“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”1
In the October 2000 issue of Decision magazine, an anonymous young man wrote in with the story of how he became a follower of Jesus. Years before he was caught in a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol abuse. His older brother, Terry, had once participated in this lifestyle, too, but Terry had recently become a Christian and that brought about an immediate change in his lifestyle. He enthusiastically shared his faith with anyone he came across.
A few months after Terry’s conversion, the supermarket where he worked was robbed. One of the robbers shot Terry in the back. As Terry hung between life and death in the hospital, his younger brother finally turned to God and began to pray. He finally gave his life to Christ. He was able to tell Terry of his decision just a few days before Terry’s death.
A few months later, Terry’s brother got a job at the same supermarket where Terry had been shot. He began telling a colleague about his faith in Christ. This colleague told him that his older brother, Terry, had done the same thing. Then he added, “Your brother said that he would give his life if you could come to know the Lord Jesus.”2
NOTE: To be sure you know Jesus as your Savior read, “How to Be Sure You’re a real Christian Without Having to Be Religious” at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
Suggested prayer, “Gracious God, how can I ever thank you enough for the gift of your Son, Jesus, who gave his life on the cross so that I might have all my sins forgiven and spend forever in Heaven with you. And Jesus, because you gave your life freely for me, please help me to live my life fully for you and your Kingdom. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
1. Romans 5:6-8 (NIV).
2. “My Brother’s Love,” Decision, October, 2000, p. 30.
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