Joshua Perry

Ever since I can remember my parents have taught me about God, explaining the gospel as clearly as you can to a young child. They taught me that at my core I was a sinner according to Romans 3:23, that I deserved to die because of my sin according to Romans 6:23, but that Jesus died for me even when I didn’t deserve it according to Romans 5:8. They explained the need for accepting Jesus’ Lordship of my life as well as asking for his forgiveness to cover my sins, past, present, and future. One night, about a month before I turned seven, I asked my parents if I could accept Jesus’ gift of salvation into my heart. I prayed to repent of my sin and receive him as my Savior. Over the next few months my dad led me through a book about baptism. Six months later, I was baptized by my church’s children’s pastor.
At the time I don’t know if I fully grasped the significance of what Christ had done for me. Now, more than ten years later, I realize more clearly that without Christ I would be going down a road of foolishness. Instead of pursuing Christ, the many paths of excessive gaming, partying, binge-watching TV, and other types of self-gratifying activities would appeal to me for my pleasure. But nothing can satisfy like the love of Jesus. Even now, I can say that one of the main joys I have in trusting Christ is the assurance of my eternal safety. Instead of wondering about and fearing for the moments after I die, I know with whom I will spend eternity. Because of Christ, I know what my life’s purpose is: to tell others about Him. For what other task has Christ so clearly given each person that follows Him than to spread His name wherever we go?