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In my personal testimony, I share my experiences of getting into drugs since I was 12 years old, involved in gangs, shootings, then prison. It took another 18 more years of being lost in my own world as a verbally abusive husband and father, dealing with extreme anger problems, and more. Jesus opened my eyes, set me free, made me into a new creation, and I will never be the same again. Jesus saves! If this can encourage even one person, I will be thankful to God.

It’s all about Relationship with Jesus–Not Religion. So many people have been hurt by the ‘church building’ and the people in it. Many religions have false doctrines and do not practice what they preach. Many people put their trust in their pastors, leaders, and members of the church building and end up getting let down, resulting in them falling away. Why is that? Because sadly there is a lot of hypocrisy in the church, gossiping, division, back biting, and some churches even turn their backs on you if you no longer attend their building, regardless of whether or not you’re serving the Lord. Jesus Christ is the only perfect one who we are supposed to put our trust in. He should be our first love. As Holy Spirit filled, born again believers, WE make up the church. Sadly many people who make up the church buildings are not the kind of people Jesus is coming back for. Jesus is coming back for His “church”, not a religion but a spotless bride made up of people who are Holy and Righteous just as Jesus calls us to be. It is still important to fellowship with other like-minded believers, but do not put your trust in things that are easily shaken and corruptible. Make sure your trust is in Jesus alone. He alone is the key to eternal life. Not your church, not your building, not your doctrine, not your good deeds, not what you have done in the church, JESUS ALONE.

What does a relationship with Jesus look like anyway? Spending time with Him, seeking Him & getting to know Him through reading his word, prayer, worship, doing the will of the Father. It is being the hands & feet of Jesus by going out and spreading the gospel, reaching the lost, helping the poor, sick, widows ,orphans and loving others by shining the light in this dark world.(James 1:27). If you have a true relationship with the Lord Jesus, naturally through his Holy Spirit, you will have the desires to serve Him and do His will. If you want to know if someone is a true believer of Christ, look at their fruit, the bible says “you will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16) meaning their deeds. Do they act one way in church, looking religious only in their outwards appearance? Or are they consistent with their beliefs and practicing what they preach?

“Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.” – 1 Timothy 1:15-17

“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” – Romans 6:6