Redeemed 50 years with Jesus
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Good morning,
This week is special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.
Let me tell you about it.
SALVATION
On April 20, 1972 my life changed forever. On that day I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord. I embraced the fact that Jesus came to shed His perfect blood to pay for my sin debt. A debt I could not pay. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, rose again the third day, and being God, ascended to His rightful place in heaven.
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
That was the beginning of a great adventure of learning about Jesus Christ and how I could share Him with others. It has been amazing to watch what God has done over all these years. He has trained me, led me, corrected me, chastised me, was patient with me, was merciful, compassionate, rejoiced and wept over me. When I meditate on all God has done, Psalm 63:5-7 comes to mind.
“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” (Psalm 63:5-7)
I began to learn about Jesus from the Bible. This changed my approach to life. My life would now be directed from the pages of Scripture. My desires, actions, approach, and conduct would be dictated by the Scriptures. Decisions were based on what the Bible stated.
Did this happen to you? Although each salvation experience is different, the result should be a desire to get closer to God, read and study the Word of God, and to tell others of what God has done.
Tomorrow, the ministry years.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com