The idea that a decision is needed to become a Christian strikes many people as very strange. Some imagine they are already a Christian because of their country, family or lifestyle. But regardless of our background or upbringing, each of us must make up our own minds for or against Christ. We cannot afford to be neutral, nor can we drift into Christianity.
It’s not enough to admit that the evidence for the deity of Jesus is compelling or even conclusive, or that He was in fact the son of God, and that He died for sinners. We may also admit we are sinners and need a Savior.
But it isn’t these things that make us Christians. Just because we choose to believe certain facts about who Christ is and what He has done is only the first stage, because true faith must turn such mental belief into a decisive act of trust. Intellectual conviction must lead to personal commitment. When we read Joshua 24:15 a challenge is issued: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua challenges us to make up our minds.
One of many verses in the Bible that has helped many to understand the step of faith we have to take focuses on the words of Christ himself: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20). This verse was illustrated by Holman Hunt in his picture “The Light of the World.” Please remember, close will not cut it. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (I John 5:12).
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I want to share with you an update on this week’s activities in the ministry, which has been quite busy. Each week is a unique experience that fills me with enthusiasm for seeing God at work in His creation.
“I have had three meetings with a family to address their internal problems. It has been a privilege to listen to them, pray with them and offer them timely advice based on the Word of God. The enemy never rests. He walks about like a roaring lion, and one of his goals is to attack the family based on the Bible.
“I also want to share about Dahiner Herrera, a young immigrant from Venezuela who has not attended Ebenezer for three weeks. I visited him on Wednesday at his delivery job to catch up with him and learn about his situation. We had a three-hour conversation in which I got to know him better and prayed for his mother, who is ill and facing large medical expenses. I understand that his absence is due to considerable financial pressures, as Dahiner works from 7 a.m. until nightfall. I ask you to pray that this situation will be temporary.
“In addition, I had the privilege of visiting and presenting a missionary report at the United Association during their meeting in Morrilton. I was accompanied by Moisés Rico, who served as my interpreter from Spanish to English. Reporting on missions is an excellent opportunity to share what God is doing in His work.
“Finally, I ask you to continue praying for Camilo Jaramillo. As I mentioned in previous articles, this young man from Colombia must travel to California to appear in immigration court.
“Once again, I sincerely thank you for your prayers and support, which are essential for every missionary to continue in the field. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! I was able to attend the Jonesboro Association Brotherhood meeting at Cathedral in Jonesboro, the Mount Calvary Association Annual meeting at Ramsey Heights in Batesville and the North Arkansas Association Annual meeting at Bold Springs near Strawberry — all in the same week! It was a lot of travel, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to visit and fellowship with many people I have become friends with over the years as a missionary with the BMA of Arkansas, and I had a wonderful time! Those meetings are like a family reunion, and I look forward to the State Meeting as well.
“I do have an announcement. We are changing our service times. Effective Sept. 28, Sunday School will begin at 10 a.m. and Worship Service will begin at 11 a.m. So, if you forget and come visit us at our old times, at least we will get to have you in Sunday School as well.
“We thank you for your prayers and support! You all mean so much to us!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “Faith Journey was blessed with the opportunity to once again be in a local middle school for their Mountain Movers meeting. Each month, sixth-grade students are invited to join us during their lunch hour to hear about Jesus and the hope He brings. I was able to share my personal testimony of how Christ’s love and salvation transformed mine and my family’s lives. We focused on John 8:12, where Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life’ (NLT). While speaking, I noticed one young lady who seemed very interested. Afterward, she approached me with her friends, asking how she could find assurance in her salvation. She said confidently that she had received the Lord as her savior earlier in her life. I was able to encourage her to begin building her relationship with Jesus through prayer and time in God’s Word. Please join us in praying for this young lady as she continues to grow in her walk with Christ.
“Our children’s ministry also had a wonderful day of learning and fun this week. During the morning service, we studied the battle of Jericho and how God brought victory when His people obeyed. The children made their own horns to ‘blow the walls down,’ and later during the evening service, they built their own versions of Jericho out of graham crackers, icing and marshmallows. With laughter, songs and hands-on activities, they got to see how God’s power brings down walls and gives victories in our lives today.
“We are grateful for the chance to share God’s Word with both the children in the community and our Faith Journey children. Please continue to pray that God’s light will shine through these ministries and touch many more lives.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “On Tuesday, I shared the gospel with a teenager who is in his last year of high school, and I talked to him about how impossible it is to have a relationship with God because of our sin and what Christ did to solve the big problem for all humans — saving us from our sins.
“On Thursday, we had our connection group in Springdale and continued discussing church discipline while preparing our brethren for membership.
“On Friday, we held the annual session of the BMA of Ozark at Summers Baptist Church, where I was able to present the annual report of our work in Northwest Arkansas among the Hispanic community. It was a very special time.
“On Sunday, I challenged the brothers and sisters to pray and cry out for our country. Also, pray for us as we need a van to pick up kids for Sunday School.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “There’s honestly too much to share about this past week — it was loaded. I may need to bridge some of it into next week’s report.
“But one big highlight was getting to share a devotion with my daughter’s ball team, including their siblings, parents and grandparents. I used our Discovery Bible Study model, which meant I wasn’t just sharing the gospel — I was also equipping them with a way to study Scripture and giving them a glimpse into Epic Life. That’s the beauty of this different approach — it opens doors that wouldn’t be opened otherwise.
“The week also brought solid momentum with positive Connection Group gatherings, key steps toward launching a new group and a powerful Collective Gathering that capped it all off.
“But despite those wins, this was — without a doubt — the most frustrating week I’ve had in a long time.
“I’ve written before about frustrating weeks when things felt slow, especially in the summer. But this was different. It wasn’t about slowness — it was about a plan I had laid out at the start of the year not coming together. Things aren’t aligning the way I had hoped. After leading the devotional in Tulsa, I drove back for our Sunday evening gathering. On that drive, I felt the Lord whispering something hard but clear — the way I’ve been pushing my plan may actually be detrimental to Epic Life.
“And sure enough, that word was preparing me for what happened next. Bro. Paul and the Advisory Board had previously encouraged me to bring some of the aspects that have made our home groups special into our worship nights. We finally did that this week — circling up chairs to create space for more participation — and it transformed the night. What was planned as a five-minute celebration of Connection Groups turned into a 45-minute event. The service, which was meant to last an hour, lasted over two. And everyone there echoed, unscripted, exactly what the Lord had put on my heart that afternoon.
“The verse that kept ringing in my spirit was Acts 9:5 (KJV), where Jesus tells Saul: ‘It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.’ I’ve been kicking. I see that now.
“I don’t know what the next step is, but I’m reminded of Henry Blackaby’s words: ‘Look to see where God is working and join Him.’”
“God is working. Something special is happening. But I’m also seeing how my missteps in leadership can quench what He’s doing. I don’t want to quench it. I want to follow where He’s leading — not force what I planned.”
