My Gospel Story

I was a child when I first met Jesus. My parents had just moved the family from Long Beach, California to Scottsdale, Arizona for my dad’s new job in 1978. Although my mother grew up going to church, we had an agnostic household. We only went to church when we visited my grandparents on vacation.

Our new house was only a block away from my elementary school. One of my classmates invited me to the small church that met in the school on Sunday mornings. With my parents’ permission, I started attending Sunday school with my new friend. It was there that I first heard and understood that Jesus loved me.

First, I learned about sin. The Bible says we all have sinned.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
— Romans 3:23

All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him. — Isaiah 53:6

Even as a child, I understood. The Bible defines sin simply as knowing the right thing to do, but doing wrong anyway (James 4:17). It is missing the mark, failing to meet the standard set by God. Imagine trying to hit an impossible target with a bow and arrow. Nobody can make a perfect shot. Everyone misses. You. Me. Everybody.

The teacher explained to us that there is an unavoidable penalty for sin.

For the wages of sin is death, — Romans 6:23a

Death entered the world when Adam and Eve first sinned, but there is a second death that is far worse — to die without knowing Jesus as your Savior. The good news, or the "gospel" as it is commonly called, is that Jesus paid the price for your sins and mine. He died in our place.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8

Jesus did not stay dead for long. Three days later, He rose from the dead as proof that the payment for our sins had been accepted. He now offers forgiveness of sins and abundant eternal life to whoever will trust Him and accept what He has done.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 6:23

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
— John 10:10b

When I first heard this news, I could hardly believe it. I thought, "Why didn’t anyone tell me this before? Jesus really loves me this much? I want to know Him the same way that the teacher knows Him!" She also taught us to memorize Bible verses. I still remember my first memory verse.

I will never leave you, nor forsake you. — Hebrews 13:5b

The comforting truth of those words sank deep into my heart. Knowing that God would never leave me or forsake me made me feel more secure than I had ever been before. On that Sunday morning, when she led us in a prayer to ask Jesus into our hearts, I silently followed along and asked Jesus to be my Savior. Even at such a young age, I knew my life was forever changed!

Within a few years, we moved to Flagstaff for another job transfer. I spent the remainder of my childhood there. My teenage years were full of spiritual peaks and valleys. I regularly attended a local church youth group. They helped me stay connected with a local church, but I still did not know how to live as a Christian. Nevertheless, it was a seminal time in my Christian journey. I made my first public declaration of faith there and was baptized at the age of fourteen.

When I graduated from high school and left for college in 1989, I entered another deep spiritual valley. I felt like I was on my own in the world. The freedom to do whatever I wanted was both intimidating and intoxicating! Even though I connected with other Christians on campus, I found myself crawling after my old sinful ways that I had experimented with as a teenager. It wasn't long before I dropped out of school and took a job so I could pay rent. I felt so empty and alone!

Then one night in 1991, when I was alone in my apartment, lightening struck! I was watching a comedy show on television that mocked Jesus. It offended me deeply. "But why," an accusing voice seemed to ask, "What do you care? You live like a sinner and then you're upset when someone mocks Christ? Hypocrite!" It cut me to the quick. I turned off the T.V. The room grew deathly silent. The air seemed heavy. I closed my eyes. I feared that if I opened them I would see Jesus Himself standing there. Then, a quiet voice in my mind reminded me of the memory verse I had learned as a boy.

I will never leave you, nor forsake you. — Hebrews 13:5b

My Father was calling me home. With my eyes still closed, I cried out to Him, admitted my sin and asked Him to forgive me. Such a weight lifted from my heart at that very moment. I knew that I was free in Christ, and my sins were forgiven. I have never doubted my salvation in Jesus again.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
— 1 John 1:9

What will you do?

I put my hand to the plow that day and have not looked back. I invite you to do the same! Will you place your trust in Jesus today? If you believe, I invite you to pray a prayer like this. You can use your own words if you like.

Father in heaven,

Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to die in my place. I trust Him as my Savior. Thank you for saving me from my sin. Thank you for raising Jesus from the dead to give me new life. I will love You and serve You forever.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Your Eternal Security

If you have trusted Jesus, you need to know that you are secure in Him. He said,

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." — John 5:24

Remember these words. Memorize them. Let them be your first memory verse! They will serve you well if you ever doubt the decision you made today.

The Next Step

The next step for you is to grow in your new relationship with Jesus. Here are two things you will need:

• A Bible — Start reading one of the Gospels at the beginning of the New Testament. They are a perfect introduction to the life and work of Jesus.
  
• A church — Every Christian needs the fellowship of other believers and good teaching to grow. There are likely many good churches in your area. Ask me! I may be able to suggest one.

Lastly, if you decided to trust Jesus today, please let me know. I want to pray for you and help you grow in your relationship with Him. This is the most important decision you have ever made!