I was the one who repeatedly rejected God and anyone who tried to help me “see the light”. For years I declined invitations to church and made excuses for not wanting to attend a service.
I was the one who thought it was all about church and religion. I did not realize it was about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I met the Lord in 1989 - right around Easter time. I was
thirty-three years old and walked up the isle of my church,
acknowledging that Jesus Christ was my Savior.
I had what you would call a
“radical conversion” to be sure. My life
began to change right away – beginning with a burning desire to be in church,
attend bible studies, and worship in a corporate setting with other
believers. God’s Holy Spirit had
permeated me to the point that people who knew me (including my husband)
noticed a change in me right away!
Sure – there were personal
habits and routines that needed to be changed, and language that would
eventually “clean up”, but for the most part – I was totally transformed that
very first Sunday service.
As I surveyed our church’s auditorium
during one service, I wondered how many in attendance were sure of their salvation. Many who came to church that Sunday believed they were Christians. Some attended every week, while others came only on special occasions. Being in church does not make you a Christian.
Having parents or grandparents who are
Christians does not make you a Christian.
A Christian is a “follower
and disciple of Christ”. The one
who keeps His commandments and does His will is a true Christian (John 14:15).
Preachers have expounded
on the passage in Matthew 7:21-23 which clearly states that not everyone who calls
Him Lord will enter the kingdom of God.
There are many who enter through the wide, easy gate of destruction, and
few who enter through the narrow, difficult gate leading to life (Matthew
7:13-14).
The Word declares that God draws us unto Himself. In Luke
19:10 Jesus says, “…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which
was lost.” Jesus also told us in John
15:16-19, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you
should go and bear fruit… I chose you out of the world, therefore the world
hates you.”
My husband would occasionally join me for church. Like many people in church on any given Sunday, my husband thought he was indeed a Christian. You say, “How do you know he isn’t?” I say, “How do I know he is?”
Scripture tells
us that there are evidences of a true conversion. Zacchaeus is a great example of someone who
immediately wanted to make things right with those he had wronged (Luke
19:1-10). Another example is that of
Saul – later known as the Apostle Paul. Once
he hunted down and murdered followers of Jesus who called themselves The Way,
and then he was ministering to saints and gentiles about the saving grace of
Jesus Christ. He preached across Asia
Minor and much of the Middle East, and authored over two-thirds of the New
Testament.
In most cases – a true
conversion produces a changed life.
Godly sorrow produces repentance, and that equates to a noticeable change. Becoming a Christian requires a transformation from the “old man” to a "new creation" – a child of the Living God.
Godly sorrow produces repentance, and that equates to a noticeable change. Becoming a Christian requires a transformation from the “old man” to a "new creation" – a child of the Living God.
While you are waiting for your miracle (e.g.
your spouse coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ) be sure to pray Scripture over your mate.
One of my favorite verses to
pray is Ephesians 1:17-19. I would pray
something like this: “Lord, I pray that
You would give [insert spouse’s name] the spirit of wisdom and revelation in
the knowledge of who You are, that the eyes of their understanding would be
enlightened; that they may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the
riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding
greatness of His power towards them who believe, according to the working of
His mighty power. Amen.”
In the meantime…Stay
focused on the truth. Pray that God will
reveal Himself to your spouse in a tangible way. Persevere in faith. Wait with expectant hope. Salvation is coming to your household! (Acts 16:31)
Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.
Such a great post, Deborah! I'm so glad your hubby went to church with you. Be encouraged...keep at it. God wants to bring the answer more than you do! Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your encouragement Lynn! Great to hear from you. I appreciate you so much! :D
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