by Peter Manuel
It would be selfish and unloving for me not to tell others about the greatest secret in life. This is the story about my life before Jesus, finding Jesus, and my life with Jesus. I grew up in a home where we went to church about once a month, but we never talked about God, Jesus, or the Bible at home, this was what my life was like before I truly knew Jesus Christ. However, now something amazing has happened. I have changed my ways and live for Him, that is Jesus. I am never going back again. Do you want to know, the difference between us. It is because of the One who lives in me, I let go of my life to Him. Let me explain further.
Before I had a personal relationship with Jesus; I felt lonely, sad, angry, depressed, especially since my parents did not have a perfect relationship with each other. In addition, my father was retired and disabled, so we did not always have a lot of money. Moreover, I used to get C’s, D’s, and F’s in school because I was not interested in my education or future. Even though I began to get A’s, and B’s during mid and high school; I was still lonely, dead inside, and a slave to this world. At times I would be picked on and have bad days at school. I felt like the odd man out. Spiteful eyes would watch me and sometimes I would hate the way I feel.
What caused me to consider Jesus was hearing Pastor Skip Heitzig of Calvary of Albuquerque speaking on the radio. He had a gift, a natural talent for speaking. He seemed to build a bridge between God and me. He made me realize that I needed God in my life. He helped bring into focus who I was and who God was. Before this epiphany, I thought that Christianity meant dressing up in a suit and going to Church every Sunday to hear some guy, who was dressed up in a bath robe, speak for an hour. However, I now know that Christianity is a relationship with God, with Jesus Christ, and not some religion of works. Moreover, I soon learned that God wants a long term relationship with me. After 17 years, I finally understood about God’s abundant love, peace, hope, forgiveness… I soon thereafter, purchased a Bible and began to read it from, cover to cover, from beginning to end.
Instantly but also overtime, my life changed. Through a new relationship with Jesus, I was forgiven for my offenses against God, for turning my back on Him- that is I was forgiven for my sins. Now my past, present and future have all been assured. When I die I know what is on the other side. I soon learned that through a new relationship with Jesus Christ, we have the chance to be forgiven for all of the wrong choices that we ever made or will ever make, see Mt 12:31. The only unforgivable sin is “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit,” meaning a continual and final rejection of the Spirit’s insistence to accept God’s greatest, free gift, Jesus, who died for our sins and defeated death, see Mk 3:29; Mt 12:31. (1, 2) Jesus came to this earth to die for us; to save us from the punishment that we deserve, from death, see Lk 19:10; Heb 12:2; Mt 20:28; Isa 53:5.
Jesus promised that if I come to Him, I will find rest for my heart and mind, and that is exactly what happened, see Mt 11:28. (3) I soon learned that God created the universe, including everything in it such as the planets, earth, and humans, see Ge 1. He knows the most private and personal details of our incredible design, because he formed us, see Ps 139:13, 16; Isa 49:5. He knows every intricate part of us. God’s original perfect plan was for people to obey and listen to Him, to love Him, and to live with Him forever in paradise, this is still His plan for the future after the end of space-time, see Rev 21:3 Gen 1-4. (4) “However, humans chose to disobey Him, which resulted in their spiritual death (separation from God) and eventually physical death.” (5) Nevertheless, through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, God made a way, the only way, for humans to have a new relationship with Him, a relationship through his only son Jesus, who was fully man and fully God, see Jn 1:1; Ro 9:5; 10:9; Heb 1:2-3, 6, 8 and Jn 1:14, 20:38; Col 2:9. So, though we as followers of Christ continue to live life with the same difficulties that everyone else does, we have the power, love and hope to deal with the adversity, better than other people who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, see Jn 14-16. (6) Only if we are forgiven and have a personal one on one relationship with God through Jesus can we live forever with God in Heaven, see Jn 3:3. Jesus said that He is “the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6). “Forgiveness of the past, joy and peace in the present, and eternal paradise with God in the future” are all free of charge; the price has been paid through the death of Jesus Christ, see Mt 7:16-20; Gal 5:16-26. (7)
