Oh how I love Jesus! Is that enough?
Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:23 pm
I want to preface my comments by stating that I respect all persons personal beliefs and acknowledge that among the Body of Christ, there are good men and women who may not always agree 100% on denominational differences. This is not meant as a divisive comment in any way but a testimony.
For almost 18 years, I loved Jesus. I taught of Jesus. I fashioned my life after Jesus' teachings. But, I was a Christ-like Christ-less man. WHAT???
I was religious and a member of a church, who's name/denomination I shall not mention. But this denomination did not really teach a personal relationship with Jesus. They do not teach or believe Salvation by Grace after we have repented and placed our faith in Jesus. So while I was religious...I was a religious man who did not know Jesus as my personal Savior.
Oh, I believed He WAS the Savior and as I stated, I taught and declared Him to be the Savior. But He was not MY Savior because I had never asked Him to be.
Praise God that changed. It took a long time and my heart was hardened against many who tried to witness to me for years.
My testimony for all who may read or listen in the face-to-face real world is this...I know that God is my Heavenly Father. I know now that Jesus is MY Savior. His atoning sacrifice on the cross, a true gift of love, provides ALL who will ask of Him to be their Savior the ONLY escape from sin and the only way to God the Father. "I am the way, the truth and the Life," He taught. Now, I not only LOVE Jesus, as I did before I was saved. I KNOW Him as my Savior.
With respect to doctrinal differences within the Christian community, I hope this testimony is not viewed by any as offensive.
God bless you all!
For almost 18 years, I loved Jesus. I taught of Jesus. I fashioned my life after Jesus' teachings. But, I was a Christ-like Christ-less man. WHAT???
I was religious and a member of a church, who's name/denomination I shall not mention. But this denomination did not really teach a personal relationship with Jesus. They do not teach or believe Salvation by Grace after we have repented and placed our faith in Jesus. So while I was religious...I was a religious man who did not know Jesus as my personal Savior.
Oh, I believed He WAS the Savior and as I stated, I taught and declared Him to be the Savior. But He was not MY Savior because I had never asked Him to be.
Praise God that changed. It took a long time and my heart was hardened against many who tried to witness to me for years.
My testimony for all who may read or listen in the face-to-face real world is this...I know that God is my Heavenly Father. I know now that Jesus is MY Savior. His atoning sacrifice on the cross, a true gift of love, provides ALL who will ask of Him to be their Savior the ONLY escape from sin and the only way to God the Father. "I am the way, the truth and the Life," He taught. Now, I not only LOVE Jesus, as I did before I was saved. I KNOW Him as my Savior.
With respect to doctrinal differences within the Christian community, I hope this testimony is not viewed by any as offensive.
God bless you all!