Just doing some prep work for a future sermon (months away, at least). How many of you would say you became a Christian to avoid hell (fear of punishment), how many of you would say you became a Christian because of who Christ is and what He did (love of the Master), and how many of you would say you became a Christian to gain heaven (hope for reward)?
I'm not looking for text-book answers. I'm looking for your experience. If, for you, there was 'moment' when you decided for Christ, what was the context? Fire & Brimstone preaching? A sermon about God's grace? A crisis event in your life? Am I leaving some category out?
Comments appreciated :)
8 comments:
I basically came to a life changing decision out of desperation. I speak of my relationship with Christ as a journey, since that was what it was for me. I didn't have a particular moment that made it all crystal clear, rather just a desire to change my life of addiction and poor choices to one of security with a hopeful future. Of all the experimenting I did to try to find that, all roads lead to Jesus and there became no other option, no other desire than to enter into a knowledgable relationship with Him.
None of the above. I became a Christian because I was extremely aware that there was evil at work in the world and in humans and I wanted to be on the side of The Good. Jesus was the epitome of The Good, and therefore I became his follower of his ways. It wasn't about heaven or hell for me as I grew up in the faith--it was about becoming good. I wanted the mess of the created order to be put back in order, and I thought the power of the pure love of God would help to do that. There didn't seem to be anything else more powerful. I wasn't even thinking eschatologically until college.
both neat comments girls. Thanks for responding :)
I think I have to agree with Jo here. It was definitely about the "good" aspect. Believing in something so perfect and hopeful is what makes all of life easier to deal with and actually enjoyable. Everyone needs someone to trust, especially kids who have nowhere else to go. To me, choosing Christ was a no-brainer and His truth was incredibly obvious in the world, even at the age of 6.
i'd say elements of all. some of my poorest thinking emerged from fear, though. i think i am becoming a Christian because there is nothing else i can do.
For me it was "the right thing to do," and not because others were doing it, I just knew it was time. (Although I was one of those children who asked multiple times for Jesus to come into my heart).
very helpful comments all, thanks :)
I asked Jesus into my heart at age 5 at a Backyard Vacation Bible School. I remember learning about how much Jesus loved me and so I wanted to love Him in return.
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