April 10, 2025 • 16 mins
What does it really mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? In this heartfelt conversation, mother-son duo Debbie and Greg Gold strip away religious complexity to reveal the beautiful simplicity at Christianity's core.
Many people believe their past mistakes disqualify them from God's love, but as Debbie and Greg explain, this couldn't be further from the truth. The foundation of Christian faith isn't about earning your way to heaven through good deeds or religious rituals—it's about accepting a free gift of forgiveness that transforms your entire life.
The contrast between life with and without Jesus becomes strikingly clear when Debbie shares her powerful testimony. She describes her former self as anxious, self-centered, and unable to form deep connections before finding faith. "I didn't trust anybody, not even myself," she reveals, in a description that amazes even her son, who sees now a completely different person in his mother.
Greg adds his own perspective as someone baptized at age 12, emphasizing how important it was to make that decision at an age where he fully understood its significance. Together, they lead listeners through a simple salvation prayer for those ready to begin their own relationship with Christ.
Ready to experience this transformative relationship for yourself? Visit debbieandgreggold.com to download Debbie's Bible study "Crossing Over" and begin your journey toward a personal connection with Jesus that will change your heart, your mindset, and your life in ways you never imagined possible.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Hello, this is Debbie and Greg Gold mother and son
team, and you are listening tothe you Are Not Alone podcast,
where we are going to navigatelife together.
Navigate life together.
(00:32):
Welcome back everyone.
Today, greg and I are going tobe diving into what it really
means to have a personalrelationship with Jesus Christ
and to walk you through that.
We're going to be talking aboutthree points, and the first one
is that god wants arelationship with each of you
and, um, you know, it doesn'tmatter what you've done in the
past, or what you've done, whoyou are, who you are uh anything
(00:55):
yeah I think like that's likethe biggest misconception about
religion is like I've done this,so I won't get accepted into
this, this, this, and peoplewill think hell and heaven.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Right, exactly, I've done this, so I won't get
accepted into this this, this,and people will think hell and
heaven, you know because I'vedone this, I won't be able to be
accepted into this, you know.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
So I know I talked to my sister one time, three, four
years ago about this and she'slike well, why, why are we even
talking about this?
She goes I already know I'mgoing to hell because of all the
bad things.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
I've done I go.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
No, no, no, linda, it is not that way.
It is not If you walk into arelationship with him.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
It's about forgiveness, yeah, or?
Speaker 1 (01:33):
accepting.
You know you accept him intoyour heart.
Jesus into your heart.
That's all you really need todo, and anyway we can get more
into that free gift that hegives us.
But to continue with that, hewants a relationship with us.
He wants that more thananything.
He wants to know you intimatelyWell, he already knows you
intimately.
He wants you to know himintimately and to walk every day
(01:55):
of your life with him, and hejust wants you to open your
heart and let him in.
It's really simple and in theBible, John 1, chapter 1, I'm
sorry verse 12 says yet to allwho did receive him, to those
who believed in his name, hegave the right to become
(02:16):
children of God.
That's it.
You believe in his name, You'rea child of God.
It's a comforting feeling.
It really is.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
And a relationship with him is there for the taking
, but you just have to seek it.
You gotta you gotta ask for it,you gotta want it you know
Right.
So revelations, uh three, 20.
Jesus speaks.
Here I am.
I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice andopens the door, I will come in
and eat with that person andthey will eat with me, which is
referring to fellowship.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
So let this be your invitation Open that door.
It's real simple.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Yes, let this podcast today be your invitation to
just knock on the door.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
It's free.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
It doesn't cost any money, no subscription fees
nothing like that, and that, tome, is just such a.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
In the community you build off of it.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
It's nonjudgmental, it's unconditional, it's all of
those things that we so in thisworld of ours and don't always
experience we do experience alot of judgment and condition
and and all that and so that youknow it warms my heart just to
be talking about this because, Ithink a lot of people feel
alone and and don't know whereto go, and and Jesus is your
(03:28):
answer.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
I've seen in my uh, I'm doing a small group with my
church right now but I'veactually seen I've met some
people that are like, oh, thisis my first time going to City
Reach, the church that we go toand I was kind of nervous to
walk in here originally, andthen I went to the service and
everyone was so like nice andopening and open-armed.
