Why I Rarely Share My Personal Testimony and Why You Shouldn't Be Quick to Share Yours

For more information, read Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith (amzn.to/2Bvkyv4)
READ:
I’m Not a Christian For Any of These Good Reasons
coldcasechristianity.com/writ...
In this devotional, given to the staff at Samaritan’s Purse, J. Warner describes the way contemporary Christians have reinterpreted the nature of Christian “testimony.” How did the earliest Christians use this word, and what does their use of the term tell us about our duty as Christians? Be sure to visit the great work Samaritan’s Purse is doing with Operation Heal Our Patriots: www.samaritanspurse.org/coldca...

[@YeshuaIsTheTruth]

I used to be gay before God changed me. When I was gay I legitimately thought that I couldnt be straight and either God would have to accept my lifestyle or I couldn't be His. I'm so grateful that He showed me how wrong I was. Others need to hear that God CAN change them and help them. They can follow God too. I started following Him 2 months before He transformed my desire. I'm now dating a woman.

[@jacinthmiller5258]

GLORY TO GOD! THE LGBT NEEDS TO HEAR YOUR TESTIMONY IN JESUS NAME. THE WORD OF GOD SPEAKS OF THERE BEING A PLACE AND TIME UNDER THE SUN FOR EVERYTHING. I PRAY THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL USE YOU! OPEN HEARTS AND SPEAK THROUGH YOU. THE GOSPEL SAYS HE WILL BRING THEM BY YOUR TESTIMONY. AMEN!!!🥲😁

[@cookingforbeginners6770]

Amen !

[@psychedelicdivinity2872]

Amen, the same thing happened to my brother.

[@Puma5]

While that is a great thing God has done in your life (and glory to him for that), don’t make it a standard for everyone else to attain. About 90% of Christians with homosexual affections don’t develop natural relations with a woman. I have now been walking 9 years with the Lord and I’ve never had romantic or sexual attractions to a woman. Which can in itself be a blessing as well. Paul‘s thorn in the flesh remained there for a reason. Jesus came to make us holy, not to bring us into a marriage with the opposite sex. Living a holy and fulfilled life for the Lord without a spouse is possible and even preferable!

[@bethany9563]

SO many on the highway to hell need to hear your testimony!

[@SoniaJbrt]

My testimony: I was raped at age 5, my brain blocked the memory of it immediately which caused anxiety attacks and later on epilepsy. When I was 5 and in shock and afraid of life on this earth, of growing up, of getting older, I knew I could never do this thing called life. I cried out to Jesus, being raised in a Christian home, I cried out to Jesus to save me, to help me. Later in life I understood that at the tender age of 5 I was crying out to Jesus to live through me, and that is exactly what He did. After that cry for help, I experienced a peace that could only come from my Creator God. I had a Supernatural experience at age 5. First raped, my brain blocks the incident completely from my memory (by the way I had a vague flashback at age 19 and a full flashback last year at age 39 of the rape), I was in a state of shock and fear of being alive, and after I cried out to Jesus to save me, I immediately had peace. No psychologist can explain that peace. Jesus is everything to me!

[@saltandlight2717]

Amen. God bless you!

[@johnnylongshlong3677]

Jesus also saved me from Complex PTSD in December. Childhood trauma is horrible, I wasn't raped, but I lived in a house of horrors I can assure you. He healed me from a supernatural physical experience. I have recently been baptised.

[@TCM1231]

God Bless

[@sowerofchrist]

Amen and may the LORD bless you

[@NN-mb4ci]

Amen 🙏

[@the_real_littlepinkhousefly]

When my son was a teenager, he declared he was "bored" with his faith. Not walking away, not trying something else, just not engaged. We talked to our pastor about it, and he said, "Your son is not a youth-group type kid. He's a brilliant, gifted kid who needs more than what Sunday school is giving him." And he suggested we set up a weekly meeting with another kid in our church who was struggling with his faith to discuss apologetics. So, every week for about 3 years, our pastor, my husband, my son and the other kid met and read books together, watched debates together, and discussed the evidence for Christ. In the end, my son's faith was solidified, and the other kid, who had been already leaning toward atheism, went the way of atheism. Do I consider that the meetings, the readings, the discussions, failed? No way. My son (now almost 30) is very strong in his faith, a devoted Jesus-follower despite going to and graduating from a public university notorious for kids losing their faith. We have lost track of the other young man, but seeds were planted. Many times he said he couldn't refute the evidence, he just couldn't go with it (it didn't help that his mom died of breast cancer while he was in high school, which embittered him against God because she was a strong believer). But I still think those seeds may come to fruition one day. Even if not, my son now knows WHY he believes what he believes. It's not his parents' faith, it's not because he was raised in the church, it's none of those things. It's because our pastor took the time to realize that he had a kid on his hands who needed more than what our youth group and Sunday school were giving, and made th eeffort to get together with our son one-on-one (well, metaphorically speaking) and let him ask all the questions he wanted, and respond to the other kid's questions. Now, should the pastor have gone the extra mile and set up something like that for the youth group and the Sunday school? Yes, I think so. But I will be eternally grateful that he at least took an interest in my son and fed his mind on the Truth, and didn't just sweep his boredness under the carpet as "a teenage thing".

[@LollyMadikiza-xw4ok]

@the real...so u and yr pastor focused more on yr son s salvation and couldnt care less abt de other kid s atheism path(south africa)

[@YouTubeUser...]

​@@LollyMadikiza-xw4okbut they aren't responsible for anyone else's salvation, that's the job of the Holy Spirit. Because truth can be presented to you, clear as day, and a person can still fall away. But like she said, she believes a seed was planted in that boy. For all we know he might just be a believer again.

[@feistyferret13]

​@@LollyMadikiza-xw4okI don't think that's what she said. The fact that the pastor set up these meeting with a kid who was struggling with his faith means that he knew the other boy needed the extra attention too. A lot of people are never given that chance. He gave him a good shot at staying in the faith.

[@josephinenatsui4267]

@@LollyMadikiza-xw4ok They both had equal attention and opportunity. One chose right, the other chose wrong. All you can do for others is show them the Way of Salvation and pray they make the right choice.

[@doreenscott4223]

He sounds like a great pastor. I love that idea!

[@mariesapphire1589]

I've been an athiest/agnostic for 20 years. I was 12 when I stopped going to church... Im ready to be saved. God already told me who I need to call. A Christian woman I used to work with, who helped me through a time when I thought I would be facing financial ruin from a health emergency.

[@beautyluvr1084]

Im praying for you Marie! God bless you!

[@bodyofhope]

That is awesome! 🙌🥳❤ God bless you!

[@naincyshakya5766]

This is so beautiful! God Bless you!

[@mariesapphire1589]

@@redfaux74 I not only found Jesus, but our Heavenly Father showed me my place in his Kingdom. I am a brand new person through Christ and the world makes sense to me now. I have a sense of peace that I've never felt before. 🙏🏼☦

[@mariesapphire1589]

@@beautyluvr1084 thank you so much

[@JustJulesAgain]

I lost myself. My health, my job, my kids are grown. My husband of 30 yrs decided to stay home and get drunk on our 30th anniversary. First time we did not go out. I'm battling R/A. I can barely open a plastic container of yogurt. Brushing my hair that's left is fun. Everything is getting harder, and I'd really like the strength to move. Having a bad day. But I have faith, though it's a mustard seed. Hebrews 11. I still have faith. ❤

[@helenebennie3961]

I don't have any comforting words but that's tough Jules. Hugs from Australia.

