Salvation Story Interview

Before we talk about your personal relationship with Jesus, let's begin with what many people know about Him from history and the Bible. Jesus was born to Mary and was raised by Joseph. He worked as a carpenter before beginning His public ministry. He was baptized by John the Baptist and spent approximately three years teaching, healing the sick, performing miracles, and sharing God's love with people. Jesus was rejected by many, suffered, died on a cross, and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death. After appearing to His disciples and many others, He ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of God the Father and intercedes for us. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live within those who believe in Him, and He has promised that one day He will return for His people. Many people know these facts about Jesus. Some believe them. Others do not. The purpose of this interview is not simply to learn what you know about Jesus, but to discover whether you have come to know Him personally. QUESTION: WHEN YOU FIRST HEARD ABOUT JESUS, WHO DID YOU THINK HE WAS?

Before we talk about your spiritual journey, please tell us a little about yourself in ordinary, everyday life. Note: This information will be shared with those who read your story so choose what you want to say with that in mind. QUESTION: WHO ARE YOU? FOR EXAMPLE, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT HAS YOUR LIFE BEEN LIKE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

The Bible tells us that there is a difference between knowing Jesus from a human point of view and knowing Him by revelation. 2 Corinthians 5:16 “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!” QUESTION: WAS THERE A TIME WHEN JESUS BECAME MORE THAN A RELIGIOUS NAME, A BIBLE STORY, OR SOMEONE YOU HAD HEARD ABOUT?

For some people, this happened on a specific date. For others, it happened during a season of seeking, suffering, surrender, or awakening. QUESTION: DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU CAME TO KNOW THAT JESUS LOVED YOU PERSONALLY? WAS THERE A MOMENT, DAY, SEASON, PRAYER, ENCOUNTER, OR EXPERIENCE THAT STANDS OUT TO YOU?

The Bible says that when we belong to Christ, something new begins inside us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” QUESTION: WHAT MADE THAT MOMENT, DAY OR SEASON SPECIAL FOR YOU? WHAT HAPPENED IN YOUR HEART, MIND, OR LIFE? Follow-up Question: Have there been other special moments in your walk with Jesus that made a real difference in your relationship with Him?

Salvation is not just joining a church, becoming religious, or trying harder to be good. It is coming to know Him and discovering that we are in Him. (1 John 5:20) “ And we [have seen and] know [by personal experience] that the Son of God has [actually] come [to this world], and has given us understanding and insight so that we may [progressively and personally] know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true - in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (AMP) QUESTION: WHEN YOU CAME TO KNOW JESUS, DID YOU BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND WHO HE IS AND WHO YOU ARE IN HIM?

A true encounter with Jesus brings change. It may be sudden, gradual, quiet, or ongoing, but His life begins to work in us. QUESTION: HAS KNOWING JESUS CHANGED YOU OR YOUR LIFE? IF SO, HOW? You may want to think about changes in your heart, choices, relationships, peace, hope, forgiveness, healing, freedom, or desire to know God more.

The good news is that God brought us back to Himself through Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:18–19) “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.” QUESTION: DO YOU KNOW GOD AS THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, OR HAS JESUS INTRODUCED YOU TO HIS FATHER - OUR - HEAVENLY FATHER?

Because your story can give hope to someone else. You do not need to have a perfect life or perfect words. People just need to know that God wants to be in relationship with them. He loved us so much that he asked Jesus to die for us. Then He raised him from the dead and he is alive today, sitting at the right hand of our Father in heaven. (2 Corinthians 5:20–21) “So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’ For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH A PERSON READING YOUR STORY THAT MIGHT ENCOURAGE THEM TO 'COME BACK TO GOD' THROUGH JESUS?

(Acts 19:1-6) While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus. As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. (NLT)

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on and share your journey with Jesus. Your story matters. The ways God has revealed His love to you, drawn you to Himself, filled you with His Holy Spirit, and established your identity as His beloved son or daughter have the power to encourage others who are seeking hope, healing, and freedom. Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32) Thank you for helping us lift Jesus higher. If you feel called to take the next step, we invite you to consider becoming a member of Detox with Jesus or exploring one of our leadership and volunteer opportunities. Whether your gifts include prayer, encouragement, hospitality, mentoring, administration, teaching, or simply listening well, there is a place for you in this growing community. Together, we can create spaces where love restores and freedom begins. Interested in becoming a member or serving in a leadership role? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us at connect@detoxwithjesus.ca.

If you have reached the end of this interview and find yourself wondering: * What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus? * What does it mean to be “in Christ”? * How can I know that I am truly born again? * How can I experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit? * Do I know, deep in my heart, that I am a beloved son or daughter of God? * How can I grow closer to my Heavenly Father?** WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US AT **[thedoor@detoxwithjesus.ca] Whether you have questions, doubts, hopes, or simply a desire to explore the Christian faith more deeply, we welcome honest conversation. When you reach out, you will connect with someone who will listen with compassion, answer your questions with care, and walk alongside you without judgment or criticism. No question is too small. No story is too complicated. No one is beyond the reach of God's love. We would be honoured to connect with you. "The door is open. Come as you are. Together, let's explore what it means to know Jesus, experience His love, and discover your identity as a beloved child of God."