The “Changed by Jesus” series features stories about how Jesus is working through the ministry of Mars Hill Church to change lives. If God has used Mars Hill to transform your life, please consider emailing your account to testimony[at]marshillchurch.org.

This week’s Changed by Jesus testimony comes from Josh, who attends our West Seattle campus.

The Giant Spotlight — Changed by Jesus #22

I was raised in a home that prayed to God on holidays and went to church on Christmas, but I never really knew who God was. As I got older I felt that I was a good and moral person, though my morality also included sleeping and living with my girlfriend.

My girlfriend began to attend Mars Hill and she told me that she thought we should discontinue our pre-marital activities. I told her that I thought she should stop going to church.

Needless to say, the Holy Spirit began work on me through my girlfriend (now wife). He broke me down in every aspect of my life. I began going to Mars Hill and I was convicted every week. I found out how much of a sinner I was and that my sense of morality was only a lie that I used to justify my sin. I felt as if Mark’s sermons were directed at me personally and I usually felt physically hot, like there was giant spotlight shining on me during the sermons. I fought with every ounce of pride and stubbornness that I had in me, but I couldn’t run away from God anymore. One night at work I stopped fighting. My friend prayed for me while I had a total meltdown and I lifted up my hands in submission, giving my heart and my sin to Jesus. At that exact moment I felt God touch my heart. The weight of the world seemed to lift from my shoulders and my sense of defeat was replaced with peace. I am so thankful for what God has done and how he continues to work on my life.

There is one true God, and his name is Jesus Christ. He is the God of the Bible who has defeated Satan, sin, and death, and he is alive and well. He is my God and King and without him I would be totally lost. I know that Jesus Christ is in me, and my joy and salvation can only be found in him.