July 2017

Happy Independence Day! Let’s be honest about our sins, guilt, and shame, then be thankful that God has made the way for us to be liberated from our past, present and future sins.

“…always thanking the Father…For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” 1

A Canadian Response...

It’s always such a blessing to receive praise reports, but the one below from Courtney in New Brunswick, Canada is extra special.

“I’ve watched interviews with you and know that you became a Christian in 1975. I’ve been a Christian all my life! I actually teach Sunday school to children. I find this rewarding and love teaching the children about God. I’ve visited your website and watched the “Forgiven” video. I’ve also read countless articles on your site. What you have accomplished is amazing. Since I find you extremely inspiring, I’ve printed off and given out your leaflets. I think you are an amazing example of what Christ can do.

When I heard that the death penalty was overturned, I thought it was God’s way of showing forgiveness. I also read your monthly view from April, which was all about resurrection and found Justin inspiring as well.

I’m a young woman of 28, who has recently been through dark times. My faith was tested in 2014, when my beloved aunt, to whom I was very close, was murdered by my cousin. He is a man who has also been through dark times in his life, which I know you can understand.

I’m slowly coming to peace with this, and writing this letter is part of that, plus reading the Scriptures on your website has helped me to heal. I’ve been talking to friends and others about your site, encouraging them to visit. I hope to hear back from you soon; it would mean the world to me. I hope you are in good health and good spirits. I’m praying for you, and you will always have my support. Yours truly, Courtney.”

Freedom in Christ…

I’m so humbled to hear how the testimony of Jesus through my life has inspired Courtney’s. This inspiration flows because she has been a practicing Christian all her life, experiencing God’s forgiveness through His love and grace. As a result, the ability to forgive her cousin for her aunt’s death poured forth with compassion, plus she teaches children.

She is only one of many who responds telling of God’s great grace working in their lives. Sasha received Christ in Ireland and is telling her friends and passing out ALMS brochures. John is doing the same at his church in Australia. Rick reaches out to prisoners with the testimony of Jesus from his home in New Jersey; just to name a few who contact us with praise reports. Periodically, we add these to What People Say.

“That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.” 2

Saints on the Move…

These are saints who have experienced freedom in Christ from judgementalism, personal condemnation, guilt and shame and have come to know true forgiveness for themselves and others. They have shed from their eyes the scales that blind them to the beauty of God’s love, grace and righteousness in Christ for a victorious life of ministry to others.

These are saints who aren’t ignoring God, but rather have a personal relationship with Him as priests. They know the power of the blood and resurrection of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit living in and moving through them. Jesus said:

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free… Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” 3

What Great Salvation…

This great salvation is experienced by receiving Jesus in humble faith. He sets is free from innate sin unto imputed righteousness. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 4 Also, it includes deliverance from the kingdom of darkness unto the Kingdom of light as mentioned in our opening verse.

We are liberated from being enemies toward God unto friendship with Him. 5 We are delivered from alienation regarding God unto union with him. 6 We are liberated from our own weakness unto God’s mighty power. 7 Lastly, we are rescued from a self-produced life unto Christ living in us. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." 8

“…how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.” 9

A Prayer for You…

Lord God, I thank You for providing a rescue for sin, darkness, enmity, alienation, earthly weakness and self. I praise You for providing a rescue unto righteousness, light, friendship, union, heavenly strength and Christ. What a great salvation is found in Christ Jesus! I do not want to neglect it through doubt, distraction, disobedience – or anything else. Help me, Lord, to walk by faith, day to day. Amen.

Scripture References (NKJV):

Col. 1:12a. 13,14
Psa. 26:7
John 8:31b, 32, 36
2 Cor, 5:21
Rom. 5:10
Col. 1:21; Rom 6:5
2 Cor 12:9, 10
Gal. 2:20
Heb. 2:3