Testimony for Luke Russell (BC and AC = Before Christ and After Christ)

TRUE NON-HOLLYWOOD STORY
bought and paid for by Jesus (Luke is along for the ride)

Before Christ: I honestly do not remember ever hearing the true news of Jesus the Messiah. I do remember thinking about the answers to life (why am I here, what is my purpose, and what is the meaning to life) which created a void (which I believe everyone has in their heart). I was the most self-centered person ever by the time I hit middle and high school. My parent are the GREATEST, perfect upbring, loved and knew it etc..., but sin looks out for self (pride); and man do I loving doing that. I really think all I thought about was ME; many could give testimony to this fact. Around the time I entered college, I thought I would find the answers to fill any void that existed. Not so! I decide a little more partying and playing could be more fulfilling - all the while leaving a path of destruction and hurt. After college I continually strived for a better job with more pay; -- Thinking this was the meaning to my life. Material possessions and my annual salary defined me. I would always use society as my measuring gauge and reassurance that I was a “success”. I was trying to be the best Father and Husband through my actions, but always very inconsistent - always struggling to find my stride. Deep down I knew I lacked an overall purpose or meaning in my life. I was gradually moving up the economic ladder; we were able to buy bigger and nicer THINGS; which were NOT providing true peace. I continued to search. I regularly felt the void and missing piece in my life that did not have any explanation.------------------ ++ Changed by Grace++ For the children’s sake, my wife started to drag me to church. She wanted our children to attend Sunday school and be brought up with Christian beliefs/morals. To say I was reluctant would be an understatement. At first, I thought that everything about Christianity and faith did not apply to me; I was not into the singing and did not understand why people brought black books with them. Through the sermons, I was introduced to the Gospel, and for the first time in my life I learned what it meant to be a Christian (not a religious person). I knew my thoughts and actions did not follow the ideas and the teachings of Jesus. My worldly pursuits and self-ambition were in opposition to the gospel message. I also recognized the real attitude, caring nature, and genuine fellowship exhibited by the Christians I met. I now know how blessed I was and am to learn from real Christians who witnessed to me through their words and actions. Several consuming thoughts began to invade my thoughts during this time. I started to be convicted over thoughts and actions that did not conform to Christian beliefs, and I recognized my actions and behaviors with non-Christians were not changing. But, I did feel a growing sense of purpose and understanding through biblical teaching, bible study and reading and prayer. My priorities and attitude started to change; and the internal void was being filled. These changes were unexplainable (at the time); exciting and intimidating. After skipping a worship service for no compelling reason; I felt the void return that had been disappearing. I felt a conviction in my soul like none ever before, and knew without a doubt that God was asking me to accept and follow what I know to be true, that Jesus died for my sins and he could fill that void. That Sunday (July 2001)evening while reading the Bible, I committed my life to Jesus Christ and turned to HIM and asked for my sins to be forgiven (1 Jn. 1:9). No huge sense of relief/fireworks; rather I understood that the old self-ambition and worldly pursuits were going to be replaced with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. ################ Now, I understand the internal joy of following Christ. From that Sunday on, I have been given by grace a growing purpose and commitment. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I want to mature in Christ. I also know God has a plan to help me grow in my faith. I now rely on the Lord’s guidance, and accept that he will provide what I need to get through this life. (Prov. 3:5-6) When I fall short, which happens very often, I go to the Lord through my relationship with Jesus. My priorities have value and meaning that transcends self-centered ambitions. During times of conflict, I feel a sense of calm and patience knowing my treasure is in eternal life with our Savior. The relationships in my life have flourished. The changes Christ has made in my life has reinforce my trust and faith in Him. I know Christ died on the cross for my sins, and all I needed to do is believe in and trust in him to give me direction. The Void has been Filled, and I realize the hole in my heart was a life without Christ. ************ I pray that you relate to my story. All you have to do is accept Jesus as Savior – He will give purpose and meaning to your life. In Jn. 1:12, John Says “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Please give me a shout out if you read this and are interested, or want share your story, or have ANY questions.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++PEACE W/ GOD: STEP 1: God's Purpose: Peace and Life God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life—abundant and eternal. The Bible says ... "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." —Romans 5:1 (NIV) "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." —John 10:10 (NIV) Why don't most people have this peace and abundant life that God planned for us to have? STEP 2: The Problem: Our Separation God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. He did not make us as robots to automatically love and obey Him. God gave us a will and a freedom of choice. We chose to disobey God and go our own willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God The Bible says ... "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." —Romans 3:23 (NIV) "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." —Romans 6:23 (NIV) Our Attempts to Reach God People have tried in many ways to bridge this gap between themselves and God ... The Bible says ... "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." —Isaiah 59:2 (NIV) No bridge reaches God ... except one. STEP 3: God's Bridge: The Cross Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people. The Bible says ... "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ." —1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV) "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." —1 Peter 3:18 (NIV) "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." —Romans 5:8 (NIV) God has provided the only way. Each person must make a choice. STEP 4: Our Response: Receive Christ We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive Him by personal invitation. The Bible says ... "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." —Revelation 3:20 (NIV) "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." —John 1:12 (NIV) "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." —Romans 10:9 (NIV) Where are you? Will you receive Jesus Christ right now? ++++++++++++ Here is how you can receive Christ: 1. Admit your need (I am a sinner). 2. Be willing to turn from your sins (repent). 3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave. 4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Him as Lord and Savior.)

Even in the Worst Trials

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.