| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
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| 292.1 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Thu Oct 21 1993 17:41 | 17 |
|
For instance, those people who heard the testimonies of
what Jesus was doing, and who saw His miracles taking place
were emboldened to believe for the *SAME THING* because they
believed that God loves them, too, and that God is not a re-
-specter of persons.
Remember what Elijah said to Elisha? Elijah said,
if you _see_ me when I am taken up from you, you will have
what you requested! Elisha had to _see_ it, otherwise, he
could not have it. He saw it, and, afterwards, the same
things that Elijah did, Elisha did, too.
Why does God work that way? I don't understand all
the reasons. I just know that He does.
Love in Jesus,
Greg
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| 292.2 | Definitions please | AUSSIE::CAMERON | and God sent him FORTH (Gen 3:23) | Thu Oct 21 1993 20:12 | 11 |
| Re: Testimonies.
I do *not* use the word "testimony" or "testimonies." Very few with whom
I speak-to-convert understand the term - it is usually unrecognised.
Perhaps this is a side effect of my culture and it is not evident for
you US based people. [Opinions welcome].
Do you, Greg, understand the word "testimony" to be totally confined to
the definition "personal experience description?"
James
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| 292.3 | Be an Authentic Christian | ZPOVC::MICHAELLEE | | Thu Oct 21 1993 23:33 | 18 |
|
I think what is more 'convincing' to the unbelievers is to see what
sort of persons we Christians are made up of. Most often, the life
styles we lead serve as important 'testimonies' of the Love of the Lord
Jesus for them through us.
For example, they may be wondering how this Christian can still have
the peace and the joy admidst all the hopelessness of the future.
Unblievers will then want to know how we did it.
Like what I have heard once during a Sunday service, we should be like
corks floating in the choppy waters. Even though we are pushed
underwater, we can bounce back triumphantly with the help of the Lord
Jesus.
In Christ,
Mike
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| 292.4 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Fri Oct 22 1993 09:56 | 35 |
|
Hi,
Testimony can be alot of things. For a long time,
I thought that testimony meant, "How I came to become a Christian."
And, then some person would go and dredge up a past that was
already crucified, dead, and buried through the cross. Then, I
noticed that testimonies could be a witness to the gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Yet, a testimony is a witness confessed in the ears
and/or eyes of witnesses about the Lord, and can be a repentance
for sin, can be a public acknowledgement that Jesus is Lord, can be
a public witness to the Lord's healing power, can be a witness to
a miracle, or just about any of the many wondrous acts of God.
It is so important, and I praise God for all the
testimonies that I have been able to hear, read and give because
they are like sparks! Behold how great a fire a little spark can
kindle!
Why couldn't Jesus do many miracles in Nazareth?
Because they did not really expect it. They were not prepared to
receive. They did not believe that he would or could. People
had _limited_ the Holy One of Israel so that he _could not_ do
many mighty works there, other than that He healed a few sick
folks. Testimonies help to prime the pump. Remember what Paul
said to Timothy? 'Stir up the gift that is within thee.' Well,
testimonies help to stir things up!
When all the pumps are overflowing it glorifies
God, ( not to mention all the trouble it causes in the camp of
the enemy! ).
Love in Christ,
Greg
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| 292.5 | | CSLALL::HENDERSON | Friend will you be ready? | Fri Oct 22 1993 11:09 | 22 |
|
RE: <<< Note 292.4 by 38859::GRIFFIS >>>
> I thought that testimony meant, "How I came to become a Christian."
> And, then some person would go and dredge up a past that was
> already crucified, dead, and buried through the cross. Then, I
Friend, it is through the testimony of what Christ has done in a life
of a lost soul that may help lead another to Christ..are you saying
that there is no merit in the testimony of how one came to Christ?
I have a testimony of my life as a backslidden Christian and how He
pulled me out of a life of sin..are you saying there's no value in
sharing that with another who might be tempted to backslide?
perhaps that is not what you are trying to say, but the above
seems to imply that, to me anyway.
