Faith Stories
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Check out the difference God's greatest gift, Jesus, has meant to some of our members.
I had heard all of my
life about God. But, I didn't really know Him. I was always searching
for acceptance/approval from others to fill up a hole/emptiness in my
life. I did some really stupid things to try and fill the emptiness. But
let's not go there !! Then when I was a teenager 16 or 17, a youth
director (Rob Blackburn) came into my life and introduced me to
God's son JESUS through friendship, example and
unconditional acceptance of who I was and who I could be. My life has
never been the same. My Christian walk has not been without doubts,
hurts and setbacks. But the Joy and purpose my life has is immeasurable.
Thank God for a church like Ortega United Methodist that invested in
youth ministry 30 years ago and continues to do so today. And
thanks to a GOD who loves me unconditionally.
- Scott Lucas
I was raised in a Christian home and as a child attended Church and Sunday School and heard all the bible stories about Jesus, including his resurrection. But I was also going to school and learning about science. Science seemed to tell me that the resurrection was impossible, and so for 40 years or so I was not a Christian because I did not believe in the resurrection or divinity of Jesus.
Several years ago I began hiking the Appalachian Trail with a group of friends who were Christians. One began talking to me about Jesus and recommended some books for me to read particularly a book by Lee Strobel—THE CASE FOR CHRIST.
Through my friend and his recommended readings, I first realized that Science is based on observations about the natural, and doesn’t address the supernatural at all. Religion is about the supernatural as well as the natural-- and so Science and Religion don’t necessarily conflict because they are talking about 2 different things.
Based on Strobel’s book, I then came to believe that Jesus was indeed resurrected. Once I believed that, everything else about Christianity made sense and I became a believer. Since then an emptiness I had has been filled and my life has more purpose. I notice that as my love for Jesus grows, I am more loving and forgiving of others and wish to help my fellow man more.
- Dr. Bo Tucker
Before I invited Jesus Christ into my heart to become my Lord and Savior, my religion was based on God being God and me doing my duty as I had been taught. Because I was loved and cherished by my family and my church, I did not have too much trouble believing in the love of God. The church was always a part of my life from the very beginning. Because of corporal punishment at home and school, I was frightened of punishment. When I was punished by my father I reasoned I deserved it for things I had done and not been caught, even if not for the things of which I was accused. After I received Jesus as my Savior and Lord, the assurance of my salvation wavered at first because my feelings would change and I would fail to live up to the standards of Christ. I would often go to the altar on Sunday nights seeking forgiveness and assurance. After I went forward at the Billy Graham Crusade I did the follow-up Bible Study and came to understand that my salvation was based on what Christ had done for me and upon God’s promise in His Word and not my feelings or my perfection. This gave me more confidence in my relationship with God.
- Dan Casselberry