[@chelsenwilkinson1070]

I was diagnosed with R/A and fibromyalgia at 14 years old. I'm 31 now. It is very painful and I've been bedridden. I've had to use a walker and wrapped in cast like a mummy. I couldn't do simple things like brush my hair or even arise out of the bathtub without assistance. I'm currently on disability because I can't afford the medications. I can't even get married because I'll lose my benefits. I've been on a study at one point in my life. I was getting injected with a study medication that hadn't been released yet. It was the only option I had at the time. I could no longer be on my parents insurance. I was waiting a year to get on disability without any medications. I know how hard this journey is for people with chronic illnesses is. Keep focusing on Jesus. He has helped me so much. Cast your burdens on Him for he cares for you. What is impossible with man is possible with God. God will make a way through the wilderness. I still believe He will heal me. I'm praying for you sister. Jesus will get you through this and deliver you. Stand firm in faith and just trust Him . He will never leave you or forsake you.

[@tammygonzalez9313]

I’m so sorry. I understand…wish I didn’t. 🙏

[@lifewitholliethegsp9203]

I’m sorry about your circumstances. But I will say this. It is not faith as “small” as a mustard seed. It is faith AS a mustard seed. A mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. But it is the most relentless, the most stubborn, strongest of seeds. If planted it will spread like crazy, and grow out everywhere it can grow. Also you will give account for the words out of your mouth. I used to say I have “_____” I don’t even say it anymore. It is not my truth. The Lord delivered me from these strong holds. I also do not say or type out that I have “depr_____” I am been delivered. That was a lie from the enemy. I declare deliverance over your life, and restoration of health, and a loving marriage over you and your husband in the mighty name of Jesus!!! By the blood of Christ you are fully restored. You are strong, and you only speak life over yourself. You are blessed to be here, start loving it. Start rebuking satan from his works in your life! You have the power to do it. You must believe you are healed to receive it though…. Just as Jesus asked before performing a miracle, “do you believe” then only when they said yes, did he work. Bless you, may you know truth. It will set you free.

[@gracekisakye9476]

MY TESTIMONY: I grew up in church much as I never liked it a bit. I was too shy, always ❤️d my privacy & hated public places😟 Sad enough most of the years I was in church, I claimed to be "saved" but knew nothing about anything. (At that time I didn't know that I knew nothing. ohhh actually I thought I KNEW EVERYTHING 🤦& hated correction 😩) I would sing the songs, pray, fast, read the Bible, attend church, overnights, camps, etc...but it was all MECHANIC😐 With time I realized I was lost so I left church as it was EVIDENTLY not working...I was so down &defeated in all ways, & powerless in my faith😥 Then I had a dream when I was being attacked by many rapists, cried out "Jesus" &the men scattered in various directions as if splashed out. I turned &from a distance I saw Jesus ushering me into a white building (which I knew was church 🤷🏾‍♀️) I too knew I needed to go back to church but something was missing. If it's a puzzle, I lacked a centre piece & DIDN'T KNOW WHAT exactly😣 I was angry, moody, bitter, envious, jealous, fearful, anxious, hated much, etc, everything wicked was on me deep inside. I felt bad, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO BE FREE or get better.😨 Also, I wished I didn't feel that bad ON THE INSIDE but I couldn't fight it or help it. I was in an absolute HELPLESSNESS & it hurt so bad😩😭 But I knew God could help me so in my pain&misery I would cry daily to God. "Take away this pain, help me" I pray cried. This went on for 3 months or so (after I had quit church🙆) I usually cried at night when no one is listening, would cry until tears stopped flowing &all my facial muscles ached... then I would stop crying & go to sleep🙍 👏👏👏👏 ............then suddenly, one night, while lost in my pain&tears, hallelujah☺️ hallelujah!☺️ On this special night, God came. GOD CAME. He touched me, ENTERED ME &permiatted my INSIDE with His Light &glory🌟 It's as if a heavy burden was lifted off me, like a light switched on, Love came in, Joy came in, Peace....oh dear😇😋...I had never felt this SWEETNESS in my life before. Me who knew no love felt like I WAS IN LOVE WITH EVERYONE. This felt ABSOLUTELY strange &beautiful -all at the same time.🤭🤗 I was so filled with joy that I started laughing (laughing at nothing in particular) I actually momentarily thought I had RUN MAD 😉. It was such a uniquely formulated experience specially for me😇 Oh! What stood out for me that moment was AN AWARENESS OF THE CROSS OF JESUS & THE LOVE GOD HAS FOR US😌🤗 I became very very aware of the Cross of Jesus like I had never done before. I was IN LOVE. IN LOVE, people, & WITH God, everyone, the Bible .....ohhhh... (Initially I struggled through scriptures) but this time round I felt this inner desire to just eat &eat &eat away at THE WORD OF GOD. I would be smiling or laughing 🤭 as I read the Bible. It was so fun me reading the Word, as if I was reading it for the first time and I Was apparently UNDERSTANDING EVERYTHING and loving all of it. Also, there after I cried as I felt such EMBARRASSMENT for the way I had lived my life LOST for all those yrs. "I'm sorry Father 😭 forgive me." I was ashamed of all my wasted years. Btw I got REALLY born again in 2019, in MY OLD AGE, &this was the best thing that ever happened to me. I could not stop saying "THANK YOU FATHER" ...even now it's my song😊🤗🙏 My life was radically changed. I also later realized I was free from all fears.(I feared much) Also, the initially shy me became BOLD &could not hold back sharing about this loving Saviour. What I had received I wanted everyone to have😆 and ENJOY, so I told everyone including the banana plants, the trees& the grass.😆 I was super joyful, so in love& could not hold it in, fiery🔥 This is my life, my delight, my everything. Whenever I talk about My Lord& Savior, I'M STRENGTHENED & REFRESHED, like this is what I was born for🤗😆 I regret that it took me so long to get to know such Love. Oh! God -is-Love🤗 I regret all my wasted years in pain, anger, bitterness, anguish, bla bla😥 Yet still, I'm overwhelmed with GRATITUDE to God 🙏 daily In conclusion, it's absolutely Impossible to live the Christian life without THE HOLY SPIRIT BEING AT WORK WITHIN US😌 (Refuse to remain deceived as I was for years in self deceit) He whom the Son sets free is free indeed. These scriptures are so real & so true😋 (Scriptures finally started to make actual sense to me AS THEY BECAME ALIVE in my life😇🙏) I Love God so so much coz HE FIRST LOVED ME😇 Hallelujah! The Lord God Almighty reigns 🤗🤗 I wasted so many years in the past. Today, time is precious so I don't will to waste it in anyway. I live for His glory. He is mine & I'm His beloved.😇🤗😊 This joy that I have, the world didn't give it, the world can't take it AWAY. I am in an unending LOVE story👏👏💃💃💃 because God waited for me😇 Jesus is ALIVE, He is for REAL &am gon let THE WHOLE WORLD know that He is the WAY MAKER 😆 Much❤️ to u guys & in 🙏 for all.

[@anliafrica6502]

Your life as a Christian is your story in itself. How you treat your spouse, kids, family, other people, the needy if they see and experience Jesus through you. And it should always be all about Jesus!

[@sallylara1102]

Amen 🙏🏽

[@jamesmcallister9645]

I ended up in a pit of depression from drink and drugs addictions, got on my knees in wholehearted repentance, cried out to God received forgiveness through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and through Gods grace alone received the gift of Holy Spirit. Hallelujah.

[@Linda-bj3bb]

I was raised in a Christian home. Off to the Baptist Church every Sunday and youth group on a Friday. My mother and father fought like cat and dog either with each other or with us. My father had a violent temper and had an affair with a woman in the church. My father was a Sunday School teacher! What kind of Christian example was that? Fast forward my five siblings (now adults) and I dont get along....terrible friction and animosity there. My brother divorced his wife of 20 years and is gay. My sister committed suicide. My youngest brother and I are Christians and talk occasionally. Why am I a Christian? JOHN 6:66-69 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” I've had no special encounter with Jesus like some people have had. I just know I need Him and hang on to him with dear life. Our world needs Jesus. God is not going away anytime soon just because some people dont believe in Him. Satan and us humans are destroying our world its so obvious. Satan was very destructive in my family. I only blame him. He can use " so called Christians to put you off Jesus. I can't see any solution to our world. Man kind need a Savior and there's only one who claimed to be that right now. Thank you Jesus.

