This is an email I sent to Todd Friel and the crew of Wretched Radio/TV. All these years I thought I was a Christian when all I ever really was…a false convert. I asked Jesus into my heart in 1987 (not Biblical) but thought I could continue to do and say all the things that were displeasing to a Holy and Righteous God, and he would just have to forgive me upon my confession. There was no teaching of true repentance or a total trust in Jesus that will cause our faith to grow. Anyway, I share this with you for your thought, and so I can boast of God’s goodness. It is The testimony of His deep love for us.
Dear Wretched Crew,
I have been calling myself a Christian since March 4, 1987, but it wasn't until July 11, 2012, that I realized that I was as lost as I could be. After hearing Todd Friel's teaching
on the Wretched website "Are You Really A Christian?" I had to honestly take a look into my soul and I realized that the Holy Spirit was never allowed to dwell there due to my unrepentant heart, and the enemy of God I remained to be with all the lust, hatred, and excuses I made for my sin. Sure, I felt remorse at times, but not the deep sorrow I now feel as I look back over all these years when I was not honoring God but spitting in His face, and mocking the very cross where Jesus shed His blood and died that I may have life through of His resurrection.
I then bought the "Slaying The Dragon" mp3, I was convicted to the bone as I listened to Todd and the Holy Spirit point their finger right at me causing me to realize that I was a filthy wretch and that I deserved to gasp on my last breath right then and there.
I thought I had cut my Christian teeth on the full counsel of God, attending an Assembly of God church for years, becoming a member, and even being a Youth Worker. I also played drums with the Music Ministry...It just doesn't get more "Christian" than that or so I thought.
I was taught, (and yes I bought) that God is Holy, He is Love, but He forgives no matter what. This “Theology” allows for us to continue to have a foot in the world, and then slide back into the Kingdom when we are feeling like we need our feet washed. I realize now that it is a lie from the father of lies, and it is a stench in the nostril of my Heavenly Father.
I spent a better part of the afternoon yesterday literally on my face before God, confessing my sin, begging for his mercy to save my miserable life. I feel as if I have been “Born From Above” this time, in words and indeed.
I now take every moment a step at a time, walking in His mercy and grace. I now have been humbled, I know full well that I deserve nothing, God owes me nothing. His love now overwhelms me, to know that the God of the Universe, The King Of Kings and The Lord of lords knows me so intimately that He knows the number of hairs on my head, has felt the times I spit in His face, has forgiven me and now calls me son. Nothing to boast on my part, all glory, honor, and praise to my Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom so I might reign with Him in Paradise.
Thank you Todd for your willingness to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It truly is the power of God to save our lives! My wife Veronika and I watch Wretched TV every day and even joined the Tomorrow Clubs to help the children of Ukraine hear the Gospel. My wife is from Ukraine and has many family members there. I have had a special place in my heart for Ukraine since our visit there in 2010. I know God does too!
God Bless!
Al Yerks
Chappaqua, New York 2012