Jim
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| 292.6 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Fri Oct 22 1993 11:55 | 27 |
| Hi Jim,
No, I am not saying that the testimony of over-
-coming a backslidden or a troubled past is valueless. In fact,
such a testimony can be quite exellent and beneficial -especially
if it can help someone to gain victory in their life over a sin
or a fault that they have been overtaken in, or over the condemnation
of the devil. But... if Christians who are supposed to be mature
continually dwells on the past, or continue to repent over a sin
that has already been forgiven for, then, that person might not be
growing as they should, and might need to just refocus. This could
be from a lack of understanding re: what the Word says about
being "in Christ Jesus/in Him/in Whom", ( which appears in the
scripture over a 100 times ). If a person is a newborn, then a
testimony of repentance from dead works could be quite good and
inspiring, -because it publicly establishes the fact that they have
put off the old life and put on the Lord Jesus Christ - which is
good cause to celebrate because when one sinner repents, all the
angels in heaven rejoice! What I am saying, Jim, is that this is
not the "only" type of testimony. There was a time in my life
when I thought that that was the only type of testimony that there
is, and there ain't no more. Since then, I have learned that
there are more types of testimonies than I can count.
Thanks,
Greg
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| 292.7 | 'The word of our Testimony' | PATE::PLOURDE | If only you knew who I know! | Fri Oct 22 1993 15:03 | 34 |
|
Hello,
"They overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and
by the 'word of their testimony';"
Rev 12:11a
The 'word of our testimony' should tell the world about his
love. It should encourage and build faith. Often times at
a Bible study I attend the Home group leader will ask "does
anyone have a 'testimony' on what the Lord has done for them this week?"
As different people in room will share on 'answered prayer' or
a 'financial deliverance', an opportunity to witness to an unbeliever
or unsaved loved one or even how God delivered them from a certain
situation we can all give thanks to God for His goodness. They give
it as a testimony of His Power, of His Love, of how God cares for us.
It will often build faith in someone is/was faced with similar
situations. God is not a respecter of persons. This type of testimony
sharing is AWESOME! It truely prepares the hearts of the hearers.
Often times, when testimonies are given, the person telling it has been
standing on a certain scripture and believing God for it. When that
person sees the fulfillment of there request you can't keep them quiet!
All they want to do is tell someone. This encourages and builds
other believers, don't you think?
One other thing I might add is that our own life should be a testimony.
It should testify of the One who lives within us. It should pour forth
the love and compasion and mercy of God! It should be a witness,
a testimony.
Shalom,
Richard
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| 292.8 | Definitions please | AUSSIE::CAMERON | and God sent him FORTH (Gen 3:23) | Fri Oct 22 1993 17:40 | 11 |
| Re: Testimonies.
I do *not* use the word "testimony" or "testimonies." Very few with whom
I speak-to-convert understand the term - it is usually unrecognised.
Perhaps this is a side effect of my culture and it is not evident for
you US based people. [Opinions welcome].
Do you, Greg, understand the word "testimony" to be totally confined to
the definition "personal experience description?"
James
|
| 292.9 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Fri Oct 22 1993 17:45 | 2 |
|
I'll mail you a dictionary. What's your mailstop?
|
| 292.10 | | AUSSIE::CAMERON | and God sent him FORTH (Gen 3:23) | Fri Oct 22 1993 17:58 | 24 |
| Re: Note 292.9 by 38859::GRIFFIS
> I'll mail you a dictionary. What's your mailstop?
I believe you don't always use the dictionary term for a word; context
has persuaded me of this. No specific examples. This is no
denigration of you - everyone I speak with has this ability.
By "your definition" I mean the definition which corresponds to your
use of the word, not to what the dictionary says.
I don't think it would be worthwhile for you to mail me a dictionary.
I have dictionaries available to me. I'm at home right now and have
three dictionaries in reach, but that's not what I'm after.
I'm based at mailstop SNA, which is in Sydney, Australia, so the cost
to digital of mailing a dictionary would be somewhat larger than if I
were in the USA somewhere. You can get hold of mailstops using the ELF
service within VTX.
