Tag: Born again (Christianity)

Gratitude for My Faith: A Personal Testimony

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts, WorshipLeave a comment

Hello, dear readers! I am excited to share with you a significant milestone in my faith journey that happened just this weekend. It’s a story filled with faith, transformation, and the grace of Jesus’ salvation. Through this personal narrative, I’ll take you on a journey through my varied experiences with different churches, all of which have played a unique role in shaping my faith.

In the Beginning

I was born into a Catholic household, and from a very young age, I was immersed in the traditions of the Catholic Church. I was baptized as a baby and took part in my first communion during my third-grade years. Middle school led me to a Catholic school, and as part of my graduation requirement, I went through the sacrament of confirmation. My days were filled with mandatory retreats, Sunday masses, and active participation in the youth group.

During this time, I had a superficial understanding of salvation, believing that merely attending church and professing faith in Jesus was enough to secure a place in heaven. Little did I know that a deeper spiritual awakening awaited me.

My perspective on faith took a significant turn when I turned 18 and attended a retreat. It was there that a leader guided me to the altar, and I was asked if I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I said yes, more out of fear of saying no to God than true understanding. I later spoke with a priest, admitting that I didn’t quite grasp the significance of my declaration. He assured me that it would take time to fully process.

A New Start

In a neighboring town, there was a Catholic church that had a unique flavor. While still connected to the Vatican, they called themselves Catholic Charismatics. Their mass was like what I was used to, but their sermons went deeper into the scriptures. This church introduced me to a new desire for reading the Bible and a more frequent attendance at services. I also began to learn about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

The pivotal moment in my faith journey occurred during a revival event under a tent. On the final day, there was an altar call, and I found myself running to the front, shouting, and crying, “I surrender!” On that day, I consciously gave my life to Jesus, accepting Him as my Lord and Savior.

I don’t remember how long after, at this church, there was a renewal of our baptism ceremony. It was a ceremony where we were asked if we rejected all the works of the enemy and accepted Jesus, and they pour water over our heads. I was happy about that ceremony because I was not a child. This had been my decision to be rebaptized.

My then husband and I started an outreach ministry within that church. We did all kinds of activities that are not worth mentioning. But life is never a straightforward path, and my marriage took an unexpected turn, we got divorced.  Although I was not excommunicated or officially ousted from the church, I knew that divorce was regarded as a sin, and I chose to step away from the church.  For some time, I was away from the church, but I knew that seed was planted, and I needed to get back home.

New Location and Finding Home

In 2006, after moving thousands of miles, I joined a new church, and it was during a presentation of a play named “Final Destination” in 2008 that I rededicated my life to Christ. I felt truly “born again” but questions of my baptism started lingering in my mind.

 I grew tremendously at this new home. I learned a lot about myself. I was able to heal a lot of past wounds and find a new community. But most journeys are not linear and this one hasn’t been one either.

As one does, something happened in the church that I didn’t agree with and I didn’t leave, I would say I paused attending. I researched other churches, but nothing felt right. I knew in my heart where my home was, but I can be hardheaded.  Then the pandemic hit, and it gave me an excuse to stay away.  But then the little man showed up. Him being the fulfillment of my biggest prayer and God’s perfect gift. I knew my home church was precisely that, HOME. It was time to come home. First, because I was grateful for God keeping me through all that time, second for giving me what I had desired the most and finally because I wanted to give this child the best spiritual upbringing I could.  

As I returned, I witnessed others getting baptized, and the question of the validity of my previous baptisms came back and it kept weighing on me. I always wondered if my baptism “counted”. First, I was baptized as a baby, and then yes kind of later as an adult, but there’s the whole dogmatic conversation between sprinkling vs submersions. I was never submerged which is what my church practice. Now, nobody ever asked me if I was baptized and if they had I would have said yes. That choice of baptism that I did as an adult counted for me. But that was at a Catholic church. And yes, Catholics are Christians, but protestant churches make a distinction. Yes, I knew Jesus is not Catholic or Lutheran or Baptist, but it was tormenting me the question, did my baptism count?

A Fresh Start Through Baptism

I must admit that I gave these thoughts more power than they needed to. For years, yes years, I kept looking at those participating in baptism feeling like I was missing out and did nothing about it.

During yesterday’s service, the pastor announced an impromptu opportunity for baptism. I hesitated. He then said that service was ending early, so having another commitment was not an excuse. I didn’t have a commitment, but I was still in my seat. Then he said, if you have not registered, no problem we register you now. I didn’t move. Then he said, if you didn’t bring a change of clothes, we have a change of clothes for you as well. Don’t worry about the size, we have it.  I hesitated no more. I left my seat and joined the others. I was baptized, and as I stood in the water, I knew that I had cast away all doubts. This act of faith was a declaration that I was “all in.”

Gratitude for the Journey

Today, I am filled with gratitude for my journey of faith. Each chapter, from my Catholic roots to charismatic experiences and recommitting to my faith, has been instrumental in shaping my relationship with God. My baptism is no longer a question mark but a symbol of my unwavering faith.

I share this story not to criticize any church but to inspire you to reflect on your own faith journey. May you find peace in knowing that God is not a God of confusion, and through faith, you can overcome any doubt. My journey is a testament to His grace, love, and mercy, and I hope it encourages you to embrace your own faith with renewed enthusiasm and conviction.