As Christians we believe that God created everything without question, (Ge1:1), that God is personal, holy, loving, just and that we will spend eternity with God, see Rev 21; 21:3; Jn 14:2. We also attempt to place others first (humility) and follow Jesus and his commands. see Php 2:7. (8) We also believe that the one true God came to earth in the human form of Jesus, see Jn 3:16, Ro 10:9. We accept the free forgiveness of sin and the free gift of a brand new life (rebirth or regeneration) all made possible through the death and physical resurrection of Jesus Christ; all given by God’s grace, see Jn 3:1-21; Eph 2:8-10; 1:7, 8. We regret and repent of the past wrongs that we have committed and now try to do what is right, and we make Jesus the ultimate commander and director of our life and ask for Jesus’ guidance constantly, see 1Peter 1:21-23; Eph 2:1-5; Mt 7:21-27; 1Jn 4:15. (9)
Jesus is different. He claimed to be God, see Jn 5:18, 10:30. Furthermore, other people also believed that Jesus was God, 2000+ years ago and today. Other founders of religions never claimed to be God. (10) Jesus died physically then he rose from the dead and went to heaven, where He now is, see Mt 26:64; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1. You may ask what if the Bible is wrong; I ask what if the Bible is right? If it is wrong all that is lost is time. Yet one will gain instructions on how to live in addition to advice and other benefits. However, if the Bible is right, anyone will also be given forgiveness of the past, enjoyment of the present, and assurance of an eternal future with the one true God, all by just admitting that you have done wrong, surrendering yourself to Jesus, believing and accepting His sacrifice and resurrection from the dead, trusting Him and wanting to follow Him, see Jn 3, 4; Ro 10:9; Eph 2; 1 Pe 1:21-23; Mt 7:21-27; 1 Jn 4:15. (11) The Bible is very definite about our freedom to choose against God and the results of that decision: eternal condemnation, see Jn 3:16, 15:16; Jos 24:15; 1 Ki 18:21; Rev 22:17. God has a perfect plan for everyone, but it is up to each person to choose whether to follow that plan. In addition, the Bible says that God’s plan of love is totally free to everyone. (12) God is personal, Holy, all powerful, just, loving, forgiving, and much more.
God’s existence is evidenced by His creation and His Word. There is a great amount of evidence, which includes “statistical proof, that an all-knowing God inspired the Bible.” (13) Moreover, there is 100% accurate historical prophecy in the Bible. These specific prophecies were written hundreds of years before the events they described occurred. (14) The Bible is not a science book, but it nevertheless contains references to science which are all found to be correct. (15) The original Old Testament scriptures “were a written record of words inspired by God.” (see Isa 56:1; Ec 20, Dt 6). Any false prophet was quickly put to death, see Dt 18:20. Many cross checks were implemented to ensure great accuracy. (16) In addition, great numbers of copies of the New Testament were distributed during the time of the eyewitnesses who would not tolerate the spread of errors. (17) In addition, “the historical accounts in the biblical record present both precision and accuracy.” (18) Today the Bible is treated as a “major historical source for archaeology.” There are also abundant archaeological discoveries that support the prophecies of the Bible. (19)
God’s existence is supported by his Word in its composition, in the totally accurate prophecies, and in the scientific insights that it contains. (20, 21) These scientific insights were in the Bible hundreds of years before science discovered them. (21,22) In addition, the Bible is composed miraculously. Consider for a moment that it’s 66 books were written over a time period of hundreds of years by 40 different authors under the guidance and direction of God, yet the Bible is consistent on various controversial subjects. (23) In fact, the Bible has survived against all odds. The Bible has been persecuted and many attempts have been made to destroy it, even though it is “the most well-documented ancient writing.” (24) “Only specific prophesies of historical people, places, or events can confirm divine input [influence]”. (25,26) Therefore, the Bible is miraculously designed, it has miraculously survived, and it is historically accurate. Therefore, it would be illogical not to find out for yourself what the Bible is all about, why some people have tried to destroy it, and why some people have died for it. Do you not want to know why God created humans? Why He created this kind of earth? And why there is evil and suffering?
Nevertheless, do not take my word for it. Find out whether Jesus is real, find out whether the Bible was truly inspired by God. Investigate whether Jesus really was resurrected from the dead, and if so, what it might mean to you; discover what you have to do to get into heaven or paradise, figure out what happens if you reject Jesus, develop a list of questions about Jesus that trouble you, ask them. If you come to believe that the Jesus of the Bible is real, ask, “What is next?” Find a Bible based Christian or Church and ask.
