Mankind is in a pickle.  Due to the transgression of Adam and Eve, not only do we have to deal with our own fallen nature, we have an adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour (1Pt5:8).  Consequently good people, with good intentions and a tender and loving heart, get involved in things that are unholy and sinful and they beat themselves up and resign themselves to a life that does not bring happiness or fulfillment and they feel trapped and very unworthy.  They don't believe that they are loved or can be worthy of love by either God or man or woman.  Mankind's plight is not just the consequence of poor choices and poor judgment, it is the result of our adversary who wishes nothing better than to destroy us.  There are other people, however, who rather enjoy the world, the flesh, and the lust of other things that when they hear that they can be delivered rather stay where they are.  Only God knows who is who.  So I am speaking to people who have fallen into sin, partly by their own choice and partly by the temptations of the thief, who wish they could get out of the mess they are in.  You need to know that Christ has come and has the power to deliver you.  The blood of Christ can wash away your sin and receiving the Holy Spirit can be your ticket to freedom and an abundant life.  What must you do to be saved?

            First you must acknowledge that you are living a life of sin and repent.  You must realize that you are helpless to save yourself and that only Jesus can restore what the devil has stolen.  Read the gospels and look at Jesus.  Be in awe of his power to attract the sinner, to heal and forgive, and to speak the greatest words mankind has ever heard.  Be willing to offer God your life, a life that is broken and hollow, and that you are willing to do whatever it takes to live for God and others.  Be willing to give up everything, be willing to live the words that Jesus spoke whatever the cost.  If you do that with genuineness  and sincerity, God will enter your heart and give you the power to overcome yourself, the world, and your capacity to sin.  If God apprehends you then the journey has begun.  You will have a hunger and thirst for righteousness, the word of God, and obedience.  The next thing to do is to go to a Spirit-filled church to be water baptized.  I was buried in baptism to my old life and rose out of the water to receive a new life.  Then I went to a Spirit-filled church to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues and the word of God became my primary source of wisdom and guidance.  Once those things take place your life is no longer your own and you are completely at the mercy of God to do with you as he likes.  The time it takes to be delivered could be short or long.  It does not matter.  The goal is holiness and complete sanctification and receiving the Father.  You will have wisdom and knowledge, faith and joy.  You will be a witness to the love and mercy of God and you will prosper and be of good success.  What is not possible with man is possible with God.  Jesus said be of good cheer.  I have overcome the world.  No matter what the test or what the trial, Jesus is there and he is able. 

amen