Greetings and peace, Dearly Beloved. Many of you have responded to some of the blogs produced during the pandemic. Incidentally, you can leave your comments for everyone to see upon approval of your contribution at https://swd.cog7.org/?s=.
I was so blessed by one of those responses, I want to share it with you. It comes to us from Pastor Ron Cummings of the Violet Church of God (Seventh Day) near Corpus Christi, Texas. It is a beautiful testimony, excellent insight, and makes a wise application. In his day-job, Pastor Ron operates a big rig. In his real job, he is a disciple of Jesus Christ, family man, Local Church Pastor, an ambassador from the Kingdom of heaven, and a dear friend to us all.
Pastor Ron wrote, “While I always listen to Christian radio when possible, this week while driving between gas plant deliveries, I heard someone describing the best way to witness to others about our Savior Jesus Christ. I can’t remember the person’s name. But he made a statement that impacted me immediately and is still affecting me. He stated that all those who have been witnessed to about Jesus, have this thought in the back of their mind.”
The thought in the person’s mind is, “If I accept Jesus as my Savior, I will become like the person who has been telling me about Jesus. I’m not sure I want to be like that person.”
“WOW! That hit me hard. I have shared Jesus to many people, but I have wondered why some could not accept the truth of Jesus. Now I see the problem. It wasn’t the truth about Jesus that was the problem. It was the messenger sharing the truth.”
“In your recent blog “A Call To Face Change or Face Condemnation, 06 22 2020”, the challenge to change is a message I needed to hear. If we expect others to believe our message about Jesus Christ, we better live a life that is in harmony with the message.”
“The Pharisees at the time of Jesus had the “truth”, or so they thought. But why were the crowds following Jesus and not the Pharisees? Because Jesus was genuine with them. He related to all people, regardless of color, creed, or religion. His message of love and compassion gave all who listened self-worth, something the “religious” leaders of the day did not do.”
“The Pharisees message was, “We welcome you, when you become like us.” Jesus met the people where they were and directed them to where they should be in him. Likewise, if our testimony and life is genuinely like Jesus, people will receive the message and desire to follow Jesus because of his light and life they see in us.”
Pastor Ron, thank you for your response and sharing with us. That is a great insight, testimony, and wise application. Your comments reminded me of a message I heard by Elder Whaid Rose in 1999 in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the second anniversary of his becoming the President of the General Conference Church of God (Seventh Day), GC COG7. His message asked the question, “Who will Be Jesus?” It was a similar thought to what you have shared. People need Jesus. For those who are saved, he dwells within them. But for the unsaved, how will they see Jesus if they do not see him in us? Indeed, “Who will be Jesus?” The Apostle Paul speaks of the gospel of Jesus Christ in these words.
Romans 1:16-17, NLT
- For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.
- This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
Our Prayer: O Lord of heaven and earth, Creator of all that is, we praise you and glorify your holy name. We trust you to forgive us and save us. Thank you for the provisions of life and the grace of your presence. Now, we ask that you change us, transforming us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, so the witness we provide will be received because of its compelling witness of your power, your love, and your righteousness in grace, judgment, truth, and love. Change us from the nature of our earthly birth into the nature of your will in us, for it is your will which is accomplished. So, we ask that your will in us prevail now and forever. Forgive us our sins as we model your forgiveness in forgiving those who have wronged us. We ask that you keep us forever with you and bring us into your eternal presence with glorified bodies at your return. Indeed, all glory, power, and honor belong to you. Amen.
