Salvation

You’re not alone. Many people wonder about God. In fact, many at Westchester Chapel have at sometime wondered about who God really is or even if he really exists. Our Founding Pastor, Jim Warren, wondered if God was real after college. Growing up in a very traditional denomination and going through all the motions just didn’t make sense after a while.

He tells it like this: “It was just easier not to believe anything than grapple with what was true or not. I grew up seeing all the hypocrisy in church, so I concluded that if people can’t seem to live out Christianity, there is probably no God at all. On top of all that, God had always been portrayed in churches I attended as “far- off” and uninvolved in the details of life, so I saw no personal connection at all. Combine all of this with a “driven” personality, and an “I can do it all by myself without God’s help” attitude, and I got what I wanted... loneliness and ulcers! Once I had seen some success in my profession, I began to question things in my life. I said to myself, ‘I’ve achieved some of what I’ve been dreaming of...now what?’

In the midst of all the searching, my wife-to-be, Linda, began to listen to a radio show from New Jersey featuring Rev. Charlie Rizzo. Pastor Charlie was a former drug addict and his down-to-earth style and closeness with Jesus drew me in to listen. God knew exactly how I needed to hear his message of love. I would never have dreamed it would come from a former drug addict, rock musician, pastor from New Jersey. God was very creative in reaching out to me!

After we were married, Linda and I journeyed to New Jersey to hear Pastor Charlie in person at his church. That night was one I had never experienced before. As I walked in to the church, the people were actually enjoying themselves! There was laughing and hugs and friendliness. The people were real. Pastor Charlie played worship music I could relate to and the message he preached was thoughtful, full of humor, and directly from the Bible. It’s funny, the part I remember best was the ending. He asked if anyone needed to begin a personal relationship with God, a God that loved them, and who offered the free gift of salvation. I decided to take it that evening and my life changed forever.

I prayed the prayer below and it’s how I began my relationship with God. There is no time better than today— please pray it too!

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I need a savior, and it’s my desire to change. Thank you for dying on the Cross to forgive my sins. Come into my life, and accept me as Your child. I desire to live for you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

In praying this prayer, you are receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior—inviting him to come into your life to help you grow in your relationship with God. This is only the start of an exciting journey of faith as a devoted Christian! Click below and let us know you prayed this prayer.