By Michael Barreda
Submitted: November 2, 2024
My Life Before Knowing Christ
Before I knew Christ personally, I already knew about Jesus intellectually—that He died on the cross. I went to church and sometimes prayed. But I can say that my life back then was incomplete and miserable. I committed many kinds of sins without any sense of guilt. Sometimes I drank alcohol, told lies, talked back to my parents, had a short temper, used foul language, behaved disrespectfully, and even cheated. I did all these things without any fear in my heart.
How I Came to Know Christ
I came to know Christ through a Bible study. I was invited by Bro. Le John. At first, I had the desire and joy to listen, but I didn’t truly understand what I was hearing. Eventually, the Bible study stopped—possibly because Bro. Le John had work or training. Before the pandemic, I started to experience anxiety. Then Sis. Kit invited me to join an online Bible study. I was happy and began listening almost every night—except, I think, on Tuesdays when there was no session.
Little by little, I drew closer to the Lord again until the time came when I finally attended church and joined worship services. Before that, many people had already invited me to church, but I never went. Until one day, by God’s guidance, I came on my own. That’s when I gradually came to truly know Jesus Christ—when I began attending church regularly, I received Christ as my personal savior and started following Him.
My Life Now in Christ
My life now is no longer the same as before. The Lord has changed me. I no longer drink, and I no longer curse. I still sin—but now, I am no longer happy when I do. My conscience convicts me. I now have hope, and I believe in His promises and His Word: John 3:16, John 10:10, John 5:24, Romans 6:23.
-Michael Barreda
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(John 5:24)
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