The three "clay pots" who shared tonight what the cross means to them all gave their permission to have their faith stories up on line. All of these are mp3 files. You can listen to my introduction to the evening by clicking here. To hear the individuals sharing, click on their names below.
Veda - about 6 minutes
Randy - about 11 minutes
Wayne - about 5 minutes
If you share in the future, don't worry, we don't need to put it up on line. Like the speaking itself, it's purely your choice what you want done. Also, you don't need to have a dramatic story. Our Lord protects and guides many who have known him since childhood. Praise God for every life story that has been touched by God's grace.
I was very proud to here all the speakers we have had so far. It takes alot of courage to get up in front of a crowd, yet alone to speak something so personal in each of their lives. Thank you for your testomonies. God Bless you all
ReplyDeleteHi Pastor Steve
ReplyDeleteI layed awake in bed last night after lent service for 2 to 3 hours running thru my head what the cross means to me? I decided to put it on paper. The cross is the most Symbolic Symbol to me. I have always grown up learning about Jesus. Unlike some of the testimonies given so far. My Parents, Grandparents, and Great-Grandparents have always made sure that I have had the opportunity to learn about Jesus. The Cross reminds me that Jesus was sent to die for all of us, and whoever believes in him shall have all their sins forgiven and have eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. WOW!! Who wouldn't want this??
To be reunited with the loved ones that have passed on before us and to live forever with God. For I may not have the strongest relationship with God at all times of my life, but it all comes back to me believing that Jesus died on the Cross for me. People will ask me from time to time if I am a "Born again Christain". My response is that I feel that I have never died from my beliefs in God or Jesus to be born again. I feel people are to quick to cast judgement onto others. I will be judged someday and I am ready. But for us to sit and judge one another, I feel is not our place or the reason God put us on this earth. The paths that I have taken may not have always been side by side with God, but my beliefs have always taken me back to him. Lent is a time for me to evaluate my day to day life and to see if I am living it the way God would want me too. I have visited many churches in our area, Catholic, Finnish, Baptist, Grace, Elim Mission, and Good Shepard. I have been a member my whole life of the ELC, which I credit them and my Parents for teaching me that Jesus died on the Cross for me to take away my sins. When I visited these other churches, I liked to observe how people reacted to hearing God's Word. Their ministries differed in certain ways, but they all believed that God had sent his son to die on the Cross for us. Each one of these churches have a different opinion on what is and what may not be a sin. Not saying that I agree or disagree with any or all, but I do know sin is all around us. It seems everyday sin has an easier way to tempt us, thru TV, or worse-internet. This is why it is more important now in my life that I give my kids the chance that I got from my Parents to be able to learn what Jesus has in store for them. As you can see I feel the Cross is a big part of the foundation of my religion, and also that of other denominations.
(response to the comment of 4:05 today) Thank you for your excellent testimony to the power of God's forgiveness and love! I also had parents who were faithful in teaching me. There has never been a time when I did not know the Lord, though I often stray. Jesus is a faithful and good shepherd who draws me back to himself through the trials of life and especially through his Word. There was a time when I drifted so far from the Lord that my life was in danger, but there is not a time when I can say "that's when I was saved." When I returned to the Lord there was a time when the church I was going to wanted me to be re-baptized. But the problem wasn't that what the Lord had done in my life needed re-doing. The problem was that I needed to come back to the faith that I had been taught since I was little. I'm hoping that we will have people share who don't have a big dramatic story to tell, but, instead, a testimony to God's faithful love given to sinners like me. Thanks again for sharing! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). It's the people who differ, not the gift of God's love. That's always the same. More solid than any rock.
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