Reading the New Testament Change My Life
From Frustration to Following - The Journey of Carissa coming to Faith
In a world where we often seek belonging through achievements and superficial connections, Carissa’s story demonstrates how the simple act of reading the New Testament can lead to profound transformation. Carissa’s testimony is a powerful reminder of how God’s Word can pierce through our carefully constructed facades and reveal the authentic relationship He desires to have with each of us.
Growing up in a spiritually diverse household with a formerly Catholic father and Jewish mother, my early understanding of faith was primarily cultural, centered around holiday celebrations rather than a personal relationship. I lived my life through a “performance mindset,” finding validation through academic success and athletic achievements. Like many of us, I built my identity on the foundation of others’ approval.
But God had been quietly placing people in my life—seeds of faith that would later bloom in unexpected ways. During graduate school, I found myself surrounded by a few Christians who shared not just their time but also their authentic faith through simple game nights and conversations. It was during one of these evenings that my curiosity was sparked —not from a crisis of faith or a rock-bottom moment, but from a simple desire to understand the biblical references my friends were making.
I came home and had this thought that just kept stirring in my mind for days, and I felt like I had to do something. So I finally got a Bible out and started reading. Mostly out of curiosity. And then, while I was reading, I felt it piercing something deep inside me. Now I realize it is because the word of God is so powerful. It’s not just human words, it’s literally God’s word. As I continued to read day after day I began to wonder, how do people not know about this? How do people not believe this? As I started reading about Jesus and the miracles he performed, and the things he did, I was blown away. I thought to myself, I’ve been living my whole life without this?! In that moment, I decided to give my life to Jesus and accept Him as my LORD and Savior. I remember bawling my eyes out as I prayed I accept you, Jesus, and I want you in my life, and I want you to lead me.
The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Carissa’s story reminds us that God’s Word has the power to change lives not through rules or obligations but through revelation and a relationship. Whether you’re a skeptic, a seasoned believer, or someone simply curious about what the Bible says, the New Testament Challenge offers you the same opportunity that Carissa took—to open the Scripture and allow God’s Word to speak into your life.
The New Testament Challenge presents a unique opportunity for you and those you care about —a chance to open the Scripture and allow God’s Word to work in your life. It’s not about religious obligation or checking boxes; it’s about beginning a journey that could completely transform your understanding of who God is and who you are in Him.
The invitation is simple but profound: take the New Testament Challenge. Don’t approach it as another task to complete. Instead, approach it as Carissa did—with curiosity and openness to what God might reveal. You might find, as she did, that what begins as reading words on a page becomes an encounter with the living God who loves you not for what you do, but for who you are.
It can start by simply opening the Bible and allowing God’s Word to do what it does best—pierce through our carefully constructed walls and reveal the truth of His love and the authentic life He has planned for each of us.
Sign up today for the New Testament Challenge, and take the first step in what could be your own transformative journey with God’s Word.
Join us for The New Testament Challenge, a 10-week journey into the greatest story ever told. From the humble manger in Bethlehem to His glorious return, this series will help you grasp the sweeping narrative of God’s redemptive love.
What makes this journey particularly special is that we’re taking it together – from our youngest Kidsiders to our most seasoned believers, from our students to our young adults.