I Escaped Again!!!

Rev. Dr. Anthony Freeman

Pastor Mark A. Evans, Jonahville A.M.E. Zion Church

Pastor Mark A. Evans

Last Sunday, the Spirit filled Jonahville A.M.E. Zion Church as Rev. Dr. Anthony Freeman preached a sermon that pierced the soul — “I Escaped Again: Running for My Life.”

Drawing from 2 Corinthians 11:22–33, he reminded us that this life is a battleground, not a playground.

“We are about to die,” he declared. “So you’d better know what has happened to your soul if you haven’t repented.”

Rev. Freeman warned that hell is real — not just as an eternal destination, but as a present reality for those who live separated from God. “You can’t be saved just by coming to church,” he said. “You are saved by grace and by faith. Hell is total separation from God — a place you can’t escape.”

He spoke of the rich man and Lazarus, of the torment that comes when pride and wealth replace faith and humility. “You can go through hell right here on earth,” he said. “But God is your way out.”

Then he declared something that made the sanctuary tremble:

“I boast not in my strength but in my weakness — because when I am weak, that’s where I’m strong.”

Even Paul, who endured lashes, storms, and prison cells, could stand and say:

“Thank God, I escaped.”

♟️ Checkmate: The Game for the Soul

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 — “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

The painting tells a story — two players, Satan and Man, locked in a battle over the soul. The man appears defeated, his face weary, his spirit heavy. Satan sits smugly, sure of his victory. And in the shadows, an angel watches, sorrow in her eyes.

But heaven knows something the man does not — the King still has one more move.

Sometimes life feels just like that painting. You’ve prayed, worked, cried, and nothing seems to move. The board looks empty, your options are gone, and your strength is spent.

But Rev. Freeman reminds us — when man says it’s over, God is still working.

The same God who parted seas, silenced storms, and raised the dead has not run out of moves.

“The game isn’t over until God makes His move.”

Even when the enemy gloats, God delivers. He has delivered before, He’s delivering now, and He will deliver again.

💫 The Message in the Game

The enemy may have whispered “checkmate” over your marriage, your children, your mind, your ministry — but God says, “Not yet.”

He’s still the Master of the board.

As Rev. Freeman said, “Don’t put a fork in me yet. I may look down now, but I trust in the God who delivers me right now!”