azmastablasta
New member
Thx for the story CD, I understand as if I had been there. Jeremy, you bring up a great point. We can talk till we're blue in the face, relate story after story and yet it's merely words to someone who has not seen it for themselves or heard it from someone close, a known, trustworthy acquaintance. In no situation are we ever credited by God for anyone's conversion, that is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. We simply plant a seed or water a seed or sprout that was planted by another. It is entirely up to God in His own timing to determine when to call an individual. He expects no more of us than to plant or water. I can tell you that for me there is no greater feeling of joy and satisfaction than seeing that sudden spark of understanding appear in the eye of someone with whom I have been discussing these matters. I truly enjoy fielding the questions, pointing out resources for further research. It takes the personal involvement of the searcher to find the truth. It cannot be done for them. I can tell you this and be confident in knowing that you yourself will understand. Early in my life I was force fed a diet of false doctrine. I had a real drug problem, every time the church was unlocked, my butt was drug through the doors. I hated it and rebelled. I spent many years stumbling around in the dark and I do mean dark. After running in to brick walls at every turn I began to research on my own and with the help of one friend who seemed to have it all together. Over a period of time the picture became much more clear. The road became much smoother, life began to make sense and by learning the truth,that is, I was lying to myself, I could not control my life, that was just an illusion. By surrendering control of my life to God the blessings began to flow. I also found that while God mercifully forgave my transgressions, it in no way took away the consequences of those transgressions. I don't need to tell you or others who have attained salvation that I am so grateful to those, who in their ignorance and with their false doctrine, spoke enough to me about other ways to eventually spark my interest and set me on my own journey to find the Truth. The joy of a personal relationship with Christ is the greatest gift available to mankind. I can only hope that someone reading this, today or years down the road after I'm long gone will be touched by the Spirit and search for and find that great gift. You see some people are graced by life. They are born into a good home, or gifted with good looks. Good things just naturally come their way. For others life is anything but gracious or sublime. Being graced by life however doesn't save anyone from the coming wrath of God. The only thing that is important is to experience being graced by God. You know then that when your life is messed up there is hope. It is not solely up to you to unmess it or to try to earn your worth. Saving Grace is free for the asking.