And they were just inviting meinto the space and I'm like
(03:50):
that's what it's about, rightthere.
It's about supporting otherpeople on the journey towards
having a relationship withChrist.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
So the support's insane.
It truly is Pastor.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Chris, you don't feel any negativity in that building
at all.
No or just in the communitythat you have.
I mean, the guy came up to metoday, my small group.
He was like how you doing Greg?
Speaker 1 (04:10):
You remember my name yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
I haven't been there for two weeks and you remember
my name so it's like that meansa lot to me.
It builds a community.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
It does.
It's a great place build yourcommunity, but you know pc
pastor chris he said you know hestarted this church and it was
like come as you are and I haveto tell you in in serving in
that church and being in thatchurch I mean everyone is so
happy.
I mean everyone, the the peoplethat serve, the people that
(04:37):
work there, the people, thepeople that come to hear pastor
chris talk.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
I've come as you are.
It's nonjudgmental.
I've seen every type of culture, religion, race, I mean it's
insane.
I've seen people with hijabs onin the service.
I'm like whoa, it's insane.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
And it's growing and growing.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
So big and exponentially.
They have to build a new church.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
They are they're in the process of that.
But we got all sidetrackedthere.
But if you're in the Austinarea and you're listening, I
encourage you to check out CityReach.
Right now it's on Hatch Road,technically in Cedar Park,
because it's on 620 and it's onthat side where it's Cedar Park.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
And it's just amazing , amazing, lots of services and
the effort they put into theirservices really, really detailed
highly standard, high standards, as you said earlier,
everything they do, everythingis high standards.
They don't.
They don't cheap out onanything.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
So it's amazing, All right.
Well, let's move on to thesecond point, which is God's
promise and his free gift.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
So you know, we were some.
Speaker 1 (05:44):
I didn't, I guess we didn't really talk about this
kind of did A little, but I wantto just emphasize that some
religions teach that you have toearn your way into heaven.
Right, but as Christians,christianity believes that all
you need is a relationship withGod through his son, jesus
Christ, and that relationshippromises you forgiveness of your
sins and eternal life in heaven.
That is it, pretty simple, youknow it's not.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
I've done this, so I can't go this or can't get into
here.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
No, no it's, it's all .
You are just forgiven and Godjust wants that relationship
with you.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
It's one of the main points of Christianity.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
I think, is forgiveness so right, and this
is my blood of the New Testamentwhich is shed for the many, for
the forgiveness of sins.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
And then one of the most famous verses, I think, of
all time, one of the mostwell-known verses, supports this
by saying John 3, 16,.
For God so loved the world thathe gave his one and only son
that whoever believes in himshall not perish but have
eternal life.
Yeah, which is important,because it says that whoever
believes in him, it's not.
(06:53):
It's not you have to do aphysical act, you have to
sacrifice something, somethingyou just you have to believe in
him.
Read the word.
It's very simple no-transcript.
(07:13):
Or not going anywhere, or beingwherever I don't know, stuck
somewhere, stuck, I don't knowexactly.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
But yeah, pretty awesome and yeah.
So this is all he really wantsfrom us in exchange for
sacrificing his son on the crosswhen he was 33 years old.
And so let's go on to pointnumber three, greg, why choose a
relationship with Jesus, youknow?
Besides, you know, why shouldwe so, besides the fact that you
(07:39):
know God wants a relationshipwith us and that God has this
amazing free gift, what do youthink?
Speaker 2 (07:47):
It'll change your life.
I think It'll change who youare.
It'll change your mindset.
It'll change your heart in waysthat you never imagined.
I've lived my life both withand without a personal
relationship with Jesus Christand there's no doubt in my mind
that living life having apersonal relationship with Jesus
is far better, because I wasbaptized when I was 12 years old
(08:09):
.
Thinking about it, 10 years ago, february 12, 2012.
I remember the date.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
I love it.
I love it.
That was a really proud momentfor me.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
And I remember that moment like every second, which
is crazy.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
I remember getting the towel standing in the
hallway and just waiting to getin the directions.
Okay, you're going to go hereand here lining up and all that,
and I was just so excited soyeah, nervous and excited at the
same time?
