
Randy
Bio
Christian. Husband. Father. Christ died for our sins. God raised Him from the dead.
GenderMale
Birthday1966
Relationship StatusMarried
Denomination / AffiliationBible
Spiritual GiftsExhortation
Testimony
Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and that God raised Him from the dead?
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 Corinthians 15:1–4, NKJV)
The Bible says “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Romans 10:17, NIV). Yes, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16-17), and that's how I was saved. I heard Christ died for my sins and that God raised Him from the dead.
My Uncle led my Grandmother to the Lord, and Grandma gave me a children's Bible story book that told the gospel of Christ's death and resurrection for my sins. It was through this gospel proclamation that God gave me saving faith in Christ.
If Christ died for my sins, that means I am a sinner. If Christ died for my sins, that means death, or separation from God, is the penalty my sins deserve. If Christ died for my sins, that means the penalty I owed God has been paid. If God raised Christ from the dead and received Him into heaven, that means the payment was accepted and effective in eliminating my sin. God gives you saving faith in Christ, as you hear the gospel proclaimed (“While Peter was still speaking these words [about Christ's death and resurrection], the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” (Acts 10:44, NIV)
I'm not trusting in a date I wrote in a Bible, or a prayer I made, or that I responded to an altar call. I am saved by faith in Christ's death and resurrection for my sins, and that faith was given to me through the proclamation of the gospel.
The main evidence of saving faith is love for God's children, and a desire to do the will of God (1 John; 1 Cor. 13). Calling out to God for salvation is something you do after you believe: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14, NKJV)
I'm still not sure what my spiritual gift is, but have a strong desire to know the word of God, and to exhort others from it. I really enjoy studying God's word, especially through Logos Bible software. Also, although I do not enjoy it (like Jonah), I feel a strong sense of responsibility about the need to evangelize the lost. I don't know that I have the gift of evangelism, but (as Paul told Timothy), it's always possible for a believer to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5, NKJV). Paul said, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16, NKJV)
NameRetired
RoleChristian, Husband, Dad