Shekinah Creek Nigerian Dwarf Goats

How can I be born again? (saved)

First, my friend, you must realize you are a sinner, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).  Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death. "For the wages [payment] of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).  This includes eternal separation from God in Hell. "... it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).  But God loved you so much He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to bear your sin and die in your place. "... He hath made Him [Jesus, Who knew no sin] to be sin for us ... that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Jesus had to shed His blood and die. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11)."... without shedding of blood is no remission [pardon]" (Hebrews 9:22).  "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Although we cannot understand how, God said my sins and your sins were laid upon Jesus and He died in our place. He became our substitute. It is true. God cannot lie.  My friend, "God ... now commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). This repentance is a change of mind that agrees with God that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what Jesus did for us on the Cross.

In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas: "... 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' And they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved ....' "

Simply believe on Him as the one who bore your sin, died in your place, was buried, and whom God resurrected. His resurrection powerfully assures that the believer can claim everlasting life when Jesus is received as Savior.  "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12).  "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).  Whosoever includes you. Shall be saved means not maybe, nor can, but shall be saved.

My Testimony 

I came to know Jesus Christ at the age of 32.  I am a college graduate who came from a financially poor background.  Thankfully the good Lord gave me a lot of endurance and running ability.  I got to go to college on scholarships.  I was the first Bates going back about 150 years in the family history to make it past the tenth grade.  I learned a lot in college but I learned more about secular living and partying.

            My mom took us kids to church every once in a while but not on a regular basis.  I thought if you were a good guy you would go to heaven.  Even my older brother Dan told me that.  I was told if you kill yourself you would go to hell.  In 1998 I found myself at the bottom of life wondering if life is really worth living.  I knew I didn’t want to go to hell so killing my self was not an option.  I decided to give church a try.  I found myself going to a singles group in a Baptist church where the average age of the singles was about sixty.  Needless to say I didn’t find any instant wife’s.  I did end up giving my life to Christ that year.  He made me a new creation, old things passed away and all things became new.  For the first time I started caring about something in life besides ME.  I found a love for other people.  I learned that the bible said love God first and your neighbor as yourself.  Well anyone can be your neighbor.  So it all boils down to loving God and loving people.  The change I felt on the inside drove me to witness to my family that first year.  I am not for sure if anyone got saved but I planted a lot of seeds.  The Lord impressed on me to memorize the word of God.  So I memorized 300 plus verses that first year.

The Lord had me give up my job of sixteen years at a large corporation in Kansas City in 2005.  He told me to move my family to the great state of Oklahoma.  I found myself working in a small fiberglass manufacturing company.  I live my life daily for the Lord and look for opportunities to hear the Lords sweet quite voice to guide me.  I have found that without quite time everyday, reading my bible and prayer that you will soon drift out of the will of God for your life.  All three are equally important.  I sometimes miss the mark as a child of the King.  I know I am forgiven because of the price He paid on the cross and His resurrection.

The Lord blessed me with a virgin wife (age 30) when we married.  We have three wonderful children; Sarah, Isaiah and Elijah.  Marriage and being a dad are not easy tasks, but the rewards are far worth it.  Always remember: it is not an individual who saves you.  The Lord is the one who speaks to the inner voice.  We can plant seeds but the Lord is the one doing the calling on people’s heart.  Many blessings Tony.  Praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who reigns forever.  Is He calling on your heart.  If so, please answer the phone. 

Note to Christians.  Get to know Jesus and not just information about Him.  I am guilty of talking about what I know about Jesus.  People don't want to know what you believe.  They want something different.  Something real.  Everyone has facts.  Spend as much quiet time with Jesus so you can hear His voice.  Once you know Him and truly understand who you are in Christ the change/glow/joy in you should draw people toward Jesus.  His love should flow through you and this is achieved by getting to know Him as your best friend.  God bless.

Sarah holding to HoneyCreek Acres Gabriel our first buck born on our property.  This little buck was a blessing.  The real blessing is the Lord giving me salavation and blessing me with a wonderful wife Christine and three wonderful children: Sarah, Isaiah and Elijah.  We serve a good and wonderful Savior Jesus Christ.  Sarah has already given her life to our savior.