My Personal Testimony

I want to share my personal testimony. Why? That's a good question I had to ask myself before doing this. The answer - because that's who "I" truly am.

I was born into a Christian home. I not only was born into this Christian home but I was raised in this Christian home. My father was a Deacon in the church and both my parents were totally active and committed. Our lives revolved around the church. I don't remember exactly what age I was baptised but I made a confession of faith and was baptised. I believed in God, I believed that Jesus was the Son of God.

After I married and had my two infant girls we bought our first home. As God would have it, he placed us between two Baptist families. One a Southern Baptist and the other an Independent Baptist. Back in those days the mothers would get together, almost every day, and drink coffee around the kitchen table. Meanwhile the children would play either in the house or the backyard depending on the weather.

It was during these daily visits that I began to realize and think to myself: "These two women (everyone was older than I back in those days because I married so young!) know Jesus in a way that I don't know him". They talked about Him like he was one of their personal friends! But I believed in God & Jesus and I went to church and I believed I was on my way to heaven. What's wrong?

Shortly after this realization was dawning on me the Independent Baptist announced her church was having a revival and she would like me to come. I did and I heard one of the Old Time Fire & Brimstone messages. I'm telling you, I ran to that altar and experienced the new birth. Nothing has ever been the same for me. The very next day I remember looking at each and every person I saw on the street and wanting to literally share with them what I had experienced. I began telling anyone and everyone that would listen to me about Jesus.

I suddenly saw the problem. Oh, I believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. That he lived and died for the sins of the world. But I came to realize I believed ABOUT him as a historical Jesus. The same way I believe there was a Christopher Columbus who discovered America, a George Washington that was our first president, etc. I didn't believe IN him as my personal Savior. What I didn't see was that it was for ME that he came, and if I'd been the only one he would have come and died for me. I did have to believe that with all my heart, soul and mind. When I saw that fact and truly accepted him for what he'd done for me I was truly born again. Now I did know him as a personal friend of mine, just like my two neighbors did.

I need to explain further....The reason I did not mention the denomination I grew up in is that when I went back and attended services with my parents, after my new birth, I could see that they did preach salvation. They just didn't do it in a bold enough way for THIS young 18 year old woman to get the message. "By hearing you shall hear and not understand" Matthew 13:14b KJV "Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing" The Message I know many in that denomination are born again. I just didn't happen to be one of them. I also know many are not born again, as is the case in every church and denomination.

I am NOT giving a testimony for the Baptist either. I learned a lot from my Baptist background over many years. The main thing I learned as a Baptist was a love for the Bible and learning to memorize scripture at an early age when it was easier than it is for me now!

During these ensuing many years God has directed our paths and our walk with him. For whatever his reason God has seen fit to place us in various churches and denominations at different times. I feel our walk with our Lord has grown with each step we've taken. It is certainly one of the reasons I have such a love for The Universal Church and The Body Of Christ.

It is always with anticipation that I wonder "What God has in store for us next?" He is such a good God and he's good ALL the time!! Of one thing I am sure, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me". John 10:27 JKV

I am so thankful I am one of his sheep. He is my shepherd, my Savior and my LORD. I know that if he is these things to you that you will rejoice with me. If he is not these things to you I pray that today will be the day you will believe and accept him. In so doing you will truly find "The peace of God, which passeth all understand, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". Philippians 4:7 KJV "Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." The Message

I know I've been basically preaching to the choir, as they say. But I also know that too many people who think they know the Lord really only know about him.