Today’s podcast is a deep dive into salvation and sharing my own faith journey.

[0:00] Intro

[2:00] How do you know?

[11:30] My faith journey

[22:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Romans 6:23

Romans 6:11

2 Corinthians 5:17

1 Corinthians 15:1-6

2 Corinthians 5:21

John 1:12

Romans 10:9-10

Acts 16:31

Ephesians 2:8-9

John 17:3

Romans 3:23

Titus 3:5

Salvation is being rescued from sin; sin’s penalty, sin’s power, and one day the very presence of sin.

Sin’s penalty is death and being separated from God forever in a place called hell. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Once we trust Jesus Christ for salvation we are saved and set free from the power of sin. “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11 We are new creations in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Salvation is not a feeling. You aren’t saved by going to church regularly or by getting baptized. Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior requires belief and trust in His sacrifice, not good works or personal effort. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21) In order to receive the gift of salvation, you must believe it is a gift. (John 1:12, Romans 10:9-10) Trust in Christ's work on the cross and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31)

I grew up in the church but didn't understand what it meant to be saved. I couldn’t answer the question, “How do you know you’re saved?” My early understanding of faith was based on works. I had to do good things in order to be saved. It took some growing up and discipleship to understand the truth of the Gospel and trust in Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I lived a duplicitous life where I was one way at church, one way at home, and another way at school. I thought all of the “good” things I did would outweigh the bad. One day, my cousin Mark shared the Gospel with me and I was saved. Something changed that day and the Holy Spirit started working in my life.

Sounds great, right? However, I still struggled with sin. I struggled with relationships and personal growth despite trusting Christ as my savior.

My faith really started to develop in my early 20s. I started reading the Bible more and listening to preachers on purpose. I got involved with Child Evangelism Fellowship and started to learn how to teach the Bible to kids. The CEF ministry grew my faith. That time of my life helped me learn more about my faith and how to share my faith.

Examine your own faith and ensure you are placing your hope in Christ alone for eternal life. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3