We were allowed to enter the prison with Bibles and share our faith. It felt strange to give up passport and enter into where they stated we entered at our own risk. This was a high security prison where some of those who had committed the worst crimes were kept. I did not focus on what they had done. I chose to share the hope of eternal life. We knew angels protected us as they turned the key in the latch behind us. I was surprised to discover that family needed to provide food for prisoners in order for them to eat much.
The men were accustomed to having a Sabbath service so there were several waiting next to the basket ball court to sing, pray and listen. After we finished the presentation they planned to study the lesson. I had two translators. It went smoothly. There was a special quietness and a readiness to listen. The Holy Spirit was moving on hearts. I saw tears in their eyes as God vibrated their hearts with the words He prompted me to speak for Him. We were much encouraged at the response. There was great enthusiasm as they sang the hymns. God has faithful lay evangelists who weekly serve the prisoners with the Word of heaven. One of these servants was Joel who was the host of where we stayed. We supplied him with 100 Spanish Bibles and other literature for his prison ministry. He was very much encouraged.
Here is the outline of what I spoke on that precious day.
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries to Him
Da todo tus cuidados a El porque El cuida de ti..
John 3:16 For God so loved the world
Porque amo Dios al mundo que Dio a su unico Hijo.
Psalmos34:7 El angel del Senor a campo al redoder de aquellos que le defende.
Here is a sketch of the presentation:
1. In the beginning God created because He wanted FRIENDS
2. Before creation of this earth God created angels.
One was proud. Lucifer was very crafty/subtle/secretive. He convinced 1/3 of the angels to believe God to be unfair. He urged that God hated . There was war in heaven as God dealt with this problem. God won the battle. God sent Lucifer and 1/3 of the angels with him out of heaven.
Lucifer’s name was changed to Satan
3. Lucifer’s name was changed to Satan/Devil/Dragon/Serpent. His plan was to destroy.
4. God’s plan was to rescue and show His love. For 6,000 years God has worked to help people and rescue them from Satan’s destruction.
5. God loved: John 3:16
He sent His won Son Jesus to demonstrate His love and kindness. He had great wealth but set things up in such a way that when He was born it was in a very primitive place. He wanted all the poor to realize God loved them too. As a child, He shared His food with the hungry. He helped those in bondage to sin. He helped the sick and encouraged all to believe they were loved by God.
In contrast
to God’s love, Satan showed his hate. While
Jesus was doing good, Satan was inspiring his helpers to be cruel. At the birth
of Jesus, Herod killed all boy children under the age of 2.
One time when Jesus was preaching, the church leaders tried to throw Him over a cliff. Angels guarded Jesus.
Why didn’t He just leave and give up on rescuing the people on this earth from Satan? He loved us so much.
At the end of His planned ministry on this earth, He allowed the wicked church leaders to do their plans. He allowed them to beat on him, spit on Him, and curse Him. They did all manner of evil things to Him. He kept quiet then asked God to forgive them. Why?
Why didn’t He reject them for their behavior? Why did He allow such horrible things to happen? He had the power to take the breath from each one of them. He had the power to leave and go back to heaven. Why didn't He?
Because of His amazing love.
STORY Illustration: John 3:16
A little orphan boy on Chicago streets cold in snow. His card board box was not warm enough for him. He was so cold. He asked a police what to do. The police told him he could knock on the door of an old lady’s home and say “John 3:16”. She would let him in and give him a warm meal and place to keep warm all night.
He found a welcome and food, warm bed and a warm bath in her home. He wondered what John 3:16 was. She finally explained it to him. He invited Jesus into his heart. She had demonstrated the love of Jesus. He liked it. She met his needs.
Isaiah 49:15,16
Don’t be afraid Jesus will never forget you.
He has engraved you on the palms of His hands.
Is 53:6 The Bible says all we like sheep have gone astray. Jesus took the punishment we deserved.
STORY
Kyle loves water- one day he slipped into the pool but could not swim. He was not even 2 years old yet. Six year old brother screamed for mom to rescue little brother. Mom was not supposed to move because the baby inside her was in danger of death due to bleeding under the placenta. Kyle’s mom was not willing that Kyle should die so she jumped in to rescue him.
All of us are drowning in sin. We need Jesus to rescue or we will die.
Don’t give up in your struggle. Jesus has provided a way. No earthly parent can be as patient as is God. All His promises and warnings are a breathing of His love.
HERE ARE THE STEPS TO TAKE TO BE RIGHT WITH JESUS
MY TESTIMONY: The Unforgettable camping trip. I dreamed I saw Jesus come in the clouds. I was so happy to see Him until I saw that He was crying and disappointed in me. The dream ended. I frantically cried out to be saved. I searched the inspired word for God to show me why I was lost. I thought I was a "good girl". He showed me I needed to always go to where others meet to pray.
When the light from Christ shines into our souls, we shall see how imperfect we are.
We shall know that we are in filthy rags.
“One ray of the glory of God, one gleam of the purity of Christ, penetrating the soul, makes every spot of defilement painfully distinct.”
In the Bible, in Daniel 10:8,Daniel wrote, “There remained no Strength in me.”
Like Daniel when he saw Jesus, “ I also saw my deformity and defects.
CONCLUSION
God created us to be FRIENDS
Satan tried to destroy and lead humans to believe God hated them. Jesus came to show us the truth and to rescue us from Satan’s destruction.
CHOICE is ours. If we read, pray, and obey Jesus says: "Draw near to Me and I will draw near to You."
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.