Knowing God in a personal way

On these pages, some people from All Saints’ share what being a Christian means to them.

John Playle

I was brought up in a family where going to church was part of weekly life. My Father was a minister, so we learnt from an early age what Christianity was about. However, being born into a Christian environment doesn't make you a Christian. I made a personal decision at 11 years of age to commit my life to Jesus Christ. However, as is so often the case as I grew older I drifted away from the church and from God. I work as an academic at University and thought that my life was completely fulfilled: good career, good house, holidays, financial security etc. All the time though I knew that there was something missing from my life. It was like there was a hole that nothing seemed to fill, a missing part of a jigsaw.

After going through some difficult personal circumstances, I realised that what was missing from my life was my relationship with God. I recommitted my life to God and now have a very personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. For me, being a Christian is about just that, knowing God in a very personal way, all because Jesus Christ died on a cross to take my sins away. It doesn't mean that all problems disappear, but it means that deep down I have a real peace inside, knowing that God loves me and is always there to turn to. This is something that we can all experience and I'd strongly recommend it!

I joined All Saint's Church when we moved to the local area a few years ago. It's great being part of a large family of Christians that extends worldwide. I play bass guitar in the worship team and being an active Christian is a whole new way of life which offers a peace and security that can't be found any other way.