Speaker 1 (08:38):
Yeah, for sure so, but um, that's when I took my
next step and that's when Icommitted so yeah, and I have to
say for me too and I'm going toread my testimony in just a
little bit for you all, just abrief intro of it but I can say
that too, I lived my lifewithout Jesus and I lived my
life without.
(08:59):
Jesus and I lived my lifewalking with him for the last 20
years and I grew up in a homewhere it was Presbyterian church
and my parents didn't go andwould drop my sister and I off
at church for Sunday school andthen her and I would have to go
(09:21):
or would go to church followingthat and they would pick us up
after, and I really don'tunderstand that.
I'm not sure what that was allabout, um, I know my parents
worked a lot at that time, um,and that maybe that was part of
it and they just wanted us tohave that upbringing.
But you know, we just nevertalked about anything, it wasn't
carried on into the home, itwas just a thing like going to
(09:42):
school and you know that was it.
Come home, so, um, yeah anyway.
So I guess, uh, I kind of did alittle diversion there, but that
was my experience too and Ireally didn't want Greg to grow
up that way and so I had left,you know, my faith or my church
(10:02):
and really started looking forjust a Bible church that talked
about just the Bible and thatreally is what Christianity is.
And so Greg was raised withthat.
At the age of about two orthree, started that going to
church and Sunday school and allthat stuff.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
And then committed when I was 12.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
And I wish I did it earlier.
But I'm glad I did it at theage where I knew what it was.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Yeah, where you understood it?
I understood it.
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
It wasn't like oh, I get dunked in water yay.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Yeah, I'm going.
It was like I don't, oh, I getdunked in water.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Yeah, I'm going.
It was like I don't know.
I know I want to commit my lifeto Jesus.
Yeah, that's what it's allabout, and solidify it.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
So, anyway, I think if you're not happy with your
life or who you are and what'sgoing on in your world, we
really urge you to take thisnext step by accepting Christ in
your heart.
And we're going to tell youabout that in just a little bit,
but first I have written mytestimony in order to share my
story of salvation and my storyof how I was rescued.
(11:06):
Really and I don't want to gointo it all today, but I just
want to share a little piece ofit so that you really get a
sense about I don't know how Iwas and how God really was able
to change my life.
So let me go ahead and readthat.
What I experienced in childhoodhad lasting effects on me as an
(11:29):
adult.
I avoided conflict.
I was filled with anxiety.
I felt the need to be incontrol of everything around me
and had trouble identifying myfeelings.
The only feelings I knew werehappiness and anger.
All of their feelings wereforeign to me.
I didn't trust anybody, noteven myself.
I had friends, but few of therelationships were deep like I
(11:50):
longed for them to be.
Mike and I struggled.
My husband and I struggled inour marriage and it was far from
loving and supportive andconnected.
I was self-centered and caredonly about me.
My focus was on what everyonearound me had and what I didn't
have.
I lacked confidence and insideI was scared and miserable.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Damn.
Yeah, that's deep.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
And that is the truth , and that's when I look back at
that, I go.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Complete opposite of who you are.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Thank you, yes, yeah, I know, and I almost go really.
I was but really Like.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Anti-social, the heck no.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
I don't see that.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Foot of conflict.
No, you take it head on.
Let's talk there's no, there'sno comparison about that, you
know.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
There's no comparison about that.
It really truly is amazing.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
I didn't know you before you knew Christ and
hearing that it's like acompletely different person.
Wait, no, who is this?
Not my mom, yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
So he's amazing.
God is truly amazing.
Like we said, he'll change yourheart, he'll change your life
and it's all really good.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
I want us to say, I mean, and at City Reach, our
church that we go to everySunday, our pastor, pastor Chris
, he says a prayer, a salvationprayer, to bring new people to
Christ, and it's a simple thingand it's a simple prayer, but
it's a beautiful prayer.
He asks everyone to close theireyes, bow their heads, and then
(13:17):
the people that are firstcomers or might not be connected
to Christ yet, they raise theirhand and then, once you raise
your hand, put your hand on yourheart and say this prayer.
So we're going to say thisprayer nice and slow, so you
guys can read it back if you'dlove, if you'd like, which I
love.
Yes, if you're ready to takethe next step of living your
(13:38):
life with Jesus, place your handon your heart and say the
salvation prayer with us.
