Changed Lives

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works,
so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

Lives Changed

Before You Explore

Are you 16 or older?

The Bible describes true life-change as a work God does to bring us from darkness to light. The stories on this page, therefore include details about the darkness that people lived in before God brought them into light. So we ask that if you are under 16 years old, you get permission from a parent or guardian before continuing to explore the testimonies on this page. 
Article: 6 Min

Sharon Dutra

Bible Teacher

Sharon’s journey from life on the streets with drugs and prostitutes to life in Christ with hope and purpose.

Podcast: 5 Minutes
Author

Pastor John Piper is one of the most well-known pastors in the 21st century, who has preached countless messages and written countless books. His story of coming to know Jesus might surprise you. We have put together resources here on Bibles.net to introduce you to John Piper and help you discover his work. Pastor John’s preaching will encourage you in your relationship with God and help you grow to know and love Jesus more.

Podcast: 9 Minutes
Comedian

Can Christians have fun? Michael would answer with a resounding yes. His understanding of “funny” changed when God altered the rest of his worldview.

Podcast: 10 Minutes
Singer-Songwriter

You may know Chris Llewellyn as the leader of the band, “Rend Collective.” Chris’ relationship with Jesus radically changed his identity and led him from being a rugby player to a singer. Chris desires to bring the hope found in Jesus and his Word, the Bible to his home country of Ireland through music.

Video: 3 Min
Fishing

The incredible sports fisherman Al Lindner shares about his faith and how precious God’s Word, the Bible, has become to him. Al holds a spot in five fishing halls of fame and is highly respected in the sports fishing industry.

Article: 8 Min

Paul Tesori

Golf Caddie

Paul Tesori caddies for the PGA golf tour. Though he grew up around church, he didn’t expect the Bible to be an integral part of his career. Hear about how Paul came to faith in Jesus, and how his relationship with Jesus affects his attitude, the golf community, his work, and family. Inspired by their beautiful son, Isaiah, who was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, the Tesori Family began a foundation to provide help and hope to children with special needs.

Article: 7 Min

Rosaria Butterfield

Author

Once a lesbian professor of English and women’s studies at Syracuse, Rosaria now speaks, writes, and homeschools her children. She documents what she calls her “train wreck conversion” to Christianity in her book, The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely ConvertIf you would like to hear the full story of Rosaria’s conversion, we encourage you to listen to her 45-minute long retelling of how she came to faith in Jesus.

Article: 15 Min

Aaron Baddeley

Golf

Aaron Baddeley is an Australian American professional golfer. Aaron shares how he came to trust in Jesus, the impact God’s Word has on his life, and the value of personal integrity for everyone who trusts Jesus.

Article: 15 Min

Burk Parsons

Author

He was almost a Backstreet Boy. More than once, Burk Parsons rejected the opportunity for fame and wealth, even as a young man. God laid something else on his heart—something he believed was more worthy of his life. Burk is now a pastor, editor, and author. He serves as one of The Teaching Fellows at Ligonier Ministries, and you can find his edifying content online at Ligonier.org.

Article: 10 Min

Jonathan Tjarks

Sportswriter

Jonathan frames his journey from drugs to a life of faith in Jesus by two conversions—first, an intellectual one, and then, an experiential one.

Article: 15 Min

Mohd. Saleem

Former Muslim

Mohammed Saleem was a former Muslim who went looking for God through yahoo.com and was surprised by what he found. This Islamic extremist discovered that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He began questioning Islam when he read Injeel (The Gospel of John).

Video: 25 Min
Rock and Roll Singer

Rock singer Lacey Sturm’s gentle demeanor will not betray her powerful singing voice. Hear how Lacey was saved from suicide and came to know the love of God. Lacey now sings of the love of Jesus to the Rock and Roll community. You can hear more stories of hope from people who once wrestled with suicidal thoughts but found new life and hope in Jesus here on Bibles.net.

Evangelist

Recognize Kirk? He’s an actor and film producer, featured for example, in the show “Growing Pains,” and the “Left Behind” movies. You’ll quickly see Kirk’s sincerity and contageous joy.

Hip-Hop

Michael Carroll once lived fatherless, behind bars, and filled with shame. But he found the Father, now lives behind the words of the Bible, and is filled with the hope found in the message of Scripture.

