Issue 1 | 2024
Beyond Justice to Mercy
Beyond Justice to Mercy
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WANT TO KNOW JESUS?<br />
“Come to me, all you who are<br />
weary and burdened, and I will<br />
give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 NIV<br />
ARTWORKS BY VL INCARCERATED FAMILY MEMBER<br />
Do you need rest? Peace? Freedom? Forgiveness? Restoration?<br />
Call out to Jesus, accept Him as your Savior, and be made whole.<br />
Pray: “Jesus, I invite You into my life. I confess that I am a sinner in<br />
need of a Savior. Thank You for saving me from my sins and making<br />
me whole. Thank You for laying down Your life for me so that I can<br />
have a new life in You. I receive, by faith, this forgiveness of sin. Take<br />
my life—my past and my future. Guide my steps and speak to my<br />
heart, Lord. Use me, God. Amen.”<br />
Let us know of your decision so we can help you grow in your faith.<br />
Write to: VL Correspondence, PO Box 2751, Greenville, NC 27836.<br />
PERHAPS AFTER READING the stories in this magazine, you’ve surrendered your life to<br />
Jesus. Congratulations—it’s the most important decision you will ever make! But you might<br />
be wondering, now what? Here are five ways to ensure spiritual growth. Remember, the<br />
Christian life is a journey that brings lifelong transformation.<br />
1. PRAY. Talk to God about everything and listen for His response. You don’t need<br />
fancy words, just a sincere heart.<br />
2. STUDY THE BIBLE. God’s Word contains all the instructions we need for life. Get<br />
into a Bible study and discover new revelations daily. Free resources are on page 34.<br />
3. GET BAPTIZED. Although baptism is not a requirement of salvation, the Bible<br />
clearly tells us that we are to be water baptized after salvation. Baptism symbolizes<br />
our dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:4). Prison<br />
restrictions may make immersion by water difficult, so get creative and let the Holy<br />
Spirit reveal how you can take this step of obedience until immersion is possible.<br />
4. FIND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. Join a local congregation of Christ-followers. If<br />
incarceration makes attending church difficult, fellowship with other believers the<br />
best you can. They will help you stand strong and keep you accountable.<br />
5. TELL SOMEONE. Share your decision to follow Christ and tell them what He has<br />
done for you. And then, tell us! We’d love to hear from you.<br />
WHAT NOW?<br />
I’ve Accepted God’s Salvation.<br />
Now What?<br />
VICTORIOUSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM<br />
<strong>Issue</strong> 01 / <strong>2024</strong><br />
33
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