I want you to know how much the Lord has had an impact on my life and would like to share it with you.
I have been a Christian my whole life, or at least, I thought I was being one. I was doing what every normal person does, trying to live life to the fullest and have no regrets all the while searching for the "one true love", I mean... we only get one chance right? Enjoying everything life has to offer and searching for myself was on the forefront of my mind. Plus, I accepted Jesus to live a fulfilled and wonderful life right?
Someone very close to me one day said "Did you know, whatever you put most of your time into, is your god." I looked at the First Commandment which says "You shall have no other gods before Me." I was brought to the realization...that God was not even close to being first and foremost in my life, all I felt was conviction. So I started my journey to learn more.
One of the things I stumbled upon through my search was the Way of the Master ministries and their use of the Law or also known as the Ten Commandments. Never before had I seen any church or ministry use the Law in the correct way or even at all.
I had known about the Ten Commandments, and thought I was a pretty good person and kept most of them, until I measured myself up to them...Did you know Jesus said that if you hate another person you've already committed murder in your heart? Jesus also said that if you look at another person with lust you've already committed adultery in your heart? Taking something that isn't mine, just one small item, like downloading music or a movie illegally is considered stealing? That liars will have their part in the lake of fire? Saying "OMG" or "g*d dam*it" is Blasphemy against a Holy God, who gave me every nice thing that I have? God see's me as a lying-thief-adulterous-murder and blasphemer at heart...and that's only 5 out of the 10! He also sees our thought life...how embarrassing! Nothing is hidden from Him...
Here I am... a hypocrite, calling myself a Christian...when 1 John 1:6 plainly says that "if we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not practice the truth..." I knew that I could die at anytime...and I had to stand before a Holy God on judgment day and I knew I was guilty! I would end up in hell for eternity! I could not justify myself by my works...How could I say I love God...and live like the world? It just didn't make sense to me.
At this point...I was scared...I had sinned against a Holy God. I didn't fully understand the need of Jesus dying on the cross...until now! God sent His Son Jesus Christ, who lived a SINLESS and PERFECT life and died on the cross for my transgressions. God's wrath was poured out and satisfied on Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead 3 days later...He did that for me...He took the punishment I so well deserved...God's grace and mercy abounded so much more and I saw my need for a savior!! We are commanded to repent, which is to turn away from sin, and place our faith in Jesus Christ, and once that happens, we are promised eternal life and a new heart with new desires! I don't want to sin against God because of what He did for me! God's love and mercy were displayed on the Cross for us!
I didn't go to Jesus for a good life, like so many pastors and other churches would have you think...but to solely escape from God's wrath! I now thirst for righteousness and want to live a life for Him in return for what He did for me! I have the zeal to learn more about the Bible and warn others about the danger they are in. I felt I needed to share with you...God bless and I pray that the Lord may open your eyes through this.
-Zach