Podcast: 38 Minutes
Bible Teacher

Alistair Begg’s voice is often heard on the radio, and for good reason. His scottish accent and humor engage any listener, while he faithfully, winsomely, and clearly teaches the Bible, which he has done for over 35 years. You can find his teaching at Truth for Life, the Bible-teaching ministry of Pastor Alistair Begg.

Gamer

James loved gaming, but his online addiction quickly turned into a pornography addiction. James realized he was enslaved to it. Here’s his powerful story. If you find yourself in the same place as James, we encourage you to seek Jesus for help. For, “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13 ESV). We have put together some resources at Bibles.net to give you hope if you are wanting to be done with pornography.

Author

Heath Lambert is a wonderful biblical counselor. He experienced healing and redemption from abuse and a broken home. Listen to Heath tell his incredible life story, “a story of love, forgiveness, and the grace of Jesus Christ.” Heath serves as the pastor of First Baptist Church Jacksonville, and you can find his books, articles, and messages on his church’s website.

Article: 6 Min

David Block

Philosopher

David Block was a young astronomer who discovered God’s love for him when he opened the Bible with a pastor at the encouragement of a friend. He learned “that the same God who numbered the stars knew and loved me personally.”

Article: 6 Min

Robert Wilton

Stuntperson

Robert Wilton was a film and television stuntman who realized that he did not entirely control his own life. Here’s how Jesus changed him.

Bible Teacher
Martin lived a life of violence. Psychiatrists, prison guards, and therapists found him beyond hope. But Martin testifies that God can and did do the impossible in his life.
Author

Israel Harel was in and out of a psychiatric hospital for years because of drug usage before turning to the Messiah, Jesus Christ for salvation. Jesus set Israel free from his mental illness. Israel is one of many Jewish people who have come to faith in Jesus. To hear their testimonies, visit the ministry One For Israel through the link provided below. 

Evangelist

Billy Graham went to a campaign where a preacher taught from the Bible. He gave his life to Jesus. Little did he know that he would become an evangelist, preaching the Bible at campaigns to millions around the world.

Singer-Songwriter

Alisa has always had a song in her heart. The words of Scripture have provided the songs for her soul through terribly severe trials. God gave Alisa the gift of music that she gives to others. Hear her share about the hardships she has faced, and how Jesus has remained worthy of her song.

Speaker
Michael Franzese survived the mob life by a miracle, and lives to tell his story of total transformation that began the day a Bible was thrown into his prison cell. If you want to hear more of Michael’s story, consider listening to his 18-minute interview with Eric Metaxas, through the link below.
Former Muslim
Ahmed grew up in a loving Muslim family, but when his mom gave her life to Jesus Christ, it started him on a new journey. Hear him answer, do Christians and Muslims believe in the same God?
Video: 10 Min
Hip-Hop

Chris Hulvey grew up in Georgia in a Christian family, and loves the world of hip hop. He seeks to use his talents to help others discover Jesus Christ and know the joy of living for him.

Professor

Joseph is from the Czech Republic and has always loved to study how things work. He says that you don’t need to be a scientist to find out whether God exists. You just need to look around, and to open the Bible.

Video: 5 Min
Fighter

Robert is from Germany, and made his way in his youth by fighting. A warrior in every respect outwardly, he was losing strength inwardly, until he discovered the source of true strength.

Video: 7 Min
Single Mom

Kateryna is originally from Ukraine. She suffered much loss and lived under a cloud of depression and anxiety. Discover how Jesus changed her life through a kind friend, the Bible, and a course called Christianity Explored. Christianity Explored aims to help people meet Jesus in the Bible and explore the Christian faith, through thought-provoking video resources and courses. We encourage you to check it out!

Video: 45 Min
Skateboarding

Tim Mackie discovered the Bible at skate church, as a young, reserved middle-schooler. Tim shares his story of discovering what the Bible is about, while helping us understand that the Bible tells one unified story. Tim and his friend Jon founded BibleProject, an incredible ministry helping us understand the themes, story, and books of the Bible.

Video: 17 Min
Drummer and Vocalist

Jen Ledger is the drummer for the Christian rock band, Skillet. Her new song, “My Arms,” is based on the wonderful truth that God longs for us to run to him in our pain. Jen shares what the Bible has taught her about fear and anxiety, and how to battle fear and anxiety.

