During 1973, I was read John 3:16. I had a vision of a sword plunging into my belly. As this happened, my heart was flooded with the realization that the verse was true.
Later on, I was informed that if I was truly saved, I wouldn't sin anymore. Try as I might, I was unable not to sin. I was miserable.
I figured I may as well stop believing, and enjoy the pleasures of this life the best I could.
This meant drugs and promiscuity.
The problem was, try as I may, I couldn't stop believing.
Fast forward to March 10, 1994. I had just finished smoking a 50 piece of crack. I had chest pains and realized that I couldn't stop. I then knew that I would eventually die from my drug use.
I turned to God, not knowing if He would hear me. I was desperate. I asked for help. I then dug out my bible from a box in my closet. I flipped it open to Isaiah 54. I also read somewhere else that said, "Flee."
The next morning I left my life behind and went to live in another town.
For four months I sought God with all my heart, not really understanding what I was doing. I was desperate.
One Sunday morning I got up to go to church. As I adjusted my tie in the mirror, I realized that I was being a fraud. I took the suit off.
That night I went to a fellowship where I was told I wouldn't be looked down on because I had long hair and wore jeans.
When I got there that evening, I walked into what was then known as the Vineyard movement. I met my Father that night, His heart of unconditional love for me connected with mine. Except for a brief time in early 2000, that connection has remained intact.
That brief time was when He disconnected from me, even though He had told me a few months earlier that He would never leave me nor forsake me. For a terrible 3 weeks, I didn't know where He was.
Then, while at a Christian retreat, and as I watched a video where the man said, "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken." (Isaiah 28:16)
I then saw, in the Spirit, a stone fly into my right side and knew it was Jesus. I burst out into sobs of relief. The video ended. As each staff member walked by me, they patted me on the shoulder and said, "What just happened was a good thing," and, "Everything's going to be okay now."
For the rest of the week, I learned much, including how repentance is necessary for the healing of my soul, the breaking of curses, and for the expulsion of demons.
My spirit was reborn when I heard John 3:16; however, for the healing (salvation) of my soul, I had to walk out Luke 9:23, among other things.
This is my testimony; I realize most are not sons of Levi nor called to the "5-fold" ministry, so things may be different for others. Shalom.
Later on, I was informed that if I was truly saved, I wouldn't sin anymore. Try as I might, I was unable not to sin. I was miserable.
I figured I may as well stop believing, and enjoy the pleasures of this life the best I could.
This meant drugs and promiscuity.
The problem was, try as I may, I couldn't stop believing.
Fast forward to March 10, 1994. I had just finished smoking a 50 piece of crack. I had chest pains and realized that I couldn't stop. I then knew that I would eventually die from my drug use.
I turned to God, not knowing if He would hear me. I was desperate. I asked for help. I then dug out my bible from a box in my closet. I flipped it open to Isaiah 54. I also read somewhere else that said, "Flee."
The next morning I left my life behind and went to live in another town.
For four months I sought God with all my heart, not really understanding what I was doing. I was desperate.
One Sunday morning I got up to go to church. As I adjusted my tie in the mirror, I realized that I was being a fraud. I took the suit off.
That night I went to a fellowship where I was told I wouldn't be looked down on because I had long hair and wore jeans.
When I got there that evening, I walked into what was then known as the Vineyard movement. I met my Father that night, His heart of unconditional love for me connected with mine. Except for a brief time in early 2000, that connection has remained intact.
That brief time was when He disconnected from me, even though He had told me a few months earlier that He would never leave me nor forsake me. For a terrible 3 weeks, I didn't know where He was.
Then, while at a Christian retreat, and as I watched a video where the man said, "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken." (Isaiah 28:16)
I then saw, in the Spirit, a stone fly into my right side and knew it was Jesus. I burst out into sobs of relief. The video ended. As each staff member walked by me, they patted me on the shoulder and said, "What just happened was a good thing," and, "Everything's going to be okay now."
For the rest of the week, I learned much, including how repentance is necessary for the healing of my soul, the breaking of curses, and for the expulsion of demons.
My spirit was reborn when I heard John 3:16; however, for the healing (salvation) of my soul, I had to walk out Luke 9:23, among other things.
This is my testimony; I realize most are not sons of Levi nor called to the "5-fold" ministry, so things may be different for others. Shalom.