Read 2 Peter 1
16We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. (NIV)
Being an eyewitness is something that should not be taken for granted. The early believers thought that those who saw Jesus had a special power to their testimony. But just because someone says they have seen something or were physically in the place to see and then tell others about the experience doesn't mean that they should be trusted with their accounts. I've heard some people talk about an event that I was involved in and walked away wondering if it was the same event because it didn't sound anything like what I had experienced. So why should we believe the testimony of the early disciples let alone those who more recently have experienced the power and presence of Jesus?
Here are a couple of things I consider when I ask if a person's testimony is trustworthy. Some of the questions I ask when considering someones's testimony include:
What do they have to gain by telling this story?
Who is the "hero" of the story? Themselves or someone else?
Is God glorified more than they are glorified by the events recounted?
Does the story bring encouragement or discouragement?
I believe that the early disciples would have passed all of these questions and many more when it comes to their testimony. The harder questions is would you or I.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
Here are a couple of things I consider when I ask if a person's testimony is trustworthy. Some of the questions I ask when considering someones's testimony include:
What do they have to gain by telling this story?
Who is the "hero" of the story? Themselves or someone else?
Is God glorified more than they are glorified by the events recounted?
Does the story bring encouragement or discouragement?
I believe that the early disciples would have passed all of these questions and many more when it comes to their testimony. The harder questions is would you or I.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- Who is the most trustworthy person you know? What makes them that way?
- Have you ever been called to be an eye witness to something? If so what did it take for you to be a good witness?
- What would make people believe you if you told them about your experiences with Jesus?
- What would you need to change about the way you interact with others so that you might be more trustworthy?
Player focus for today:
- Pray for wisdom that God might lead you into the place of ministry that will make your heart sing.
- Pray for the plans for the first worship / gathering of New Ground Community Church on August 1 at 10:30.
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