In this sermon, Vasilya Schlink encourages believers who may be struggling with recurring sins and problems despite their commitment to Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate victor over the devil and has already won the battle. However, our redemption is a process of transformation, as our old nature still affects us. Schlink uses the analogy of a prisoner of war being released and experiencing the initial joy of freedom, but still having to deal with the consequences of their imprisonment. Similarly, believers are freed from sin through Jesus' sacrifice, but the effects of sin still linger and need to be gradually healed through daily praise and faith in Jesus' victory on the cross.

God lives and works today. But perhaps you don't feel that way at the moment. Do the same problems keep cropping up? The same sins, even though you've given your life to Jesus Christ? Today's meditation by Basilia Schlenk is an encouraging word about the way to victory. A better cry rings throughout the world, Its challenge even to hell is heard, Jesus, the Lord, is victor! He has subdued the devil's might, For he has won the fateful fight On Calvary's castle dreadful. And when the struggle's still unsigned, Then Jesus and his hosts are nigh, Victory of all sins applying, When dawn, midnight, is better hour, And we sing well by Satan's power, The day's already dawning. We are redeemed. However, our old nature has so completely infected us that our redemption does not take place all at once. Rather, we are being transformed into the image of Jesus from glory unto glory. It is a growth process. The whole Bible speaks of the growth of the spiritual man. Consider a man who has just been released from an agonizing term as a prisoner of war, which has been like hell for him. Imagine what a wonderful experience his release must be. The hellish imprisonment with all its horrors lies behind him. He is free, really free. But as soon as he gets accustomed to his new freedom and the first excitement has died down, he notices that he still has to bear the consequences of his imprisonment, for example rheumatism or many other ailments. He is sick, and of course these illnesses impair his freedom. Perhaps weeks and months of serious medical treatment may have to follow. But he is still free, and he now has the opportunity to go to the right doctor and ask for the right medicine and receive the doctor's advice, which he could not do while he was in prison. Now he can be helped, and his health will improve gradually. This same procedure applies to our spiritual life. The sacrifice of Jesus has paid the complete price for our redemption. We have been released from the imprisonment of sin and death and have been welcomed into the kingdom of the Son of God. However, the time we spend in bondage to Satan still leaves its evil traces in us. Our blood has been completely infected by sin, and now we have to be healed bit by bit. This will happen as we daily praise his redeeming blood, believing in faith that his victory on Calvary has made us free. Your blood, O Lord, was shed for me. Accept my praise eternally. I praise your blood that sets me free from Satan's grip and tyranny. You have been listening to a program written by Basile Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.