Deliverance

THE CRY FOR DELIVERANCE
By Rick England

Long ago, a woman faced a mob that threatened to stone her to death. Her crime was adultery. She had been caught in the act, now she faced punishment as prescribed by the Law of Moses[i]. She knew it would be a painful and humiliating death. The only person holding back the crowd was a carpenter from Nazareth. His name was Jesus.


He had written in the dirt, got up, and spoke sternly to the people. “You who are without sin, throw the first stone,” he said.


She felt their anger pressing in - they wanted to kill her. Tears ran down her cheeks and her heart raced. All she could do is wait.


It seemed like an eternity, but then she heard stones being dropped; it sounded like ground rumbles. After the thuds stopped, the men left. She reached out and touched Jesus.


Her wet eyes were squinted as she heard Jesus say, “Where are your accusers?” When she opened them, it was unbelievable. The hateful crowd was gone and he was the reason.


“Go and don't sin again,” Jesus said.


She must have felt relief and awe. A stranger looked at her differently than the crowd. Jesus showed compassion and mercy – a wonderful gift. He rescued her and gave her a second chance.


There he was - her savior. Her hero[ii]


Deliverance.


I like the sound of the word. It means relief – a fresh start.


Listen to the sounds from people today. Are they the same ones you hear from someone close to you? Sometimes we hear it in words – often body language. Our hearing is not always accomplished by our ears, but within our hearts.


We just need to be still.


Listen.
People cry out for deliverance. The appeal is presented in several forms, but in every case, they need relief.


When people are disappointed and hurt,
we can hear the plea.


When people are rejected by those they love,
we can hear the plea.


When sickness or addiction robs them of joy and hope,
we can hear the plea.


When their children suffer and hurt,
we can hear the plea.


When people are overwhelmed by the consequences of sin,
there is that plea.


Listen to it.


Don't you hear it?


Are you making that plea?


Sarah Brightman is a talented soprano who sang, “Deliver Me.” Her song and music brought thousands of people around the world to tears. You know why? She pushed a powerful button in people's lives. Here are some of the lyrics:


Deliver me, out of my sadness.
Deliver me, from all of the madness.
Deliver me, courage to guide me.
Deliver me, strength from inside me.


All of my life I've been in hiding.
Wishing there was someone just like you.
Now that you're here, now that I've found you,
I know that you're the one to pull me through.


Deliver me, loving and caring.
Deliver me, giving and sharing.
Deliver me, the cross that I'm bearing.


Whether Sarah knew it or not, she addressed people's longing for a deliverer. There is someone who is loving and caring, giving and sharing, and will help us with that cross we are bearing. His name is Jesus Christ.

National Indicators
Our nation is in trouble. Like a Tsunami, a destructive wave approaches. This is obvious by:

• Society attacks on marriage and family


• Disrespect for life, like the unborn


• Addictions of all kinds


• Constant strife and hatred among people
  

No wonder Sarah Brightman's song hit a sensitive cord. It is madness, and it does produce sadness that people feel every single day.

Society tells you to pick yourself up by your own bootstraps. Take care of you before anyone else. But the fact is that it never works. What is needed is a good dose of Christ's grace, something that no other religion in the world is preaching, and it works! The gospel delivers people from the chains of sin and provides relief that confounds human reasoning.

Christian's Indicators
There are indicators that even Christians need deliverance at times. Local church leadership, who know the flock of God, can see it. When they do, they must react and provide the spiritual guidance to help people through those troubled times.

When the fruit of the Spirit (such as, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)[iii] are not seen in a Christian's life, they are in trouble.

The lack of the fruits of the Spirit is a solid indicator that a Christian is in distress. They have not surrendered to the authority and rule of Jesus Christ. This may be because of their persistent sinful lifestyle, bad habits, or a hateful attitude. Often, the one needing help doesn't see it without guidance. But then again, there are some who do but are too embarrassed or proud to admit it. That's where pastoral care is needed; however, any loving and caring Christian can provide it.

