Thursday, December 18, 2008
Building Bridges
“But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”
—John 9:25
Very few Christians are great theologians, and none of us have every verse of the Bible memorized—but we all have a testimony. We all have the story of how Christ came into our lives.
We may not be experts, but like the blind man whom Jesus healed, we can all say, “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” (John 9:25).
Every Christian can say, “Here is what Jesus did for me.” And you know what? Your testimony is a great place to start.
The apostle Paul, who was a great intellectual and a brilliant orator, would often begin with his testimony when presenting the message of the gospel. Why would Paul start with his testimony? It built common ground between him and the people to whom he was preaching.
When you share the story of how you came to Christ, you are in a sense saying, “I have been where you are. And let me tell you about the way I used to think, the way I used to be—the way that my life was. Now let me tell you about what Christ has done for me.”
A testimony helps a person to understand that you weren’t born a Christian. It helps them to see that there is a bridge for them, a way for them to come to Christ.
Testimonies prove that anyone can change through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.
SPECIAL OFFER
It's a Wonderful Christmas
“I hope that this ministry has been something that has brought encouragement and hope to you during this last year. Your gift is important this month because it is our desire to be there again for you this coming year.”
-Greg Laurie
Michael W. Smith has put together a new Christmas album that you will want to be a part of your Christmas listening for years to come, called It’s a Wonderful Christmas. This album is filled with songs that honor and glorify God, and will lift your spirits and help you remember what this season is really all about.
You can have your own copy of It's a Wonderful Christmas in appreciation for your gift sent to Harvest Ministries this month. 