Father God, I love you and Iwant to get to know you better
and live by your ways.
Thank you, jesus, for dying onthe cross so that I can be
forgiven of my sins and haveeternal life.
(14:00):
Please forgive me of my sins,come into my heart.
I receive you now as my Lordand Savior.
In the name of Jesus Christ.
I pray Amen.
So if you said this prayer andaccepted Jesus into your heart.
Congratulations, I'm proud ofyou and we're proud of you.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
We are so proud of you.
We are so proud of you.
It will be the best decision ofyour life.
Life changing yes um specialmention yeah, I kind of have a
special mention.
It is a special mention, no so Ialso want to just mention that,
um, I have written my firstbible study and it's been a,
(14:38):
it's been a work in progress fora while and, um, it is called
crossing over and it isavailable on our website in
digital download.
The study is for Christians whoreally want to start on that
life-changing journey toward apersonal relationship with Jesus
Christ.
And yeah, I hope you check outour website.
(14:58):
It is debbieandgreggoldcom.
We've been doing some updatingand making it look better and
hoping it's navigational and Ithink it is Um, but anyways, go
out there.
Go there and check it out.
It's Debbie and that's D E, b,b I, e and Greg goldcom.
Um, and I think that is ourshow for today.
(15:20):
Unless you have something else,greg, what anything on your
heart that you want to share?
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Really, that's show for today, unless you have
something else, greg, whatanything on your heart that you
want to share?
Well, really, that's all I got.
Yeah, we've been seeing thesupport, uh, ever since we took
a little break or a big break,yeah, and we just want to say
thank you guys for the supportand keep downloading, keep
listening and visit the websiteyeah, yeah, definitely it's been
wonderful we're trying to growthis thing as, however, we can.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Well, we are trying to.
Our mission is to get people tocome to Jesus, because that is
what that's the end goal, yeah.
That is what Jesus.
That's just one thing that hewants all his believers to do is
to get other people to come toChrist, because and by growing
this, the more we can do that.
Absolutely so.
That really is our mission.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Thank you guys for your support.
It means a lot, absolutely so.
Thank you guys for your support.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
It means a lot, yes for sure.
So again, bible study is calledCrossing Over.
It's available for digitaldownload and then also check out
our website.
We'll see you back here nextweek.
We are going to talk more abouthaving a personal relationship
with Jesus, and we always, youknow, god is.
(16:28):
He's in our presence right now,in our, in this room where
we're recording this.
He is in your presence rightnow, wherever you are.
And, um, I really want you tostart believing that and feeling
his presence.
And um just want to thank you,god, for this episode and the
words that you have given to usto present to our listeners.
And you know, we love you alland we love God.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
Make it a great day.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
And thank you all for listening.
Hello, this is Debbie and Greg Gold mother and son
team, and you are listening tothe you Are Not Alone podcast,
where we are going to navigatelife together.
Navigate life together.
(00:32):
Welcome back everyone.
Today, greg and I are going tobe diving into what it really
means to have a personalrelationship with Jesus Christ
and to walk you through that.
We're going to be talking aboutthree points, and the first one
is that god wants arelationship with each of you
and, um, you know, it doesn'tmatter what you've done in the
past, or what you've done, whoyou are, who you are uh anything
(00:55):
yeah I think like that's likethe biggest misconception about
religion is like I've done this,so I won't get accepted into
this, this, this, and peoplewill think hell and heaven.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Right, exactly, I've done this, so I won't get
accepted into this this, this,and people will think hell and
heaven, you know because I'vedone this, I won't be able to be
accepted into this, you know.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
So I know I talked to my sister one time, three, four
years ago about this and she'slike well, why, why are we even
talking about this?
She goes I already know I'mgoing to hell because of all the
bad things.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
I've done I go.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
No, no, no, linda, it is not that way.
It is not If you walk into arelationship with him.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
It's about forgiveness, yeah, or?
Speaker 1 (01:33):
accepting.
You know you accept him intoyour heart.
Jesus into your heart.
That's all you really need todo, and anyway we can get more
into that free gift that hegives us.
But to continue with that, hewants a relationship with us.
He wants that more thananything.
He wants to know you intimatelyWell, he already knows you
intimately.
