He was leader of the most notorious gang in the most notorious neighborhood in New York City. Nicki Cruz’s parents physically and psychologically abused him, and held animal sacrifices, seances, and other forms of devil worship. Evangelist David Wilkerson, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, left a comfortable suburban life in Pennsylvania to move to the wild city to tell gang members about Jesus. He kept talking about love to the young Cruz, even as Cruz cursed and hit Wilkerson. But Wilkerson finally convinced Cruz and the gang members to attend church a few times. One-by-one they gave their lives to the Lord. After a few weeks, Cruz heard a sermon about Jesus dying on the cross for all of us, and Cruz too walked down the aisle and gave his life to Jesus. He has been a powerful worldwide evangelist ever since. Do you remember when you really gave your life to Jesus?
Angel went to church because a beautiful woman invited him. He was interested in the woman, and had no clue about Jesus. Yet as he listened a few weeks, he became more acquainted with Jesus. One day Angel jumped up before the preacher finished the sermon and walked down the aisle raising his hands saying, “I’m turning myself in.” Ducking police or surrendering to them had been a part of his life, so Angel used street language to ask Jesus to be his Savior. Do you remember when you really gave your life to Jesus?
Whether you were saved with expensive diamonds on every finger or with handcuffs limiting your movement, God’s Spirit moved upon your life and brought you to where God wanted you to be: with Him. You could not earn it, be born into it, or inherit it in a will. At some point you had to personally make a decision. Do you remember?
“Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath, but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:4-5 and 8). Paul wrote those words after leaving what seemed like a great life. He had been at the top of his game! People looked up to him, he had authority, position, money, and a bright future. Yet he called it all trash after he became a servant of Jesus. He spread the Gospel to the rich and famous, mansion owners and the homeless, those free and incarcerated. Salvation was more precious to Paul than anything he had experienced. Do you remember when you really gave your life to Jesus?
You are special, chosen, empowered, and more than capable because God reached through all creation and called you. The ruler of everything selected YOU! God has never made a mistake and never will, and God will never abandon you! Cruz, Angel, Apostle Paul, and everyone else have nothing on you. God called YOUR name! Do you remember when you really gave your life to Jesus? Don’t ever forget! Don’t ever forget!
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed Hardy