On This Day 37 Years Ago

On this day 37 years ago, I gave my life to Jesus Christ.  I remember it like it was yesterday. God had been moving in our small church.  I know what small church life is like.  I was raised in a church with 30-40 people a week and every now and then we might creep close to 50 people.  A young pastor who was about 20 years of age had been called to our church, and he set the place on fire for God.

I had been raised in the church, going to church at least three times a week. If there was an event, I was there.  If there was a revival for one or two weeks in length, we would be there nightly.  In other words, when the doors were open, I was there as a child and young person.

However, somehow I had missed the personal relationship with Jesus Christ experience. I was becoming aware of that more and more.  This young pastor was being used of God to stir me greatly.  Our youth group was developing a little life. Interestingly, it was happening through prayer meetings.

On a Saturday night, October 16, 1971, at a youth fellowship which turned into a prayer meeting, at the altar of that small church which was about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of our choir loft, I knelt on my knees and my Pastor walked me through receiving Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I knew God had done something in my heart.  No, I did not become perfect.  I am still not perfect.  But God erased the penalty and dominion of sin in my life that night.  My spiritual birth resulted in the beginning of my personal relationship with Jesus.

On the next morning, I walked the aisle of that little church, made my profession of faith and on that Sunday evening (one day after I was saved), I was baptized by immersion as a testimony of my faith commitment to Jesus. Through these spiritual moments, God started me on a journey that I am still on to this day.  God gave me a passion that was great in my life.  My growth was slow initially, but then excelled with great intentionality.  God graciously looked past my sin and faults, came into my life, and with great patience and mercy began to grow me up in Him.

Yes, I happen to remember the day and the place I met Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  Not everyone can remember the day or date they came to Christ.  However, something I tell our people regularly is the following. You may not remember the day and date you came to Christ, but you will always remember the PLACE you came to Christ.  Do you remember the place you came to Christ? If you do not, then perhaps you have really never come to Christ.

I appeal to you today to give your life to Christ.  God loves you.  Jesus died for you and for your sin.  Open your heart to Jesus. Right now with an earnest and sincere heart tell God these words:

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner.  I know Jesus died for my sin. I turn from my life of sin today, open my heart, and ask you to take away my sin and save me.  I ask you right now Jesus, come into my life.  Take away my sin.  Save me.  By faith right now, I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord.  I surrender my life to You.  Thank you for saving me.  Amen.

Did you tell God those words today?  If so, call someone.  Email someone.  Go to a Bible-believing church on this Sunday and tell that pastor what you have done. If he does not get it, you are in the wrong church.  Follow Jesus in baptism by immersion immediately. Do not wait.  Baptism is a testimony of your commitment to Jesus.  It declares your allegiance to Him.

Well, that is my spiritual story of how I came to know Jesus.  I hope you have a story.  If you do not, make today your spiritual birthday. Then we would share this day forever as being the day we came to Christ.  Years may separate those experiences. However, the main thing is that we have been born again and saved from our sins.

Amen.  Thank you Lord.  You are merciful to me.  I am grateful.  Thanks.