It is recorded in the book of John that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in a miraculous manner. It is at this point that Jesus called to Lazarus from the grave, and the dead man arose from the grave, taking deep breaths, and rising, resurrected, yet still bound by the cloak in which he buried himself. {John 11:11-26} “Can it be that, like Lazarus, we are also still bound in our grave clothes even after rising from the dead? In the midst of anxiety, guilt, feelings of arrogance of pridefulness of heart, fear, shame, or feelings of alienation, we are held back from moving forward. Though many ages and around the globe, there are those who are drowning in sins, grievances, offences, betrayals, insults, resentments, hatreds, and inability to forgive. As far as I can tell, grave clothes are anything that is holding us back from what God has in store for us. I believe this is the description of many believers today – alive in Christ but still bound by the chains of sin.

In Christ, you will be able to experience life and freedom like never before. As evangelists and models for newcomers and the unbelieving, we hope that our testimony will assist you and others in seeing Jesus Christ our Lord in us. Jesus has called us from death to life and has risen us from the dead. Until this point, our response has always been grounded on faith, but now is the time to break free from the chains of our past, and I believe that there is a sense of liberation to be had by living an unrestrained life. It is only for the purpose of building the body of Christ, so that others can see when we were lost in this chaotic world, God’s mercy and grace were poured out for our salvation from the pain and loss we have been experiencing. { Ephensias 4:12-13}

Sharing your testimony, whether it is through the books you are purchasing or your own testimony, is an effective way to encourage others to see Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as well. {Psalms 96:3} In Christ, we are invited to shed the old life that has held us back and to embrace the newness of life that Christ has made possible for us. It was not just that Jesus died to give us life, but also to allow us to step into a new identity: one of righteousness, love, chosen, and complete freedom. { Ephesians 4:22-22}