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The Commanded BlessingI received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord while a sophomore in college at age 19. Being raised in a Christian home I knew about the Lord Jesus, but I had never opened my heart to allow Him to come into me to be lived out through me. That night, however, I heard the good news of the gospel shared in a very clear and understandable way. I went back to my room in the fraternity house, sat down at my desk and prayed. It was dark in that room, but as I prayed the light of the world came into me (John 1:4-5). The Lord Jesus is the light of life and to know Him in a personal way is the meaning of my life. From that day until now I have given myself to pursue the Lord. In pursuing Christ one of my big concerns was how to meet with other Christians. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not neglecting the assembling of yourselves together as the habit of some is but so much the more as you see the day approaching.” Should I meet with a denomination or a free group or where? Through the Lord's arrangement I met some Christians who had come out of the denominations to be one with all believers in Christ. They simply met as the church in the city where they were. According my study of the New Testament this was the proper way to meet. But equally as important I saw and experienced the commanded blessing of life, which accompanied this way of meeting (Psalm 133). For almost 30 years I have been meeting with the local church. It has been a wonderful and rewarding experience to participate in the building up of “the church which is His body.” (Ephesians 1:22-23) My life has not always been easy. I have learned and am still learning many hard lessons. However, to quote the words of a marvelous hymn: God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love. (Hymns, # 720) Tom Roberts | Back to List |
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