Pastor’s Corner: “Are You Ready?”
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) – 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
We have been spending the last weeks looking at with the help of Holy Spirit “God’s Glory in Our Story” – your testimony. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8 NIV). He wants you to tell your story to others. Sharing your testimony is an essential part of your mission on Earth. First, it is unique. There’s no other story just like yours, so only you can share it, and if you don’t, it will be lost forever. You may not be a Bible scholar, but you are the authority on your life, and it’s hard to argue with personal experience.
Remember: Your testimony is not about what you gave up for Jesus. It’s about what He gave up for you. Don’t share what you have done for Jesus. Share what Jesus has done for you. Jesus is the one who has done the work. It is Jesus whom we are proclaiming.
If you have not yet had an opportunity to share the impact of your relationship with Jesus on your life in our small groups, we would love to hear from this Sunday! It does not have to be your whole story but could be an event in your past or even what Jesus is currently doing in your life. Prayerfully consider what the Lord wants you to share with your group. There are people in your group that will greatly benefit and be encouraged by what Jesus has done in your life! Remember that what Jesus has done for you is significant and you need to share that gift with others.
Remember the basics:
- What your life was like before Christ?
- How did I realize I needed Jesus?
- How did I commit my life to Jesus?
- What difference has Jesus made in my life (trusting and following Holy Spirit)? (Work in progress – more testimonies)
Every time we tell our story (our testimony) we give honor and glory to God, and He is pleased with that. Your story — regardless of how “spectacular” or “ordinary” you think it is — is a story about God’s character. It is your eyewitness account of how God rescued you from sin and death through Christ, and changed your life as a result. When we share our story with others we help them get to know what God is like and what He can do.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton