3. The Testimony
Philippians 3:13-14, Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
When you meet someone new, generally the first question is what is their name followed by inquiring about what they do. Then the conversation moves to their loves/hates (politics, baseball, cooking) or it will go to what are their goals or dreams – where are they going – and at some point there will be talk of family. Only later will come the question of how old they are, which is tied to their birthday. Translation: their actual birthday is not of primary interest.
So, spiritually what do we do? At church we often ask for a person’s testimony, meaning we want them to tell about their birthday – when they accepted Jesus. I propose that knowing the date of their spiritual birthday is not that critical and maybe even detrimental – if they cling to a Jesus event while today living a life that doesn’t look much like Jesus, but more like the world, we are reinforcing a bad thing. [I do note that Paul gave his “testimony” on at least three occasions: Acts 22:3-21, 26:4-18; Galatians 1:13-24]
So what did Paul say in Philippians 3 (above)? Forget the behind – press onward! Too often we put stock in a salvation “testimony” when in fact it might have only been an emotional experience devoid of a true transformation. The “testimony” we should want to hear is that today one is humbled that Jesus took the wrath due them and that they love Him today and are walking with Him today! Not solely clinging to an event of yesterday when they went forward, were baptized, made a commitment at camp, but with little movement since. Where are you with Jesus today? That is the testimony that matters!
4. Saved?
Romans 8:16, The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
It is NOT our duty to tell others they are saved. They will tell us they are saved! A newborn does not need to be told they are alive – they tell you they are alive! The same holds true for the second birth. Consider the woman at the well (John 4:28-29), the demonic (Mark 5:15), and Philip (John 1:45). Those who were once enmeshed in sin, guilt, and fear cried out to Jesus and He regenerated them – they were born again. To those around, it was clear they were alive spiritually for they said so. When Jesus pulls a soul from the muck and places them on a rock (Psalm 40) giving them anew life, can they be silent? No, they shout it! They are excited! You know they are overjoyed at His love, salvation, and new direction for they tell you so!
5. GEMS
Matthew 13:45-46, Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Christ’s salvation and entrance into His realm is a gem of great value!
The SSBC outreach acronym is GEMS standing for Gospel, Evangelism, Missions, and Serving. Those areas are the components necessary to obey our Lord’s charge for His followers to be His ambassadors (II Corinthians 5:20). The four translate into these:
- Gospel – the news – knowing and teaching the truths about God, sin, wrath, the cross, and faith
- Evangelism – the actual engaging of the lost by showing a love for Jesus, the truth (Bible), and His people and presenting to them the gospel of redemption only in Jesus
- Missions – supporting with prayers and money those called to other people groups
- Serving – touching those needy with help and money thus building bridges for God’s truth
a PK Musing 