Free, But Still Locked Up?

The story has been told of how the GREAT HOUDINI, being a master magician, as well as a great locksmith, once boasted there wasn’t a jail cell in the world he couldn’t escape from, provided he could go into the cell dressed in his street clothes and work in complete privacy. A small town in England had built a new jail -- which they believed was escape-proof -- so Houdini was invited to come and try to break out. Houdini accepted the challenge. They put him in the cell, closed the door, and left him there alone. Houdini took off his belt from which he took a tough, flexible steel rod, which he then used to begin working on the lock. He worked longer than it had ever taken him before and he still couldn’t get the lock open! As time passed, he was becoming exhausted. He was stumped! Finally, after two solid hours of work, Houdini collapsed from exhaustion. He fell against the door to the cell, and when he did -- the door swung open! The door had been unlocked all the time!

HERE'S THE POINT: We cannot overcome sin in our life by our own effort and hard work. If that were possible then Jesus didn’t need to die that cruel death on the cross. When we finally admit we are helpless and turn to God, THEN He will set us free!

Jesus said: “SO IF THE SON SETS YOU FREE, YOU WILL BE FREE INDEED.” ( John 8:36 ESV)

And Paul encouraged…
“(1) There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life HAS SET YOU FREE IN CHRIST JESUS from the law of sin and death.” ( Romans 8:1-2 ESV)

Let God have your life. We need HIS HELP TO BE SET FREE. There is no reason to bear the burden of sin or to be imprisoned by it since God has provided the way to freedom! Why remain behind the door when it has already been unlocked? It is Jesus Who has provided life’s needed GREAT ESCAPE!

Have a great day KNOWING THE FREEDOM IN CHRIST!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 04/15/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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