From Darkness to Light: One Man’s Story

This morning we will be meditating on what it means to walk as children of light, and particularly on what it means to say that darkness, when exposed to light, becomes light. As I prepared for this message, I thought of a man I met a few years ago at the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis. For many years he was captive to sensual sin, but the Lord graciously freed him from that and is now using his life to free others. Here’s Mike’s story in his own words:

“Setting Captives Free is a non-denominational ministry which teaches the biblical principles of freedom in Jesus Christ. Founder and President, Mike Cleveland, was captive to habitual sins for many years, and this led to the destruction of his first marriage. He finally began to seek help and learned the biblical solution to his sin problem: repentance, forgiveness, and the newness of life that comes through the gospel. In January, 1999, Mike found forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ and God changed his heart. Since that time, he has been completely free from all forms of habitual sin, by God’s grace.

“The following year after Mike found freedom, he wrote an interactive course to teach the biblical principles of freedom in Christ. He placed the course on the Internet, and more than 800 people visited the website that first day.

“Since that time, God has brought many men and women to freedom and victory through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture. A mentorship program was developed to teach these freed captives how to help free other captives, by God's grace. Focus Publishing soon began publishing the material in book format.

“In the years to follow, many miracles of grace have been recounted, for God has been at work giving grace to those in the grip of sin, turning them from sin and to Christ. To date, nearly a quarter of a million people have gone through the biblical material either online or in book form. God continues to purify His church and free captives, to bring honor and glory to Himself.”

Oh, bless the Lord who turns darkness into light!

In awe with you at the glory of the grace of Christ,
Pastor Charlie