We all need forgiveness for our thoughts and our words, and for the things we have done. But it is easier to recognise the fact if society has already pointed it out.
Perhaps that is why Billy Graham’s film ‘The Cross’ had such a powerful effect when it was shown recently in a prison.
As the prisoners walk anticlockwise around the exercise yard, the Catholic chaplain walks clockwise, and greets them one-by-one. They know that he deliberately avoids reading their case notes, so that he cannot judge them.
That sets the context for Billy Graham’s message: that God removes our offences if we come to the Cross in repentance and faith.
This chaplain had been working through a video course called ‘The Gift’, in which Billy Graham’s film has been included. When he came to showing ‘The Cross’ eleven men were present.
“The film was brilliant,” said the chaplain, “and it impacted them powerfully. Nobody moved; nobody fidgeted. When it finished you could have heard a pin drop.”
All eleven prayed the prayer of salvation with Billy Graham as the end of the film.
“It’s not some clever orator,” said the chaplain. “It’s just Billy Graham and the Bible. And because of that the content reaches people.”
He intends to use the film again in a year’s time with a new set of prisoners.
Jesus said: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32); when men know their need, they gratefully respond to that call.
Do you have connections with a prison where a chaplain could show this liberating film? Order a free copy here.