Resource Center

“But I Can’t Forgive Myself” confronts the struggle of ongoing guilt despite knowing God’s forgiveness. Through real-life stories and biblical examples, the article reveals how painful regret can trap believers in despair, blocking emotional healing and spiritual freedom. True self-forgiveness follows genuine repentance, receiving Christ’s grace, rejecting condemnation, and renewing one’s mind with Scripture. The message asserts there’s no sin too great for God’s mercy; restoration comes by surrendering shame, living in newness of life, and confidently trusting God’s redemptive love.

“Born Again? Examine Yourself!” by Stephen Black challenges readers to scrutinize their faith beyond religious rituals or emotional experiences. The article explains that true rebirth requires repentance, surrender, and daily intimacy with Jesus, resulting in a Spirit-led life marked by holiness and fruitfulness. Black warns that ongoing sin, worldliness, or lack of relationship with Christ signals a counterfeit conversion. He urges believers to test themselves according to Scripture, seek Christ wholeheartedly, and rely on God’s grace for transformation and assurance of eternal life.

“Prayer” highlights the extraordinary power and necessity of genuine, persistent prayer, drawing on Jesus’ example and key biblical stories like Hannah and David. The article explains that prayer, especially in moments of desperation and humility, is God’s vehicle for personal and communal transformation—more than words, it’s two-way communication with Him. Through stories of revival and scriptural teaching, readers are challenged to move beyond routine prayer to heartfelt intercession, recognizing that spiritual breakthroughs begin with sincere, sacrificial time alone with God.

“¿Nacido de Nuevo? ¡Examínate!” de Stephen Black insta a los lectores a examinar su fe más allá de rituales religiosos o experiencias emocionales. Explica que el verdadero nuevo nacimiento requiere arrepentimiento, entrega e intimidad diaria con Jesús, resultando en una vida guiada por el Espíritu, marcada por santidad y fruto. Advierte que el pecado habitual, la mundanalidad o la falta de relación con Cristo señalan una conversión falsa. Exhorta a probarse según la Escritura, buscar sinceramente a Cristo y confiar en Su gracia para la transformación y seguridad de la vida eterna.

“Humility” by Andrew Murray highlights humility as the root of Jesus’ nature and the secret of Christian growth. Drawing from Scripture, the article explains how Christ’s incarnation, servant life, and atonement all reflect radical humility—total surrender to God and service to others. Believers are urged to make humility their top spiritual pursuit, following Jesus’ example of lowering oneself, serving without seeking recognition, and renouncing pride. True humility opens the heart to God’s grace, transforming relationships and enabling joyful, fruitful discipleship.

“Others May, You Cannot!” by G.D. Watson explains that believers deeply consecrated to God are often called into a life of self-denial, humility, and unwavering obedience beyond that of others. The Holy Spirit sets unique boundaries—restricting behaviors, ambitions, and recognition—so their faith is forged in hidden places. Despite seeming limitations, God’s jealous love brings daily provision, joy, and spiritual fruit unseen by most. Embracing this personal, sacred relationship means delighting in God’s guidance and yielding to His sovereign will.

Mike Hawkins grew up feeling alienated from other boys, eventually mistaking his need for male friendship for homosexual desire. After years in the gay lifestyle, he found freedom through Jesus Christ — only to receive an HIV-positive diagnosis shortly after. Rather than despair, Mike embraced his illness as an "Adventure in Divine Submission," founding First Stone Ministries' Christian AIDS Network and sharing his testimony widely until his death in 1995 at age 30. His life remains a profound testimony to Christ's power to redeem and transform.

Laura Leigh Stanlake, Director of Women's Ministries at First Stone Ministries, shares her journey from childhood sexual brokenness and years of hidden shame to a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ. After falling into a consuming lesbian relationship, she felt powerless to leave, a testimony shared at church became the turning point of her life. Through confession, counseling, and biblical community, Laura experienced lasting freedom — learning to trust Jesus as her true source of identity, healing, and contentment.

Stephen Black's testimony recounts a childhood marked by sexual abuse, exposure to pornography, and confusion that led him into a homosexual lifestyle. After years of depression, guilt, and broken relationships, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in 1983 and experienced profound transformation. Black argues that homosexuality is rooted in childhood experience rather than genetics, and concludes that lasting freedom comes only through genuine repentance, faith in Christ, and grounding in the Word of God.

“The Man in the Mirror” recounts Sy Rogers’ compelling transformation from a life marked by transsexual identity, early trauma, and same-sex attraction to fulfillment in Christ, marriage, and fatherhood. Through personal crisis, failed solutions, and spiritual searching, Sy finds hope and clarity in the love of God. Over years, he abandons false identities, embraces Christian manhood, and testifies to lasting restoration, healthy relationships, and freedom from the past. His story offers hope for others seeking healing and genuine identity in Christ.