about the Messiah Yeshua; the one whom many call "Jesus," from a Messianic Jewish perspective. There is a stark difference between Messianic Jews who accept Yeshua; and, those who lean towards a Talmudic understanding of the Bible rejecting him as Messiah; and, teaching others to walk in the Oral Traditions (Mishnah; Gemara; Talmud) which elevate themselves ABOVE the Written Torah given to Moses by the Angel who appeared in the burning bush; and, who spoke to Moses upon Mt. Sinai hand delivering His instructions.

(See Acts Chapter 7 verse 30 & Acts Chapter 7 verse 38).

At first I was hesitant to join Gene at the prison when he asked me to help him with this undertaking. I honestly I wasn't confident about my own safety while there; and, wasn't sure what to expect. The first time we went there were 40-50 other Christians; and, Orthodox Jews that came to listen. I was surprised at the initial turnout; and, actually enjoyed that day. I was HOOKED. So it became a regular practice for both of us to teach; alternating Friday night; and, Saturdays to give us each opportunity to still be present on the Sabbath at least twice a month.

Initially I was alternating with Gene while we were teaching the Written Torah. Those in the study group expressed more of an interest in studying Prophecy; so we took a vote; and, began to focus upon the Book of Daniel; and, the Book of Revelation.

At the time I was attending college while majoring in Business; Accounting; and, Law. This gave me access to many Academic Journals with peer reviewed articles; and, Thesis's which I made great use of in this teaching endeavor. Although it paid me absolutely nothing; it has been among the most intrinsically rewarding work I have ever done. It gave me more satisfaction than any check I had ever cashed as a Realtor; Self Originating Mortgage Loan Professional; or Life Insurance Sales Professional.

Preparing for each weekly teaching forced me to study the Bible, History, Languages (Greek, Hebrew, and, Aramaic), Culture, Geography, Calendar's and, Religious practices of the many nations Daniel makes reference to giving me an education that rivaled what I saw offered at some of the nearby Bible Colleges.

I invite you to come with me; and, take advantage of what I learned during that time; and, in my own continuing studies since. Come and see that Yeshua is good; and, he leads us in the Way of Life. On my blog you will find my teaching videos; studies; and articles that are offered freely to download and share. I hope to see you there friends. Shalom!