Church leaders who constantly have problems with some members can also see the indicators. They will provide encouragement; always pointing to our blessed Savior. Personal involvement is compulsory; it can't be done behind a desk. Human contact is that powerful. A loving touch, a prayer, and faithful follow-ups will make the difference in persuading people to change, surrender, and recommit to Jesus Christ.

Making Your Plea
It's okay to make desperate pleas to the Lord, even if you have done it before. You're in good company when you do it. David is a good example of someone pleading to God for restoration.

King David was a man after God's own heart. After he had committed adultery and murder, the prophet Nathan confronted him. He used a parable to induce David to bring judgment on himself.[iv] It worked and he got on his knees. David's cry for deliverance can be read in Psalm 51.

• He begged for mercy.


• He wanted his sin to be blotted out, washed away.


• He confessed and took personal accountability.


• He pleads for a new heart and renewed spirit.


• He begged not be taken from God presence, or the Holy Spirit not be taken from him.
  
  

We can only imagine David’s emotional pain, brought about because of his selfishness and pride. Through all this turmoil, he remained a man after God's own heart.[v]

Perceptions
Perception is reality to people, but it can be misleading, often when all the facts are unknown or understood. Hurting people want and need relief now. Some may complain that God is too slow. They lose patience and then are disappointed.

Sin is like an infection. The only way to clear it up is to apply the right antibiotic and take corrective action to try to stop it from recurring. You may need to adjust your thinking to deal with sin. It drives your character, values, and perceptions.

Your mind is a key battleground for impatience, doubt, and emotion. You cannot easily erase impure and corrupt thoughts from your mind if you constantly repopulate it with trash. You must pay close attention to what you see and hear every day. Concentrate on hearing and thinking about those things that helps your daily worship to God.

The Holy Spirit, who dwells in a Christian's heart, can open people's heart with truth. This includes the reality of things instead of perceptions. He will help you with this, if you let him.

Time for Change
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your King, and you are sick and tired of the life you are living, you need to repent. If you don't, tomorrow will be the same painful day as today, and it will go on and on. But if you are sorry about all the bad things you have done, your lifestyle, or decisions you have made, and your ready for relief – grab deliverance as soon as you can.

If you are a Christian who seeks peace in your life, you need to examine yourself honestly. Have you ignored the Holy Spirit or drowned him out with your behavior? All Christians, at some point in their life, have sought help. But when this becomes personal, and you know you need help, repent and make your plea to God in prayer. He is eagerly waiting and listening for you.

If you need pastoral help or support from the saints, respond in the next public worship invitation. There are church pastors (shepherds), and brothers and sisters in Christ that will pray with you and graciously help you. Those in the Kingdom of God are plentiful; all you need to do is tap into their spiritual power.

But if you are unwilling to repent and refuse to change your ways, all the actions you take are just academic. True deliverance becomes possible when you respond to truth and the gospel as prescribed by the scriptures. Then, the Holy Spirit can help you through the tough times in life.[vi]

It’s decision time. Do you want a fresh start in your life? Do you want a close relationship with Christ? He is waiting for you to make this critical decision.

Deliverance.

I like the sound of the word, don't you?


**
Notice:
Any questions concerning this article may be directed to the Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland, Texas. Telephone (972) 271-2444. Ask for a minister or church shepherd to help you with your decision.


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References:
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[i] Deuteronomy 22:22 and Leviticus 20:10-12 prescribe death for adultery under the Law of Moses.
[ii] John 7:53-8:11 is a full account of Jesus intervention for the woman caught in adultery. The story in the article is a summary only.
[iii] Galatians 5:22 describe the fruit of the Spirit.
[iv] 2 Samuel 12:1-7 presents Nathan’s parable of the Little Ewe Lamb.
[v] Acts 13;22; I Kings 11:4; 15:3; 1 Samuel 13:14 records God’s view about David’s heart.
[vi] John 14:16-17; 16:7; Romans 8:26; John 16:13 refer to the Holy Spirit providing help and guidance.