Testimony
I
grew up in a Christian family and was always in church whenever the
doors were open. At the age of seven, I went forward in church and
prayed a prayer, but just praying a prayer does not save anyone if the
individual is just saying the words and not really meaning it.
I was a "good kid" and had the privilege of attending a
Christian school from fifth grade through my senior year in high school.
After high school, I attended a Christian university. Upon graduation, I
taught in a Christian school for a couple of years.
That
summer of 1989, between my two years of teaching, I was an assistant
cook at a Christian camp in Michigan. During one of the camp services,
God began convicting my heart concerning salvation. I could not recall a
specific time when I had repented of my sins and turned to God. Sure, I
had prayed a prayer when I was seven, but I could not remember much
about that time. Was I truly saved? I tried to reassure myself that I
was a Christian because I was living the life of a Christian, but I was
in turmoil over my eternal destiny.
I
did not respond to the invitation, but that night I could not sleep
because I was under conviction. I had no peace until I submitted to
God's convicting Spirit. That night I repented of my sins, and I know
God saved me. I have never doubted my salvation since that decision.
John
3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whosoever blieveth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life."
Ephesians
2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves, it is the gift of God--Not of works, lest any man should
boast."
I
had written the following article and poem in response to a writing
challenge:
Go
Forth And Tell
I
am a born again Christian who grew up in a solid Christian home. I went
to church whenever the doors were open and had the opportunity to attend
Christian school. I learned all about the Bible and knew how a Christian
should live. In fact, I was a "model Christian" to my peers. I
loved God and wanted to serve Him with my life, but it wasn't until my
early twenties that I repented of my sins and gave my life totally to
God.
A few who knew me well thought that I had only gotten assurance of my
salvation, but I remember the conviction that I faced that night, and
the fear that surrounded my soul. I always thought I was a Christian,
for I lived like one. The night I got saved, I finally realized that my
good life and works were nothing in the sight of God. Only when I
repented of my sin and called out to God to save me, did He give me the
peace I sought.
I
became so excited about my salvation and began telling everyone about my
experience. I wanted others to know this God in heaven. While I haven't
forgotten about my salvation experience, I have noticed that my fervor
for sharing the gospel has seemed to dwindle with the passing years. Oh,
I still share my faith with others, but not with the same intensity I
had when I first experienced the joy of my salvation.
If
the gospel is the good news, why don't we share this good news with the
world? I believe Christians fail to share the gospel for one of three
main reasons:
Fear
While
I am not shy, nor am I afraid to speak up, I can remember times when I
have kept my mouth shut for fear of what others might think of me. Some
people fear making a fool of themselves, while still others fear
rejection.
Ignorance
Some
fail to share the gospel because they really don't know what to say. I
believe this is the easiest obstacle to overcome. If nothing else, you
can tell others about your experience. Be sensitive to the individual's
need. If he or she is receptive, you can then go through the Romans
Road:
All are sinners (Romans 3:23).
The
penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
God
loved us so much that He sent His Son to take our punishment for sin
(Romans 5:8; John 3:16).
God
offers the free gift of salvation to all who will accept (Romans 9:10;
John 1:12; John 3:16).
Apathy
Some
know what to say, but they just don't care. As long as they are saved,
it doesn't matter what happens to anyone else. Under this category falls
the excuse of no time to witness. If witnessing were really important to
us, we would make time for it, for we always make time for the
important.
Pray for God to send you opportunities and then seize the moment. If you
ask God to send someone your way, He will. While you may not be able to
share the gospel the first time you meet someone, you will know when God
wants you to speak the word. Ask Him for wisdom in sharing your faith,
and He will direct your words.
Go
Forth and Tell
Go
forth now, Christians, into all the world
God's
wondrous salvation to tell.
Unbelievers
are lost and dying
On
their way to a burning hell.
Many
souls who are seeking peace within
Are
burdened down 'neath their load of sin.
Precious
souls for whom Jesus bled and died;
And
in the garden, great tears he cried.
Oh,
who will go the good news to share?
Who
will show compassion and care?
God
empowers the obedient one
Who
goes and tells of His only Son.
Oh,
Christian, will you obey God's call
To
give the gospel to one and all?
Seize
opportunities God sends each day
To
share with others God's only way.
Rachel L. Keller
Written
January 7, 2001
Give
Me a Passion
Lord,
open my eyes that I may see
Those
who are lost and far from thee.
Give
me a burden to share your plan;
Help
me to love and understand.
Give
me a passion to save the lost;
Help
me be willing to count the cost.
Lead
me to those who need to hear;
Give
me compassion and loving care.
Help
me be willing, Lord, to share
The
good news with others everywhere,
That
when the harvest time is done
Many
lost souls to you I've won.
Rachel
L. Keller
Written
January 27, 2002
Psalm
126:6
Copyright
2001, 2002 by Rachel Keller. No portion of this poem may be copied or
transmitted by any means without the permission of the author. No
permission is necessary to post the link to this poem.