Singer-Songwriter

Few tell stories like Andrew Peterson. His songwriting is rich with biblical allusions and beautiful imagery, and his heart has never grown out of its wonder at all that’s good and true and beautiful. If you haven’t heard his music, you must. His songs will help you to know, love, and trust Jesus more, to long for his Kingdom, and to understand your own heart a little better.

Video: 15 Min
Evangelist

John was a self-proclaimed violent man, and you may be surprised by his intense lifestyle. Eventually, John went to prison. While in prison, John read one verse from the Bible that changed him forever. John is a new man with a new heart and a new vision for life.

Video: 10 Min
Skateboarding

Brian’s accent will tell you he’s from Liverpool, but his passion will hint at the radical transformation he experienced. Brian says, “As I was trying to prove God wasn’t real, he was speaking through his Scripture to me.” Brian’s life changed the day he encountered Jesus, so he created the website Death2Life Revolution to help those struggling with suicidal thoughts and other struggles to find the hope he found in Jesus.

Hip-Hop

Jackie Hill-Perry authored her book, Gay Girl, Good God after encountering Jesus. Jackie is a mom, Bible-teacher, and artist. You can explore her albums, learn about her podcast, and find more resources from Jackie on her website JackieHillPerry.com.

Surfer

Surfer Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack at 14, which was then widely publicized. That traumatic experience and loss of her arm didn’t stop her from surfing professionally. Bethany continued pursuing her two passions—love for surfing and love for Jesus. She created a website to be a safe place for girls to come and be encouraged—to get ideas on living a healthy life in faith, mind, body and spirit. We encourage you to check it out!

Singer-Songwriter

Josh Garrels might be best know for his hit song, “Farther Along.” Josh’s lyrically excellent music has been an incredible blessing to us, and we encourage you to check out his music. If you need some songs to start with, “Farther Along,” “At the Table,” and “Anchor for My Soul” are some of our favorites!

Author

Disability has not held Joni back—she is an incredibly joyous woman who sings, writes books, hosts a radio show, and founded an organization called Joni and Friends. Joni and Friends exists to bring practical help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities around the world.

Video: 9 Min
Bible Teacher

Pastor Mark Dever pastors a church in the heart of Washington D.C. Aside from being known for his hospitable spirit and love for good literature, Mark has contributed greatly to our understanding of what the Bible has to say about the church. He wrote the book, 9 Marks of a Healthy Churchand created the website 9Marks.org to help equip church leaders. We encourage you to visit 9Marks.org and explore the resources there.

Philosopher

William Lane Craig is a professor of philosophy at both a seminary and a university. He has authored over thirty books and has been recognized as one of the most influential philosophers in our day. With gentleness, clarity, and wisdom, he loves to answer people’s deep questions from a biblical perspective. You can find answers to your questions about life, the reliability of the Bible, and the intellectual coherence of the Christian faith on his website, Reasonable Faith.

Bible Teacher

H.B. Charles Jr. received his call to be a pastor at 17! He’s a wonderful gospel singer, pastor, podcaster, and author, who always wears a smile. He teaches the Bible with clarity, simplicity, and conviction. We encourage you to check out Pastor H.B’s messages on his podcast, “Cutting It Straight with H. B. Charles Jr.”

Singer-Songwriter

Steven Curtis Chapman is Nashville’s 5 Grammy winning singer-songwriter who came from and raised a family of musicians. We have put together resources here on Bibles.net to introduce you to Steven Curtis Chapman and help you discover his work. Steven’s music will encourage you in your relationship with God and help you grow to know and love Jesus more.

Bible Teacher

Matt Chandler preaches truth from the Bible with unforgettable passion and personality. He has weathered difficult seasons in marriage, and suffered for a time from brain cancer, only to come out strengthened by God’s Word and equipped to share comfort with us. We have put together resources here on Bibles.net to introduce you to Matt Chandler and help you discover his work. Matt’s preaching will encourage you in your relationship with God and help you grow to know and love Jesus more.

Video: 5 Min
Motocross

Trey Canard raced motocross professionally for ten years, sponsored by Red Bull. Now, he coaches motorcycle for sport as well as dirt bike racing. If you are inspired by Trey’s story, and also are interested in motocross, we encourage you to check out PanicRev. PanicRev is a a movement that empowers and equips the motocross community to know Jesus and to walk strong and bold in their faith.

