Bob Bray

An Eight Year Old Sinner?

I have always desired to have a truly amazing story to tell others about my belief in God. A story like the drug addict or the habitual criminal who realizes they were living a life of depravity and then they turned from their evil ways and started serving God. My story is not that dramatic, but it is just as life changing. Growing up in a Christian home, I was surrounded with the teachings of Christ and at the age of eight I realized my need for Christ. I had not taken or dealt illegal drugs or broken any laws, but I was still a sinner on my way to eternal separation from God. I believed that Jesus Christ was the only way to eternal life in Heaven and abundant life today. I believed that Jesus Christ willingly suffered and died on a cross to pay the penalty for my sins, even the sins of an eight year old boy. I believed, by faith, that Christ physically died, He rose from the grave on the third day and is now seated in heaven at the right hand of God interceding for me! I accepted Jesus' control of all areas of my life, which meant a life of serving Him in whatever way I could.

Of course, the four decades that I have lived since that day have been anything but pleasing to God. I have had a constant, daily, struggle with the sinful nature that we are all born with and, at times, have been disobedient to His leading and direction; however, I rejoice with the scripture writers when I consider the fact that God is forever faithful to those that love Him, and He will never leave me or forsake me. It is overwhelming that God loves me so much that He would send His only Son to die for me and that He could use me in some small way to bring glory to His wonderful name.

Even though my story is not dramatic or sensational, nevertheless, it is an amazing example of God's forgiving power and GRACE ~ God's Riches At Christ's Expense.