He wants you to know himintimately and to walk every day
(01:55):
of your life with him, and hejust wants you to open your
heart and let him in.
It's really simple and in theBible, John 1, chapter 1, I'm
sorry verse 12 says yet to allwho did receive him, to those
who believed in his name, hegave the right to become
(02:16):
children of God.
That's it.
You believe in his name, You'rea child of God.
It's a comforting feeling.
It really is.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
And a relationship with him is there for the taking
, but you just have to seek it.
You gotta you gotta ask for it,you gotta want it you know
Right.
So revelations, uh three, 20.
Jesus speaks.
Here I am.
I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice andopens the door, I will come in
and eat with that person andthey will eat with me, which is
referring to fellowship.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
So let this be your invitation Open that door.
It's real simple.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Yes, let this podcast today be your invitation to
just knock on the door.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
It's free.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
It doesn't cost any money, no subscription fees
nothing like that, and that, tome, is just such a.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
In the community you build off of it.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
It's nonjudgmental, it's unconditional, it's all of
those things that we so in thisworld of ours and don't always
experience we do experience alot of judgment and condition
and and all that and so that youknow it warms my heart just to
be talking about this because, Ithink a lot of people feel
alone and and don't know whereto go, and and Jesus is your
(03:28):
answer.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
I've seen in my uh, I'm doing a small group with my
church right now but I'veactually seen I've met some
people that are like, oh, thisis my first time going to City
Reach, the church that we go toand I was kind of nervous to
walk in here originally, andthen I went to the service and
everyone was so like nice andopening and open-armed.
And they were just inviting meinto the space and I'm like
(03:50):
that's what it's about, rightthere.
It's about supporting otherpeople on the journey towards
having a relationship withChrist.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
So the support's insane.
It truly is Pastor.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Chris, you don't feel any negativity in that building
at all.
No or just in the communitythat you have.
I mean, the guy came up to metoday, my small group.
He was like how you doing Greg?
Speaker 1 (04:10):
You remember my name yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
I haven't been there for two weeks and you remember
my name so it's like that meansa lot to me.
It builds a community.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
It does.
It's a great place build yourcommunity, but you know pc
pastor chris he said you know hestarted this church and it was
like come as you are and I haveto tell you in in serving in
that church and being in thatchurch I mean everyone is so
happy.
I mean everyone, the the peoplethat serve, the people that
(04:37):
work there, the people, thepeople that come to hear pastor
chris talk.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
I've come as you are.
It's nonjudgmental.
I've seen every type of culture, religion, race, I mean it's
insane.
I've seen people with hijabs onin the service.
I'm like whoa, it's insane.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
And it's growing and growing.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
So big and exponentially.
They have to build a new church.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
They are they're in the process of that.
But we got all sidetrackedthere.
But if you're in the Austinarea and you're listening, I
encourage you to check out CityReach.
Right now it's on Hatch Road,technically in Cedar Park,
because it's on 620 and it's onthat side where it's Cedar Park.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
And it's just amazing , amazing, lots of services and
the effort they put into theirservices really, really detailed
highly standard, high standards, as you said earlier,
everything they do, everythingis high standards.
They don't.
They don't cheap out onanything.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
So it's amazing, All right.
Well, let's move on to thesecond point, which is God's
promise and his free gift.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
So you know, we were some.
Speaker 1 (05:44):
I didn't, I guess we didn't really talk about this
kind of did A little, but I wantto just emphasize that some
religions teach that you have toearn your way into heaven.
Right, but as Christians,christianity believes that all
you need is a relationship withGod through his son, jesus
Christ, and that relationshippromises you forgiveness of your
sins and eternal life in heaven.
That is it, pretty simple, youknow it's not.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
I've done this, so I can't go this or can't get into
here.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
No, no it's, it's all .
You are just forgiven and Godjust wants that relationship
with you.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
It's one of the main points of Christianity.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
I think, is forgiveness so right, and this
is my blood of the New Testamentwhich is shed for the many, for
the forgiveness of sins.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
And then one of the most famous verses, I think, of
all time, one of the mostwell-known verses, supports this
by saying John 3, 16,.
For God so loved the world thathe gave his one and only son
that whoever believes in himshall not perish but have
eternal life.
Yeah, which is important,because it says that whoever
believes in him, it's not.
