What Baptism, Scripture, and One Awkward Bible Study Taught Him About Faith
A Christian testimony about God’s patience, Scripture, and one unforgettable “Bible study.”
His grandmother and mom kept him, his brother, and his cousin in church constantly. Children’s choir, Sunday School, the usher board—it didn’t matter the ministry. If the church had a clipboard, his name somehow appeared on it. He also helped his grandmother clean the sanctuary, scrubbing, vacuuming, and dusting every inch of the place.
He was surrounded by church life, but deep down he knew something honest:
he was familiar with the things of God, but he didn’t truly know God.
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A Busy Home and a Wandering Heart
After moving to a nearby town, life changed. His mom worked multiple jobs, doing everything she could to keep the family afloat. Church wasn’t as consistent anymore, though he tagged along with a close friend whenever he could.
But it wasn’t until college that he finally faced something he had quietly overlooked his whole life:
You can sit in church for years and still not know Jesus personally.
His mother used to tell him:
“Marshall, you can go to church every day of the week, but eventually you gotta read the Bible for yourself.”
At the time, he heard the sounds—but not the truth.
A College Crush, a Confusing Bible Study, and a Wake-Up Call
During his second year of college, a girl caught his attention. She loved Jesus, took her faith seriously, and—yes—was beautiful enough for him to suddenly develop a strong interest in spiritual activities.
He thought, “A Bible study with her sounds like a great idea.”
When he asked, she studied him like she already knew what he was plotting. But she agreed.
A few days later, he visited her apartment. They sat down, and she began with a simple question:
“What church did you grow up in?”
“Baptist,” he said.
She stopped. Squinted slightly. Then delivered a line no one sees coming during what was supposed to be a friendly Bible study:
“Oh… you’re going to hell.”
He blinked so slowly you’d think time froze.
In one minute he went from hopeful Bible student to heresy suspect.
She began explaining something about baptism and how “Baptists do it wrong.” He barely processed any of it. His brain was too busy trying to understand the spiritual ambush he’d wandered into.
That was their first and final Bible study. They remained polite, but he knew better than to walk back into that theological minefield.
The Moment Everything Shifted
After returning to his dorm room, he could still hear his mother’s voice:
Read the Bible for yourself.
So he opened the book of Matthew. Eventually he reached Jesus’ words:
“Go therefore and make disciples… baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
He leaned back and thought:
“That’s exactly how I was baptized.”
Something clicked.
If he wanted to follow Jesus, he needed more than assumptions.
He needed more than opinions.
He needed Scripture.
That quiet moment became the true beginning of his relationship with Christ.
Finding Real Discipleship
For a while, it was just him, his Bible, and the Holy Spirit—slowly learning truth one page at a time. Later, God brought him into a church that took discipleship seriously. Not just sermons. Not just small talk.
Real discipleship:
Studying Scripture together
Fasting together
Serving the community
Growing side by side
Those years shaped him deeply and gave him the spiritual foundation he had never experienced before.
Leadership eventually changed and the direction of the church shifted. He and his wife moved on, but the desire to help others grow never left him.
Why He Writes Today
Through years of studying the Bible and mentoring others, he noticed a painful pattern:
New believers come to Christ… and then they’re left alone.
Just confusion wrapped in good intentions.
So he started writing online to build what so many Christians never receive—clear teaching, practical discipleship, and a space where people can actually grow.
His mission became simple:
To help believers understand Scripture, build spiritual strength, and walk out their faith with confidence.
Jesus’ own disciples often said, “Lord, we still don’t understand.”
And Jesus patiently explained the truth.
That’s the kind of teacher he hopes to be—steady, clear, and full of grace.
Why There Are Two Newsletters
As his audience grew, he saw that not everyone needed the same type of discipleship.
Walking in Freedom
A newsletter for all Christians.
Practical wisdom. Scripture. Spiritual growth. Clear teaching.
The King’s Forge
A newsletter for men who want to develop godly strength and leadership.
Two different tools, one purpose:
helping people follow Jesus with understanding instead of confusion.
An Invitation to Grow
If his testimony feels familiar…
If someone reading sees their own story in his…
If a believer feels stuck, confused, or hungry for more…
He hopes they’ll walk with him.
Walking in Freedom — for any believer pursuing spiritual growth.
The King’s Forge — for men ready to step into Christlike strength.
He cares deeply for the people God sends to his writing.
But God cares for them even more.
And he hopes they’ll continue this journey together.
Join Our Subscriber Chat
If you’re walking this battle and need a safe space to talk, pray, or find encouragement—join our Subscriber Chat on Substack.
We pray, talk honestly, and remind each other that freedom in Christ is possible.
Christian Hotline & Prayer Support
If you’re struggling or need someone to pray with you, please reach out:
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Focus on the Family Prayer Line: 1-877-771-4357
The 700 Club Prayer Line: 1-800-700-7000
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: 1-888-388-2683
Chatnow (24/7 Christian Chat & Prayer):
https://chatnow.org
Call to Repentance
If you’ve been trying to earn your way into heaven, it’s time to stop striving and start surrendering. Today can be the day everything changes.
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Don’t wait for a better moment. Turn from your sin, believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and receive the gift of eternal life.
He is calling—respond to Him today.
Call to Action
If this message spoke to your heart, don’t keep it to yourself.
Share it with someone you love — and make sure to subscribe so you never miss more biblical truth, encouragement, and hope.
Let’s walk this journey of faith together.
Need prayer or want to share your testimony? Email us at narrowpath93@gmail.com
Or, you can message us directly here on Substack!
Your story matters. Someone out there needs to know what God has done in you!
Thank you all so much for allowing me to share a part of my testimony of this wonderful journey. God bless your ministry and may it continue to grow. Continue doing Kingdom work!