First Encounter with Faith

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts2 Comments

I grew up in church. I heard about God all my life, but the God that was portrayed to me was not a loving God. To me he was this big eye in the sky waiting for me to make a mistake and pulverize me at any minute. I was quite involved in church growing up, but it was out of the sense that I needed to keep that God happy to avoid the pits of hell.

I had gone to a retreat and I was pulled to the side and asked if I would take Jesus as my Lord and Savior. In my mind I remember saying: Lady what kind of question is that, are you trying to get me killed?  So obviously I said yes, but nothing changed in my life. A few years later I felt the calling from God and I did give my life to Christ, but I was attending a church that didn’t explain about the journey of a born again Christian or the love of God; it was all about his wrath.

So as a human I sinned and I thought that I was already condemned for life, so instead of running to the arms of Christ, I ran to the arms of the world. I found more sorrow and pain than before. Eight years later (you can’t deny that God is patient) I came back home. I came just like the Prodigal Son, telling my father that I didn’t deserve to be back and that I knew I needed to sit in the back, that I was not worthy of serving him, but if he would only have mercy I would appreciate it.

He sent a young lady in my life to tell me that all those thoughts were claims from the enemy. She told me that God and the angels were rejoicing to have me home. From that point on I felt like I had met God for the first time. I was finally truly born again. God has never left me and has loved me more than I could ever imagine.

“I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ” Matt 17:20

Share with us, What was your first encounter with faith? I’m glad to hear it.

If you are looking for a good read, The Road Home is for you. Find out what was Desiree’s first encounter with faith and see if you can identify with her.

Until next time, be blessed.

The Road Home 

TheRoadHomeFinal-2.jpg

 “This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

 “With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

 

He’s alive!

On By Naty MatosIn ArticlesLeave a comment

easter-empty-tombIt is time to rejoice! There’s a party in heaven and in earth. The best party ever. They saw him bleeding, battered and bruised. Once he had exhaled and taken down from the cross his breathless body lied in the arms of his mother who cleaned his face with her tears. He was probably getting cold real quick as he had lost so much blood.

A friend of the family had a tomb that had not been used and gave it for them to put his body in there. Because it was the Sabbath and nobody was supposed to do anything, everyone left. The women came the next day to do the habitual embalming of that time and guess what? He was nowhere to be found.

Some thought that maybe someone had stole his body and they were starting to feel sadness, but then two angels told the women that he had risen as he had promised.  (Rephrasing from Luke 23 and 24)

If we think about the purpose for which we were created and how well we doslide-02 (not really) and that even then we obtain redemption because on a day like today he lives. 

If we think about other religions who worship someone who was a prophet, but there is an actual grave site where their body lies. Or those who believe that an unanimated object is their god. We have a living, breathing, Almighty, All Powerful GOD!!!!

In life, He won! In death, He won! The movie has a happy ending. Rejoice, he’s alive, he’s risen from the dead, he won it for us.!!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!

Amazing Grace

On By Naty MatosIn Quotes1 Comment

I was listening to the lyrics of this song by John Newton and the reality is that there’s not much to be said, each word says it all. To those of us who have experienced the mercy of Christ sometimes it is hard to express the awe of gratitude we have towards our Lord.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

 

Watch this video that reminds us that “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise” Matthew 21:16

Call to sanity: Bishop Eddie Long

On By Naty MatosIn ArticlesLeave a comment

I really didn’t think I was going to address this subject, but the more I hear about it, I feel compelled to do it. I’m talking about the situation that Bishop Eddie Long is being named in.

 I think as Christians we have lost perspective. Part of the reason why I didn’t think it was a matter worth talking about is because this is a legal issue between the accusers and the accused. Yes, Bishop Eddie Long comes on television. He’s still a human being and so are the young men who are involved in this process. I do recognize that is sad to see Christians involved in things that go against our beliefs, but we can’t lose perspective these are human beings as well. Sin is sin; lies, abuse, murder, adultery, stealing is all the same in the eyes of God. “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone” John 8:7

 It comes down to this…someone needs to repent and someone needs to forgive, end of the story! I don’t know who is guilty or who is not and it’s not my place to know. I know that if justice is not obtained on earth it definitely will be achieved in heaven, so all I hope is for a transparent and honest process from both parts and that whoever did comes forward with the truth and repentance and who ever received the offense is ready to forgive.

 Why did I decide to write this? I’ve heard of fellow Christians enraged by the situation, which it’s understandable, but I think we are focused on the wrong thing. Our duty right now is to pray for all the parts. For those who are near Bishop Long and the young men, they need to pray for wisdom to give adequate counsel and to determine where God wants them to be at this moment in time. We all need to pray for a congregation that is hurting because of these allegations.  

 I have never stepped a foot on New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, but I feel for all the people in the congregation, because I can understand that they are hurting. This is their time to look to God and not towards men for their answers.

 I love my pastors. I’ve been part of my church family for 5 years now and I have a great respect for my leaders. I do recognize that they are humans and that just like me they can fail and that because of their visibility their attacks are way bigger than mine. I pray that God covers their every step, but if tomorrow something was to come out, true or not, my pain needs to turn into prayer because I can not forget that before they are my pastors they are souls to the Lord. Isn’t that what we as Christians are called to do?  Isn’t our job to go after the lost? I don’t know who is lost in this case and as it’s not my job to judge, so I don’t care. I do exhort everyone to pray for ALL; Bishop Long and the young men that have filed these accusations. Both sides are hurting, and both sides are important to the Lord.

 Be blessed.