TT needs God for
spiritual deliverance

THE EDITOR: The country’s escalating crime situation, specifically the recent spate of murders and kidnappings, and the police’s apparent incompetence to curb same, have caused grave concern to all upright thinking citizens. Plans for deployment of additional police officers and soldiers on street patrols in crime-infested areas, the building of additional prison cells, the drafting of new laws with stiffer fines and increased penalties, have shown Government’s efforts to desist and prevent criminal activities.

Obviously, these are commendable efforts, but we must realise that the crime situation is a spiritual problem. The sooner we accept this truth, we would be on the right footing to minimise if not, eradicate the scourge. First of all, we must realise that the downturn in economy has left many people in disillusion and despair. People are hurting. The spirit will always war against the flesh. A corruptible spirit leads to sin (or crimes!) Whereas, a righteous spirit always leads to Godliness and Holiness. This is what we must realise. It is simple.

This is the opportune time for the church of Jesus Christ to arise and deploy born-again, spirit-filled “Christian Soldiers” to the highways and byways, street corners and other crime infested areas, to let people know that Jesus Christ is the answer to their problems. Yes, the church must make a concerted effort to preach this “Good News” Gospel to unsaved souls in these times of uncertainty and calamity. Now is the time. Now!

Our Lord Jesus says, “The fields (unsaved people) are ripe and ready for harvest.” He was referring to soul-winning. He knows people are calling out for a spiritual rebirth or the born-again experience. God always answers people who pray sincerely. But first, God’s response is conditional: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.”: (2 Chronicles 7:14).

There are many instances in the Bible when God’s people — the Israelites — called upon Him in their times of trouble and He answered and delivered them each time in a miraculous way. God can do the same with us today, Jews and Gentile alike.

As Christians in today’s world, we have to demonstrate the power of God in all boldness and “live by faith”, trusting in God’s word. We ought to show the world the authority we have in Christ over all the powers and evil devices of the devil, Satan. We could even  daringly beat our chests and say, “Greater is He (Christ) who is in me that he who is in the world!” (John 4:4).

Christians must be mindful and concern of other people in times of uncertainty and calamity. The Apostle Paul exhorts us of God: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, and that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforteth of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)

When Christ was crucified on the cross at Mount Calvary, He demonstrated God’s love to all people on planet earth. Christ did not only take our sins, sickness and poverty on His body, but also importantly, He made it possible for every believer to trample upon the fiery darts and snares of Satan. He wants us to be aware of this authority. God does not want us to be “hearers” of His Word but “doers”! (James 1:22).

In perilous ties, (Oh, yes and Christ says these will come!) God is closer than we think He is.

He is not far from every one of us: “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being ...” (Acts 17:28). He knows the authority Christ has equipped the Church with and He will be looking forward for us to demonstrate it by faith. Psalm 34:15 says, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.” But our cry must be a cry of faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.”

God will never fail to answer our cry when we serve Him in holiness and righteousness. Neither will He disappoint us concerning His many promises, and is not like a man who changes his mind (Malachi 3:6). God has made certain provisions for all who dare to believe in His Word, which He says that He will not alter nor change (Psalms 89:34). Why not trust in God’s uncompromising Word today!

“Righteousness exalted a nation but sin is a reproach to the people.” (Proverbs 14:34).

COLIN D GHOURALAL
Chaguanas