Setting the Prisoners Free!
Posted 02-10-2015 at 04:14 PM by NT Fellowship
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18
This prophecy from Isaiah was read by Jesus in His first sermon after His temptation in the wilderness.
Jesus Christ still sets the captives free. Through His death and resurrection, He releases us from the power of sin. Whether the prisoner has been enslaved by tobacco, drugs, alcohol, lust, gossip, hatred, jealousy, covetousness, fear, or whatever, the blood of Christ cleanses the repentant. The Holy Spirit creates new life in the heart, and empowers the new believer to live with joy, and strength to overcome temptation.
The Lord Jesus loves the prisoner within modern prisons, too. Consider these men who have been set "free indeed!" by the precious blood of the Lamb:
Randy A. Twenty years ago, Randy found his wife with another man. In a jealous rage, Randy killed them both. While awaiting trial, he found a Bible and began to read. Convicted of sin, Randy repented and received forgiveness. Today, Randy is still behind bars, but uses his hours to pray, study the Bible with a small group of believers, and evangelize others in prison. His upbeat attitude has earned him respect by guards and inmates alike. Randy doesn't know if he will be released eventually or not, but is determined to fill his days with service to Jesus.
Mike B.The first time Mike went to chapel, he was so scary looking that even the other inmates wouldn't sit by him! Alone on the back row, his fierce countenance displayed his evil heart. In due time, the gospel penetrated the hard heart, and turned the stone into a heart of flesh. Mike was born-again, and the Holy Spirit began to fill him with love for Christ and others. Now Mike disciples young Christians, and we frequently hear from them to receive our free gospel literature. His letters to us show an earnest heart dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. At times Mike still fines himself alone, but not because he is fearful or evil; but because he is fearless with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
John W. A "lifer" for murder, John has not been able to tell his closest relatives "good-bye" as they passed away. Redeemed from violence and immorality, John's greatest desire has been to tell his family of their opportunity for forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Though he has times he gets lonely and discouraged, John clings to the Lord and treasures our encouragement to continue in the faith. Lovely cards and personal letters with the Bible literature we send gives John the love and friendship he deeply misses. He looks forward to Jesus' return, when we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
There are many other true stories of men and women behind bars who have been set free by Jesus Christ. They need our compassion, prayers and encouragement, because their surroundings are living nightmares. Those who get out face continual rejection, find it difficult to get jobs, and sometimes long to return to prison, because it is so difficult starting over again.
Have you thought of those who are behind bars, who have been rejected by society? Pray for them today, and seek how you may reach out to them with the love of Christ. He truly will set the prisoner free!
This prophecy from Isaiah was read by Jesus in His first sermon after His temptation in the wilderness.
Jesus Christ still sets the captives free. Through His death and resurrection, He releases us from the power of sin. Whether the prisoner has been enslaved by tobacco, drugs, alcohol, lust, gossip, hatred, jealousy, covetousness, fear, or whatever, the blood of Christ cleanses the repentant. The Holy Spirit creates new life in the heart, and empowers the new believer to live with joy, and strength to overcome temptation.
The Lord Jesus loves the prisoner within modern prisons, too. Consider these men who have been set "free indeed!" by the precious blood of the Lamb:
Randy A. Twenty years ago, Randy found his wife with another man. In a jealous rage, Randy killed them both. While awaiting trial, he found a Bible and began to read. Convicted of sin, Randy repented and received forgiveness. Today, Randy is still behind bars, but uses his hours to pray, study the Bible with a small group of believers, and evangelize others in prison. His upbeat attitude has earned him respect by guards and inmates alike. Randy doesn't know if he will be released eventually or not, but is determined to fill his days with service to Jesus.
Mike B.The first time Mike went to chapel, he was so scary looking that even the other inmates wouldn't sit by him! Alone on the back row, his fierce countenance displayed his evil heart. In due time, the gospel penetrated the hard heart, and turned the stone into a heart of flesh. Mike was born-again, and the Holy Spirit began to fill him with love for Christ and others. Now Mike disciples young Christians, and we frequently hear from them to receive our free gospel literature. His letters to us show an earnest heart dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. At times Mike still fines himself alone, but not because he is fearful or evil; but because he is fearless with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
John W. A "lifer" for murder, John has not been able to tell his closest relatives "good-bye" as they passed away. Redeemed from violence and immorality, John's greatest desire has been to tell his family of their opportunity for forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Though he has times he gets lonely and discouraged, John clings to the Lord and treasures our encouragement to continue in the faith. Lovely cards and personal letters with the Bible literature we send gives John the love and friendship he deeply misses. He looks forward to Jesus' return, when we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
There are many other true stories of men and women behind bars who have been set free by Jesus Christ. They need our compassion, prayers and encouragement, because their surroundings are living nightmares. Those who get out face continual rejection, find it difficult to get jobs, and sometimes long to return to prison, because it is so difficult starting over again.
Have you thought of those who are behind bars, who have been rejected by society? Pray for them today, and seek how you may reach out to them with the love of Christ. He truly will set the prisoner free!
