My Testimony

Salvation

On August 9, 1996, I went to a church service at Trace Church of God. I can't remember what the preacher preached about, nor do I remember any songs that were sung. What I do remember was hearing the voice of the Lord calling me to repentance, and ultimately. . . to salvation. I remember it, as if it happened yesterday.

When the time came for the altar call, I didn't hear the Lord calling anyone out, except for me. I made up my mind at that time, to ask forgiveness for my sins. I tried to rise up from the pew, but was unable to do so. I grabbed the back of the pew before me and pulled myself up out of the seat.

When I stepped out into the aisle, it seemed as if it had become easier to walk towards the altar of prayer. When I knelt before the Lord to pray, there were many that gathered around me praying for me and with me. I could feel the weight of sin being lifted from my shoulders as I prayed and accepted Jesus as my Savior. I was set free at this time from the burdens that I had carried all of my life. I was 36 years old at that time.

Someone once asked me why I chose to be a Student of the Word. This is the reason for this article. It's hard to explain in simple terms typing through an IM or in a chatroom. It is something that must be read or heard in voice to get the full impact of what really happened. It isn't so much that I chose to be a student of the Word because I like to study, or because I merely wanted to belong to a group of people.

Mostly I was a loner. I didn't like being around people very much at all, with the exception of a few. I played music in bars helping people to get drunk and have fun. I saw many fights and even a shooting once at a bar the group was playing at. There is a saying, "Ignorance is bliss." When we played at these clubs, I thought I was happy. I thought I was having a good time. I didn't drink very much at all and mostly kept to myself during breaks.

Once the Lord saved me, I realized that there was no happiness in playing music for drunks. I realized that I didn't know what a good time was, until I played music for Him. What it comes down to is this. I didn't simply decide to become a student of the Word. The Word chose me. The Word was the One who called me to repent and be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. Without being called, I could not repent.

The way to salvation was made by God through the Word of God. There is no other way than through the name of Jesus Christ and the blood that he shed on the hill called Calvary.

If you are still reading this, I assume you have an interest in it. I tell you the truth, if you feel the drawing of the Holy Ghost in your soul, please repent now and be saved. Jesus knocks on the door to your heart, but will not open it from the outside. You must open it and allow Him to come in. Jesus is a gentleman and will not go where he is not invited.

Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

As you can see, it is easy to understand what one must do to be saved. It wasn't written to where it needs deciphered as a code. It was written so that the Holy Ghost can reveal the truth to those whom He will. Accept Him today, if you feel the call of the Spirit. If not, feel free to email me and let me know that I should be praying for you. Those who email me asking for prayer will be prayed for. I will also have others praying for you.

Thank you for your time. God Bless You.