God's Gift to Us
READ: 1 John 1:1 & 2:2
Jimmy O'Conner just stared up at the ceiling of his prison cell. He had been sentenced to death for raping and killing a 17 year old woman. He was drunk when it happened and the only thing he remembered was the girl's face. Jimmy always believed that there was some type of God out there. He just didn't know anything about Him.
A pastor from a WELS congregation, doing missionary work in the prison, had asked to meet with Jimmy. Jimmy agreed.
The conference was going well. Jimmy admitted his belief that there was a God and he just never knew him. The pastor explained to Jimmy his sins of adultery and murder. He also explained to him that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that he could enjoy eternal life in heaven.
Over the two years that Jimmy was in prison and before he died, he became an acknowledged WELS member and was baptized and repented of his sins. The day Jimmy O'Conner died, he died a Christian.
Everyone knows someone like Jimmy; maybe not a prisoner, but an unbeliever. Someday when you are around that person, take him or her aside and tell them about what God did for them. Offer to take them to church with you one Sunday and introduce them to your pastor. Take advantage of all the help you can get. The Bible tells us in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples of everyone.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What would you say to someone who is an unbeliever? What Bible passages should you show the person you are witnessing to?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray for the people in prison that they may be given a chance to hear and believe the Word of God. Pray for the missionaries who are trying to bring God's Word to the prisoners.