REACHING OUT TO THE “SHUT-INS”

TOPIC: REACHING OUT TO THE “SHUT-INS” 

TEXT: Isa. 42:6, 7; 61:1; PS. 79:11; 69:33; Matt. 28: 18-20.

Who are the “shut-ins"? Prisoners and those in the remand houses (homes). A prison is a government building where people who are convicted of any crime are locked up as a punishment for as long as the law and the judge prescribe, thereby causing limitation to their movements and rights. Let us remember that there are also remand centres for young people accused of crime. 
Different Categories of people found there are: 
(a). The righteous but implicated against the law e.g. Joseph - Gen. 39:20,21; 40:2-4. 
(b). Those against the law of the land but obedient to God, eg. The Apostles -Acts 5: 17-20; 12:2-10; 16:19-26. 
(c). Those who violated the law of the land on criminal grounds, e.g Barabbas Mark 15:6-14. 
(d). Those who Violated the law of the land on civil grounds. 
(e). Political prisoners who did not compromise with the government of the day on certain issues. 
(f). Prophets and ministers whose messages offended the rulers of their days, e.g. John the Baptist, Jeremiah etc - Matt. 14:3-5; Jer. 32:2-5; 33: 1 -3; 37:21 ; 2 Chron. 18:1 -27; Philemon 1,9.
(g). The righteous out of persecution -Acts 26:10; 2 Cor. 11:23. 
Jail terms differ as magnitude of offences differ. Even warders and other categories of staff of the prison need the gospel, they also need to be born again. 

1. REASONS FOR REACHING OUT TO THE “SHUT-INS”. 
(a). Mark of obedience to the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 18-20). (b). Horrible conditions exist because of limited facilities causing premature death and we should rescue them. 
(c). Some are serving life jail, some are condemned, some are awaiting trial. They can receive Christ before they die. 
(d). Prison is not hell but part of the world to be reached for Christ. 
(e). The task of Soul-winning is urgent. 

2. MEANS AND METHODS OF BRINGING SALVATION TO THE “SHUT-INS”. 
(a). Witnessing to individual inmates General. 40: 1 -1 3. 
(b). Using outlines, tracts, gospel books and tapes etc. 
(C). Organizing Bible study classes. 
(D). Holding special revival sessions -Acts 16:25-31. (e). Playing cassette messages. 
(f). Channeling the gospel through Radio Programmes. 
(9). Writing personal letters -Acts 1 :1-4 

3. MEN WHO CAN REACH OUT TO THE “SHUT-INS". 
(a). Men of prayers and importunate intercessory lifestyle Col. 4:12. 
(b). Men of Compassion who are easily touched by the infirmities of others Gen. 40:5-8; Matt. 9:36. 
(c). Men who are Spirit-filled Isa. 61 :1-3. 
(d). Men who are full of the Scriptures and are able to divide the word of God appropriately -Acts 18:24-28. . 
(e). Men who are patient, meek, gentle, longsuffering 2 Tim. 2:24-26. 
(f). Men of wisdom and understanding who are harmless as doves Pro. 11:30; Matt. 10:16; Philemon 8 21. 

4. CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLIGENCE IN THE MINISTRY Matt. 7:26; Ezek. 3:17, 18; 34:4. 

If we neglect the “shut-Ins" they will perish. If the wicked perish without hearing the gospel. God will require their blood at our hands. How can they hear then if we fail to go to them? Rom. 10:13,14. The Lord is calling "who shall i send and who will go for us?" (Isa. 6:8). Will you answer the call of God today? Do not let Jesus regard you as a fool. Be wise Prov. 11:30. 

My name is Ubong Kingsley Nsini. I am a preacher in Bible Christian Evangelical Church Inc. I am called by God to preach His good news and to help other preachers spread the good news all over the world.

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