...that He gave his only begotten Son...

Pride. The main reason most people don't respond to the gospel. That's what I believe. No one wants to admit that they are not the rulers of the their own life. The fact of the matter is that there is a creator. There is a God that is in control of this world, and everything in it. I came to that realization that morning. In that little church on the south side of town, I was dealing with my pride. I DID NOT want to walk from my seat and respond to this new realization. I was a sinner. I was on my way to hell. I was hopelessly lost in a world that sooner kill me than help me see any success. This wayward youth was broken, and at the end of all I had known up until that day. The next few moments were so surreal. Overcoming my pride, I stepped out from my seat. My head hung in shame for all that I had done. All of the sins that had burdened me were weighing down my journey to the alter. Every step was marked with sorrow. Sorrow for the life I had wasted. Sorrow for the lives I had effected, my family and friends. Sorrow for the Life that was sacrificed for me. With each step, guilt and condemnation was multiplied. I somehow found myself at the front of that small church, unaware of how exactly. It was so shocking to my system. I knew that I was being pulled by some unseen force, or called by an unheard voice, compelled to accept myself for what I had become. This was a complete shock to my system. My heart was black with sin, my mind was filled with filth, and my soul was a trophy for one who wanted to see me in hell. Falling to my knees, the tears began flowing freely. Overwhelmed by the enormity of the charges I was facing, I knew I was about to be severely dealt with. Instead, I was gently led in a prayer that was simple. I did believe, I accepted the fact that He sacrificed His life for my ransom. I confessed then, for the first time, my sins to my creator. I let go of all my guilt, and my hate, and my shame. All of these burdens were now lifted, and I sensed them being scattered and forgotten. Forgiveness began to flow freely into their place. I was finally free and alive!