Christians, every so often you hear a story of someone being kidnapped, taken captive. Usually a note, phone call, or video is sent. The family then desperately tries to come up with the finances to pay that ransom and get their dearly loved family member back safely. One time in Church we were singing a chorus we have sung so many times, “My God, my Savior, has ransomed me.” I finally got the revelation of what God truly did for all of us…
When we sin, we are captured, taken prisoner by the enemy. The devil will take hold of us through any number of sins: some physical, some mental, some emotional. When we are captured, we are bound. Imagine being duct taped or chained up in a dark cramped place, it stinks (sin usually does), it’s hot and painful…we desperately want to get free, but how can we? Do you remember the moment you were set free?
Think back to when you first heard of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. What He did for us, was amazing! God paid the awesome ransom price. It was high and costly but God values and loves us so much that He could not let the enemy have us. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we realize and accept that Jesus’ death on the cross pays the ransom for our sin debt. The payment which demands the enemy to release us. What amazing love and grace that God gave to us through Jesus.
I think that all too often, I forget how truly captured by sin I was, (for myself, maybe you can relate). I was in bondage, the enemy had me in shackles, I was led to and fro, from bar to bar, chained to a barstool, and I did not know how to get free. When I see how far God has brought me, I understand how truly free I am, thanks to God’s great ransom!
So what do we do now, Christians, now that we are free? We need to help set others free! Imagine the scene where a captive is set free, they have the keys given to them and they run from cell to cell setting as many other prisoners free as they can. God has given us this authority with the commission to share the gospel, and to set others free with the “keys” of truth.
It could be a co-worker, a neighbor, family member or a random stranger God brings into your life. When you see them, you’ll know, you’ll recognize the chains of bondage. Boldly tell them of the ransom that has been paid, the freedom from sin that you have, and ask them if they will accept it too? No person is exempt and/or too far gone in captivity for God to reach. God loves us so much, Jesus paid a high price for us, let us honor Him with our lives. I pray for boldness to share the gospel with others, that you will look to your own freedom and long to see others set free as well, In Jesus name, Amen.
A simple way to lead people to Jesus is called leading them down the Roman’s Road. You can Google it – there are many resources you can print and use, but the basic breakdown follows:
We are all Sinners and in Need of Salvation: Romans 3:23 (NIV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Salvation is a free Gift: Romans 6:23 (NIV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God demonstrates His Love for us: Romans 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
We must trust and confess Jesus to be saved: Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
At this juncture, you can lead them in a simple sinner’s prayer: Dear God, I thank you for loving me, I realize that I am a sinner and I am sorry for the life I have lived apart from you. I realize now that I am in need of your grace and redemption. I confess you Jesus as my LORD and my SAVIOR, I ask you to come into my heart, I ask you to make me a new person, have your way in my life. Thank you Jesus for paying my ransom, thank your for freedom to live for you. Lead me and guide me by your Spirit, In Jesus name, Amen.
(do not get caught up with trying to be fancy or eloquent, the point is confessing sin, and confessing Jesus, accepting the free gift, and a desire to live differently)
Assurance of Salvation: Romans 10:13 (NIV) for Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Encourage them to seek a Holy Spirit filled, Bible preaching Church and that they should let the Pastor know they just got saved and that they would like to be baptized. You have helped them begin a lifelong journey, but they need encouragement and help to continue to live for God.
You would not help deliver a baby and leave it on the street corner alone, would you? If you can, follow up with them, if it’s a random meeting, pray that God leads them to a Church to flourish in.
Congratulations, you are fulfilling Jesus’ great commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
written and posted by Daniel Poggensee | 2017
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