What's the strongest memory from the day or season of life when you first made a commitment to follow Jesus?
I became a Christian in the summer after my first year at university. When I went to university, I expected to meet amazing new people, but I never imagined it might have been Jesus. I remember cycling home from church the day I gave my life to Christ singing my heart out to the lyrics of a Chris Tomlin song. This was particularly significant because although I had been attending church I wasn't joining in with the praise and worship because it felt insincere. But subconsciously I was obviously learning the words and the melody enough to belt it out all the way home (it was a 30 minute journey) with my heart filled and my burdens emptied.
Our individual experiences at the time of our conversion are treasured memories. And they’re wonderfully personal - it’s the same gospel, but our journeys are varied and unique. It’s the same God, but the ways in which he grabs our hearts are deeply intimate.
I asked the staff at The Good Book Company for the strongest memories they have of the day or season when they became Christians...
“I was a self-conscious teenager when I met Gwyneth. She was a homely, enthusiastic leader of a holiday club at our church and she radiated joy and contentment. I remember noticing that she had a huge ladder in her tights but was completely oblivious and not bothered. She wasn’t embarrassed as I would be - she wasn’t mortified - she was far too busy wanting to teach us about her wonderful saviour. I knew I wanted to be that taken up with Jesus, that self-forgetful.” Jackie, Editorial Administrator
“My strongest memory is that I stopped swearing and blaspheming instantly. Prior to giving my life to Jesus, I spoke pretty much like everyone else at school. I became a Christian on a Monday night, and halfway through Thursday, realised that I had not sworn or said “Jesus” for the last 3 days… It was kinda miraculous… Oh, and I got a stinker of a cold, but really did not mind at all… I was just so happy.” Tim, Publishing Director
“I was 12, at my first Christian camp, and head the gospel for the very first time. I slipped away by myself and sat under a tree. There I read 1 John (because my favourite camp leader told me that’s what she read before becoming a Christian!) followed by the classic tract “Journey into Life”. Then I prayed the prayer at the end of the tract - and dashed back to my dorm room to tell my leader what I’d done. I can remember jumping up and down in excitement with another girl who had also become a Christian that day. Good memories!” Alison, Senior Editor
“I remember walking down the corridor towards my college room at the end of the day after I made my commitment and realising I hadn’t sworn all day.” Richard, Production
“One memory that stands out particularly well is, over the process of one year, the Lord exchanging my desires for His—no longer needing to be filled with alcohol, but rather to be filled with his Spirit, no longer filling my time with ill-prioritised hobbies, but with time spent in His Word. (I recognise that this is the process of sanctification, but it's a huge marker in my life that I'll not forget).” Ben, Design
Memories of our conversion can fill us with beautiful feelings of nostalgia. The euphoria many of us felt on the first day of the journey would have been powerful, but it also needed to be grounded in good doctrine for the journey ahead.
That’s why we’re so pleased to be publishing Chris Green’s short booklet for new Christians to help them understand what it means to follow Jesus Christ. In From Now On, new believers will discover helpful answers, practical advice and sound wisdom and guidance for the journey ahead. Find out more here.
Joe is our Marketing Manager. He lives in South London with his wife and two daughters and is a member at River Church Sutton - part of the Newfrontiers network - where he runs a small group and various outreach activities.
