Here's what happened to me:
I have always loved working on cars —
especially Classic Scandinavian and European automobiles. I've owned Saabs, Jaguars, and driven a lot of interesting cars.
Those cars have been a good diversion from the every day cares of life. But as much as I have enjoyed tinkering with cars,
there is something that defines me even more. Let me explain.
Although I had grown up in a Christian
home and had attended a good church and a private Christian school, I was never quite sure about my relationship with
God. At the time, I would have claimed to be a Christian, but my lifestyle wasn't much different than those who did
not. That all changed when for some strange reason I didn't buy that convertible and enrolled myself in
a small Christian college.
During my first week of college, I heard an old preacher talking about people who live
hypocritical lives. Although he didn't know me, I felt as if he was speaking directly to me. God used his message
to get my attention. I realized that looking like a good person didn't fool God. I knew I was as much a sinner as
any other person and especially when compared to God's perfect holiness1.
That evening, God turned me around and changed my mind about the way I was living. I chose to leave my sin and
chose to believe the good news about the Lord Jesus. According to the Bible, God became man, Jesus, and lived
among us2. As man he was able to communicate directly with people what God wanted us to know. And as
God he was able to pay the infinite price for the sins of all people. After living a sinless life, Jesus died
for our sins on the cross and then rose from being dead three days later. His death and resurrection
accomplished something I never could have — my forgiveness from God. With faith in what the Lord Jesus accomplished
for me, God saved me from eternity in Hell — the punishment I deserved — and completely changed my life.
It was an immediate change! From that day on, I had a new desire. I wanted to read the Bible, pray to God, and
tell other people what God had done. I'm definitely different than what I used to be3.
I haven't become sinless, but every day I can see how he is slowly changing me to be more like Jesus. If you have
yet to believe the good news of what Jesus has done, I would encourage you to read his story in the Gospel of John. It will guide you through his life, ministry, death, resurrection, and plan for your life. I hope that you will
come to know him and the wonderful life that he gives to all who believe him.
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1 Read
Romans 3:23
2 Read John 1:1,14
3 Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
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