 |
July 2006
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!
 |
One of the most compelling and powerful means we have of sharing our faith with those around us is simply by telling them the story of what Christ has done in our lives. When we let others know what we've gone through, and, more importantly, what the Lord has done in our lives as a result -- it brings glory to God.
When we read through the book of Acts we see a number of occasions where the apostle Paul powerfully shares the life changing encounter he had with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Indeed, the pages of Scripture are filled with wonderful stories that attest to the transforming work that God has done in the lives of men and women who were yielded to Him.
And, He is still doing great and marvelous things among His people today! Whether it is a dramatic conversion, such as the apostle Paul's, or a miraculous healing, or His strengthening Presence during a time of great trial, every Christian has a story to tell, and we ought to be telling it. People may argue and debate religious doctrine with us, but they cannot refute the reality of a true work of God in our lives. The power of the gospel is always manifest through the word of our testimony. |
In addition, our personal testimony also serves to strengthen us against the attacks of Satan. Revelation 12:11 tells us that we overcome him by:
- The blood of the Lamb - our foundation.
- The word of our testimony - our own personal experience with Jesus Christ.
- Not loving our lives to the death - our willingness to put every area of our life under God's control: self is no longer on the throne.
In this we see two key aspects of the Christian life (truth and love) working together enabling us to overcome the enemy and live continually for Christ:
- The life changing truth of the gospel, which liberates us from the bondage of sin.
- The transforming power of the love of God, which compels us to live selflessly.
|
|
 |
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us that we who were once fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, etc. have been washed and made clean by the blood of Jesus. The world simply does not understand this, however they also cannot deny the reality of a transformed life. When we share the truth of what Jesus has done in our lives, we shine the bright light of Christ into a lost and dying world.
"For they themselves declare... how you turned to God from idols
to serve the true and living God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
In Him,
Lloyd Pulley
Senior Pastor
We would love to hear the story of what God has done in your life. If you would like to share your testimony of God’s faithfulness with us, please send it to noreen@ccob.org.
|
|
The early church had extraordinary power. Peter preached with great power after Pentecost and 3,000 people came to the Lord. As Peter and John went to pray, they healed a lame man, and later Peter preached to over 5, 000 men, and many believed. Can the church once again exhibit such power, and experience spiritual revival?
