Basilea Schlink teaches that Jesus, the Redeemer, comes to those who sincerely repent and turn from their sins, offering transformative salvation and grace.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink explores the timeless promise of redemption through Jesus Christ as foretold by the prophet Isaiah. She emphasizes that true transformation and salvation come only when individuals sincerely repent and turn away from their sins. Schlink encourages listeners to open their hearts to Jesus, who is alive and actively seeking to break the chains of sin and bring lasting change. This message offers hope and assurance that the power of redemption is available today for all who believe.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today, but perhaps you don't feel that way. Do you experience very little of his power and working in your life? Do you experience very little change in your life from year to year? Always the same problems and sins? Today's meditation by Basilea Schlink will share how you can change the outlook for your whole life. The good news that the Prophet Isaiah proclaimed 700 years before the birth of Christ to his people applies to you and me in the same way.
The Prophet Isaiah writes in chapter 59, and he, that is Jesus, will come to Zion as Redeemer. Yes, this is really a message to rejoice about, for the Redeemer brings deliverance and salvation. But the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah tells us that the Redeemer only comes to those who turn from their transgressions.
Jesus, the Redeemer, doesn't come to the self-righteous. He doesn't come to the lukewarm, to the indifferent, and the self-satisfied. Jesus, the Redeemer, only comes to those who are dismayed by their sin, who can cry over their sin, hate it, and want to turn away from it.
We often wonder why we actually experience so little release from our sins. We wonder why we always stay the same in one or the other thing, and why there's no change in our lives, even though we pray for it. Here, the Lord gives us the answer.
He came to redeem those who turn away from their sins. They are the ones who will experience the wonders of his grace. They will discover how Jesus can really conquer the toughest enemy, that there is no sin that is too hard for him to handle.
Yes, Jesus, the mighty Redeemer, is alive. He is alive today and wants to break our chains today. Jesus is standing in front of the door of our heart, and he is knocking and asking that we let him in and give him the power to work in us.
What good is a Redeemer if we don't stretch out our hands to him so that he can catch hold of them and pull us out of the kingdom of darkness? Jesus is entreating us now, turn away from your sins and turn to me, the Redeemer, and you will find salvation. Oh, if only Jesus doesn't have to pass by sadly today because you haven't opened the door of your heart for him and stretched out your hands to him with the one plea, redeem me, save me, O Jesus. Jesus wants the power of his redemption to become manifest in you.
Then his glory will become magnified through you, and the people you live with will have to be amazed at what Jesus can do. Yes, here on earth, and even more in heaven in the presence of the angels, there should be rejoicing and amazement because of what the redemptive power of Jesus has so gloriously done in you. Therefore, turn away from your sins and stretch out both your arms to Jesus, your mighty Redeemer, in strong faith in his power.
Then you'll be able to praise him. You have been listening to a program written by Basilea 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.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of God's Work Today
- Many feel little of God's power in their lives
- Lack of change despite prayer and desire
- God still lives and works actively
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II. The Promise of the Redeemer
- Isaiah's prophecy about the coming Redeemer
- Jesus as the one who brings deliverance and salvation
- The Redeemer comes to those who turn from sin
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III. Conditions for Experiencing Redemption
- Jesus does not come to the self-righteous or indifferent
- True repentance involves sorrow and hatred of sin
- Turning away from sin opens the door for Jesus
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IV. The Power and Impact of Redemption
- Jesus breaks chains and conquers sin
- Believers manifest His glory and power
- Salvation leads to rejoicing on earth and in heaven
Key Quotes
“Jesus, the Redeemer, doesn't come to the self-righteous. He doesn't come to the lukewarm, to the indifferent, and the self-satisfied.” — Basilea Schlink
“Jesus is standing in front of the door of our heart, and he is knocking and asking that we let him in and give him the power to work in us.” — Basilea Schlink
“Turn away from your sins and stretch out both your arms to Jesus, your mighty Redeemer, in strong faith in his power.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Examine your heart to identify areas of sin that need genuine repentance.
- Open your heart to Jesus and invite Him to work powerfully in your life.
- Trust in the Redeemer's power to bring lasting change and salvation.
