From the Churches December 2023

JOHN KINCHIN-SMITHReflecting the new partnership between Churches in Gorleston, this column will now feature leaders
from different churches in our town

This month we hear from the Rev John Kinchin-Smith, Assistant Minister at St Andrew’s and
member of the ministry team, during the period when St Andrew’s is without a vicar


Although as a child I regularly attended Church and Sunday School, one of the saddest and most extraordinary things was that our church never taught me (even at Confirmation) that there was anything I had to do to become a Christian. Neither was it ever explained to me that I could have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There are many who have been baptised, confirmed, go to church, even read the Bible and pray, but who have never taken the step of becoming a true Christian, perhaps because it was never explained to them. Jesus puts it very clearly in the Book of Revelation ch.3 v.20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to them ...”

The process of becoming a Christian is sometimes described as 4 steps:
Something to admit: that you are a sinner in the sight of God, be sorry for your sin and turn away from what you know to be wrong 

  1. Something to believe: that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, that he paid the price for your forgiveness 
  2. Something to consider: that following Jesus will not be easy. There will be opposition and misunderstanding, and he must become Lord of your whole life 
  3. Something to do: ask Jesus into your life as Lord to control you, Saviour to cleanse you, and Friend to guide and be with you 

So many miss this last step and so never come to know Jesus Christ
 
The first chapter of St. John’s gospel contains some of the saddest words in the whole Bible. “He (Jesus) was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not.” Jesus still comes to people as Lord and Saviour, liberator and life-giver. He still stands outside the door of people’s lives waiting to be invited in. Everyone is still presented with the question: “Will you receive Jesus, or will you also turn your back upon him?” He will never force himself upon us, and will always respect our decision. But if we really want to know him, and the joys and blessings of belonging to him, all that is required is a short and simple prayer. You will find such a simple prayer in the Prayer below:

Lord Jesus Christ

I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever. Thank you, Lord Jesus
Amen

courtesy of the Gorleston Community Magazine


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