Fred Lippert

God was merciful to me and showed me the light of the Gospel after I had been stubborn for about seventeen years. I was raised in this Gospel, but I was always hanging around the edges. I heard the Word go forth on the campground; I remember Florence Crawford, the founder of this work, walking to her place on the platform with a Bible under her arm; and I saw that there was peace and victory in this Gospel, but I had my own standard. I did not want the Bible way, because I felt it was too strict. I did not think I could live up to it; I did not think I could live without sin. There was always a question in my heart about whether God could do that for me. I stumbled over this.

I knew God’s condemnation rested on sin, so I strove with all that was in me to live right. I was a pure moralist, and I could not enjoy the old-time religion in that state. I always had the fear in my heart as to whether I would make Heaven or be left behind. God was faithful, though, to show me time and again where I stood in His sight.

Finally, God showed me how it was possible to live for Him; I just had to get honest and surrender. When I did this, it was so easy. I wondered why I hadn’t done it long before.  

It was on a Sunday morning that I got on my knees at the altar. When I cried out to God for mercy, He showed mercy. The self-righteousness dropped off and the peace of God came into my heart. God changed my life, turning me about-face. He made me able to live the way He wanted me to. He made it real. I had it, and I knew it.

God kept me in the army. I never had to go overseas, but in the barracks, I saw everything. God’s hand kept me every day, every moment. I did not back up one step from what I knew God had put in my heart. One time while standing in the mess hall waiting for the call to sit down, the mess sergeant asked for a volunteer to say grace. That was too good an opportunity to miss, so I hurriedly raised my hand. I had the privilege to say grace for the whole company who had gathered for Christmas dinner. It seems that no matter how rough the crowd, God has a way for His Light to shine through.

God has kept me, and He gives me victory, peace, joy, and happiness. I praise Him for the old-time religion.