"3 & OUT" of the Fire!    (Back)

Sunday, December 3, 2006,

The Campus Ministry baptized three sold-out souls into Christ. Clark Atlanta University student, Karla Ross, was baptized first. She was followed into the waters by Morehouse College student Christian Carroll who can now call himself a true Christian. Big Alex Butterfield was next and this young man was so fired up for Jesus, he sizzled as he entered the cold waters of baptism. Alex went down and came up out of the water with his hands raised in triumph and his victory cry was help throughout the church and the heavens. The body burst into celebration and applause as these souls were washed clean, stepping into the light thus stepping into salvation.
The amount of rejoicing going on Sunday on earth was just a whisper compared to the rejoicing that was going on in heaven as three sinners repented and made Jesus Lord of their lives.
Each of these disciples have a unique story. Christian grew up in Philly with a sister who was just baptized a few weeks ago. Alex, a Bermuda native, found a flyer to Bible Talk on the ground and called the brothers to find out how he can be part of it which began his conversion process. Here is Karla’s inspirational conversion story:

Do You Have Your Track Shoes? 

"Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God.” - Luke 3:8

I am a firm believer in the concept that nothing is a mistake in God’s eyes. Everything that happens has a purpose and a plan. Two years ago, during my senior year of high school, I had no idea that HBCUs existed. Therefore Clark Atlanta University may as well have been a foreign language that I had never heard before. In light of this, it is because of very unique circumstances that I am at this University. God had this planned out from the very beginning. If it had not been for those unique circumstances, I may have never come to know about the true power of the Lord. Almost two months ago a friend of mine invited me out to Bible study. That invite was a seed planted that is sprouting its first leaves as I write. This was the most, if not, one of the most memorable Bible studies that I have ever taken part of. I was blown away by the realness and relativity exhibited by those participating. I never knew college students could be so knowledgeable about the Word of God.

Afterwards, I was approached by several people about my relationship with God. I knew God; I thought most people did. However, I would soon come to realize that my relationship with God was built upon the teachings, preachings, and actions of others, instead of being built upon my own knowledge and experiences. As the weeks progressed, I began to develop a sound foundation in the Word. The benefits were wonderful and plentiful. Things that used to upset me or worry me no longer occupied my mind. For example, a young man, who I thought I was in love with (perhaps I was, I don’t know), decided to end our friendship/relationship. All the other times in the past when this or something similar occurred, I was distraught, anguished, and depressed, but now, because I am filled with love for Jesus who has become the true head of my life, I have no reason to feel this way. God made it abundantly clear that this young man should not be involved in my life. He had been making it difficult for me to follow God’s teachings so my choice was easy. I have no regrets, no sorrows; I feel happier this way.

Another way that my studies, church attendance, and Bible Talk participation has helped me is the ways in which I live my life. I am constantly, consciously thinking of everything I do in order to ensure that I am not sinning. Romans 3:23 says that “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” therefore I know I will sin and that I am born into sin, but there are some sins that I can conquer. From issues as small as throwing trash on the ground, to matters as big as lust, I am constantly aware of my actions. I have, recently, thrown trash on the ground, walked three steps, turned back around, picked it up, and placed it in its proper site. A sin is a sin in God’s eyes and, as the Bible says in Isaiah 59:1-2, sin separates us from God. Never again do I want to be separated from HIm, so I will do my best not to sin. Lastly, because my commitment to God is stronger than what is was before, His blessings have become more and more plentiful. T

he more of myself that I give to Him, then the more He gives to me. For example, I am a server at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP). If someone has ever been a server then one knows that sections matter. The more tables you have, the more people you are able to serve, which means the more money you are able to make. For the past couple of weeks I have received no more than 3 tables, while others have received up to six. However, by the grace of God, I am still making very reasonable amount of money, sometimes with more than I had when I had six or seven tables! This is truly a blessing.

As he continues to give to me, I make sure to, and not out of obligation, give back to him all that he is due through my tithes and offerings. One of my favorite Bible verses is found in 2 Timothy. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 the Bible says “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It Is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”

This scripture has been the basis of my studying the word. I am studying the word so that I am able to see what I need to change, or what in my life is ungodly. His Word will “straighten me out” and teach me to “do what is right.” While I do this, God is going to get me ready for all the good things in my life that he has in store for me to do. Of course, this is not an easy task. So, there is another verse written to help me. It says “God’s eyes is searching the earth, looking for those who are seeking Him so that He may strengthen them.” God sees me trying to do His will and seek him, so, as His word promised, He will give me the strength to do so. T

he Greater Atlanta Church of Christ has been the only church to inspire in me a will to change; to change from fornication, pride, theft, and deceit, and to turn to purity, humbleness, giving, and truth. I pray that the Lord continues to bless this church is ways that are not understandable to man. I am ready to run the race mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. I am disciplining my body as an athlete trains his. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but I do it for an eternal prize. I have my towel, my water, and my track shoes; I am ready to run this race.

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