A Captive Audience
by Kathy Brown on October 14th, 2009 | 0 comments
One of the good things about ministry to prisoners is that when you bring them the message that we are all sinners, they usually believe it. Unlike many of us, the evidence of this truth has been uncovered for all to see.
There can be initial excitement where the gospel is presented in confinement. But disappointment may follow if emotion is the only faith factor. It is important to realize that to overcome the battles of life, we must recognize our own attempts to avoid the real issues that propel our struggles. Running away from guilt and shame can be done anywhere, in or out of jail. Getting real with one’s past, dealing with hurts, recognizing bitterness and unforgiveness and identifying lies that have been embraced over the years requires courage and determination. Repeating old habits of thinking and behaving come easily, while laying down new tracks that lead to a different destination is hard.
One objection often heard in this particular ministry is: “You don’t know what I’ve done; I’m such a sinner, Jesus can’t forgive me.” There is no kind and gentle answer to this, and it applies to us all. Either this Jesus is who He says He is and can do what He says He can, or He is no one at all to believe in. He is a liar or a crazy person or, as He claims, Lord.
Biblical Christianity is unusual in that at the center is Christ. This is not a self-help program. There is no other worldview that claims to have a Savior that comes to rescue those who admit they are not at all good. The basis for this is His love, not because we deserve it, but because He is so unlike us. Learning to trust Him is a relationship like none other; He is, indeed, captivating.
The Word of God proclaims:
“. . . without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22
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