As somebody once said, we have more in common with brothers and sisters in Christ then we do with people who have the same passports, skin color, accents, etc. I didn’t understand what that meant at first (e.g., how could I, a white American man, have much in common with a Dalit woman?) until I thought of the massive, eternal implication and the fact that both she and I were given grace and mercy to see that even if we had everything this world, that is not what we need.
When I was a person who thought they had faith, but did not, I thought the term “born again” was embarrassing and ridiculous. Looking back since the day I was born again I now see what an appropriate term it is to describe what happened to me. When my spiritual eyes were opened us when I really began to see not only with my eyes, but with my heart. Almost like the children’s story “The Velveteen Rabbit “, I felt like I was even more alive. I love to hear people’s testimonies because we come more vulnerable and more bonded in the process. I am so honored to follow and support you, my brother in Christ!
I'd love to hear your take on Galatians. I kept sane partially by reading it often during lockdowns and racial discord of the past few years. In Christ there is no jew or greek, male / female, and we could add many other categories of social divisions in there by extension.
I'm glad you had a public baptism as well - I wish more churches would baptize outside rather than within their buildings, but that's a minor peeve / preference that I see.
The vice thing (your victory) is wonderful. All of us struggle with fleshly stuff, and there is freedom available - yet the struggle is also real, and can change as we grow throughout life. This is encouraging!
Many of us are refreshed and interested in your unfolding story.
It's a short read, as are many of Paul's epistles in the middle of the New Testament. I found it spoke directly to the shame and guilt society was trying to put upon me at the time. And it helped me learn to stand instead of pander and patronize with virtue signaling and other peer pressure type behaviors.
[possibly relevant detail]
Also if it's helpful - for me growing up in church, reading through the whole Bible seemed impossible. But I flipped it on its head by starting with the small books (there are only 66 books in protestant Bible) and doing the easy short ones first, pretty soon I had read 10, 20, 30 books. If you consider doing this, you will end up with Jeremiah, not Psalms, last (word count not chapter count).
I have read aloud the Bible with my wife in this way. We are currently having differing views as society has really changed, but it is comforting knowing that we do this together and are submitting our opinions to God and his word.
What a lovely testimonial and journey. I can't imagine losing friends because you practice your faith. But your attitude seems to be positive and full of love. Bless you...
A bold proclamation. Well done Adam. Much of your story resonates with mine, particularly the regret regarding my poor witness to my sons. I'll keep you in my prayers, just down the list from my boys. :)
Reading a kids bible with my kids has reminded me how many stories I’ve not reflected on in years. It’s so energizing. Also, you look great in the xx/xy gear!
Thank you for sharing such a truly personal event with us. I too was baptized as an adult, walked faithfully for 25 years, fell off for about a decade and has now renewed my faith in Christ. 🙏🏾 I am encouraged by your willingness to share your journey with others. ❤️
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:4-10 (ESV)
God bless you, my brother in Christ! After the Lord had been sending people to me for several years to tell me of His love, mercy, and grace, I was converted in 1971at the age of 21. It is amazing what God can do with us once He brings us into the fold. I was into drugs in the '60s and found that I did not need to eliminate old friends who were not good for me. When I began telling them about Jesus, they wanted nothing to do with me anymore, except a few who also became Christian.
I felt an aura around your writing back when I was first exposed to your work. I perceived God's presence there. He has His plan and you are part of it. I am filled with gratitude.
Well said, Adam. I rejoice with you in being a beacon for Christ. God's Word tells us that "He who has lost his life for My sake will find it". (Mark 8:35) as well as "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed. (1 Peter 4:14). Continue to share the Gospel to this dying world.
Well done Adam. A wonderful and articulate written description of your journey. Your “testimony” as they say. Very happy for you.
Thank you! I appreciate it.
Love this!
As somebody once said, we have more in common with brothers and sisters in Christ then we do with people who have the same passports, skin color, accents, etc. I didn’t understand what that meant at first (e.g., how could I, a white American man, have much in common with a Dalit woman?) until I thought of the massive, eternal implication and the fact that both she and I were given grace and mercy to see that even if we had everything this world, that is not what we need.
All the best to you!
Amen, I agree with you.
Now, I often feel a kinship and comfort being around other people of faith.