Why did I write this? So that you would know the truth. Jesus Christ commanded that we go into the world and make disciples (followers) of all, and to teach them to obey everything He commanded us, see Mt 28:19-20. In addition, loving God means loving others, even our enemies, and the lost, see Mk 12:30-31.
What do you believe? Everyone lives for something. Everyone worships something; they have a reverence or devotion of intense love or admiration for something or someone. Are there things of this world that you are a slave to? A god can be defined as any person or thing praised or worshiped too much. “A god can come in various forms, because it can be anyone or anything that consumes your affection, your attention, your energy, your time, your talent, your submission, or your service.” (27)
The gods of today may be thought of being: Baal (the god of sexuality), Molech (the god of recreation and fun), Mammon (the god of greed), and Ashtoreth (the god of romance), see 1 Ki 18; 1 Sa 5. (28) You may have noticed that I used the small g in god not G in God. We can only truly worship the One true God, see Ex 20:3; Mt 6:24; Jn 4. Who is this Jesus or God? He is the Supreme Being, the Ultimate, One and Only God, the One who was, is and will always be. God is what? He is personal, holy, just, loving and forgiving.
What about this Trinity thing? It is the three persons of God: the Father (the authority, perfect in holiness, the receiver of worship in heaven), the Son (Jesus, the redeemer, the source of life for humans, the intercessor with the Father), the Holy Spirit (the counselor, the comforter in hardship, the agent of the Father’s will), all existing as a single God, see Mt 3, Ex 3:2; 13:21; 1 Cor 12:4-6; 2 Cor 13:14; Jn 14:16. (29) The three persons are coequally and coeternally God. God knows each of us, He lovingly cares about us, He counsels and helps us, and He sacrificed Himself for us.
“Other [false] gods are not worth worshiping, because they cannot deliver on their promises. They cannot see us, save us, or satisfy us.” (30) Moreover, these false gods are not real. The Bible tells us that God knows our needs before we even ask, see Mt 6:8. Furthermore, in John 14:6, Jesus states, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the only one that can save us and bring us into eternal life with the One true God. “Every false god had roots in the god of self, but self can never satisfy self. When you decide to let self rule your life, you think that you should be able to say what you want to say, be who you want to be, do what you want to do, and believe what you want to believe.” (31) You are saying, “I am God”, and you put yourself in the place of God. (32)
“Self will never suffice because self will always wants more… Following the One, true God satisfies because He gives us a greater sense of purpose, a greater sense of reason, and a greater sense of reality.” (33) Christ came into this world not only to save sinners, but also to give us abundant life, see 1 Ti 1:15; Jn 10:10. “When God is first in our lives, we will be completely persuaded that He will meet all of our needs, that He will save us when we face our problems, and that He will lead us to a place of peace and purpose.” (34)
To the Almighty God I say, “take my life, take my mind, take my soul, take my will, I am yours now, and I give it all to you. Laying all down before my King, offering all my everything, laying all down before the One I serve, I can understand the reasons why you came on this earth and died and now I give it all to you.” (35) Jesus said, "He would take your sin, your shame, your place upon that cross of pain, and die for you. There is no way to repay all the pain He went through for you. His reason- simply His love. It is time to see the truth, understand there is nothing you can do. It was all for, you. He already gave it all for you. We live by grace through faith alone with Jesus Christ who died to set us free though change; our flesh can give.” (36) “It’s a shame to be ashamed, to be ashamed of the One that we should Glorify. You are afraid of the price you’ll pay, will you be strong or walk away? You say it’s hard to believe in something you can’t see, but a choice you make today will affect you eternally. Now I’m here to stay. And I’ve made a change. And I won’t go away, from the One who gave life.” (37) “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (38)
Jesus tells us in Revelation 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.”
Jesus is calling you to open the door of your life and let him in, so why don’t you? It is time to stop locking that door.
The God of Peace be with you.
SURRENDER YOUR LIFE TO GOD:
Summarized and adapted from Chip Lusko, Underestimating God. (Albuquerque, NM: Connection Communications, 2003). 27
1. Recognize that you are a sinner. Sin is anything we do or don’t do that displeases God. (Ro 3:23). What does this verse mean to you? We cannot make excuses or blame others for our actions. Make a list of those things in your life that may displease God.