[@fredflintstone8048]

I have a baby Christian brother who constantly shares his 'conversion', or 'born again' testimony.. He rarely preaches the actual gospel to people, but instead sees fit to give the testimony of his conversion. It takes him at least half an hour to tell the whole story. I keep hoping he'll outgrow it. He's told me the story more than once and when he starts in again I have to press him to get him to stop telling him that I already know the story. Testimonies seem to be enjoyed by some. I was raised Mormon and they had one Sunday a month where people would stand and 'bear their testimony' of the truthfulness of mormonism to them based on their own experiences. I'm a Christian, and as the bible instructs me I preach the gospel to people. I don't give my testimony of my born again experience unless I'm asked and it takes about 2 minutes. It's a miracle, simple, and was God's work. Not mine. The attention needs to go to God, not to me.

[@rachelnstephens]

It helps to put yourself in an unbeliever's shoes. If a Muslim told you about seeing an angel, or a Hindu told you about how the gods answered their prayer or a Mormon had an unverifiable miracle happen to them, would that convince you to convert? No! If that wouldn't convert you, why do you think that the same things would work on anyone when it comes to Christianity? What matters is the testimony, the evidence, for the resurrection of Jesus.

[@alyialuvsyuh14]

I'm so interested to hear this. When I was saved in 2017, I felt that I had to share my testimony because my school really pushes that. They really harp on things like that and for a while I felt guilty that I never did or that I never had mine written down and ready lol. It actually makes sense not to really push your personal testimony onto people and just focus on the gospel. That's how it always should be. I'm so thankful for the truth being shown to me all the time. The Lord really answered my prayers for the truth years ago and it's the prayer that just keeps on giving for me.

[@freshstartboys3581]

@Rachel Stephens No, what matters is for someone to be known by Jesus and acknowledged by Jesus before the Father (Matt 7:21-28, Matt 25:1-12) or in other words not be blotted out of the book of Life (Rev 3:5), because God gave you the staying power to be an overcomer (Rev 2, 3, 21:7), despite going through promised tribulation (John 16:33). If someone is simply argued into the faith--based on the claimed evidence--and nothing clearly supernatural happens to them, they can just as easily be argued out of the faith. Jesus said "these signs will follow those who believe...." (Mar 16:15-20) And, those signs were notably supernatural signs, not saying they believe the truth of something. Jesus said "My words are spirit and they are life." God said "if you diligently seek Me, you will find Me when you search for me with all your heart." (Jer 29:13) Because I have experiential faith versus just rational belief, there are no circumstances and no argument that can derail my belief. My believe structure isn't based on the natural, it is based on the supernatural. And, there is a big difference. Yes, as an unbeliever, you probably wouldn't believe any of those stories and that is exactly why many people don't believe many of the stories in the Old and New Testament. That is why they are more likely to believe what the naturalists brainwash them to believing about bigbangism/evolutionism. Shoot, that's why there are even brand-named professing Christians that believe evolutionism/bigbangism more than they believe God's account. Jesus still taught using miracles, signs, and wonders. And, those who followed Him, including non-apostles, preached with signs and wonders following. And, Jesus expressly told His original followers not to depart Jerusalem until they had power from on high. Why? They could certainly rationally argue that Jesus was the Messiah--better than many in the church today. They knew the Scriptures from an experiential belief vs an indoctrinated belief. So, if Jesus was concerned about other religions making false supernatural or demonic claims, why would he stress the need to wait for the power from on high? So, what happens if an angel appears to you and tells you to send for and listen to what a guy named Peter has to say and then while you are listening to this guy you don't know, all of the sudden you start speaking in tongues (something you don't even know exists) and start worshipping God? If that happened to you or it happened to someone you knew well, wouldn't that get your attention? Well, that's the story in Acts 10. If a guy who was hunting Christians out of a zeal for the God he claimed he served, and you knew he was doing this, suddenly and inexplicably switches teams and equally zealously starts teaching that Jesus is the Messiah and miracles and signs follow him, aren't you inclined at least listen. Well, that's the story of Paul from basically Acts 9 through the end of the written Acts. What if the jailor of a guy who is singing and praying to his God suddenly feels an earthquake hit, it opens up all the jail cells, and nobody leaves? Well that's Acts 15. Or how about seeing a guy get shipwrecked onto your island, a viper bites him, and then not only doesn't he die, but he brings healing to the father of your leader. What do you do with that? Well, that's Acts 28. And, the list goes on. So, even those claims that individuals from other faiths make could help bring them to the true faith--the only one that provides life. I have no problem hearing their testimonies and sharing mine. I experientially know the True God, so I don't have to worry about experiences that others have. They may or may not choose to come to God. But, Jesus and His closest followers dealt with the same mixed results. Those who will be His will come, at least that is what He said would happen.

[@johnnylongshlong3677]

Rachel, you should totally get into apologetics. If you have a logical mindset and can see all angles than God needs people like you to grow on these gifts.

[@jamesmaybury7452]

70% of those that leave the Faith do so because they ‘don’t think it is true’ we are told to go and make disciples, we must communicate the evidences.

[@julienielsen3746]

And praying to God for their salvation. I pray for God to open their hearts, and their minds to hear His Word when it's preached to them, and to send the right laborers to them that they will listen to, to preach them His Word concerning salvation, and any thing else that they need from His Word. And I believe I receive them saved and Blessed. In Jesus Name.

[@vintagetalesstudiowithjenn7002]

I am a Christian because He loved me first and revealed His great love toward me and all of us.

[@barrycharlesbrebner]

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

[@philobailey5627]

My dad was a pastor for 45 years so yes I was raised in the church but didn't act like it for most of my adult life. A huge change took place when I was asked to lead an adult Bible study group a year ago. Since I had to pick subject matter I had to study the Bible which I used sermons by various preachers and reading my study Bible. It changed my life for the good. I've learned more in the past year than I did during my lifetime because now instead of 1 hour a week at church on Sundays I'm spending 3 hours/day in the Word. Enough of my story except to say I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again and ascended to Heaven and that by faith in Christ I will be saved and will have a home in heaven with Christ. This is my short testimony.

[@Mosesinmusic]

That is so amazing. So proud of you

[@SachaBrixhe]

Is it Jesus that changed your life, or is it the preachers? All about the bible and bible study, but nothing about Jesus, His Voice, a relationship with Him. You have to seriously think about who you are really following.

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

How do you have time for 3h a day in the Word? I don't know if you will read this comment but if so I'd really like to know.

[@existentoneness]

As a truly believer, you are already saved, and you are one of the rooms/mansions in the Father's house. For we are the living stones with which God's abode is built - members of the Body of Christ, even the New Jerusalem.

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up the autobiography Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer

[@Clake52]

I've been to events over the years when a speaker "with a tremendous testimony" is brought in to speak. Many times the speaker goes into great detail on their many sins and spends less time glorifying God. I know of young people, who came to faith in Christ at a young age, who left that meeting thinking they did not have a real "testimony". Some even discussed among themselves that maybe they get into drugs so they can come back with a testimony. I am not kidding. If you are saved, you have a testimony. Your testimony is the Gospel of Christ.

