We All Have A Testimony

The Testimony of Israel includes both great and glorious times of faithfulness and devotion to the One True God, as well as many times of great apostacy where they as a nation were completely unfaithful to God, and walking far outside of God's Word and leadership. Yet it is through the Jewish people, and the line of David, that God used to bring redemption through the precious blood of Jesus.

In that testimony, when God's people were at the very lowest point, that God used their neighbors the Assyrians and then in a larger way, the Babylonians- two groups/nations that were as far from Godly as any to ever walk the earth, to bring correction to His people.

This dark window is an inseparable part of the "story of Israel". God used those who were not His people to bring His people back to Himself.

A lot of people have a personal story/testimony with a similar chapter. I have never hidden mine, as I am incredibly thankful that my LORD showed mercy and grace to me long before I was born-again. In my own book, the chapter of my earlier days of college at the University of Central Arkansas. That was a period of time where I had essentially jumped completely off the boat I had been raised in, turning to the flesh, and in particular - alcohol. My academic progress was hurt, but more significantly, I was further from a relationship with God than at any point in my life. My future was in jeopardy in many ways, and there really wasn't much further to fall... It was at that very lowest time when God used the Mormons, through my very best friend in the world, to rip me from the gutter I had put myself in. I needed the extreme legalism, I needed to feel like somebody(other than my parents) loved and cared about me. They seemed to nhave all the "right answers". So I bought what they were selling, hook, line, and sinker. For about 8 months, I walked the life of a member of the LDS organization. God used that time to completely liberate me fromnthe craving for alcohol. He also drew me to His Word. Towards the end of that time, the inconsistencies and contradictions in addition to the very awkward leaps I was asked to take to explain the glaring errors (even visible to me as a "lost" soul) I was seeing. I walked away.

But my story wasn't over then, thank the Lord! For early in 2001, while I was reading the second book of the Jerry Jenkins & Tim LaHaye series "Left Behind" series, I again "heard" the saving Gospel. The Holy Spirit convicted my heart, opening my eyes and heart to confess my sins, to repent of a lifetime of rejecting and running, and to confess Jesus Christ as MY LORD and SAVIOR. I was born-again, beginning the most incredible chapter of my life: following and serving the LORD.

Do I believe that the Mormons are a true church? Not even close. There are massive problems with their theology, doctrine, and so much more. Yet while I am convinced they are terribly wrong, I am reminded that God can use ANYONE to accomplish His purpose and will. I am thankful for that chapter of my life. Now I pray for the souls of those who have not been liberated from that false "church".

Also of interesting note, having moved several times over the last 25 years, the Mormons somehow continue to seek me out. Sometimes it is a year in-between, sometimes two or three. And each time, I see it as an opportunity to share the REAL Gospel of Jesus Christ. Usually, the missionaries that have found me thank me and excuse themselves.

Humorous happening- the new pastor at Park View Baptist Church (who followed me when I was called to my current pastorate here in Clinton) had a late- evening pair of visitors, asking for me there at the parsonage. You guessed it: Mormons! While the entire congregation at Park View has heard my testimony, including that chapter, Bro. Sheppard had not, so he was shocked, to say the least! So now Bro. Sheppard knows my testimony now.

posted from Bloggeroid

It Is Well...

The power of music, in  my view, is second only to the power of God's Word when it comes to touching us to the very soul.  Combine the truth of God's Word with music, and we have an incredibly powerful tool to help plant great comfort, solid biblical doctrine, and even conviction in the hearts of mankind.

One such song/hymn that stands about among the greatest - indeed it is my unquestioned favorite, is It Is Well, sometimes called "Peace Like a River".  With words penned by Horatio Spafford, and music by Phillip Bliss, this hymn cuts directly to the core of the matter - the absolute truth that, for those who have completely trusted the Savior Jesus Christ, even the worst this world can deal out to us can be handled and overcome by the very grace of God.  There is unbelievable comfort in truly KNOWING the Savior.  Not a promise of ease or physical comfort - but He does promise to never leave us or forsake us Hebrews 13:5-6!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Spafford truly understood what he was writing.  This hymn followed two massive catastrophic, life-changing events in his life.  The first was the "Great Chicago Fire" of 1871 in which destroyed him financially.  The second, and more poignant was the loss of all four of his daughters when the ship they were traveling on in the Atlantic collided with another ship.  His wife, Anna, sent him the telegram message "saved alone".

Several weeks later, when Horatio was able to travel, he asked the ship's staff to let him know when they neared where the collision had occurred.  When the time came, he went out on the deck and watched the sea "billows" roll, while contemplating what had befallen him. But instead of being overcome with grief, great comfort came over him - and the words of this great hymn were the result.

Horatio Spafford knew the grief of painful loss.  Yet his faith in his Savior sustained him - and gave him a message in music to help us today.  Know that the Lord is with you.  And cling to the last verse - come sweet Jesus!