Hello reader! Recently, I've been dealing with the fact that, from the outside - in, many people that are non-Christians often look at "sold out believer's of Jesus Christ" like we're perfect little angels that can do no wrong. This is one of the many things/excuses that scares non-believers and unchurched people from ever becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus!

Now please don't get me wrong and think that  Christians have to appear to be highly sinful, look like "the world" AND rep Christ, in order for people to fully convert to Christianity. NO NOT ALL! All I want to do is clear up this "myth" or "stereotype" that Christians are perfect/sinless people. In doing that, I can only use myself as an example. That means that I'm going to be very transparent, so please don't judge me or look down upon me. I just want to help you understand that we, being Christians, are human beings too. We face, and sometimes fall, to the same temptations that everyone else does. But I also want to show you the difference between "sinner-Christians" and those that are "sinner-Unbelievers".

Okay, I will begin by letting you know who I am. My name is Courtney J. aka "Big-C". In October 2004, while a freshman in college, I gave my life over to Christ . I was water baptized and baptized of the Holy Spirit just a short time (few months) after I recited the prayer of salvation. Since I have been born again my life has been at its BEST! I used to curse like a sailor, lied quite frequently, smoked marijuana & tobacco products, drank to get drunk, highly sexually active, and etc. etc. Basically, I WAS A COMMON SINNER. I can honestly say that God has used me for His glory and my life has been tremendously changed. But wait . . . . . during my walk as a Christian I have had the opportunity to minister to hundreds, possibly even thousands, of people. I have been blessed to be a strong prayer interceser, teach bible studies, publicly evangelize, minister in the form of music, and even preach a sermon! With all of that said, many would think to themselves, "Wow this guy is a Saint!!". But I am here to serve notice that, "NO, I AM A SINNER". Yes, you heard me right. I am sinner. Every single day that I open my eyes, and even when I go to sleep, there is a war going on inside me. I have a constant/consistent DESIRE to sin. Thanks to the Spirit of Truth, I also have a strong desire for righteousness. Galatians 5:16-17 says. "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions."

Now I must confess; since I've been saved, I have fell victim to SIN more times than I can number, but my heart has continued to stay in the Father's hands. See, the beautiful thing about the Lord, as it says in Colossians 1:13-14, "He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins".

Dear Reader, please understand that Christians aren't perfect. We are simply sinners . . . . SAVED! We are absolutely nothing without Christ. In Romans 10:9-10 it states that, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved". You see, just because we, being Christians, appear to be all "goody 2 shoes", we are/were actually the total opposite. Our mortal bodies are completely sinful and without Jesus we can never do ANY good. In fact, Isaiah 64:6 says that, "We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind". Our belief and our FAITH is what brings us into good standing with God. In Romans 4:5 it reads, "But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners".

To the Christians that are reading this, let me remind you, according to Ephesians 2:8-9, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it".

With all of that said, I truly hope that you will consider becoming a true believer of Jesus Christ - without the constant worry of trying to meet HIGH standards. God wants your heart, and once He has it, HE will change YOU. Just evaluate yourself. What do you truly desire. Do you want to live an unsatisfied life or do you want to live an ABUNDANT LIFE? Do you want pain & distress or do you want PEACE & DELIGHT? Do you want death & destruction or EVERLASTING LIFE? Accept Christ today, and stop comparing apples to ORCHARDS. This world has little to offer but God has EVERYTHING!!!

Right now, the spirit of doubt may be coming upon you, telling you that it is impossible for you to devote yourself to God and live a righteous lifestyle, but look at what Jesus has to say about it. Mark 10:27 reads, Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God." Let go and let GOD work the impossible in your life. Make the wise decision, and do it today. Give your life to Him, because He gave His life for you. God loves you so much!!!

Sincerely,

Ya Boi, BIG-C

Peace-N-GodBless