[@dmmusicmusic]

that's true for sure. 1. 2 Corinthians 5:17: Below are several more verses from the Bible that describe what I personally experienced: 2. Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 3. 1 Peter 2:24: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 4. Romans 3:21-22 NLT: God has shown us a way to be made right with him..., as was promised in the writings of Moses* and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

[@jcsgodmother]

I understand completely. I was baptized as a baby and raised a Christian and always believed and pretty much led my life as a goody goody two shoes. Sure I am not perfect and have sinned. I go to church and hear how everyone sinned and sinned and sinned some more and then found Jesus and was saved. Their sins were quite substantial. There are times I feel like I don't belong. I really don't get it. Surely they all want their children to be raised Christian from the start and live a good Christian life from the start and without major set backs that make great story telling. It goes without saying that I can;t get up and say I never sinned like all of them. That would be self righteous, lacking in humility and no one would like me. Plus all sins are sins. So I just sit quietly like I am a tea totaller at an AA meeting.

[@jacinthmiller5258]

@@dmmusicmusic AMEN I SAY AMEN! SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD> YES IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM< HONESTY THANK YOU

[@jacinthmiller5258]

@@jcsgodmother First and foremost you can't be baptized as a baby ITS FREE WILL. And God did not come for the good excuse me> rephrase< God came for sinners. You are not saved by being baptized or how many times a day you sin or don't sin ( we no longer live under the law of the ten commandments, believers, who are called Christians live by God's grace). Salvation is a free gift! When you yourself You! Believe it yourself!!! That God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins for who so ever believeth in him will not perish but have everlasting life JOHN:3-16. And you must believe he rose after three days. And you must make him your savour and Lord of your life! Repentance daily is our saving grace. Water baptism is no longer needed after Jesus died and rose again. HE'S A LIVING GOD!!! When we got saved we are to be baptized in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit by FAITH!!! in Jesus's name. Old things are gone Jesus took it all on the Cross. Amen!!! Jesus loves you and I love you has a sister in Christ Jesus😁

[@teresita7297]

I remember thinking some similar things to part of what you said and reflecting with the Gospel for the Mass that would be the next day. It was on the 1 lost sheep out of the 99 and I reflected how, though for most it may be they’ve left through serious sin and God came after, in God’s love He cares about me as one among the 100 as well, so though it may not be serious sin He will come after me to bring me to the place I belong with Him, if I was already there I wouldn’t feel alienated from Him. I also think of the prodigal son parable because I used to not relate to either because like you said I am a sinner but not in a sensational way and I also was happy when people came back but then I realized I was still like the older brother because he didn’t realize that in living with the father the whole time he was living as if he wasn’t, he wasn’t taking advantage of the intimacy they could’ve had even though he technically lived in the same house, he was focused on being upstanding but not for the right reasons, not so He could be more free to be close to his father, and all the rights and privileges of being a son he lived as if he didn’t have…he assumed he couldn’t have good things from his father whereas we see his father was eager to be abundantly generous even to giving the ring that was his seal (with the seal of someone in authority you had power to get anything done in their name as we do with Jesus’ Name). The older brother never asked for the fattened calf to celebrate with his friends, the father volunteered it for the second son because the second would never have dreamed to ask given his low state under the circumstances but what is sad is that the older brother was with the father the whole time in appearance but had no confidence in his fathers good hearted ness which he surely should have had eyes to see. So that really convicted me. He’s my Father so I actually am “entitled”….(yet not) …*I deserve nothing at all and worse, but because He by totally free and underserved gift He wants me to be His child and has set that up, He’s literally endowed me with the title of child so it is actually more pleasing to Him that I act expecting good things from Him as a child does* There are many accounts of persons who never committed serious sin and lived in the confidence which pleases God a lot, a lack of trust is one of the things that saddens Him the most. Thérèse from Lisieux is like that. God bless you.

[@Stevenowski]

You should ALWAYS be ready to share your testimony. The Bible says to be PREPARED to give an answer for the hope that lies within you.

[@vinchinzo594]

That refers to apologetics not your personal testimony. It's about defending the faith. Man I can't stand when people rip verses out of context when they don't understand them...

[@raphaeltheriault7197]

Yes, but I think his point was that evidential proof should matter more than your testimony in terms of proof. We shouldn't be contempt in seeking to bring people to Christ by only using our testimony. Anybody can say what they believe is true because they had a personal experience in some way (hence his example with Mormons). The answer for the hope that lies within you should first be an evidential statement of Jesus' existence and divinity. Testimony matters as a way to personally be opened to someone, but not as a proof of the validity of your beliefs.

[@MrKingcarella23]

We only have a testimony because of THE testimony of God’s Son

[@lauriestump7134]

He addressed this directly in his 10 minutes. Did you listen to the whole thing?

[@Loulizabeth]

Surely it depends on how you share your testimony. You can share your testimony in such a way that you can actually share the gospel message too. Sharing your testimony is about giving Glory to God for what he did in your life that you could never have done for yourself. It encourages people to see that God is still very much at work in people's lives as much as he was hundreds or thousands of years ago. It's a way of publicly thanking God and giving God the Glory for the good things in your life.

[@mrfabulous4640]

The apostle Paul stated he did not approach the Corinthians with clever words of wisdom but rather wanted them to come to faith based on the demonstrated power of God, so that when he left they could not be talked out of it by others giving persuasive words of seeming wisdom. I think all approaches are valid and one can find scripture for all of them.

[@deplorablegear1168]

I was Saved in a Jail Cell by myself. Christ was in my face several times after that. He did it because He knew I'd find excuses if He didn't. Didn't have to BUT HE LOVES ME❤😊😊

[@jmdl9584]

Our son was totally given up by the doctors and God healed him instantly during a prayer , literally raised him up to life!!!! We had the negative doctors reports, tests etc....but God changed our lives completely.....so many miraculous signs of His grace have followed us as a family....We can testify of His love , grace, mercies in our lives. Jesus is our Savior, Healer, Redeemer, Lord and God

[@mikelind7036]

EXCELLENT! It's not about my story. It's all about Him! Lord, help me to live out an authentic Christ centered life and be able to persuasively share the evidence of the truth of the resurrection and the absolute truth's of God's word.

[@gregorybezanson]

Hopefully it is about Jesus and what he has done to make you his child.

[@michaelhart1072]

@@gregorybezanson he died on the cross that’s what he did. We don’t need your subjective worldly experience

[@drivebyquipper]

It never hurts to share. Just don't tell your whole life story.

[@veeforteeto5976]

It's best to learn everything you can about the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Christ Jesus especially the confirmed historicity of those events. Then you can explain them to all as well as the facts of Genesis that there is a Creator God then of course you can always give your testimony on top of that. But without Resurrection of Jesus, the Bible says your faith is futile

[@dmmusicmusic]

Actually, it's both, if you do not speak the Words of God to others don't expect them to become genuinely converted. and unconverted people trying to be religious always end up fainting from the life-draining "ritual and rules routine." that's why the chur loses young people they aren't converted.

[@John-wp7kl]

They overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony

[@ritagonzalez4302]

Sharing your testimony with others, let them know what Jesus done for you, give him all the glory and honor it was by his grace you were saved Amazing grace how sweet the sound who saved a wretch like me..I was Lost but now am found..Thank you Father..

[@itsbrianchen]

Also, all religions are based on good works, while ONLY ONE said, no one is good. I don't deserve it, but I am going to heaven because of the savior. Why do you not think about this?

[@lexyls4777]

I grew up Buddhist. I was guided by some dreams and visions and I saw some demons flee at the name of Jesus. This happened before I even read the Bible.

