In the last couple of days I have read II Peter and I John 1. I am struck by how both writers appeal to their own eye witness account to validate what they are claiming for Christ and the Christian message. Peter writes in part:
"--- we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came ---. we ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain." I Peter 1:16 - 18
John writes: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it ---." I John 1:1 - 2
Our faith rests on eyewitness testimony. The authors are at pains to let readers know they are not constructing another religious fable but speaking from first hand experience. One crucial qualification for someone to be among the early apostles was that they "had been with Jesus." Paul qualified only because he had a vivid personal vision of the risen Christ. (I Cor. 15:7)
To a great extent our faith multiplies through millions of personal testimonies. Yes, we preachers work hard to teach and persuade people of the eternal truth. Yes God uses gifted evangelists and apologists - those who preach to thousands and those who are so effective in one to one encounters. But so many people come to faith through the witness of a friend(s) or family member(s). They have observed the change in that Christian's life; they have heard their personal testimony and that becomes one of, if not the key reason that leads them to faith.
Never underestimate the power of your personal story, even with its imperfections. We cannot point to eyewitness encounters with Jesus. But we can testify to the difference Jesus has made in our lives. And if people can observe that difference in the way we live, it carries unique impact.
As an unrelated aside: I had a nice experience at our Calgary bank today. The teller who served me had an unusual name. I asked about it and she said it was a biblical name that her parents liked. After she returned with the money exchange I requested, I thanked her and said "With a NT name, I hope you are a follower of Jesus." She smiled and assured me that she was. We are all called to live in a way that is worthy of His name.
"--- we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came ---. we ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain." I Peter 1:16 - 18
John writes: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it ---." I John 1:1 - 2
Our faith rests on eyewitness testimony. The authors are at pains to let readers know they are not constructing another religious fable but speaking from first hand experience. One crucial qualification for someone to be among the early apostles was that they "had been with Jesus." Paul qualified only because he had a vivid personal vision of the risen Christ. (I Cor. 15:7)
To a great extent our faith multiplies through millions of personal testimonies. Yes, we preachers work hard to teach and persuade people of the eternal truth. Yes God uses gifted evangelists and apologists - those who preach to thousands and those who are so effective in one to one encounters. But so many people come to faith through the witness of a friend(s) or family member(s). They have observed the change in that Christian's life; they have heard their personal testimony and that becomes one of, if not the key reason that leads them to faith.
Never underestimate the power of your personal story, even with its imperfections. We cannot point to eyewitness encounters with Jesus. But we can testify to the difference Jesus has made in our lives. And if people can observe that difference in the way we live, it carries unique impact.
As an unrelated aside: I had a nice experience at our Calgary bank today. The teller who served me had an unusual name. I asked about it and she said it was a biblical name that her parents liked. After she returned with the money exchange I requested, I thanked her and said "With a NT name, I hope you are a follower of Jesus." She smiled and assured me that she was. We are all called to live in a way that is worthy of His name.
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