Read Gospel

I became a believer in my first year of college in California while I joined Campus Crusade for Christ, now known as Agape Impact. Several of us gathered every morning in the library and studied who Jesus Christ is from the Gospel of John. A study guide by John Stott was a great help, as it enabled us to ask the right questions for each chapter. Sometimes, I would think about those questions all day. I remember spending a lot of time pondering upon the words of Jesus in John 8:31-32, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." I said to myself, 'Wow, the truth will set me free?' 

Several months passed as we studied the Gospel of John. My faith grew, and I began experiencing Jesus in a personal way. I realized that I was praying to the Jesus I met in the Gospel of John. And at some point in my discovery, I came to the firm conviction that I now believe in Jesus Christ. Looking back, two clear steps led to my confession. First, I took the time to read the Bible, especially the Gospel of John, and pondered upon who Jesus is. Second, God brought a change in my heart to see Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. 

I am convinced that to have the right faith in Jesus Christ, we must first examine and understand who Jesus is in the Gospels. I have not seen too many people coming to genuine faith in Christ through philosophical or theological reasoning. But I have seen many people who found faith in Christ because they took the time to read Bible and examine the scriptures. If you know anyone seeking faith, why don't you encourage them to read the gospel accounts of Jesus? It doesn't have to be the Gospel of John. It can be Gospel of Matthew, Luke, Mark, anything. What about your children? Do they understand the gospel stories well? I encourage you to help them.

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Rom. 10:17)

Rev. Won D. Kim