[@APOStLEpaulie]

I had a cancerous brain tumor literally melt inside my head before the brain surgery, which then took 4x as long as they planned because they simply did not know what they were even looking at. The MRI showed very clearly a solid white tumor. I received pre surgery counseling with the doctors and my parents, discussing my upcoming radiation schedule and also the possibility of partial paralyzation or other neurological impairments. They even counseled us for the chance that I would not make it out. Lots of things happened to encourage me during the whole process, like what seemd to be an angel in the cafeteria giving me Bible verses on little ripped pieces of paper(it was 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, that blew my mind) However, when they opened my head (with what looked like a pizza cutter with a saw blade on it) they found only an entagled lump of soft tissue. My neurologist at the time, Dr. Vince Zampella (I'll never forget him), the most renowned and successful in NJ for my kind of surgery, suggested that our prayer and annointing with oil must've been the catalyst. He also encouraged the prayer pre surgery, stating that the evidence suggests it is helpful. I left the hospital 3 days later with 27 staples in my head, and I think my Dad is still paying the bill! I have told my story ever since. Thank you, Jesus I've also, with God's help, overcome homelessness, drug addiction, criminal lifestyle, and child abuse as well as a 5day coma from a botched hernia operation. To now be married to an amazing woman(Thank You LORD for her) and own a home plus many other blessings. The devil tried extra hard to take me out and FAILED! LOL! It's all because God is good, and he works all things for good for those who love the Lord!

[@SuperBobby1967]

I was raised as a christian and my mom taught me spirituality. I believe in Jesus. Jesus is the way, the life and the reason i believe. I had an experience one day when i was walking home from school; i was walking in a field and i was thinking about Jesus and how amazing he us and all the good he is doing in my life when i felt a really big hand pushing me softly in my back. I take that as Jesus telling me to keep going in this direction with my heart and to believe in him. Jesus is almighty and his word is alive for all eternity.

[@maximoonraker1930]

"He that denieth me before men, I also will deny him before my father". "He who saves his life will lose it and he who loses his life for My sake shall find it"

[@kayecurren3342]

Why is it I get these gems 40 years into my walk with Jesus? At the urging of my Christian mentors, I have tried to write my testimony and nothing comes out. Now I know why. Pray for me that I start giving His testimony. Thanks.

[@urkoolUncle]

I wasn't going to click on this video; so many deceptive KZbin titles, click bait, wanna-be prophets...... WOW.... this was beyond my expectations 🎉🎉🎉 I replayed it a few times; awesome,!!!! I'm a forensic junkie and this presentation connected to the Bible is priceless. Short but Powerful. Thank you 😊

[@PhilRobinson-PeakbaggingNMsHig]

i totally agree that we should defend the faith by evidence but we should never discount our testimony for it says in Revelation 12:11. They defeated Satan, "by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. " Truth is on our side because it is a true testimony whereas other cults are not. I know that as fact, oh so deeply, enmeshed in 15 years of cults only to have this poor lost lamb, me, found by my precious Savior.

[@IATube]

My testimony: He is not here, He had risen!

[@TheBuronic]

Agreed. I never felt to share what I've been freed from.. because then someone who is in that bondage could sneak in and sack you. Cast not your pearls before swine lest they turn and tear you up.. The Gospel is about Jesus. Your love/fruit for other christians will cause others to know you are really His..

[@GeorgeBratcherIII]

I remember being near 1.5 years old and Mom had this dark patched quilt draped over a clothesline for a play tent. My Father had died when I was 2 weeks old. She came from Alaska to meet the in-laws and stay for the funeral. She would stay with my paternal Grandparents for a year, before moving away from Butler County, to a plot of land, an acre, in rural Hardin County and set a trailer on it next to neighbors who had been close friends of my Father before he came to Alaska. So I am out in the tent, and I feel the light and a presence in the light near me. I could not even talk yet, and yet I perceived this good spirit to be God. A month later, my Mother would meet my future step-Father and they would marry, and I had a brother and sister by him, but he was Catholic, not the Protestant my Mother or deceased Father had been, but Mom agreed to attend Church so long as he read his Bible to his children. At age 9, a priest who wanted my step-Father to divorce my Mother for never joining the Church, not allowing the children to take communion, and is upset she is not having more, wants Dad to divorce her. Mom nearly died with me and my brother, demanded Dad give her my sister, even though he was afraid after nearly seeing her die with my brother, because she inherited a genetic condition that did not allow her to dilate, and so we were all born by C-section. With me it was unknown, but she knew with my Brother, but good o'ld boy Doctors in the South would not listen to her and made her try to give birth to my brother. She lost so much blood, at one point she was outside her body hearing the nurse tell my step-Father, "I can't get a pulse" and she had to have a complete blood transfusion and was white as a ghost in pictures from that time upon returning home. The Doctors in Burlington, VT were not like the good old boys at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown and listen to Mom and directed her to stay in bed for the last 3 months before my sister was born where she was safely delivered by a scheduled C-section and not an emergency C-section as with my brother and myself.. Mom couldn't have any more children without endangering her health further and she was 24 when my sister was born, so Dad told the Catholic Priest to go to hell, and my Mother who had been raised Church of God, remembered my Father said he attended the Church of the Nazarene, and we had moved back to Butler County by 1977, just down the road from my Paternal Grandparents. Dad was 30 and I was 10 when we were both saved in a Revival at the Church, and unlike the Catholic Church that told me if I wanted to talk to God, I had to talk to the Priest so he could talk to God, the Church of the Nazarene told me I could talk directly to God, and so I began to talk to the spirit that had been near me at 1.5, and whose presence was especially strong at Christmas and Easter, and the conversation has never ended. I knew from that day, a month before Mom met my step-Father who the spirit of God was, before I was even old enough for my parents to sit me down as a toddler to read stories and show pictures from the Children's Bible. So, even as a child, I was never an atheist, because I knew who God was before my Mother even taught me. So when the Church of the Nazarene told me I could talk to God, I began to talk to the presence of light and spirit that had been there since I was 1.5, and he began to talk back to me. It was never in a voice, but always as telepathy, thoughts I could hear and understand in my head, as when you are thinking, but you are not talking to yourself, because there is an active thought there that is distinctly the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, and the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit began to reveal themselves even more throughout my lifetime, always there, never leaving me alone! Now at 11 years old about 2 weeks later after my Baptism, I began to be bullied in school. when my parents went to school, 75% of more of homes had two parents in them, when we moved to a poor rural ghetto in 1977 where 90% of the homes were divorced single-mother homes, i was bullied to the point of suicide by age 12 and my parents were in shock not knowing how to help me since they had not experienced this in their youth going to school, where children behaved because a father was in the home to ensure discipline at home and at school. juvenile delinquency rates jumped off the charts by the 70s and 80s and beyond, and once a progressive socialist government did away with paddling in schools, in addition to running fathers out of the home, they replaced the corporal discipline with psychotropic drugs to control the behavior of teen boys for which the side effects or withdrawal symptoms were violent behavior and mass school shooting became a reality with all the mass shooters on psychotropic drugs. the liberal progressive socialists claimed paddling caused the violence, so they replaced it with psychotropic drugs under clinton, and then they brought real violence to the schools. no one in my day ever got a paddling and then went home, grabbed a gun, and came back and shot up the school. We also had a coal company begin to mine 2 farms around our home strip mining, but using 10X the legal amount of dynamite. One day I heard the siren going off to announce a blast and saw a brown mushroom cloud in the air and dirt & rock the size of laundry baskets fall and bury themselves in our yard missing me and my family. Then the deceiver came and said, "What if God is just an imaginary friend? Don't listen to him." and so I began to doubt, but that very night demons attacked me in my sleep seeking to choke me. When the demons attacked, I knew God was real But the troubles in my life seemed unending between the bullying in school, and sexually active women in 7th grade conducting polls on who was still a virgin, and then telling erotic tales of their sex with 8th graders, high schoolers, and men as old as 21 while the teacher left the class unattended for 45 minutes each day so she could go gossip and smoke with the cafeteria ladies. One woman, a year later at age 13 dropped out of 8th grade in our rural Elementary School grades 1 - 8, and married the 21 year old man who made her pregnant. Meanwhile, I was scared to death to one day come home from school to find my parents killed or my siblings too if they were home by the illegal blasting. The the town millionaire who owned the mining companies has his brothers on the board of the bank foreclose on our home despite my parents never missing a mortgage payment. So I hated God and blamed God for all my troubles and was so mean I could curse the wallpaper off the wall and when I began to fight back, more bullies joined in, instead of fighting them one at a time, I had to fight 4 to 6, and I can't watch MMA to this day, causes too much stress, PTSD, except in MMA you can tap out, but bullies don't let you, so I had to hurt them bad and I never lost a fight. In the middle of all this God sends a Christian girlfriend into my life and then at 15, I am in a car wreck and I realize my heart is so FAR from God that if I died I would go to hell, and I am having visions of demons trying to carry me to a black door and I saw it again 12 years later, but on TV on Kevin Sorboes Hercules, and in the story it was the door to Hades. I've seen things on TV and horror genre that I had only seen in visions. When attacked I could cry out for Jesus and the Holy Spirit would rescue me in my prodigal state, but then I would be mad a God again. Two weeks after the car wreck, I hit an altar at a youth revival at a Church, and once I gave myself back fully to Jesus, my life has had peace despite the troubles in this world. So I'm not following a religion made by men, but a relationship with Jesus Christ and 40 years later come February 2023, when I turn 55 and made that decision at the youth revival, I have no regrets.

