To begin, let me say I wasn’t really interested in spiritual things especially Bible studies. I was born and raised in the Catholic Church. I figured that God would let me into heaven if I was just a good person, which of course I was not. Honestly, spiritual things never really entered my mind, until Laura (my wife) started in a Bible study for women down the street. From that Bible study a guy named Chuck who knew the couple down the street asked me and Laura to do a three lesson Bible study. I was very hesitant. Actually when he gave me the first lesson, I gave it to Laura and she did it. I kind of looked through it but it didn’t interest me. As time passed Chuck would call and ask to go over the first part of the lesson. I didn’t want to go over it so I would avoid the situation. Laura was the one who answered the call and told Chuck to come over.

This Bible study started the softening of my heart and on the road to eternal life. This may not make sense to you right now, but it will if you open your heart and listen to what God has to teach you. The first lesson opened my eyes to the certainty of Heaven and Hell and that God wants us to know for sure we are going heaven, it isn’t a guessing game. Also it taught me about my sin, I never accepted that my sin was what separated me from God, I just assumed if I did good things it would balance out, God would have to let me into Heaven. During high school, then college, and then after college I got into a lot of trouble, (drugs and alcohol and other things). I realized from the first bible lesson that these sins and others I committed are what separated me from God. But Jesus came to save sinners like me (Mathew 9:13Open Link in New Window) that God will forgive me if I would believe His Son died for my sins and it was my sin that put Him on the cross. I truly was engaged in the bible study at this point. I remember asking Laura if what this Chuck guy is saying is true. She told me the Bible says so. I started to think back to all the bad things I have done and couldn’t believe how unworthy I was for Christ to die for me.

The second lesson, well needless to say, I was ready to learn more. Chuck came back the following week and we discussed salvation. I always assumed that if you weren’t a murderer or really bad person that we can all go to Heaven. This study showed me that salvation was through Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9Open Link in New Window), He paid the penalty for me. I really thought long and hard about my relationship or lack of one with God. I didn’t know His Son (Jesus) nor did I believe with all my heart He died on the cross for my sins. I wanted Jesus in my life!!!!

On Friday, November 2, 2001, I made the decision to accept Jesus in my heart, knowing He died on the cross for my sins of which I have asked forgiveness for. I know I will spend eternity in Heaven with God. It is a great place to know you have assurance and God’s Word (Bible) says so. (John 10:27-30Open Link in New Window).

The Bible says in (2 Corinthians 5:17Open Link in New Window), Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation old things have passed away behold all things have become new. This new creation is the work of God in your life if you truly ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. God has done a mighty work in my life in the almost 6 years since I was saved. Is He working in your life or do you need to ask yourself today, Do I know fore sure if you will spend eternity in Heaven? You can know for sure (1 John 5:13Open Link in New Window) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.. I can tell you with all my heart there is no better thing to know that my sins are forgiven and that I will spend eternity with my Lord and Savior when He calls me home!!! My prayer is that today will be the day of your salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2Open Link in New Window).For He says; In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation. gre