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ, God, died on the cross for you. (1Pe 3:18). What did Jesus pay that price for when He died on the cross? Write the name of a person in your life for whom you are certain you would endure the punishment for their wrongdoings. You would have to love this person very, very much! That’s how much God loves you.
3. Repent of your sins. (Acts 3:19). What does God do with your sins when you turn from them? It is important to come to Jesus just as you are, because you will never be able to “clean up your life” without Him. However, you must be willing to repent, or turn away from the things you do that displeases God, and then allow Him to do the cleaning.
4. Have faith in and accept Jesus as your Savior. (John 10:10). Who is out to destroy and steal from you? Jesus died for you to give you eternal life, He will show you how a life with Him will be beyond anything you can possibly imagine.
REFERENCES/HELP/ ADVICE:
The Holy Bible
www.calvaryabq.org
4001 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: 505/3440880
RADIO BROADCASTS:
107.1 FM (SAT 7PM, SUN 1135 AM, WED 730PM)
88.3 FM (SUN 930 AM, WED 730 PM)
WANT MORE?
www.harvest.org -Harvest Christian Fellowship
www.tvulive.com -Christian Music Videos
www.m88.org -Christian hit music
www.evidenceofgod.com -Evidence for God and the Bible
www.reasons.org -Scientific support; answers to questions about God and science
http://www.billygraham.org/default.asp -Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
http://www.calvarychapel.com/ -Calvary Chapel
http://www.carm.org/ -Christian Apologetics Research Ministry
http://www.palau.org/index.php -Luis Palau Evangelistic Association
sciexpanti@yahoo.com - my email
Notes:
1. Ralph O. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus With the Skeptics in Your Life. (Eugene,
OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2001), 10.
2. The NIV Study Bible. 10th ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995),
3. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus, 10.
4. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus, 10-11.
5. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus,11.
6. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus,11.
7. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus, 13.
8. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus, 27.
9. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus, 8-9.
10. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus, 17.
11. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus, 20-21.
12. Muncaster, How to Talk About Jesus, 21.
13. Muncaster, Ralph O. Why Does God Allow Suffering? (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2001), 8.
14. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 8, 14.
15. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 9.
16. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 9.
17. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 9-10.
18. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 10.
19. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 10.
20. Muncaster, Ralph O. What Really Happens When You Die? (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2000), 7.
21. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 8-9, 14-15.
22. Ralph O. Muncaster, Science Was the Bible Ahead of its Time? (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2000).
23. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 14.
24. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 15.
25. Muncaster, Why Does God Allow Suffering, 8.
26. Muncaster, What Really Happens When You Die, 7.
27. Bob Coy, The First Commandment. (Albuquerque, NM: Connection Communications, 2003).4
28. Coy, The First Commandment, 5.
29. Muncaster, Ralph O. What is the Trinity? (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2001), 22-23.
30. Coy, The First Commandment, 9.
31. Coy, The First Commandment, 16.
32. Coy, The First Commandment, 16.
33. Coy, The First Commandment, 16.
34. Coy, The First Commandment, 16.
35. Jeremy Camp, “Take My Life,” Stay, BEC compact disk.
36. Jonah 33, “All For You,” Jonah 33, Ardent Records compact disk.
37. Pillar, Travis Jenkins and Scott Gilman, “A Shame,” Fireproof, Flicker Records compact disk.
38. Kutless, “This Time,” Kutless, Tooth and Nail compact disk.
Bibliography:
Camp, Jeremy. “Take My Life.” Stay. BEC compact disk.
Coy, Bob. The First Commandment. Albuquerque, NM: Connection Communications, 2003.
Jonah 33. “All For You.” Jonah 33. Ardent Records compact disk.
Kutless. “This Time.” Kutless, Tooth and Nail compact disk.
Muncaster, Ralph O. How to Talk About Jesus With the Skeptics in Your Life. Eugene,
Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2001.
Muncaster, Ralph O. Science Was the Bible Ahead of its Time? Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House
Publishers, 2000.
Muncaster, Ralph O. What Really Happens When You Die? Eugene, OR: Harvest House
Publishers, 2000.
Muncaster, Ralph O. Why Does God Allow Suffering? Eugene, OR: Harvest House
Publishers, 2001.
Muncaster, Ralph O. What is the Trinity? Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2001.
Pillar. Travis Jenkins and Scott Gilman. “A Shame,” Fireproof. Flicker Records compact disk.
The NIV Study Bible. 10th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.