H7 Story: Saved From My Sin
In a recent Video Interview, Jonathan Bowlin "Tells His story" of how Jesus drew Him to Himself.
Jonathan was raised in a home where Christ was loved, Scripture was valued, and the local church was central. He knew who Jesus was, admired Him, and understood Christianity at a surface level. But as a child, he hadn't yet grasped his own need for grace or placed personal trust in Christ.
During a family trip in middle school, Jonathan was canoeing with his cousins when their canoe flipped in icy water. Though he wasn’t in danger, the shock and fear hit him with a weight he had never felt before. It awakened a deep awareness of the fragility of life—and began months of anxiety and fear surrounding death.
Soon after, he attended a church service where the preacher urged the congregation not to wait to give their lives to Christ because “we are not promised tomorrow.” Jonathan knew God was getting his attention, even if he wasn’t ready to respond yet.
At age twelve, that anxiety grew into paralyzing depression. Jonathan suddenly felt the weight of his sin, his own helplessness, and the reality that he did not have peace with God. In desperation, he opened his Bible and began reading Romans 6:
“We are buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that… we too might walk in newness of life.”
In that moment, the pieces came together. Jonathan understood grace—not as something to earn, but as a gift from Christ, who conquers sin and death for us. He knew he needed Jesus, and he placed his trust in Him. A few weeks later, he was baptized.
Jonathan says that his parents were the biggest influences in his life. Their love, humility, and commitment to Christ shaped his understanding of what genuine faith looks like. Reflecting on his late father, Jonathan says he embodied humility—doing things with excellence but never seeking praise. That example helped form Jonathan’s picture of Christlike character.
As he grows in his walk with Christ, Jonathan sees his priorities shifting. His desire for a comfortable, successful life has given way to a deeper longing: to live fully for Christ and use his gifts for the sake of others. Ministry—especially leadership, discipleship, and serving the church—has become an increasingly real possibility for his future.
Growing Through God’s Word and God’s People
Jonathan is currently part of the Live Bold internship at Long View Ranch, where he’s learning biblical discipleship, leadership development, outdoor adventure, and deep Christian community.
His daily rhythms include time in God’s Word, reading through Scripture with the Live Bold team, and forming habits that keep his walk with Christ vibrant and growing.
He also serves faithfully at FCC—on the Worship Team (keys and guitar) and previously in 180 Student Ministry. Through serving, he has learned that leadership is less about completing tasks and more about caring for the people he leads.
Encouragement for Those Seeking Christ
Jonathan encourages anyone curious about faith to:
1. Read God’s Word.
The Gospels reveal God’s character, our need, and the hope found only in Christ.
2. Don’t fear hard questions.
Jonathan loves Christian apologetics and says digging into the historical reliability of Scripture and the resurrection of Jesus only strengthened his faith.
“I wouldn’t be a Christian if it weren’t for the evidence. The resurrection has been tested again and again—and every opposing explanation falls apart.”
Jonathan was raised in a home where Christ was loved, Scripture was valued, and the local church was central. He knew who Jesus was, admired Him, and understood Christianity at a surface level. But as a child, he hadn't yet grasped his own need for grace or placed personal trust in Christ.
During a family trip in middle school, Jonathan was canoeing with his cousins when their canoe flipped in icy water. Though he wasn’t in danger, the shock and fear hit him with a weight he had never felt before. It awakened a deep awareness of the fragility of life—and began months of anxiety and fear surrounding death.
Soon after, he attended a church service where the preacher urged the congregation not to wait to give their lives to Christ because “we are not promised tomorrow.” Jonathan knew God was getting his attention, even if he wasn’t ready to respond yet.
At age twelve, that anxiety grew into paralyzing depression. Jonathan suddenly felt the weight of his sin, his own helplessness, and the reality that he did not have peace with God. In desperation, he opened his Bible and began reading Romans 6:
“We are buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that… we too might walk in newness of life.”
In that moment, the pieces came together. Jonathan understood grace—not as something to earn, but as a gift from Christ, who conquers sin and death for us. He knew he needed Jesus, and he placed his trust in Him. A few weeks later, he was baptized.
Jonathan says that his parents were the biggest influences in his life. Their love, humility, and commitment to Christ shaped his understanding of what genuine faith looks like. Reflecting on his late father, Jonathan says he embodied humility—doing things with excellence but never seeking praise. That example helped form Jonathan’s picture of Christlike character.
As he grows in his walk with Christ, Jonathan sees his priorities shifting. His desire for a comfortable, successful life has given way to a deeper longing: to live fully for Christ and use his gifts for the sake of others. Ministry—especially leadership, discipleship, and serving the church—has become an increasingly real possibility for his future.
Growing Through God’s Word and God’s People
Jonathan is currently part of the Live Bold internship at Long View Ranch, where he’s learning biblical discipleship, leadership development, outdoor adventure, and deep Christian community.
His daily rhythms include time in God’s Word, reading through Scripture with the Live Bold team, and forming habits that keep his walk with Christ vibrant and growing.
He also serves faithfully at FCC—on the Worship Team (keys and guitar) and previously in 180 Student Ministry. Through serving, he has learned that leadership is less about completing tasks and more about caring for the people he leads.
Encouragement for Those Seeking Christ
Jonathan encourages anyone curious about faith to:
1. Read God’s Word.
The Gospels reveal God’s character, our need, and the hope found only in Christ.
2. Don’t fear hard questions.
Jonathan loves Christian apologetics and says digging into the historical reliability of Scripture and the resurrection of Jesus only strengthened his faith.
“I wouldn’t be a Christian if it weren’t for the evidence. The resurrection has been tested again and again—and every opposing explanation falls apart.”
Posted in Tell the Story