Salvation Story

Below is an example of a true salvation story.

"I knew something was wrong. I had a life that looked like a Christian life from the outside. I went to church nearly every time the doors were open. I knew most of the Bible stories. The problem was that I didn't really know Jesus. I was searching for fulfillment in religion, but did not know the source of that religion. I only knew the practice.

One Sunday evening, the church showed a video depicting Jesus dying on the cross. I had seen pictures and paintings, but never had the crucifixion been shown in such a realistic way to me before. I began thinking, "Why would someone go through such pain?" Then it was as if God spoke to my heart, saying, "It was for you." I knew I needed to talk to someone older and wiser, but my parents had stayed home sick. So I found one of the deacons and asked him to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

Now my religion is not just empty practice. It is not mindless routine. I don't go to church because that's just what you are supposed to do. I go to church because I enjoy it. I study the Bible because I love it. I tell the gospel story because it is the most important story of my life. I serve because I love my Lord and He loves people. Much of what I do is the same, but my motivation is much, much different."

Joel M.