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My first contact with Dr. Eckman was in 1994 at the Acceptance Seminar [now Setting the Heart Free, based on the workbook Becoming What God Intended] being given at Peninsula Bible Church in Cupertino, California. Up to that point in my life, I had struggled with the inability to connect my emotions to my beliefs. For example, when I committed a sin, I would ask for forgiveness, but not “feel” forgiven. I would continue to ask and ask, even though I “knew” that God answered prayers. So why didn’t I feel forgiven? Another example was the issue of having a “personal” relationship with Christ. This issue had caused me some discomfort over the years. My understanding of Christ and his death on the cross was something like this: Jesus died for all of humanity. In the pile called humanity, if you looked hard, you would find me. I got included with the masses. This is a pretty non-personal relationship, but it was the best I could muster. On the other hand, I did see many answers to prayer, and my favorite verse was 1 Peter 5:7 “Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” I really believed this. But I still had a disconnect with my emotions. In the Acceptance Seminar, Dr. Eckman was re-teaching basic Christianity, but with a twist. He was able to create mental images that helped me understand at a new and deeper level God’s love for me. For example, “When God looks at you, he sees His Son,” or “You are worth a Son to God.” He also used an image of sitting in a restaurant when Jesus walks in. His question was this: what do you do? How do you feel? I felt threatened, and in my mind, I hid behind the salad bar to await the outcome. Essentially, I was afraid of Jesus underneath because I still was uncertain of my standing with Him – after all the teaching to the contrary! After about half the sessions (the seminar was a 12-week course), I was suddenly able to get it! I finally understood emotionally what I had mentally known for so long: God loves me so much he died for me! I am truly forgiven! The experience I had at this point actually felt like my emotional person and intellectual person were joined for the first time. It was a wonderful, warm, and amazing experience! The aftermath included things like walking down the street on the way to work, feeling the warmth of God’s loving arms around me, enjoying the creation He made for us to enjoy! Because of this experience, I wanted to work with Dr. Eckman, so that others could experience the incredible love of God as I did. I joined him as a board member, and later as the Webmaster. My involvement has continued to grow. The changes brought on by this experience continue to unfold. Last year, I lost my job as CTO of FlashPoint Technology, Inc., a Silicon Valley startup that lost its way and crashed during the bubble burst in technology. I tried my best to start a company, and did many things to attract business. However, God sent the only business I got – nothing I did generated any business. God was trying to make me understand that He was going to take care of me, and without Him, I could do nothing (John 15:5). Over the year since then, I have learned to trust Him even for my income! I have discovered that He truly is faithful in all things! I am now spending most of my time working on various technical issues for BWGI Ministries – a dream come true for me, and enabled by God. My new openness to God continues to bring new experiences. On Easter Sunday 2002, I had a vision during the church service. I am not one to have visions, so this was an amazing experience! I was standing at the tomb. The morning air was cool and fresh, the green plants were bright in the morning sun, and the sky was bright blue. I was just standing there, when I heard my name called: “Eric!” I had never heard my name called like this! The warm love was overflowing in that single word. I turned, and it was Jesus, standing very near to me. He looked into my eyes, and said “I died for you!” and pointed to my chest. That was it, but it was powerful! I could not tell the pastor what had happened without breaking down and crying. In fact, I could not tell this story without choking up for several weeks! The message was simple: Jesus did not die for “humanity” but for individuals! He knew ME as He hung on the cross; He knew each one of my sins – including the ones I have not even thought of yet! And he died to pay the penalty for each of them out of love for me. What an incredible God we have! There is no longer a question about having a personal relationship with Jesus. How can it get more personal than this? I know He is truly interested in my life, and wants to share it with me every moment of every day! No wonder they call the Gospel “Good News!” A very special verse comes to mind: "and He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6. That is what is happening to me! Why not join me? Let our wonderful loving God begin a good work in you today! Eric C. Anderson Buy the most recent encapsulation of the Acceptance Seminar material in the workbook Becoming What God Intended from our online Christian bookstore! Tapes also available! Now available on-line!
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Feelings
and Your Walk With Christ