[@the_alchemy_method]

Every church ive ever been at told me to share my testimony isnt that interesting? I now know better since I listened to ray comfort and this confirms it further

[@kaytiedidd1780]

It took years for me to understand what an older mentor told me many years ago; "Just BE! Christians should just 'BE' and God will come out and it will be a testimony that others will not only see, but will 'watch'! NOW I understand. It is SO TRUE! At my age, I still have friends who are trying to NEVER miss a church meeting, or tithe, or choir, or teaching, etc. They HAVE to mark ALL the appropriate boxes on their envelopes! And, watching their lives makes it so clear that it is likely that they do not even KNOW Christ. They only know ABOUT him. These people are old now, and STILL trying to 'figure it out' and hope the church approves of all they are doing, and will continue to assure them they are going to heaven. When speaking with them or listening to them talk to others, I find that they know SO MUCH MORE about the Church and their particular doctrine than they know about CHRIST and HIS DOCTRINE! (Yes, it is in the Bible---HIS DOCTRINE.) I hurt for these people, and I HATE to hear them give testimonies ANYWHERE! For the one who KNOWS Christ, KNOWS the testimony is NOT one of BEING, but one of fakery. For this, my heart breaks. I pray others understand.

[@readysteady324]

Just BE,yes, Be Salt and light of this world - the truth and evidence of the Gospel can be found in God's story, in the Bible.

[@toosiyabrandt8676]

Hi We will reign with Jesus Yeshua ON EARTH in our resurrected bodies! Read Revelations and Psalm 2 ‘ Going to heaven for eternity’ in the ‘Afterlife’ is pagan doctrine like Valhalla, The happy Hunting Grounds, Nirvana, and the Elysian Fields, which ALL teach a disembodied ‘Spirit’ afterlife, NOT a deathless body which Jesus now has and which He will raise us up in! ON EARTH ! Shalom to us only in Christ Yeshua returning soon to reign over the world from Jerusalem forever.

[@ChaRles-me3bb]

Glad to hear even how short that Jim ends his teaching/sharing/worshipping with a prayer. Amen.

[@droe2570]

I think one's testimony matters to Christians more than non-Christians, because it is one way to worship God, to see God's activity in someone's life.

[@averykempf9164]

Agree.

[@kendrazimmerman3866]

Agreed

[@MaryDunford]

I like the way you think. I confess it took far more than one experience to make a believer out of me. And I was as even skeptical of my own experiences. But, thankfully, God was persistent and consistent. There's a big difference between sentiment and evidence-based knowledge. The more evidence one considers (without bias), the harder it becomes to dismiss not only God's existence, but Jesus as His Son and Saviour to those who accept Him. It was a truly mind-blowing revelation. But I'm grateful for it.

[@drivebyquipper]

I'm glad you broke down and shared. My testimony matters. Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock, whosoever hears my voice and answers the door, I will come in and sup with them and them with me." I wasn't an eyewitness of anything that happened two thousand years ago, but I opened the door. I found out he's real! So can you, let's pray. What if you don't have a Bible with you? Jesus shows up every time. Are you sure you know him today? I wonder.

[@hadiyusuf]

Amazing short clip. Bless you brother. While I totally believe that we should have the answers to the critics, I don't believe that they don't believe for lack of evidence. During our lord's ministry on earth he showed people ample evidence, yet only few believed him. Today, when we want to know about something, we can easily search the internet. People spend countless hours learning and searching for so many things. It's our responsibility to be ready, but we will need always to remind ourselves that it's the Holy Spirit who will awaken people. This makes me both humble and at rest. Because I know it's not me, but him. If he uses me, awesome. If not, I know that not even a single person will be lost because I don't have the answer. Again, it's our responsibility to be ready to share the gospel and have answers, but we need to be reminded that it's the Holy Spirit after all.

[@Freethinkingtheist77]

I agree with this guy that sharing your testimony is not evidence of the truth of Christianity, but that is not the only, or even the main, reason why we share. We want to glorify God for what He has done. We want to encourage one another that God really is at work. We want to show that Jesus gives new life. Testimony vs apologetics - this should not be an either-or issue. Both have their place.

[@lydiaholland5752]

I want to share my testimony and it will help others but I’ve learned that I can’t share it with just anyone ecspecially with people around me they either don’t believe me or somehow shutdown my testimony or try to reinterpret it for me (I’m talking about other Christians) but other than that I will gladly share m5 testimony:) it sets others free :)

[@namehere8099]

RIGHT! 💜🙌🏽 Short, sweet reason. The youth want/need evidence...prove it! It didn't even matter that I had supernatural encounters as a child, it wasn't until I met a Christian missionary who showed me this gospel of Jesus would work in my life. And I think back 10 years ago, she never told me her testimony. She didn't have to tell me her past...she showed me how the gospel helped give her POWER to live now. 🙌🏽💜💯 She didn't have to really talk, she lived a life of compassion that was inspirational to others. Actions speak loouder than words.

[@rafaelshumaker1883]

I never tell my testimony of my own experience. It is so refreshing to hear someone saying not to do so, along with why. I never felt like my experience really matters to anyone but myself. But my own experience is not very important even to me. I'm always looking at the evidence, and speaking the evidence. Evolution has never been proven, and never can be. All the evidence resonates the truth of the Bible. The evidence is so abundant that it is difficult to choose a starting point. Some of my favorite evidence are the very things that evolutionists think give strong support to evolution. But those things actually destroy evolution when you actually understand the evidences. Jesus quoted all scripture to those who recognized it as authoritative. But he quoted only from the books of Moses when he spoke to the Sadducees, because they only recognized the 5 books of Moses as authoritative. Know your audience. And begin with what they consider to be authoritative. The evidence is everywhere, and is quite abundant. But the evidence of scripture has no equal, not even close.

[@bobblacka918]

Everyone should see this. Powerful and convincing argument why we should believe in Jesus. I shared it to everyone I know.

[@barbarareed9308]

I am Persuaded with brother Peter: “Where else could we go?”John 6:68-69

[@ORSkie]

I don't think it's either / or; why should we restrict the tools we can use to connect with people? I think we need to demonstrate to friends and family that it has made a difference in our lives; they need to see us live differently than others before they'll likely be that interested in what we have to say... For strangers, we may be able to skip directly to conversations on the afterlife, leading to the law and the gospel of the grace of God through Jesus Christ. If they have doubts or are more rigorous in their questioning, we can also give evidentiary reasons for the hope that is in us. Then, we can share our testimony as well if they want to know. It helps some people to hear more personal stories. That being said, the testimony should be HIS story through us rather than focusing too much on ourselves anyway.

