Do you know Christ? Here’s how to have a personal relationship with Him!
Pastor Brad Abley: Biblical Educator
My Salvation Testimony & Prayer
Pst Brad’s personal Salvation story
and he writes a prayer for you!
“The 4th century Bishop and theologian from North Africa, Augustine, could not have put it any better when he said of Jesus the Savior, "You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You."
That is EXACTLY how I felt at the age of 20! I grew up in a non-Christian home, but I did believe in God. However, I didn't know him and didn't have a relationship with Him.
But that all changed quite suddenly, dramatically, and yet simply for me one evening in 1980; I was watching the great evangelist, Billy Graham on TV, because I knew I could trust him.
He preached a message on who Jesus is and that on the cross He took my sin away -- and that by placing my faith in Him to forgive me and give me eternal life I would be born again. I could know the One who created me for a purpose.
I knelt down on my knees by my bed to repent of my sin and ask Jesus to forgive me; I surrendered my life to him that very moment – with no hesitation – and never a regret since that night!
Dr Billy Graham writes in his tract, “Steps to Peace with God:”
This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life in Christ. To deepen this relationship:
Read your Bible every day to know Christ better.
Talk to God in prayer every day.
Tell others about Christ.
Worship, fellowship and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.
Demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others.
Of course, there is no way I could have known what lay ahead for me, but it has been nothing short of stupendous -- a vastly rich life, spiritually speaking. However, the Lord has never absolved me of tests, trials, temptations, and hardships, but he has promised in His Word to use every one of those in a redemptive way.
And so He has – marvelously. He has been with me every step and He has always provided His encouragement – whether through His Word (the Bible), through praise and worship, the prayers of my wife or others, sermons, or simply directly through the Holy Spirit.
My friend, what about you?
If you were to stand before God right now and He asked you why He should let you in heaven, what would you say? Jesus says that the answer is very clear: “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
That is the answer; it’s a surrender, an exchange of life; His life for my dead spiritual life. His righteousness for my unrighteousness; His forgiveness for my guilt. Would you like to receive Him as your Lord and Savior, right this minute?
Will you pray with me? But I would ask that you pray these words out loud to Him right now:
“Lord Jesus, I need you; I surrender my life to You now; take my life, Lord Jesus, and live Your life in me and through me and I will live for You and serve you all the days of my life.
Thank you, Jesus for hearing my prayer; thank You Jesus, for forgiving me of my sin and giving me -- by Your grace -- Your gift of eternal life!”
Now, my friend, let me pray for you:
“Holy Father, protect this one who prayed this prayer just now from the persecution that he or she may receive, and from the satanic attacks that will surely come to get this one -- now Your son or daughter through Jesus -- to turn away.”
I ask that You also help them to get into an excellent Bible teaching church, where he or she can flourish with You for the rest of his or her days, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Beloved, the Bible says there's more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous (Luke 15:7), and I can assure you – based on this verse -- that there is a resounding roar of praise throughout Heaven at this very moment!
I welcome you into the family of God and though I may never see you this side of Heaven, I look forward to spending eternity with you!”
Pastor’s Corner - Do you know Christ?
A Heart After God Bible Teaching Ministry: Reaching Africa & Beyond!
