Houdini Escaped!
And So Can You!

Harry Houdini, the most famous escape artist of all time, escaped from straight-jackets, bank safes, and locked rooms. With the Chinese Water Torture Cell, his ankles were locked in massive stocks before he was immersed head-down into a sturdy, water-filled box. The cover was then firmly padlocked. He had a limited time to free himself before drowning.
	Unfortunately, many young people feel as though they were trapped in a locked room from which the only exit appears to be suicide or despair. Drowning in alcohol, drugs, guilt, fear, and loneliness--and unable to find a key that unlocks the door to set them free. 
	Thankfully, God has made "the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). God provided the key when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross. But why should the death of His Son set us free?

	Because it solved the problem of sin. Sin makes us act against God and His ways and separates us from His help. Sin, being wrongdoing, must also be punished. Jesus came to overcome sin's power. He became a man; and on the cross He died to take on Himself the punishment for our sin. Then three days later He escaped death by the power of God.
	This same Jesus is "able to save to the uttermost all who come to God through Him" (Hebrews 7:25). This verse means that there is no room so tightly locked that He cannot set us free. And there is no such thing as a sinner beyond God's help.
	Houdini did not reveal his secret escape methods to the public. But the Lord Jesus boldly proclaimed His method of deliverance to all: "He who believes in Me has everlasting life" (John 6:47).
	What steps must we take to believe in Jesus, the Son of God, and escape?

Steps to Freedom:
	Acknowledge that your sin against God is the problem, not your circumstances.

	Believe His promise to forgive you: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). You may pray words like these: "Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I need You. Thank You for dying for me. Forgive my sins. Unlock these doors so I can walk out free. Show me more of Yourself, and give me the power to resist those things that are hurting me."

	Stop doing what you know is wrong.

	Seek God daily by reading the Bible regularly, and praying regularly.

	Join a church which can teach you more of Jesus Christ.

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36)