I was 21 when I read the Gospels for the first time. Someone had suggested I read the book of John first, but I knew so little about the Bible at the time that I didn't understand the Gospels were four separate accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus. So I started at what seemed the only logical place, at the beginning of the New Testament, with the book of Matthew.

By the time I got to the book of John, I was fascinated with Jesus. He had the perfect answer to every question and always knew exactly what to do. But more than that, He seemed to understand me and know exactly what I needed. His words were powerful and alive. He was alive! His words reached across nearly 2000 years and touched me in a way I had never experienced before. When I finally came to John 15:15--"I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you"--I felt He was speaking directly to me. Jesus called me His friend! I got so excited I couldn't sit still. I wanted to tell the whole world--and still do!

I had prayed to receive Him as my Savior a few months before, but nothing changed until I began reading His words with an open, receptive heart. His words were powerful and alive and, best of all, personal. And it got better. Some time later, I discovered that Jesus still speaks as openly and directly with His followers today as He did with His first disciples. It is our hope that this issue of Activated will help you make that direct, personal connection with Jesus, or strengthen the relationship you already have with Him.

Keith Phillips
For the Activated family