Come, just as we are!

Scriptures: For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13)

A friend of mine, who is soon to be a believer, has been coming to our church for a couple of years by now. He has been attending all kinds of fellowship meetings, going to bible studies and retreats, and giving his time and talents to help various ministries. His participations and likeable personality quickly made him one of us.

During this time, everyone in the church was wondering when he will become a brother in Christ. We talked to him a few times and, for the first few times, he always said that he was waiting for some kind of signs from God to welcome him into the kingdom. Having been in the church for some time, he had heard quite a few testimonies and had been touched by many of them. He felt that, as sound as the doctrine was to him, it would be even better and convincing to him if he could receive some kind of assurance, something like a sign or a miracle of some kind, to help him make up his mind.

Well, recently, as we approached him again, he shared something very different with us. He shared with us that praying to God and studying His Word have become part of his daily routine. He has actually seen some of his prayer requests answered. He even shared the gospel with his family, hoping they would join him in getting baptized. We were all thrilled upon hearing the news. So, we asked him if he would like to be baptized. He then told us that he had a major concern for baptism. His concern was he found out that he has not been able to forgive as Jesus commanded us.

Whenever he was hurt, mostly through someone else’ words or acts, it was more than difficult for him to get over them. More than that, there’s a voice inside of him kept reminding him of his unworthiness of receiving the title of a “Christian.” So, we began to share with him that none of us became a Christian because of our work, accomplishments, knowledge, abilities, social status, wealth, or anything else that this world offers. We became Christians entirely because of the grace of God. We told him that Jesus accepts us just the way we are and He expects us to come to Him just the way we are.

As we were sharing with him, amazing thing started to happen. His eyes turned red and tears began to fall down his cheeks. Having sensed that the Spirit was working in his heart, we started to pray for him and ask the Spirit to remove all obstacles and obstructions from his heart so he could approach the Mercy Seat without stumbling. At the end of the prayer, he expressed his desire to talk to the pastor for baptism. Praise the Lord!

His response administered to all of us around him then. It reminded me of how we are so accustomed to this worldly thinking that there’s just no free lunch. To receive something good, you will have to pay for it. My friend, though he has come to appreciate the value of salvation through the love and truth of God we shared with him, was still bound by his experience and all worldly training he has had. His final realization reminded me that, as Christians and as imperfect as we are, we need to remember that our Lord knows us just as we are. We don’t ever have to be someone we are not. He sees our true condition and will lavish His love, comfort and guidance accordingly. All we need to do is to come to Him just the way we are.

We also need to remember the priceless redemption He has for us. This is something we can never repay, but something we can return with thankful hearts and with genuine obedience to His instructions and guidance.

We are all excited to see our friend moving into the family of God. We sincerely pray that, with the grace of God, together we will grow to be Christ-like children of God, pleasing to Him in everyway!

Come Just As You Are

Come just as you are
Hear the Spirit call
Come just as you are
Come and see
Come receive
Come and live forever

Life everlasting
Strength for today
Taste the living water
And never thirst again

-- by Lewis Crystal

Prayer Requests:
For those struggling of pleasing God in his / her own ways

Prayer:

Our heavenly Father, thank You for making us Your children. Please have mercy on those who are still bound by the worldly thinking that they must earn their salvation by work of any kind. As we pray in the name above all names, the name of our Lord Jesus, please free them from such bondage. Please grant us the obedience and the sensitivity we need to follow the leading of the Spirit so we can be Your vessel in ushering others into Your presence and making them Your children. In the mighty name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!