When I was a person who thought they had faith, but did not, I thought the term “born again” was embarrassing and ridiculous. Looking back since the day I was born again I now see what an appropriate term it is to describe what happened to me. When my spiritual eyes were opened us when I really began to see not only with my eyes, but with my heart. Almost like the children’s story “The Velveteen Rabbit “, I felt like I was even more alive. I love to hear people’s testimonies because we come more vulnerable and more bonded in the process. I am so honored to follow and support you, my brother in Christ!
That's a great way to describe it. Opening our eyes and hearts.
Welcome to the family Adam :)
I'd love to hear your take on Galatians. I kept sane partially by reading it often during lockdowns and racial discord of the past few years. In Christ there is no jew or greek, male / female, and we could add many other categories of social divisions in there by extension.
I'm glad you had a public baptism as well - I wish more churches would baptize outside rather than within their buildings, but that's a minor peeve / preference that I see.
The vice thing (your victory) is wonderful. All of us struggle with fleshly stuff, and there is freedom available - yet the struggle is also real, and can change as we grow throughout life. This is encouraging!
Many of us are refreshed and interested in your unfolding story.
I'm still going through the Bible, so I'm not proficient in Galatians but you've given me a direction! Thank you.
It's a short read, as are many of Paul's epistles in the middle of the New Testament. I found it spoke directly to the shame and guilt society was trying to put upon me at the time. And it helped me learn to stand instead of pander and patronize with virtue signaling and other peer pressure type behaviors.
[possibly relevant detail]
Also if it's helpful - for me growing up in church, reading through the whole Bible seemed impossible. But I flipped it on its head by starting with the small books (there are only 66 books in protestant Bible) and doing the easy short ones first, pretty soon I had read 10, 20, 30 books. If you consider doing this, you will end up with Jeremiah, not Psalms, last (word count not chapter count).
I have read aloud the Bible with my wife in this way. We are currently having differing views as society has really changed, but it is comforting knowing that we do this together and are submitting our opinions to God and his word.
Respect! It feels like you continue to grow into your authentic self that includes a strong orientation to help and serve others!!
What a lovely testimonial and journey. I can't imagine losing friends because you practice your faith. But your attitude seems to be positive and full of love. Bless you...
Always.
They were more internet friends but it's okay either way.
Adam! What a great joy I now can call you brother! Praise God for this great news about your son as well. I'm praying for you and your family.
Thank you my sister, Joy.
Yes, I'm glad Jesus found a way to touch his life. He knows he can come to me and discuss anything related to faith now.
A bold proclamation. Well done Adam. Much of your story resonates with mine, particularly the regret regarding my poor witness to my sons. I'll keep you in my prayers, just down the list from my boys. :)
Reading a kids bible with my kids has reminded me how many stories I’ve not reflected on in years. It’s so energizing. Also, you look great in the xx/xy gear!
Thank you. I wish I did that with my son but he's now coming closer to Jesus.
Thank you for sharing such a truly personal event with us. I too was baptized as an adult, walked faithfully for 25 years, fell off for about a decade and has now renewed my faith in Christ. 🙏🏾 I am encouraged by your willingness to share your journey with others. ❤️
I'm glad you're back!
Thank you! Me too! 😉🥰
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:4-10 (ESV)
God bless you, my brother in Christ! After the Lord had been sending people to me for several years to tell me of His love, mercy, and grace, I was converted in 1971at the age of 21. It is amazing what God can do with us once He brings us into the fold. I was into drugs in the '60s and found that I did not need to eliminate old friends who were not good for me. When I began telling them about Jesus, they wanted nothing to do with me anymore, except a few who also became Christian.
I felt an aura around your writing back when I was first exposed to your work. I perceived God's presence there. He has His plan and you are part of it. I am filled with gratitude.
Thank you so much for saying that. I really appreciate that. Thank you for your support.
May God bless you, Adam! I admire you for putting your journey out there in such an attack-ready world.
God bless you too. I'm unafraid of attacks. People don't understand how purposeful I am in coming to this lifelong conclusion.
Welcome brother!
Well said, Adam. I rejoice with you in being a beacon for Christ. God's Word tells us that "He who has lost his life for My sake will find it". (Mark 8:35) as well as "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed. (1 Peter 4:14). Continue to share the Gospel to this dying world.