(06:53):
It's not you have to do aphysical act, you have to
sacrifice something, somethingyou just you have to believe in
him.
Read the word.
It's very simple no-transcript.
(07:13):
Or not going anywhere, or beingwherever I don't know, stuck
somewhere, stuck, I don't knowexactly.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
But yeah, pretty awesome and yeah.
So this is all he really wantsfrom us in exchange for
sacrificing his son on the crosswhen he was 33 years old.
And so let's go on to pointnumber three, greg, why choose a
relationship with Jesus, youknow?
Besides, you know, why shouldwe so, besides the fact that you
(07:39):
know God wants a relationshipwith us and that God has this
amazing free gift, what do youthink?
Speaker 2 (07:47):
It'll change your life.
I think It'll change who youare.
It'll change your mindset.
It'll change your heart in waysthat you never imagined.
I've lived my life both withand without a personal
relationship with Jesus Christand there's no doubt in my mind
that living life having apersonal relationship with Jesus
is far better, because I wasbaptized when I was 12 years old
(08:09):
.
Thinking about it, 10 years ago, february 12, 2012.
I remember the date.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
I love it.
I love it.
That was a really proud momentfor me.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
And I remember that moment like every second, which
is crazy.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
I remember getting the towel standing in the
hallway and just waiting to getin the directions.
Okay, you're going to go hereand here lining up and all that,
and I was just so excited soyeah, nervous and excited at the
same time?
Speaker 1 (08:38):
Yeah, for sure so, but um, that's when I took my
next step and that's when Icommitted so yeah, and I have to
say for me too and I'm going toread my testimony in just a
little bit for you all, just abrief intro of it but I can say
that too, I lived my lifewithout Jesus and I lived my
life without.
(08:59):
Jesus and I lived my lifewalking with him for the last 20
years and I grew up in a homewhere it was Presbyterian church
and my parents didn't go andwould drop my sister and I off
at church for Sunday school andthen her and I would have to go
(09:21):
or would go to church followingthat and they would pick us up
after, and I really don'tunderstand that.
I'm not sure what that was allabout, um, I know my parents
worked a lot at that time, um,and that maybe that was part of
it and they just wanted us tohave that upbringing.
But you know, we just nevertalked about anything, it wasn't
carried on into the home, itwas just a thing like going to
(09:42):
school and you know that was it.
Come home, so, um, yeah anyway.
So I guess, uh, I kind of did alittle diversion there, but that
was my experience too and Ireally didn't want Greg to grow
up that way and so I had left,you know, my faith or my church
(10:02):
and really started looking forjust a Bible church that talked
about just the Bible and thatreally is what Christianity is.
And so Greg was raised withthat.
At the age of about two orthree, started that going to
church and Sunday school and allthat stuff.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
And then committed when I was 12.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
And I wish I did it earlier.
But I'm glad I did it at theage where I knew what it was.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Yeah, where you understood it?
I understood it.
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
It wasn't like oh, I get dunked in water yay.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Yeah, I'm going.
It was like I don't, oh, I getdunked in water.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Yeah, I'm going.
It was like I don't know.
I know I want to commit my lifeto Jesus.
Yeah, that's what it's allabout, and solidify it.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
So, anyway, I think if you're not happy with your
life or who you are and what'sgoing on in your world, we
really urge you to take thisnext step by accepting Christ in
your heart.
And we're going to tell youabout that in just a little bit,
but first I have written mytestimony in order to share my
story of salvation and my storyof how I was rescued.
(11:06):
Really and I don't want to gointo it all today, but I just
want to share a little piece ofit so that you really get a
sense about I don't know how Iwas and how God really was able
to change my life.
So let me go ahead and readthat.
What I experienced in childhoodhad lasting effects on me as an
(11:29):
adult.
I avoided conflict.
I was filled with anxiety.
I felt the need to be incontrol of everything around me
and had trouble identifying myfeelings.
The only feelings I knew werehappiness and anger.
All of their feelings wereforeign to me.
I didn't trust anybody, noteven myself.
I had friends, but few of therelationships were deep like I
(11:50):
longed for them to be.
Mike and I struggled.
My husband and I struggled inour marriage and it was far from
loving and supportive andconnected.
I was self-centered and caredonly about me.
