Howard V.
Question #1:
When did you become a Christian and why?
i became a Christian when i was 10. i had stolen a book and it
explained how to become a Christian. At first i didn't want to because
i thought God would spoil all the fun in life, but then it occurred to
me that if He loves me He wouldn't do that because He'd want me to be
happy... so i confessed my sins (including stealing the book :( and
asked Jesus to come into my heart and forgive me.
Question #2:
How has your life changed ever since? Or how would your life be different if you weren't a Christian?
God has really changed me from the inside out. i used to think that the
world revolved around me, and i was really selfish and i was a
perfectionist. Now i think i care a lot more about people and i'm much
more forgiving. If i were not a Christian i'd probably have 1000 kids
or more, have had more wives than Solomon, and be in jail. Hmmmmm... i
think i'd better take that back... i don't think i could have that many
wives and be in jail (scary thought eh?) so it would be one or the
other.
Question #3:
How has God been real to you? Or how do you know that God exists?
The mathematician in me can't conceive of a universe this complex being
an accident. There has to be an intelligent "architect/designer" behind
it. So logically i know God exists. The probability he doesn't exist
is 0. In addition to this God has done so many miracles in my life - He
has spoken to me audibly on one occasion, has healed me instantly on one
occasion, and has answered so many prayers in ways that just couldn't be
coincidences. He really is my BEST FRIEND.
Question #4:
What is your favourite verse and why?
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." It's just so awesome that God, who hates sin so much, loves me
so much that He would come here as a man to suffer and die so that i can
go free.
Question #5:
How have you struggled spiritually?
As a kid i was afraid of being laughed at because i was a Christian - so
i hid it from people for a few years. i also didn't understand why i
was so powerless over certain sins in my life - but i later found out
that it was pride that came in the way of receiving the grace i need
from God. Pride kept me from confessing my sins and weaknesses to
others - but one day i did to my wife, and now i do with my other
accountability partners. i found that being willing to humble myself
that way and become transparent proved to be a huge help.
Question #6:
What is the most challenging aspect about being a Christian?
Keeping my thoughts and motives pure.
Question #7:
What is the best thing about being a Christian?
Being in a relationship with God. Knowing Him. Having fellowship with
Him. Experiencing His love.
Question #8:
Describe your relationship with God.
He is my Father, my comforter, my joy, my life. i love Him so much that
i tear up just thinking about how much He means to me and how much He
has done for me. i'm so unworthy, yet He loves me more than any one i
have ever known - and He has done more for me than anyone i have ever
known.
Question #9:
Who is Jesus to you?
Jesus is my first love. He's my closest brother and best friend.
Question #10:
Have you ever doubted your beliefs?
When i was a kid and struggling with certain sins in my life and it
seemed like God wasn't answering my prayers to overcome - at times i
couldn't understand how He could exist and not help. But i could never
accept the alternative as possible... as i said earlier, this just
couldn't be all an accident.
Question #11:
What strengthens you spiritually?
Spending time with God. Reading good biographies of Christians (CT
Studd, Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor, Jonathan Goforth, Nicky Cruz).
Being accountable to, and being challenged by my Christian brothers and
sisters (my wife, Adrian, Mike, Josh.)
Question #12:
What does being a Christian entail?
Becoming a Christian ISN'T just accepting an ideology. It's receiving
God's Spirit into your heart (being). A real transaction takes place
between you and God. He forgives you all your sins and places His
Spirit within you. So there is something supernaturally different
between true Christians and non-Christians. To have God's Spirit come
into us (which is to be born again - or born of God) you have to repent
(turn away from your sins) and invite Jesus to come into your heart and
forgive your sins. Jesus says "I stand at the door of your heart and
knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in to
him and have fellowship with him and he will have fellowship with Me."
(Revelation 3:20). He will not come into an unrepentant heart, however.
Question #13:
Do you have any prayer requests?
Pray that i might know Jesus more, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings. Pray that i might be conformed
more and more into His image.
Question #14:
If you could send a message to someone who is exploring Christianity, what would it be?
Jesus loves you. If you have heard Him "knocking" at the door of your
heart, open that door and let Him in. And if there's anything you want
to talk about or ask feel free to email me at [email protected] -
i'd be happy to respond.
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