Freed!

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons… So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Galatians 4:1-7 ESV

Pakistani brick kilns are a prevalent site of debt bondage, a form of forced labor considered modern-day slavery. Families become trapped in this system through loans from kiln owners, often taken out of desperation due to poverty or emergencies like medical bills or weddings. When the initial debtor cannot repay the loan, the debt is passed on to their children and subsequent generations, perpetuating a cycle of debt bondage. Families are compelled to work long hours (often 12-16 hours a day, six days a week) in extreme heat  and hazardous environments (toxic air with carbon monoxide and sulfur). Workers’ wages are often below the legally mandated minimum, and kiln owners may manipulate ledgers, charge exorbitant interest rates, and make fraudulent deductions, making it impossible to repay the debt. Our church – via Victorious Living Christian Ministry – has been able to raise enough funds to liberate several of these families.

God reveals that we too were once slaves. Unable to work ourselves free from the bondage of sin, we needed a savior. Jesus is the only One who can ever pay that debt. When He died on the cross, He took our sins upon Himself. As he died, He cried out “Tetelestai” (John 19:30). In ancient Greek, “Tetelestai” was used on receipts to indicate a debt had been paid in full. Nothing remained to be paid.  Jesus’s declaration on the cross, highlights the complete payment for the sins of humanity.

You and I have a savior, someone who paid the debt we owed. His name is Jesus. Have you claimed His redeeming grace? Or are you still in bondage, trying to work yourself free? The Bible tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever (that’s you, my friend) believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life through Him (John 3:16).

Won’t you pray with me? “I acknowledge I am a sinner. I know that my sins keep me from enjoying fellowship with you. Thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place. Please forgive my sins and help me live in a way that is pleasing to you. I accept your gift of grace and ask you to reign in my life as Lord and Savior from this day forward. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

If you’ve prayed this prayer, then I welcome you into God’s family. You are now a child of God. I would encourage you to find a fellowship of believers where you can learn more about your wonderful heavenly Father and the grace he’s extended to you. Read your Bible and pray on a regular basis in order to grow in your faith and live a life that is pleasing to him.

May God richly bless you as you begin a new life in Christ.