My focus was on what everyonearound me had and what I didn't
have.
I lacked confidence and insideI was scared and miserable.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Damn.
Yeah, that's deep.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
And that is the truth , and that's when I look back at
that, I go.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Complete opposite of who you are.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Thank you, yes, yeah, I know, and I almost go really.
I was but really Like.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Anti-social, the heck no.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
I don't see that.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Foot of conflict.
No, you take it head on.
Let's talk there's no, there'sno comparison about that, you
know.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
There's no comparison about that.
It really truly is amazing.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
I didn't know you before you knew Christ and
hearing that it's like acompletely different person.
Wait, no, who is this?
Not my mom, yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
So he's amazing.
God is truly amazing.
Like we said, he'll change yourheart, he'll change your life
and it's all really good.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
I want us to say, I mean, and at City Reach, our
church that we go to everySunday, our pastor, pastor Chris
, he says a prayer, a salvationprayer, to bring new people to
Christ, and it's a simple thingand it's a simple prayer, but
it's a beautiful prayer.
He asks everyone to close theireyes, bow their heads, and then
(13:17):
the people that are firstcomers or might not be connected
to Christ yet, they raise theirhand and then, once you raise
your hand, put your hand on yourheart and say this prayer.
So we're going to say thisprayer nice and slow, so you
guys can read it back if you'dlove, if you'd like, which I
love.
Yes, if you're ready to takethe next step of living your
(13:38):
life with Jesus, place your handon your heart and say the
salvation prayer with us.
Father God, I love you and Iwant to get to know you better
and live by your ways.
Thank you, jesus, for dying onthe cross so that I can be
forgiven of my sins and haveeternal life.
(14:00):
Please forgive me of my sins,come into my heart.
I receive you now as my Lordand Savior.
In the name of Jesus Christ.
I pray Amen.
So if you said this prayer andaccepted Jesus into your heart.
Congratulations, I'm proud ofyou and we're proud of you.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
We are so proud of you.
We are so proud of you.
It will be the best decision ofyour life.
Life changing yes um specialmention yeah, I kind of have a
special mention.
It is a special mention, no so Ialso want to just mention that,
um, I have written my firstbible study and it's been a,
(14:38):
it's been a work in progress fora while and, um, it is called
crossing over and it isavailable on our website in
digital download.
The study is for Christians whoreally want to start on that
life-changing journey toward apersonal relationship with Jesus
Christ.
And yeah, I hope you check outour website.
(14:58):
It is debbieandgreggoldcom.
We've been doing some updatingand making it look better and
hoping it's navigational and Ithink it is Um, but anyways, go
out there.
Go there and check it out.
It's Debbie and that's D E, b,b I, e and Greg goldcom.
Um, and I think that is ourshow for today.
(15:20):
Unless you have something else,greg, what anything on your
heart that you want to share?
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Really, that's show for today, unless you have
something else, greg, whatanything on your heart that you
want to share?
Well, really, that's all I got.
Yeah, we've been seeing thesupport, uh, ever since we took
a little break or a big break,yeah, and we just want to say
thank you guys for the supportand keep downloading, keep
listening and visit the websiteyeah, yeah, definitely it's been
wonderful we're trying to growthis thing as, however, we can.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Well, we are trying to.
Our mission is to get people tocome to Jesus, because that is
what that's the end goal, yeah.
That is what Jesus.
That's just one thing that hewants all his believers to do is
to get other people to come toChrist, because and by growing
this, the more we can do that.
Absolutely so.
That really is our mission.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Thank you guys for your support.
It means a lot, absolutely so.
Thank you guys for your support.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
It means a lot, yes for sure.
So again, bible study is calledCrossing Over.
It's available for digitaldownload and then also check out
our website.
We'll see you back here nextweek.
We are going to talk more abouthaving a personal relationship
with Jesus, and we always, youknow, god is.
(16:28):
He's in our presence right now,in our, in this room where
we're recording this.
He is in your presence rightnow, wherever you are.
And, um, I really want you tostart believing that and feeling
his presence.
And um just want to thank you,god, for this episode and the
words that you have given to usto present to our listeners.
And you know, we love you alland we love God.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
Make it a great day.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
And thank you all for listening.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
True Crime Tonight
If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com