Remember also that I use a different variant of English - which is
another reason why I ask these questions.
James
|
| 292.11 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Sat Oct 23 1993 12:01 | 36 |
| 292.12 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Sat Oct 23 1993 12:23 | 26 |
| A Testimony About Precision
===========================
God's Word says, "These signs shall follow them that
believe: they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall
recover". Now, one day my son was sick. I followed God's
prescription, and I layed hands on him and I prayed. When
my wife came home, she upbraided me and said, "What did you
do for him?" I told her, I layed hands on him and prayed
for him. She then commented on the fact that he did not
seem to be any better, and it seemed to her as though my
faith was not working. So, I went directly to the Word,
and I stated, "God's Word says that I should lay hands on
the sick." Then I heard this very _Powerful_ and very
_Authoritative_ Voice speak. The whole room just seemed to
shake like a leaf in the wind, as God said, "AND HE SHALL
RECOVER". Now, I heard God speak in my spirit, ( not in
my physical ears, not in my mind, -but in my spirit ). It
was a moment in my life I will treasure forevermore.
But, God demonstrated a very important
point to me, and that is this: God is absolutely precise in what
He says. We should not go beyond His Word, and we should not
go beneath His Word. We should go precisely according to His
Word, ( period ).
/Greg
|
| 292.13 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Sat Oct 23 1993 13:14 | 90 |
| Testimony in Contrast to Confession
===================================
Confession is the chronologically ordered set
of all statements that a person makes concerning their faith.
In Hebrews, it says, "holding fast the profession of our faith".
Well, the word "profession" actually means "confession". A
confession can be a repentance. A confession can be a statement
of what one believes. A confession can also be a testimony.
In fact, a "testimony" is a subset of our "confession". Jesus
Christ is the "High Priest" of our "profession/confession".
Is our confession important? Yes!!! It is of _extreme_ im-
portance before the Lord. Why? Because the "spirit of faith"
says, ( you can check this out in 2 Corinthians 4:13 ), "as
I believed, therefore have I spoken". Faith and confession
then, are intimately entwined together.
Confession is supposed to be used for good.
I know that some folks do believe that confession used for
bad is nothing more or less than witchcraft. Is it? Well,
I am still checking that one out. But, one thing is for
sure, the Word of God says, "let no corrupt communication
proceed from your mouth", ( corrupt means dis-similar ),
and "bless and curse not". I have heard that the word
"curse" simply means, "to say something bad".
Now... consider some interesting facts about
confession for bad. Jacob said that the person who took Laban's
household idols will die! These were his words, "With whomso-
ever thou findest the thy gods, let him not live." ( Gen. 31:32 ).
Well, Rachel died shortly thereafter in childbirth, a premature
death for the wife that Jacob loved the most, and served Laban
14 years in order to obtain!
The children of Israel, when they left Pharoah,
said that the person with whom Joseph's silver cup was should
die, ( in Genesis 44:9 )... "with whomsoever of thy servants
it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's
bondmen." Well, guess what??? It was found with Benjamin,
and not only did they become bondsmen to Pharoah, but also
the tribe of Benjamin was nearly erased completely from Israel,
( Book of Judges 21 ), "and the people repented them for
Benjamin, because the Lord had made a breach in the tribes
of Israel", ( Judges 21:15 ).
John the Baptist's father, Zechariah said, "How shall I know this?",
( he was quoting Abraham in Genesis ), and was struck deaf
and dumb for _not_ believing! Abram, when God promised to
give him the land, responded, "Lord God, whereby shall I know
that I shall inherit it?" ( rather than simply take God at
His Word and leave it at that ), and God _then_ told him,
"know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a
land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they
shall afflict them four hundred years"; ( Gen. 15:13 ).
The thing is: what if Abraham had simply replied, "Fine.
Thankyou, Lord." Then would Israel have been a stranger
in Egypt? I believe that it is entirely possible that
Abraham could have changed the future of his children by
simply accepting this promise as easily as he accepted
the others. What about the words of Jacob? "You have
troubled me to make me to _stink_ among the inhabitants
of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites:
and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves
together against me, and slay me; and I shall be des-
troyed, I and my household", Jacob said in Genesis 34:30.
