When I was 16, a friend of mine told me that he had become a Christian

My Bible: reasons to believe in the power of the Bible

‘When I was 16, a friend of mine told me that he had become a Christian. We grew up in church together, so I thought he already was. I thought, “Why does he need to become a Christian?” The following week our pastor started a series on Ephesians 2. We looked at that extreme makeover of someone who is not in a relationship with God. I realised that that sounded like me, but that God had sent Jesus, and God had acted through Jesus, so that I could become a Christian.  

‘The key verse is verse four, which says, “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.” 

‘That’s my go-to chapter. I need to be reminded of where I am now compared to where I was. If I fall away from God’s love, I can be reminded of what he has done in my life.  

‘When I was dating my wife, she loved a programme called America’s Next Top Model. There was always a week where they got their makeover. I always think about that. It’s about transformation. It’s a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.  

‘How have I been transformed? I have been filled with hope. The gospel is a hopeful message. It’s good news. Having Christ in me fills me with hope for this world, for humankind, that love does beat darkness. The world needs that.’ 

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