It was shortly before my twenty-fifth birthday I was at my job doing my work alone, which was normal for the past month or so. Since I had so much time “free” in the day, I decided I should do the “proper Christian thing” and use the time to listen to sermons (even though, in my heart, I didn’t want to). I searched the term “gospel” in my podcast app and picked the first one on the list, Gospel in Life. I’d never heard of Timothy Keller, so I didn’t listen based on his reputation, I was just doing my Christian duty, or so I thought..

Over the next weeks I would become enamored with Tim’s preaching; something about what he said in every sermon was hitting me deep in my soul, I couldn’t stop taking it all in. I recall one day listening to eight sermons back to back. Little did I know, but God was messing with me since I had not really searched for him like I was now.

On the day of my birthday I recall being anxious and needing resolution, and in listening to a sermon by Tim on something regarding social Justice I came to realize that not only had I never been a Christian (despite the fact I called myself one for over two decades) I desperately needed to be. I openly wept, fell on my knees and cried out to God, whose response was almost immediate. Over the next weeks I grew more in faith that I had for years before. I even had a deep joyful experience too great for words that happened while reading Galatians, a letter I’d read a thousand times before.

Tim Keller became somewhat of a mentor to me, as he preached through various topics in a number of sermons which showed just how true it is that “the gospel truly changes everything”. To put it in terms Tim would understand: he (Tim) became to me like what C.S. Lewis was to him.

I know it wasn’t Tim who brought me to faith, it was the Lord working through him, but I still value that it was he who delivered that message.

While I didn’t know him personally, though I wish I could have, it’s strange to know that this voice which was so impactful and influential in the deepest parts of my identity is now just gone. Even though I’m happy for him that he’s finally with Jesus, I’m sad for those near to him, and I’m melancholy myself over the knowledge of (again) that voice not being “here” anymore.

I still listen to and donate to Gospel in Life, and will continue to do so, as I continue to grow and learn about God and His Gospel through these sermons and books.

Hopefully this story was uplifting for someone in someway. God bless.