True Story
I was an Assistant Pastor of a church in the St. Louis, IL area (Collinsville, IL) during 8/16/1983 – 1/31/1987. Whenever I tell this story, I cannot help but remember that Jesus told me at the age of 29, that SOMETHING would happen in my life when I turned age 30. My birthdate is 9/4/1952, so on 8/16/1983 I was still age 30.
Now when Jesus told me by the inward witness that He was going to do something in my life when I turned age 30, He also refused to tell me what it was that He was going to do. And the reason I know that He refused to tell me is because – I asked Jesus. I said, “Jesus I am really excited about you telling me that you are going to do something in my life at age 30 – so what is it that you are going to do?” What I received was “silence.” Well, Jesus is the boss – that is why we call him LORD.
To be honest, I simply forgot all about what Jesus said (since that time I have started writing things down – I suggest that you do the same). Then, at age 31, Jesus by the inward witness said to me, “do you remember that I told you that I was going to do something in your life when you were age 30?” I immediately said, “Oh yea, I remember now (and my mind began to think through events – Ohhhhh, I was full time in the ministry now as an Assistant Pastor!)”
One of my duties as Assistant Pastor (because of my business background) was to take care of administrative things – like obtain insurance on the high school complex that the Church had purchased to operate as a Church and Christian School. So, I asked 2 or 3 insurance agencies to give a quote on the buildings and property. I remember doing the tour of the complex with one of the insurance agents that would be working on a quote. As I talked to him, I knew in my heart that he was not born again. I tried to share the scriptures on why he should accept Jesus as his Savior and Lord, but I really fumbled the job, and I missed the opportunity to pray with him to be born again.
I felt pretty bad about doing a poor job of witnessing – seeing that I was now an Assistant Pastor, so I told Jesus, “Lord Jesus, if you will give me an idea for a Christian tract, then I will have it made and always keep a copy with me so that I will never, ever fumble again to present the scriptures on how to be born again.” Well, when you pray a prayer like that – guess what happens – Jesus gave me an idea for a Christian tract.
The little tract says – FREE GIFT, Redeemable Coupon – and it reads as follows:
If you were to die tonight, and Jesus met you at Heaven’s gate and asked you, “Why should I let you into My Heaven?” What would your answer be?
Many will say, “I’VE LIVED A PRETTY GOOD LIFE.”
However, the Bible teaches that you are a sinner not because of what you have done, BUT because of what you INHERITED:
“For as by one man’s disobedience [Adam] many were made sinners…” Rom 5:19
In other words, it’s really not your fault that you inherited a sin nature from the first man [Adam].
So what makes Jesus different?…
The Bible teaches that Jesus had no earthly father:
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son… and [Joseph] knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son, and he called His name Jesus” Matt 1:23, 25
Slaves cannot make other slaves free – legally. That’s why Jesus had to be born of a virgin and pay the price which legally set us free – only one problem – legally, you have the right to remain a slave or sinner. That’s why Jesus said:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven.” John 10:9 “… No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6
Therefore, you are a sinner because of what you inherited, not because of how bad or good you live your life. In order to receive God’s solution for all mankind, pray this prayer OUT LOUD right now:
“In the name of Jesus, Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again from the dead that I might have eternal life. Lord Jesus, come into my heart. I receive you now as my Savior and Lord!” Rom 10: 9-10
CONGRATULATIONS! – If you prayed that prayer OUT LOUD, you are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Please call or email us – and TELL SOMEBODY – Jesus said you have to make it public (confess or make it public before others).
Also, write the date and time down in your Bible – it will become a precious memory to you in the years ahead.
Rick Hollman
House Church Ministries for Jesus
402-896-3760