Corinth Baptist Church of Lake Park, GA invited me to Vacation Bible School. I was only twelve years old. My parents were not Christians, but I knew that in God’s eyes I had done many things He wasn’t pleased with. No one had to tell me that the lies I had told or the bad language I used was wrong. I realized I needed a change in my life. But I could not imagine how God could love me.
I was in a Bible class with other boys when my teacher, Mr. Winston Yingling, taught me that, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). I realized that “all” included me and that the consequence of sin is spiritual death. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
I discovered a wonderful truth about God that night. He loves me in spite of my sin and provides a new way of living through Jesus! The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). I learned that my sin was the reason Jesus died on the cross. I felt such sorrow that Jesus took all my punishment on the cross. I was the one who deserved punishment, but Jesus took my place.
I learned that Jesus is God, and He became a man. The Bible says, "And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The Bible also says, “Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Jesus did all that for me! I realized that God had a purpose for my life. Jesus was the only way I could experience true forgiveness and spiritual life.
Mr. Yingling said God had done everything to make things right between Himself and me. It was up to me to make a choice to accept or reject God's offer of forgiveness. Mr. Yingling asked if I wanted to know how to be forgiven of my sins and receive God’s gift of eternal life.
He shared that the Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). On the following Sunday night, I received Jesus by faith and asked Him to forgive me. And He did! I was baptized as a public profession of my faith on July 13, 1980. Jesus has given me a life free from the condemnation and guilt of sin.
Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? You can place your trust in Him right now. Talk to Him. Here is a suggested prayer to help express your desire to trust Jesus.
"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to forgive me of my sin, make me a new creation and to prepare me to dwell in your presence forever. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life."
If you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior then I would love to hear from you so I can rejoice with you an pray for you. Leave me a comment below.
Are you a Christian who wants to share your faith in a simple way? Check out this resource for help.