Do you see how his words actually served to hurt his
cause?
Now, look at the words Jacob used in speaking to
Esau, ( Genesis 33:10 ): "And Jacob SAID: Nay, I pray
thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive
my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face
as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased
with me."
What was God's response to _that_?! Well...
'And God said to Jacob, "Arise! Go up to Bethel,
and dwell there: and there an altar unto God, that appeared
unto thee WHEN THOU FLEDDEST FROM THE FACE OF ESAU THY
BROTHER" ', ( Genesis 35:1 ).
Do you see what happened? Jacob compared Esau's
face to God's face, and God pointed out that Jacob was
fleeing from the face of Esau!!! God heard the conversation,
the confession, the profession of Jacob very carefully.
Moral of the story: be careful of what you say,
( especially when you are speaking with God ).
/Greg
|
| 292.14 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Sat Oct 23 1993 13:34 | 27 |
|
"Be ye therefore followers", ( followers also means
imitators ), "of God, as dear children;", ( Ephesians 5:1 ).
God is precise in what He says, we need to be precise, too.
"And walk in love, as Christ has also loved us, and has
given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to
God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all
uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named
among you, as becomes saints. Neither filthiness, nor
foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient,
but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no
whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is
an idolator has any inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of
these things comes the wrath of God upon the children
of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with
them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are
ye light in the Lord: walk as children of the light.
For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and
righteousness and truth, proving what is acceptable
unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the
UNFRUITFUL works of darkness, - but rather reprove
them. For it is a shame even to speak of those
things which are done of them in secret. But ALL
things are reproved and made manifest by light: for
whatsoever does make manifest is light."
Ephesians 5:1-13
|
| 292.15 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Sat Oct 23 1993 13:47 | 21 |
| James,
That is about it for me on this topic.
I hope you understand that your definition of "testimony"
as a description of personal experience is pretty good,
but lets not confine it to that. Can a testimony be a
testimony of a testimony? Why not? [ Just to show how
the definition could be accepted, - or excepted. ] To
pinpoint the word "testimony" to a perfect definition is
very difficult to do, - and I do not wish to attempt it.
An old black preacher once said, when asked what a word
means, what the word "anointing" meant, responded, "I
can't exactly tell you what it is. But, I sure can
tell you what it isn't!" There was wisdom in that man!!!
We can work around its fringes, ( i.e., draw tangent
points to the body of the object ), we can get a close
subset, we can draw an approximation, but to actually
define the word? Let someone else do that...(!) ok?
Regards.
/Greg
|
| 292.16 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Sat Oct 23 1993 15:16 | 16 |
| > I have a testimony of my life as a backslidden Christian and how He
> pulled me out of a life of sin..are you saying there's no value in
> sharing that with another who might be tempted to backslide?
> perhaps that is not what you are trying to say, but the above
> seems to imply that, to me anyway.
>============================================================================
Jim,
Some people backslide to the extent that they
do not and cannot come back. "For it is impossible for those
who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift,
and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the
good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they
shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing
they crucify the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame."
( Hebrews 6:4-6 )
/Greg
|
| 292.17 | | JULIET::MORALES_NA | Sweet Spirit's Gentle Breeze | Sat Oct 23 1993 17:47 | 11 |
|
We have all brought shame to our Savior and I praise God for the fresh
and renewed view of the cross that brings us home to him. We know that
our sins every day must be brought to the cross as we crucify self and
apply the already crucified blood of Christ.
I am reminded of the prodigal son for whom the father killed the fatted
calf and made a celebration for his son who returned home. So much
more our Father in Heaven rejoices when one returns home.
Nancy
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| 292.18 | | 38859::GRIFFIS | | Mon Oct 25 1993 08:52 | 5 |
|
Whoso offers praise glorifies me, and to him who orders his
conversation aright will I show the salvation of the Lord.
Psalm 50:23
|