About the Author
Hello. My name is Michael.
Let me start by letting you know how thrilled to share in this journey with you. A little about me:
I currently serve as a deacon at Double Springs church of Christ in my hometown of Cookeville, TN. I am blessed and honored to both teach and preach on a regular basis both at my home congregation, but also regularly preach at other local congregations as part of the Upper Cumberland Outreach Ministry.
If there’s one thing I’m passionate about, it’s the Lord Jesus Christ and helping other people draw closer to Him.
From Mormon to Christian
I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon Church. For several years of my adult life, while I was not active in my faith as a Mormon, I was still very passionate about what I believed and was a staunch defender of the faith.
However, my spiritual path took a significant turn in mid-2016, when I was introduced to the God of the Bible and the true message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On New Year’s Eve 2017, I placed my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and since then have lived in a constant pursuit of Him. This transition has been a profound and transformative experience, and I am excited to connect with others who are curious about or going through similar journeys.
My Mormon Background
While I grew up in a “Mormon” family, you could say we were lukewarm at best. We enjoyed hanging out the local missionaries, but we rarely participated in Sunday services (let alone extra curricular youth activities). Personally, I count myself blessed in the sense that I wasn’t quite as indoctrinated as some of the other Mormon kids I grew up around, leading me to be able to see the truth of Bible for what it says without the type of problems that many other potential Mormons might face for leaving the church.,
As I grew older, I began to encounter questions and doubts, and I could not reconcile what the word of God in the Bible said with the teachings of the LDS Church. I started exploring different perspectives, reading extensively, and engaging in discussions with people from various faith backgrounds. This period of exploration was both challenging and enlightening, leading me to a crossroads in my spiritual journey.
The Turning Point
On New Year’s Eve 2017, after much reflection and prayer, I made the decision to embrace Christianity. This was not a decision I took lightly; it was the culmination of years of searching for truth, months of deep Biblical study, and a deeper connection with God. The teachings of Jesus Christ, as presented in the Bible, resonated with me in a profound way, offering clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Since becoming a Christian, my life has been transformed in ways I never imagined. The love, grace, and forgiveness that I have found in Jesus Christ have been life-changing. The Christian community locally has welcomed me with open arms, providing support, fellowship, and opportunities for growth. My faith journey has not been without its challenges, but it has been deeply rewarding.
Sharing My Journey
I am passionate about sharing my story with others, especially those who might be experiencing similar doubts or considering a transition from one faith to another. My journey from Mormonism to Christianity has taught me the importance of seeking truth, being open to God’s instruction, and ultimately trusting in God’s plan.
Through this blog, I hope to provide insights, encouragement, and a sense of community for anyone, regardless of where you might be on your spiritual journey. Whether you are a lifelong Christian, a curious seeker, or someone navigating a faith transition, I invite you to join me as we explore the fundamentals of Christianity and grow together in our understanding and faith.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing more about the incredible journey of faith that we are all on.
Blessings,
Michael J. Lilly