[@TienKhaiTH]

This is relatable to my view on testimony. My SDA members, for many times, focused a lot on sharing what God's done for them in their life. And while it is "all right" to listen to those testimonies, I am skeptical with the application of these testimonies when it comes to faith-because God works differently from one guy to the next guy-so how can we teach our kids the true and ultimate truth. How can they see who God really is from different testimonies. It concerns me a lot on this matter. I personally don't like to share my personal testimony either.

[@rubhamamos9600]

My God, what a majestic revelation unfolded on my screen in just 10 minutes! Youre a true warrior of Lord Jesus Christ.

[@sackettfamily4685]

I grew up in a Christian house, but one where Calvinism was argued for. So i knew that unless God specifically chose me, i might as well enjoy life. Because even as a 7-8yr old, I know there's things that christians cant partake in, because they are set apart. So I asked for a sign that he wanted me, and he gave it. That was when my life path was settled, not that i haven't struggled. But I have a healed physical scar to look at, that reminds me. He chose me so I chose him.

[@kathyingram3061]

~Your testimony has been a big factor in my testimony!~

[@Gruuvin1]

AMEN! I love that line, "we do not need another million dollar Christian apologist; we need a million one-dollar Christian apologists!" Ravi Zacharias is gone and we now see that we need a lot more than him to convince this generation. KNOW THE FACTS AND KNOW HOW TO TALK ABOUT THEM!

[@jeanniestaller797]

Thank you. I'm am whole heartedly a Christian but I never felt I had a Testamony that would convince anyone else. I focus on Biblical Truth and evidential Truth.

[@foxxietrini]

Havent finished watching but wanted to say, you may think your testimony isn't convincing but someone somewhere may think otherwise. And the Holy Spirit works through the words. I think the testimony also brings a sense of connectedness and relatability. So you never know..God leads.

[@eellis4180]

A testimony isn’t about impact. The uniqueness of your encounter with God allows those he sends you towards to have a new hope in the risen Jesus who is king.

[@samsonsupaka5911]

That's it, thanks. Only the testimony of Jesus saves!

[@alisterrebelo9013]

Your testimony is not just about convincing an unbeliever or someone from another religion. It is also to be used for the purposes of strengthening the faith of the flock. Never block the Spirit when it tries to work through you to get you to share your testimony. As others have said, you never know who will come across it that the Spirit is also trying to help.

[@djparsons7363]

Good! Then you'll be interested in knowing that the trinity, immortal soul, hell and rapture teachings are lies that true Christians must reject to have God's approval. Also, Jesus is NOT God, he is the Son of God, a separate individual who is subservient to the Father. Also, Holy Spirit is not a person, it is an invisible force that the Father alone controls to do his will. There are many more truths to share!

[@labae8728]

I really needed this and it encouraged me a lot. It’s not about my personal testimony but what we testify about Jesus. Wow. Lord, give me the desire to yearn for your wisdom and truth!

[@sirwm3107]

God is Good and Only Good! What a Special testimony…Glory to God! Blessings.

[@townsendstephen]

I absolutely agree with this. My story is not important. How can we know God? That is what is important. And it is true that the early Church testified to the resurection of Jesus. We would do well to pray and think over why they focused on that so much.

[@Kathydieting-rx7bw]

Hello How are you doing today

[@scottearlsmithFTC]

Hi Jim. I'm just picking one of your videos to encourage and commend you on the Kingdom-building work you are doing. I'm reading your book, Cold-Case Christianity right now (riveting). I'm a retired Canadian police officer with 30 years under my belt. My time in SWAT and Criminal Investigation being the most memorable portions of my career. I worked several cold case homicides as a case manager so I can totally relate to your book and videos. What a testimony it is that God used your statement analysis skills to reveal to you (and others) the truth of the life, death and resurrection of Christ.

[@paulbartlett3470]

I have always know this to be true but never knew how to word it. THANK YOU

[@carleegamesandshorts9790]

This is so true.. our personal testimony is just that.( personal) in the right setting, it's ok to share.. but it is not the gospel of Christ. It is only your word. Not HIS word. We must share THE word.

[@SamTheology]

Very amazing brother, I wholeheartedly agree, in a generation that asks perplexing questions, we need compelling answers.

[@sublyme2157]

I was a skeptic until someone showed me examples of Biblical prophecy. The more I studied the subject, the more convinced I became that the God of the Bible was true and was in complete control. It was the evidence that convinced me. When people say faith is a leap in the dark, it's good to remind them that faith is the "evidence of things not seen" as per Hebrews 11:1. Keyword being evidence.

[@julienielsen3746]

That's what I always get asked in the comments on Facebook, Pinterest, and KZbin. Give me evidence that your God is real. Nothing I say seems to satisfy them. So, I pray for God to open their hearts, and their minds to hear His Word when it's preached to them, and to send the right laborers to them that they will listen to, to preach them His Word concerning salvation, and any thing else that they need from His Word. And I believe I receive them saved and Blessed. In Jesus Name.

[@readysteady324]

Amen to this... Unbelievers often attack your testimony and resort to fault finding

[@MrsamH08]

Rev 12:11 NIV “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” -You are a valuable witness, especially as the last days approach. Their unbelief is not your concern; that is God’s work to deal with. Keep speaking the truth, unapologetically and filled with the love of God, giving Him all the glory-and continue to pray for the lost.

[@reyalpEleluku]

Re testimony, Rev 19:10 says that 'the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy', which I take to mean 'if you want to testify, talk about Jesus (and not yourself)'. Thanks again.

[@CynHicks]

I was drawn to reexamine the Gospels as an agnostic after having some experiences as an atheist that I could only explain as hallucinations or unbelievable coincidence. It was through that rational examination that I came to have faith in Jesus being who he said he was. It was necessary for me and so was the humility of being wrong while thinking that I had at least enough of the answers to understand reality as is.

[@helenholdsworth6407]

I was just thinking, that I hope this post is short, because I've had a challenging day!

[@mamuroflores4056]

Thanks GOD. Totally agree... James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ... What good is ones learning in Jesus if he/she doesnt manifest it their lives.. ... and we just believe in vain... I Cor 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

[@ArmorofValor]

Satan is defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the words of our testimony.

[@geoffstokes]

While Mr Wallace raises a valid point, I don't entirely agree with not sharing one's testimony in our modern parlance. A one off 'experience' can false, but repeated encounters with the Holy Spirit that produce the fruit and doctrine that lines up with what the standard Bible teaches is are easily discernable from fake experience that don't.

[@jimmyjamb4911]

I have a hard time believing my testimony, (witness to God), is not important for others to hear? God has planted it on my heart to share this with others, rather they believe or not. After once, while witnessing to a young homeless man, of how Gods Grace had brought me back to my family, I became witness to Gods love in him. This touched him in such a way that he couldn’t contain his tiers of joy. His thoughts he shared with me, where transforming for him. His discovery he shared with me was, To know that Jesus could love someone so much, who’d done something so wrong that he too, could and would be forgiven, was a sign of amazement for him. This man has become a friend of mine and he knows, it comes from the love of Christ. This is what God wants us to be. (Salt and Light).

[@stevej71393]

I don't mean to detract from the influence you have had on another person, but it sounds like the person you shared your testimony with did not have any serious pre-existing objections to the evidence for the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is what J. Warner Wallace describes as a major stumbling block, especially for younger generations. If someone is convinced that Christianity is a series of fabricated myths, then giving an emotional story of how Jesus changed your life is not going to be effective. Instead, one would need to focus on the fact that Jesus' death and resurrection is a historical fact, which therefore validates his teachings.

[@bodyofhope]

We should share our stories. You're right! (As long as Jesus's story is the story we're more excited to share).

