We Do Not Preach Ourselves, but Christ as Lord
- Missions, Evangelism & Witnessing
- 5 Replies
Thank you for sharing this.This weekend at church I spoke to a believer who told me how he had shared his testimony with a work colleague in the hope he would come to Christ.
I then said to the believer that next time he speaks to his work colleague, he should somehow, gently show his workmate that he has sinned against a holy and righteous God. This way, the workmate would know that he needs a Savior.
At this, the believer got very offended and angry at me and left. I was a little shocked.
Looking back at the situation, I understand why he stormed off. He was trusting in his testimony to be the power of God unto salvation. In other words, he was preaching himself and what had happened to him in the hope that his workmate would be saved.
But the truth is, we are called not to preach ourselves, but Christ. Our testimony is useful only as a bridge to the gospel. The message of salvation must start with sin, judgment, and the reality of our need for a Savior, and then move to the grace, mercy, and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. Only then can the gospel truly transform a heart.
So, the church member was offended because he saw his testimony was not what changes people's hearts. It is the Gospel that does this. Our testimony is only a witness for the transformation within us. "I was once a sinner and now I am born again"
So, please, people reading this. Share your testimony, but more importantly, share the Gospel.
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