A lady was in the store [that I work at] looking for a Bible study workbook that would
help her [become] closer to God. I was helping her review some [of our resource materials]. She was sharing some of her life story with
me when she said, “I’m not sure I’m a Christian. I smoke, and I take prescription
medicine. Can I still become a Christian?”[i]
I explained that becoming a Christian was as simple as A-B-C.”You
just acknowledge that you are a sinner (we all are)[ii];
believe that God gave His Son, who sacrificed His life on the cross and raised
Him from the dead;[iii] and finally, you confess
Him as Lord and Savior. [iv]
You don’t have to change to come to Jesus; He takes care of
all that stuff as you live for Him.” I told her I would love the opportunity to
pray with her right now. She said she would like that, so I led her in prayer,
and she received Jesus right there.
We said, “Amen,” and a woman came over shouting praises. She
was so excited [that] the other woman and I both bought her some
materials to help her grow in Christ, including a pink student Bible. Today was
the best day at LifeWay yet for me. I’m grateful for the opportunity [to be used by God].[v]
“…Apart from Me,” Jesus said, “You can do
nothing” (John 15:5 NASB). Through a relationship with Him, God has promised to
dwell in your heart through faith so that you can “know the love of God which
surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:19 NASB). When you surrender yourself to
Christ, His power can work in you and through you.[vi]
“…Love is from God” (I John 4:7). And only
those who have allowed Him into their heart through faith in His Son, Jesus –
only those who have received the Spirit of Christ through belief in His death
and resurrection - are able to tap into love’s real power.”[vii]
[i] “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and
this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no
one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT
[ii][ii]
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans
3:23, NLT
[iii]
“But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we
were still sinners… For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is
eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 5:8,6:23, NLT
[iv]
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart
that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9, NLT
[v][v]
Adapted from a LifeWay Christian Stores Catalog (11/01-11/28/16), “My LifeWay
Story” by Holly Wilson of Tulsa, OK
[vi] The Love Dare Day by Day by the Kendrick
Brothers, “Love abides in Christ” (Day 178)
[vii] The Love Dare Day by Day by the Kendrick
Brothers, “Love is impossible without God” (Day 176)
[viii]
Adapted from The Five Love Languages
by Gary Chapman
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