[@rbrainsop1]

@@stevej71393 I agree, but that's the very reason testimonies are important too. Because not everyone is a non believer because of "objections to the evidence for the death and resurrection of Jesus." And those people need Jesus as much as anyone else does. I don't think Jimmy is denying the importance of evidence. But just as a lack of apologetics would leave many out in the cold (J. Warner Wallace's point), failing to share our testimonies would leave others like this homeless man out in the cold (My point, and I suspect Jimmy's). It's not a matter of one or the other, but both.

[@broo2149]

Hey bro. It's not that your testimony isn't important, as you know it helped that homeless guy a lot. You can include evidence for the resurrection as well as your testimony, it's not an either or. I find evidence can help people come to Christ, evidence can play an important role, but don't neglect your own experiences. Either way, I'm sure God will help you, it's great to hear how you spread the gospel.God bless.

[@MrsamH08]

I agree with you through the word of scripture, not the opinion of men. Rev 12:11- “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb AND BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Emphasis mine.)

[@dagman85]

The apostle Paul seemed to think that his personal encounters with Jesus were a pretty important part of the reason for the hope that he had. One of the reasons why they replaced Judas with someone who had that firsthand experience with Jesus was because they wanted someone who could vouch for the truth of who Jesus was and what He did from their own experience. Otherwise they could have picked anybody and taught them apologetics. Remember also that Matthias was selected before the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. When Ananias appeared to Saul, he talked about his own personal encounter with Jesus. He didn't just reason with Saul. Our personal testimony is actually very powerful, if we have truly encountered God and have a relationship with Him. The anointing of the Holy Spirit can ride on our authentic testimonies of what God has done in our lives, and that often will impact people in a way that reasoning rarely does. I'm not saying apologetics are useless at all, but Jesus told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the baptism of the Spirit and were clothed with power from on high, so that they would be able to be His witnesses. He didn't say they would receive reasoning or apologetics to be His witnesses. He said they would receive power.

[@readysteady324]

That my friend is the Gospel the power of God for salvation...all Christians' testimony should be all the same story, all receiving mercy and forgiveness and continually repenting, though this should not be replaced by presentation of the Gospel in evangelism...

[@dagman85]

@Ready Steady Gonzales - I'm not sure if I understand what point you are trying to make, but with regard to the idea that all Christians have the same testimony, I think that is a bit like saying all humans have the same life story: we're born, we live and we die (or if want to extend it to include those who are aborted or miscarried, "we are conceived, we live and we die."). Is that true? Yes. How useful a point is it? I think the use case for it is pretty narrow. I believe it is the distinct details of our testimony that can make it real and accessible to those who hear it. If we share the gospel in a general sense, some people might just hear abstract concepts, or nice ideas that don't apply to them. But when we share our story, they might recognize parallels to their own story, and they might find they can see themselves in our story. It can really help to bridge the gap in getting them to consider how the gospel might impact their own life.

[@KiraContriteSpirit]

I've been saved 6yrs & starting to evangelize. I've always been trigger-quick to share my testimony & it feels good that's not really the point is it? I'm sure that it's appropriate at times, but not all the time. Thank you, I appreciate this enlightening perspective.

[@vonsi8909]

Wow! What speech!! All the glory and honor to trino God {Father-Son/Jesus Christ-Holy Spirit}

[@YoKinah]

The passion translation truly infuriates me. All my younger friends are like obsessed with it

[@lauraswann5543]

Very good, Mr. Warner. Jesus Christ, by the things he did, demonstrated who he is. Now we, by the thngs that we do, have to show who he is.

[@kenpringle6568]

Very refreshing vidio. As a retired Policeman and also a Christian i can relate to this brother 👍🏽

[@kevinerose]

Now I agree with what is said here. Nowhere in scripture do the disciples get people saved by telling them their salvation story. However, going beyond that, I also believe there is absolutely nothing I can say to someone that will get them saved. It is the same principle as describing to them my experience. They will not come to the Lord unless they are openly seeking the truth and understanding of spiritual matters. So what is the key to getting your loved ones saved? You must spark an interest or desire in them of the desire to seek God. If they are not actively seeking God, they will not hear or listen to any words you say about salvation. You must demonstrate to them the righteous life being a good example of holiness. Demonstrate to them your love for the truth and urge them to consider truth and that it is worth finding and that they are capable of finding the truth. Many won't seek the truth because they are told by society there is no truth. You must love them with truth and have your truth overflowing within you.

[@John14-6...]

Ive been watching all the videos on your channel to help my faith and to gain wisdom on how to defend my faith in any situation I find myself in. This was the best overall video Ive watched so far

[@davidvalderrama1816]

My experience is not enough. My conclusion after personal experience, asking hard questions about life, the Word and ourselves has confirmed my personal experience. I can’t deny what is TRUE.

[@alwaysquestionyouropinions1119]

Let every tongue confess Jesus is the Alpha and Omega the Lord of lords.

[@c.aamold]

This video came to me at a perfect time. I've had a itch for the longest time to start something to HELP others get to where I am at now but I needed more time and now, making sure I'm not basing it off feelings and lots of praying and reading feel like the time has come. I'll say how of course to relate, but the important thing I think is telling the times I saw him working as i look back and what the result is now to how I see why I went through it all. I want to share the books and people that helped and help me build my bridge to God despite the pain of other. Thanks for being clear.

[@theologymatters5127]

Thanks for this!!!!

[@wk1810]

Discovered this video from listening to a Frank Viola video. So glad I did!!

[@user-oy6dy1wn1n]

Wow! You just blew my mind with this video. Thank you so much!

[@Anna-mc3ll]

Thank you for sharing this testimony! Truly interesting!

[@JesusLovesMagabean]

Excellent! I have a personal relationship but I always wondered how I can share that with others. Thanks!

[@omargp777]

You've got a point. Made me think we know very little of the testimony of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Historians or recollections may gather some things but they temselves almost didn't talk about their own past life in the Gospels. However they acknowledge their weaknesses or struggles sometimes and show how the Lord responds. On the other hand, David wrote Psalms that were very personal telling what God had done in his life. So I won't say God cannot use our story or discourage others from doing so if the Lord puts that in their hearts. It is interesting though, there is a Bible verse that teaches there is victory by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. How are we supposed to interpret that one?

[@davidparker9676]

If you want to hear a bunch of identical testimonies, visit an LDS Mormon Church on the first Sunday of the month. You will get a lot of emotional testimonies that sound like they are being read off a cue card. Emotion is powerful for some people, logic is good for other people. Describing your faith is not going to convert an atheist, but giving statistics of positive outcomes is going to get them to listen a little closer.

[@upssidep9283]

Thank you for this

[@eldeleiteespiritualthespir6456]

God bless

[@ratanrajeshmogalapu8784]

Thank GOD that I listened to this brief message though I knew the speaker (meaning I listened to him earlier). Truly humbled by this short yet a very key insight especially the mention of the need for million 1 dollar apologists 👍🏾 and not the other way round that usually is the case. Also the reason for the insignificance of personal testimonials is very convincingly true. ~ Ratan, India.

[@brb1050]

Extremely helpful! Thank you, my brother Christ! Jesus is Lord. Sharing this with my contacts.

[@j.bernard306]

How to prevent fatal pregnancy is the best answer. With all the possible problems in life I have to be diligent and prepare for misfortune

[@sunstruckfarms4489]

Amen and amen ! This is something I have said for years , first time listener to the channel and subscriber after this video

[@georgiakruszewski8742]

Thank you for these videos!

[@ColdCaseChristianity]

Glad you like them!

[@johnliu3248]

Great concise segment!

[@ronfswanson]

Right on! Thank you for this.

[@brandonjcollins1062]

Love this!!

[@rebanelson607]

That was excellent and challenging. Thank you!

[@EternalDestiny48]

This was great, refreshing and eye opening. Thank you for sharing this sobering thought

[@Tracy-Inches]

This was really nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@vivianasoto424]

This is great! How true! Thank you and God bless you.

[@ColdCaseChristianity]

You are so welcome