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NASB | John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 12:32 "And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews]." |
Bible Question:
Dearest Brothers and Sister in Christ; Before I leave for worship this morning, I desire to pose another query on the forum, but this time I will answer it before I ask, so that I cause no one to feel offended or hurt and to assure you that there is no malicious intent. I think there is so much power to draw people to Christ when we lift Him up by our testimony. I have been in some church all of my life. My grandmother who was a founding member and very active member of our family church when I was born; made sure that my first outing as a newborn was to the church to be dedicated. I have been going ever since. But I made a conscience decision to call upon the name of Jesus to be saved almost 31 years ago. I met this young Lady named Ann. As our friendship grew she had me over for lunch. She began to tell me things that I already knew, as to how the Lord died for my sins. But as she spoke the words that I had heard over and over throughout the years, I began to take those words very personally for the first time. I remember bawling as I recalled all of the sinful things that I had done in my life, and I could vividly see Jesus suffering on that cross and dying because of "MY" flagrant sins and disobedience. It was just Him and me. I was a guilty wretched sinner and He was my Loving Lord paying the price of all that I had done and that price was death. To think that He would love me that much all of this time and I had never once considered it thoughtfully. (AND REMEMBER I WAS IN CHURCH) At that point it was no longer my Christian religion it became my Christ relationship. I knew that I could in no way deserve such a gift, but I accepted so great a salvation, and vowed to let Him be the Lord of my life. The words of that song, "He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs" began to mean something to me on that day. I have been in Him since that day. Sometimes up, and sometimes down, but I promise you NEVER OUT! My question: Do you remember the day that He saved you and what is your testimony of that day? For God so Love the world, He gave His ONLY begotten Son that we may live! -Kathy |
Bible Answer: God bless you, Kathy. I remember it as if it were yesterday. I see the place. I see the seat, exactly as it held me. I see the preacher. I hear his words exactly. "It is not enough to know about God", he said. "You must get to know him". That night I got to know him. I asked him his name, and he said, "Savior". He asked me my name, and I said, "Sinner". It seemed we both realized we were a perfect match. Strangely, though, I started calling him “Lord” and he started calling me “Saint”. He had changed me and I had decided to follow him. What is my testimony? I’ve found a friend. I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! He loved me ere I knew Him; He drew me with the cords of love, and thus He bound me to Him; And round my heart still closely twine those ties which naught can sever, For I am His, and He is mine, forever and forever. I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! He bled, He died to save me; And not alone the gift of life, but His own Self He gave me! Naught that I have mine own I call, I’ll hold it for the Giver, My heart, my strength, my life, my all are His, and His forever. I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! All pow’r to Him is given, To guard me on my onward course, and bring me safe to heaven. The eternal glories gleam afar, to nerve my faint endeavor; So now to watch, to work, to war, and then to rest forever. I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! So kind and true and tender, So wise a Counselor and Guide, so mighty a Defender! From Him who loves me now so well what power my soul can sever? Shall life or death, shall earth or hell? No! I am His forever. |