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April 16, 2020 - Join Pastor John for a Daily Devotional

“In Christ Alone” 
Last week, during a Bible study, someone mentioned Chuck Colson. Chuck Colson was involved in the Watergate scandal, and actually went to prison. While in prison, he became a Christian, and later he founded Prison Fellowship Ministries. He tells the story of a time he visited a prison called Humaita, which was turned over to Christians over 40 years ago in the city of Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil. The plan was to run it on Christian values. The prison had only two full-time staff, and all the other work was done by the inmates. Every prisoner is assigned another inmate to whom he is accountable. In addition, every prisoner is assigned a volunteer family from the outside that works with him during his term and after his release. Every prisoner also joins a chapel program. 
When Chuck Colson visited the prison, he was surprised to find the inmates there smiling, particularly the murderer who held the keys, opened the gates, and let him in. Chuck Colson saw men at peace. He saw clean living areas, and people working enthusiastically. The walls of the prison are decorated with Psalms and other Bible verses. Humaita’s record is incredible. Its recidivism rate is 4% compared to 75% in the rest of Brazil and in America. And Chuck Colson wondered about that. He saw the answer when the guide escorted him to the notorious punishment cell once used for torture. The guide said, “Today, that block houses only a single inmate.” As they reached the end of the long concrete corridor and put the key in the lock, the guide paused and asked, “Are you sure you want to go in?” Chuck Colson said, “Of course. I’ve been in isolation cells all over the world.” As the massive door slowly swung open, he saw the prisoner in that punishment cell: A crucifix, beautifully carved by the Humaita inmates, -- with the prisoner Jesus hanging on the cross. And the guide said to Chuck Colson softly, “He’s doing time for all the rest of us.” 
One of my favorite Christian songs is, “In Christ Alone.” The first verse goes, “In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song. This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in All, — Here in the love of Christ I stand.” 
The One crucified on the cross for the sake of our sins, became the One who was resurrected, who triumphed over death and grave, -- so that we could begin life anew with him. As we bask in the afterglow of Easter, let us continue to stand in the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.