Time with Jesus - Monday, 16
January 2012
One
of the greatest proofs in the existence of God is personal testimony. Provided
it is true and not a distortion of the truth, there is nothing that can be said
or done to you to negate it.
One
of my favourite teachers when I was in Bible School was Dr Ken Stewart. I
distinctly remember him teaching on the topic of personal testimony. He gave a
classic example of what to say when questioned by non-believers. The two words
are “I Believe”; very little can be done with such an answer. “You’re an idiot! God doesn’t exist! This is
just your imagination! Don’t tell me that some old book is the Word of God!”
What can be done against, “I believe!” How can this be changed? It cannot. How
can people come against someone who says, “I’ve seen it!”
Few
of us understand the power of a personal testimony. In the book of Revelation
we read the following: -11 They won the
victory over him (Satan) because of the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. They didn't love their life so much that they refused to give it up.
Rev 12:11 GW Truthful personal testimony is irrefutable.
One
of the best known personal testimonies today is that of Rev John Newton. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch
like me. I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see.” He had been the captain of a slave ship. This great
hymn is his personal testimony. We all know it.
You
have a testimony. So have I. I know what I was like before He found me. I know
how much He has changed me. It is irrefutable. People may not believe me. But I’m
in good company. They didn’t believe Jesus either!
Today’s
meditation has been compiled as though Peter is addressing people. He is giving
his personal testimony concerning what he had seen and knew of Jesus Christ. There
are only two possibilities. It is either a pack of lies or it’s the truth. His
audience must decide one way or the other. You cannot be neutral regarding
personal testimony. You either believe it or not. The decision is yours and
yours alone. “Choose ye this day”.
Blessings
Jim & Phyllida Strickland.
Peter Testifies
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High upon the mountain, we saw His
glory shine!
His person was transfigured,
with light from the Divine.
Three disciples saw it. James
and John and me.
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the
Man from Galilee.
Moses and Elijah spoke with Him
that day.
And then we heard the voice of
God! There isn’t any way,
That we could be mistaken. We
didn’t see a ghost.
We saw Him as the Master of the
Angelic Host.
For three years we were with
Him. We heard Him prophesy.
We heard Him speak the words of
God and later saw Him die.
When he was resurrected, we saw
His flesh and bone.
This isn’t just a fairy tale,
concocted on our own.
We know what He intended. We
know what He revealed.
The fellowship we have with Him
can never be concealed.
And I am an eye witness and I
confirm these things!
He wasn’t just a phantom that
came to pull our strings!
He showed to us His hands and
feet. The nail-prints were still there.
He even let us touch Him. For
in our deep despair,
From knowing what had happened,
kept us trembling with fear.
And this is what He dealt with
the moment He came near.
My friends, I am not lying. We
know He’s coming soon.
For that is what He told us on
that wondrous afternoon.
And that is why I’m talking and
telling you the truth.
Indeed it surely happened when
John was still a youth.
But friends I’m getting older.
My days are running short;
And have responsibility that I
should give report,
Of all that we experienced. I’ve
had it written down,
So that you'll have the record,
when I have left this town.
I know He is Messiah. We saw it
all come true.
The many words the prophets
spoke; they all came into view.
You know I was the leader of
the little band of men,
Whom Jesus called to be with
Him. These words I speak are “gen”.
I was just a fisherman; and
Peter is the name,
The Master thought that I
should have. I’ll never be the same.
Not after being with Him. He
gave me life anew.
And that is why I’m here today,
to tell each one of you,
To put your faith in Jesus; and
trust Him with your soul.
For He knows all about you; and
wants to make you whole.
Jim Strickland – Written 16th January 2012
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