He tells it like this: "It was just easier not to believe anything than grapple with what was true or not. I grew up seeing all the hypocrisy in church, so I concluded that if people can't seem to live out Christianity, there is probably no God at all. On top of all that, God had always been portrayed in churches I attended as "far-off" and uninvolved in the details of my life, so I saw no personal connection at all. Combine all of this with a "driven" personality, and an "I can do it all by myself without God's help" attitude, and I got what I wanted...loneliness and ulcers! Once I had seen some success in my profession as an Art Director, I began to question things. I said to myself, 'I've achieved all that I've been dreaming of...now what?'
In the midst of all the searching, my wife-to-be, Linda, began to listen to a radio show from New Jersey featuring Rev. Charlie Rizzo. Pastor Charlie was a former drug addict and his down-to-earth style and closeness with Jesus drew me to listen. God knew exactly how I needed to hear his message of love. I would never have dreamed it would come from a former drug addict-rock musician-pastor from New Jersey. God was very creative in reaching out to me!
After we were married, Linda and I journeyed to New Jersey to hear Pastor Charlie in person at his church. That night was one I had never experienced before. As I walked in to the church, the people were actually enjoying themselves! In church...fun? There was laughing and hugs and friendliness. The people were real, Pastor Charlie played worship music I could relate to and the message he preached was thoughtful, full of humor, and made practical sense. It's funny, the part I remember best was the ending. He asked the people of the congregation if anyone needed to begin a personal relationship with God, a God that loved them, desired to be their friend and was holding out to them the free gift of salvation. I decided to take it that evening and my life changed forever. The second half of this story is even more exciting.
The information below is almost exactly the prayer I prayed to begin my relationship with God. If now's the time for you, please pray it too! You've heard my story and I'd like to hear yours! Email me at PastorJim@WestchesterChapel.org if you've prayed this prayer, and I'll send you a Bible and some information to help you grow in your new faith.
The link at the bottom of this page has a lot more information which you might find helpful, including more stories of how people found God. You can also here people from our church talk about how they met God at www.WestchesterChapel.org/Testimonies.
Knowing your sins are forgiven and you are ready for heaven is as simple as the following steps:
A. Admit you have sinned.....
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).
B. Believe in Jesus.....
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
C. Confess and leave your sin.....
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
You might want to use the following prayer as a guide:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I'm a sinner, and I'm sorry for my sin. Thank You for dying on the Cross for me. Please forgive me of my sin, and accept me as Your child. I desire to live for You, Jesus. Amen.
Congratulations on becoming a part of God's forever family. Obviously this is only a first step. Should you like to know more about your decision please contact us or visit www.PowerToChange.com.
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