Cybil asked, "I would love to know how you got to know Jesus."
I know I have readers from several different walks of faith and many more who don't know what they believe. I'm not hoping to start a debate with my answer to this question, I'm just going to share my experience.
I have gone to church as long as I can remember. My mom was raised Catholic, but we always went to Christian churches when I was young, eventually ending up at a Presbyterian church in the late 80s.
When I was a freshman in high school, an acquaintance invited me to be a part of a new after-school Bible study. I didn't know what was involved, but I was so desperate to find a place to fit in at my new school, I agreed.
In addition to the Bible study, I eventually began attending the youth group at our church as well as Young Life meetings with kids from school. I loved the r
elationships I made with the people in these groups. They were sincerely happy, but not perfect. They genuinely wanted to get to know me as a person, flaws and all. They accepted me without hesitation. As an awkward, hormonal teenager, that was so rare and refreshing!
It was during this time that I got to know Jesus apart from church... apart from religion. I began believing in God because I felt a change going on in my heart, not because a minister explained Him into existence. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior just before I turned 16 years old and couldn't wait to learn and grow in my faith.
I didn't quite understand what a personal relationship with Jesus looked like until the end of college. I went through the Experiencing God Bible study and finally got it. Jesus wanted to be my best friend, my comforter and my guide through life. That study helped me to be still and listen for God's leading. My life has never been the same since.
Some of you reading this will not understand what I'm talking about because you're not quite there yet. But whether or not you believe it, Jesus wants a personal relationship with you. Not on Christmas and Easter, not on Sundays, but every day.
God loves you. Yes, you. He knows you and wants you to know Him.
If you are interested in getting to know Jesus, I'd recommend finding a Bible-based church in your area. If the first one doesn't seem like a good fit, keep trying. I'm not a fan of "church shopping," but the end result of finding a comfortable "church home" is an amazing reward. Not all churches preach complete Biblical truths, so be cautious of false teachings.
If you've had a bad experience with church, but still want to learn about Jesus, I'm happy to talk to you personally. If you have further questions that you want to ask in the comments, feel free. If you truly want to talk about this deeper, please email me and I'd love to chat by phone.
Do you ever wonder what John 3:16 says? You know - the scripture verse on signs at football games. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Do you have eternal life? If you were to die today, would you go to heaven?
What would you say if God asked you, "Why should I let you into My heaven?"
I know I have readers from several different walks of faith and many more who don't know what they believe. I'm not hoping to start a debate with my answer to this question, I'm just going to share my experience.
I have gone to church as long as I can remember. My mom was raised Catholic, but we always went to Christian churches when I was young, eventually ending up at a Presbyterian church in the late 80s.
When I was a freshman in high school, an acquaintance invited me to be a part of a new after-school Bible study. I didn't know what was involved, but I was so desperate to find a place to fit in at my new school, I agreed.
In addition to the Bible study, I eventually began attending the youth group at our church as well as Young Life meetings with kids from school. I loved the r
elationships I made with the people in these groups. They were sincerely happy, but not perfect. They genuinely wanted to get to know me as a person, flaws and all. They accepted me without hesitation. As an awkward, hormonal teenager, that was so rare and refreshing!It was during this time that I got to know Jesus apart from church... apart from religion. I began believing in God because I felt a change going on in my heart, not because a minister explained Him into existence. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior just before I turned 16 years old and couldn't wait to learn and grow in my faith.
I didn't quite understand what a personal relationship with Jesus looked like until the end of college. I went through the Experiencing God Bible study and finally got it. Jesus wanted to be my best friend, my comforter and my guide through life. That study helped me to be still and listen for God's leading. My life has never been the same since.
Some of you reading this will not understand what I'm talking about because you're not quite there yet. But whether or not you believe it, Jesus wants a personal relationship with you. Not on Christmas and Easter, not on Sundays, but every day.
God loves you. Yes, you. He knows you and wants you to know Him.
If you are interested in getting to know Jesus, I'd recommend finding a Bible-based church in your area. If the first one doesn't seem like a good fit, keep trying. I'm not a fan of "church shopping," but the end result of finding a comfortable "church home" is an amazing reward. Not all churches preach complete Biblical truths, so be cautious of false teachings.
If you've had a bad experience with church, but still want to learn about Jesus, I'm happy to talk to you personally. If you have further questions that you want to ask in the comments, feel free. If you truly want to talk about this deeper, please email me and I'd love to chat by phone.
Do you ever wonder what John 3:16 says? You know - the scripture verse on signs at football games. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Do you have eternal life? If you were to die today, would you go to heaven?
What would you say if God asked you, "Why should I let you into My heaven?"
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2 comments:
Thank you so much, Katie!
It's always impressive how every story is individual. I especially like the part as you dicovered Jesus as your best friend.
Best,
Sibylle
Well said, Katie!
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