My Testimony
What my life was like before I met Christ
(Rom. 3:23, Eph. 2:1, Eph. 2:3, Titus3:3) My life before coming to met Jesus Christ as my Savior was very troubled. I was in the midst of very sinful family members who were all involved in some type of sinful activities such as Alcohol, drugs, adultery and violence. There were many times when my Father was hauled off to Jail in the middle of the night. There were attempted suicides from family members etc… I was very young and was left alone most of my childhood. I spent most of my time as a child very insecure and alone. I was afraid of tomorrow.
How I realized that I needed Christ
Although we occasionally attended a church, the Gospel was not understood and the life changing power of it was not clearly seen by its members. (Rom. 1:16) Lives were not being changed – at least from a perspective of a young child who was in such great need.
My brother started dating someone from another church in the area, and it was there that I heard for the 1st time the clear saving Gospel. I was also shown love by the youth minister of that church. His name was David MacAlpine. He was the first person who was not in my family to tell me that he loved me, and showed his love to me by picking me up for church and just hanging out with me on occasions.
How I committed my life to Christ
Though the clear teaching on sin, and repentance of that sin (Acts 2:38-40,2 Tim. 2:25-26) – and the gift of Christ dying on the cross – I came to accept Christ at the age of 11 years old one Sunday Night.(Col. 2:13-15) Dr. Jerry Vines was the pastor of West Rome Baptist church, and he was very dynamic and made what the scripture taught – clear and easy to understand. I gave my life completely to the Jesus Christ that night as my Lord and I have never been the same since. I came to understand that I was a sinner in great need and that by faith in what Christ had done on my behalf, I could begin to be made whole in this life and made ready for the life to come.
The difference Jesus has made in my life
Living a life where Christ is submitted to as Lord – keeps a person from making a mess of things. This doesn’t mean that I have cross some finish line and that I no longer struggle with sin. But I can honestly say that it was the teaching of Scripture that has made the difference for me. I am so grateful that God has made me very different from those who had such a powerful influence on me as a child. If it were not for the work of Jesus Christ – through the ministry of His word – and the faithful people who have carefully and patiently taught me, I would most assuredly be just like or worst than any one in my family. But praise the Lord – He has made me a light that shines for Him. I am so thankful that many of my family members, who were so sinful in their earlier lives, have also now been saved. I am so grateful that He is so faithful to save anyone who will repent and believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
What does being a Christian mean to me today?
My mind is being transformed from day to day. (Rom. 12:1-2) I no longer think like I used to in terms of this life. I can truly say that I am different because: (2 Cor. 5:17, Heb. 9:14, Col. 1:10)
• of the work of the Lord who is transforming me from day to day. I am being made fit for heaven – through the troubles that I face, and the wonderful faithfulness that God shows me through them. James 1: 12, Phil. 2:13, Is. 48:10
• God is using me to influence others for His sake. I have been a teacher and a mentor to many over the years. I am currently learning to Love the Lord more and more as He reveals Himself to me by the ministry of the Word of God in my life.
• I am learning what Holiness is and what it should look like in my life as a Child of God. I can truly say that I am less sinful now than I used to be, and for this I am so grateful! This is the foundation of my assurance of salvation – the ongoing work of God. I can still choose to sin and am tempted – but I now can also choose to walk in righteousness. – Rom. 6:18, 2 Tim. 2:19-26, Acts 3:26
• I can say that I am becoming more and more of a loving individual. I am not as selfish as I used to be. 1 Cor. 13:1-3
Leading others to Christ
Must have the correct View of Scripture 1 Thess. 2:13
• Without the correct belief in what the Word of God is, a person will not be able to comprehend Salvation. It will be foolishness to him. 2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Cor. 4:4, 1 Cor. 2:14, 1 Cor. 1:18
Must have a sense of their sinful condition and need before God – that God produces
• It is correct to view our condition outside of Christ as hopeless Ps. 51:5, Rom. 3:20, Eph. 2:8-9, Matt. 15:19, Jer. 17:9, Ex. 20:1-17,
• and headed for hell – Rev. 14:10, Ps. 9:17, Matt. 10:18, Prov. 15:24
Must have a Belief in Christ that starts with repentance of the sinful condition
• Repentance is turning from sin (God grants this) and it’s mastery over you to serve the Living Christ who is Lord
2 Cor. 5:21, 2 Cor. 7:10, Luke 24:47, Matt. 4:17, 3:2, 2 Cor. 5:17, Prov. 28:13, Acts 2:37-38, Luke 15:7, Ez. 14:6
• Ask in faith and Humility – Seeking after God through Jesus Christ –Is. 55:6, Heb. 11:6, 2 Chron. 7:14, Matt. 6:33, 1 Chron. 28:9,
• In Jesus – who is the one who was raised from the dead – the only name whereby we must be saved – 1 Thess. 1:10, Rev. 1:5, John 14:6, John 8:12, 1 Tim.2:5