Video: 8 Min
Theologian

Dr. Joel R. Beeke loves to study God’s Word. He has blessed God’s people by teaching the Bible as a pastor, professor, and author, and editor. He’s authored over a hundred books! We encourage you to explore his content on his website.

Video: 11 Min
Author

Eric is known for the #1 New York Times Bestselling biography, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, as well as a myriad of other books. Eric’s writing, speaking, and quick wit will deepen you and make you laugh and think a little harder. You can explore his writing and work at his website, EricMetaxas.com.

Boxing

Few have led such an action-packed life as Chad. Chad served as a law enforcement officer and also as a soldier, deploying several times with special operations units. While in the states, he fought to be a professional Mixed Martial Arts champion. Chad now spends his time and energy helping other veterans recover from the throes of combat, through an ministry he began called The Mighty Oaks Foundation. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran that could use encouragement, check out the resources offered at The Mighty Oaks Foundation.

Bible Teacher

Pastor Conrad Mbewe has ministered to his church in Zambia for nearly three decades, and continues to plant churches in the area. He writes for The Gospel Coalition, and we encourage you to check out his articles there.

Former LGBTQ

Christopher Yuan lived as a gay man and never dreamed of being a Bible professor, speaker, and author. But Jesus Christ transformed his life. He has written a book on a biblical view of sexuality entitled, Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story. You can explore Christopher’s content on his website, ChristopherYuan.com.

Video: 50 Min
Set Designer

Becket Cook worked with Vogue, did ads for places like L’Oreal and Nike, attended parties with actors from your favorite movies, and succeeded as a gay man—until he found a life far better than this one. Becket has shared his journey with us in his captivating book titled, A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption, which we strongly encourage you to read! You can find Becket’s writing and his podcast at his website, BecketCook.com.

Former Muslim

Nabeel Qureshi grew up in a loving Muslim home. Challenged by a friend in college, he began exploring the claims of the Bible.

John Humphreys lived as a drug addict, and thought rescue from this lifestyle was impossible, until the day he cried out to Jesus.

Video: 8 Min
Hindu

Rahil studied to be a Hindu Priest. Though he sought God in other religions, all along the God of the Bible was seeking him.

Singer-Songwriter

Phil Wickem’s songs would be better called anthems. He sings with a tangible and triumphant love for Jesus.

Football

Wide-receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and now 49ers, Jordan Matthews, builds his life on the Word of God and his relationship with Jesus Christ.

Baseball

Blake Russell found God in prison. Upon coming out, he found new purpose in sharing God’s Word with other prisoners and people in need.

New Age

“The only thing I hadn’t done was give 100% of myself to 100% of Jesus.” An encounter with Jesus radically changed Steven’s life. He who was once a powerful influencer in the New Age now writes and speaks the truth about Jesus and his Word, the Bible, at his website, Reasons for Jesus.

Solo Artist

Two singers, Michael and Heidi O’Brien fell in love, until the secret sins in Michael’s life started destroying their marriage. Pornography addiction and suicidal thoughts reigned in Michael and Heidi’s lives until Jesus transformed them. In their own words, “There’s no hope without Jesus.”

Video: 2 Min

David Platt’s passion nearly oozes out of him. You will quickly discover how David’s love for Jesus has inspired him to reach every nation with God’s Word. David founded Radical, which equips Christians to live on mission.

Bible Teacher

John MacArthur is one of the most beloved Bible teachers of our time, and God has used his preaching to bring many people to saving faith in the Lord Jesus. John has pastored his church for over 50 years, and has written a commentary on the entire New Testament. John unflinching conviction that the Bible is true and what we most desperately need, inspires us also to trust God’s Word. You can find Pastor John’s messages, books, and other media at Grace To You (gty.org).

Video: 3 Min
Author

J.I. Packer authored one of the greatest books in Christian literature, Knowing God, and served as the General Editor for the English Standard Version of the Bible. His joyful spirit and gentle character won’t betray his outstanding intelligence and service to the church through his writing. You can find books written by J.I. Packer at Crossway.org.

Video: 3 Min
Hip-Hop

Trip Lee, aka William Barfield III, produces albums and preaches the Bible while victoriously wrestling through Chronic Fatigue syndrome. We have put together resources here on Bibles.net to introduce you to Trip Lee and help you discover his work. Trip’s music and preaching will encourage you in your relationship with God and help you grow to know and love Jesus more.

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