By John David Hicks
How You can become a Christian
As a child, I attended Sunday School at a community Church. I received a pen to reward me for seven years of perfect attendance. Even so, I did not understand what it meant to be a Christian. In the summer of the fifth grade, I attended a youth camp and went forward to become a Christian after seeing a Billy Graham film. I prayed and felt better. I wanted God in my life, but even more I still wanted to “sow my wild oats” and win the approval of my friends. (1 Cor. 15:33) As I started Jr. High School, I ran around with a gang in our neighborhood and school. With strong feelings of low self-esteem, I believed I needed to prove myself. I rebelled against all authority, defied my teachers and used filthy language to put others down. Fighting with anyone who crossed me, I once took on the “toughest guy in school.” I blackened both of his eyes and broke his nose. I also became a thief and would accept dares to steal from stores and break into homes. Yet at the same time I still regularly attended church. (Jer. 17:9)
In the ninth grade, a kid named Tom Wilson moved into our neighborhood. We became best of friends and attended the community church together. (2 Tim.1:9) One Sunday night Tom, who was longing for a deeper walk with God, invited me and a few others to try a different church. The pastor, Freeman Brunson, watched as a group of teens he had never seen before entered his church service late. He later told us that he changed his sermon to fit us. His text was Paul’s testimony to Timothy that he was the “chief of sinners” (1 Tim.1: 15 KJV). He explained how Paul was raised very religiously and, in his desire to do right, killed and imprisoned those who disagreed with him. (Gal. 1:23-24) But his ignorance and unreasoning prejudice did not take away his guilt and sin. (Acts 17:30) One day he realized what he had done, against whom he had sinned, and the eternal consequences of his sin. (Rom. 6:23) Yet God in His mercy forgave Paul and made him his child. Paul called himself the “chief of sinners” because if God could save him, the chief, He could save anyone. “God did not give up on me and will not give up on you,” (Heb 7:25) was Paul’s testimony. Like Paul, I had not seen the seriousness of my sin and did not realize that God hated sin. I did not understand that it was because of sin Jesus was crucified on the cross. But that night the Lord showed me the awfulness, the filth and ugliness of my sin in the eyes of God. Until that night of realization, there was no reverence (fear) of the Lord before me. (Rom. 3:17-18)
At the end of the service an invitation was given to come forward to receive Jesus as Savior and find forgiveness from sin as Paul had. I recognized it was the Lord alone who forgives and cleanses us from sin. I submitted to the Holy Spirit’s call and all eight of us teens went forward. The congregation gathered around to pray for us. When I confessed my sins to God (1 John 1:9) He forgave me and like Paul made me his child. (Rom.8:16) Then He filled me with His peace and presence. (Rev.3:20)
After Church that night there was a “youth sing” with several other churches. Our church group was pushed into the choir loft. As the leader asked for a testimony from the “choir” no one said a word. I wanted to, but was afraid. (Rev.3:20) Later, I told the Lord, if he would help me, I would take every opportunity He would give me to share what He had done for me. (Rom. 1:16) It wasn’t long before I realized all Christians are called to be ministers. (Eph.2:10)
After I gave my testimony to my old “gang” at school and in my neighborhood, I was confronted about my use of bad language. Swearing was such a habit for me I did it without thinking. (James 3:9-10) I made a deal with the guys: “If I swear, you can hit me.” They thought it was great fun to get me to come out with a dirty put down of someone and then hit me when I did. After failing a few times, I reaffirmed my sincerity to quit swearing and told them they should hit me 25 times if I failed again. By the end of the day my arms were so sore I could hardly lift them.
On the third day, I did OK until I was on the bus on my way home from school. I slipped and swore. They hit me again, but the Devil hit me harder. I had failed again. I was so discouraged. I knew I could not live the Christian life. Others could, but not me. I prayed and told God that I would have to give up; it was hopeless. I had tried everything. I felt God say, “Have you tried everything?” “You know Lord how sore my arms are. I just cannot overcome.” Again God said, “Have YOU tried everything?” “Yes, Lord,” I said, “You know my heart. I want to be a Christian, but I am too weak. I can’t live the life.” Then God said, “Then let me live it in you.” (1 Thes. 1:5)
From that day to this I have not used any of those words again! I discovered that the Christian life is God living the life through us. God gave me a promise in 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” It is not our strength or struggles but His Power and Grace that enable us to live the life He has called us to live. (Phil.4:13)
It has been many years since I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior, but my testimony is up to date with Paul the “chief of sinners.” God did not give up on me and will not give up on you! “Everyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom.10: 11-13) Even today it is not my strength or struggles but His Power and Grace that enable me to live the life He has called me to live. (Rom.9:16) I praise him for his faithfulness, mercy and grace. (Eph.3:20-21)
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How does one become a Christian? Here are the steps:
FIRST: Acknowledge that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; Sin cuts you off from God. Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
SECOND: Realize that Jesus is God’s only provision for Sin & that He died for you. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
THIRD: Repent of your sin, rebellion & pride, turn from it & humble yourself before God. Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
FOURTH: Receive Him as Lord & Master, submitting to His authority. John 14:23 Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Romans 10:9-13 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Your part is to confess Him to others as your Lord & Savior.
FIFTH: That brings you into relationship, but God wants intimate fellowship. Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door [your heart] and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Romans 8:16 The [Holy] Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
You can pray to receive Jesus Christ as your personal savior and Lord. Simply pray these words from your heart: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally as my Savior. Thank you for dying for my sins. I open the door of my life & receive You as my Lord. I confess my sins. Thank you for forgiving me & giving me eternal life. I want to do your will. Give me the strength to live for you, in Jesus Name, Amen”.
Now , praise and thank the Lord that He is in your heart, on the authority of His Word! 1 John 5:11-13, And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. Galatians 3:11, Because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’. John 1:12, All who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right [power] to become children of God.
If I can help you know the Lord in a better way, please feel free to e-mail me at: info@faithencounter.org. © 1998 Faith Encounter Inc.
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Scripture Quotes:
1 Cor.15:33: Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.
Jer.17:9: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
2 Tim.1:9: who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time
Gal.1:23-24 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.
Acts 17:30: In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
Rom.6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Heb.7:25: Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Rom. 3:17-18: …the way of peace they do not know there is no fear of God before their eyes
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Rom.8:16: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Rev.3:20: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Rev.3:20: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Rom.1:16: I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Eph. 2:10: For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
James 3:9–10: with the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be
1 Thes. 1:5: our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake
Phil.4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength
Rom.9:16:It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on god’s mercy.
Eph.3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.