What was life like before you met Jesus?
I sought worldly pleasures but didn't find fulfillment. Examples: Drinking, partying, sexual immorality, career success, gambling, nice house/cars/clothes, following sports teams, politics & news. I was also self-focused - I thought hard work and determination would dictate the material success of my life.
How did you meet Jesus?
Through pre-marriage counseling, our pastor, Richard, and our counselors, the Huffords, helped me trust in God. They helped me find the resources I needed to understand that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I became convinced that Jesus really died for my sin, and I was resurrected to new life in him! Colossians 1:15 states this of Jesus, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” Colossians 1:20 assures us that God made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood which was shed on the cross.
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
My worldview has changed: I used to think that Truth, Goodness, and Beauty could be found in the world apart from God. Now I understand that these Transcendentals are part of God.
The things I desire - what I find beautiful - have changed. I pray daily and read the Bible. I have memorized several scripture passages, such as Colossians 3:1-2, and the passage up through verse 10 comes to mind: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”