On July 21, 1982, I was in my room reading a gospel tract. I knew there was a God and was familiar with Jesus dying on the cross. Nevertheless, I did not know God’s plan for me. That summer afternoon I got on my knees and prayed to receive Jesus as my Savior and life. From that moment I knew I was a different person, that I was saved, and I had eternal life.

On April 4, 1986 while walking to my English Literature class at the University of Texas at Austin, I met a Christian brother who asked me if I knew what the meaning of life is. I told him that outside of religion (I did not know his background) and outside of Christ (testifying that I was a Christian) there was no meaning to life. I had never met with other Christian congregations before this time, yet when I met with the believers from the local church I felt I was meeting with God’s household (Ephesians 2:19). For the first time, I saw believers who lived what they spoke. They just spoke from the Bible. In all the meetings I have been to, I have felt and have enjoyed God’s love and care for me emanating from the Christians in the local church.

Since I have been meeting with the local church, I have experienced steady Christian growth. Also, my love for the Lord Jesus Christ has become more fervent. If anyone is looking for a place where the Bible is the center of the church meetings, and where one can get to know Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate way, the local church is the place I would recommend. The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come and drink from the water of life freely!” (Revelation 22:17) May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father richly bless you and grant you His peace.

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

Since the day I was saved back in July 21, 1982, I have loved reading the Bible. Once I read the entire New Testament in one month. The more I read the Bible, the more I knew and loved the Lord Jesus. Although I had read the Bible a number of times, I didn’t understand some of the books clearly. When I started to meet with two Christian brothers from the local church for a Bible study, my appetite for and comprehension of the Bible increased.

As we continued our study of the Gospel of John, they introduced me to the Life-Study of John by Witness Lee. I had never heard of Witness Lee before. The messages given in the Life-Study of John not only expounded the Gospel of John but also connected the Gospel of John with the rest of the Bible. It showed how this gospel was part of God’s eternal plan. For example, John the Baptist called Jesus “the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). I had no idea that Jesus, as the Lamb of God, was portrayed in Exodus 12 as the Passover lamb that redeemed the firstborn ones in Egypt.

Through the writings of Witness Lee and Watchman Nee the whole Bible is an understandable book. The Life-Study of the Bible has helped me to read the Bible more. I have received a great amount of help and guidance in my Christian life through their ministry. If you would like to know more about these two authors please link to other web sites from here. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the bountiful supply of the Holy Spirit bless you and richly supply you in Him.

Ricardo Vela

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