A few months after I was baptized in 2000, I remember someone from my church asking me, "So what testimony has God given you to share with others lately?" My response was probably confusion, because I remember thinking, "Testimony? I already shared my testimony with you. Go get the December 2000 bulletin, I spent a long time writing it up and it was printed out for you to read!" :P
Oh, me! Since then, I have come to understand more fully the meaning of a powerful testimony. Just because you are not serial-killer-turned-Christian does NOT mean you don't have anything others will be interested in hearing (although those stories are pretty cool, I must say).
A powerful testimony is any personal story which tells others of God's grace at work in your everyday life. It truthfully admits to the drudgery of living on this side of heaven, and shows its listeners that there is so much more to live for than the wonders and woes of this world. It can be a seemingly trivial thing, such as how you got through the week, but in the right ears, to the right eyes, it provides a light where darkness dominates. A powerful testimony is one that people will remember not just as "your" story, but as one that influences and inspires their own lives.
Anyways, I got started thinking about testimonies because of all the celebrations happening this Sunday. Dearest Emily & Andrew & James & Eric, I wish I could be in 2 places at once...you guys are living proof that it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. May you be blessed as you make your proclamations on April 8, 2007! After church last week, I had the random opportunity to talk to Will about his reasons for getting baptized at KCAC. Lily's decision to publically commit is a great encouragement too. The coolest thing about these upcoming baptisms is that these people aren't doing it just because "everyone does it" or "all my friends are doing it this round." Quite the opposite--indeed, for many, it was a real struggle to arrive at this particular week. Their journeys are inspiring...incredible testimonies. :) Here are two who have posted their stories up on the web: Jenny & Sean.
The tongue and the pen can be used as destructive weapons both against and amongst God's people.
But tools can always change allegiances.
In Sean's words, "What is a better weapon to silence Satan than God's people's testimonies?"
Oh, me! Since then, I have come to understand more fully the meaning of a powerful testimony. Just because you are not serial-killer-turned-Christian does NOT mean you don't have anything others will be interested in hearing (although those stories are pretty cool, I must say).
A powerful testimony is any personal story which tells others of God's grace at work in your everyday life. It truthfully admits to the drudgery of living on this side of heaven, and shows its listeners that there is so much more to live for than the wonders and woes of this world. It can be a seemingly trivial thing, such as how you got through the week, but in the right ears, to the right eyes, it provides a light where darkness dominates. A powerful testimony is one that people will remember not just as "your" story, but as one that influences and inspires their own lives.
Anyways, I got started thinking about testimonies because of all the celebrations happening this Sunday. Dearest Emily & Andrew & James & Eric, I wish I could be in 2 places at once...you guys are living proof that it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. May you be blessed as you make your proclamations on April 8, 2007! After church last week, I had the random opportunity to talk to Will about his reasons for getting baptized at KCAC. Lily's decision to publically commit is a great encouragement too. The coolest thing about these upcoming baptisms is that these people aren't doing it just because "everyone does it" or "all my friends are doing it this round." Quite the opposite--indeed, for many, it was a real struggle to arrive at this particular week. Their journeys are inspiring...incredible testimonies. :) Here are two who have posted their stories up on the web: Jenny & Sean.
The tongue and the pen can be used as destructive weapons both against and amongst God's people.
But tools can always change allegiances.
In Sean's words, "What is a better weapon to silence Satan than God's people's testimonies?"
--I cannot WAIT until Sunday! :D
...this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He who has the Son has life;
he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
--1 John 5:11-12
2 comments:
Ooh ooh!! Along the lines of people getting baptised and having an amazing testimony.... my grandma is getting baptised on April 7 too!!!!! Her life, her heart is definitely one that has been fought for and won because of the Lord. PRAISE HIM for His amazing grace! This is an Easter to celebrate. :)
The tongue and the pen can be used as destructive weapons both against and amongst God's people.
i like this.
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