Finders
History has recorded many people from many different backgrounds who claimed to found the treasure of knowing Jesus Christ. I have sought to give an example of these, with any notable comment they have made of that treasure...
These are some well known people from history...
Paul "though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." (The first letter of Paul to Timothy. Found in the Bible)
John "[Jesus] ranks before me, because he was before me... I have seen and borne witness that this is the Son of God" (Quoted in the good news of John. Found in the Bible)
Polycarp "86 years I have served him, and he has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" (Member of the early church. He said this prior to burning at the stake for his faith) Willliam Wilberforce "What infinite love, that Christ should die to save such a sinner" (Member of Parliament who led the cause for the abolition of the slave trade. This was one of his diary entries)
John Newton "Amazing grace! how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see." (Former Slave Ship Captain, a song that he wrote)
Frank Morrison "When, as a young man, I first began seriously to study the life of Christ, I did so with a very definite feeling that, if I may so put it, His history rested upon very insecure foundations... Slowly, but very definitely the conviction grew that the drama of those unforgetable [seven days surrounding his death] was stranger and deeper than it seemed." (Author "Who Moved the Stone")
Kate Booth "I could kiss these prison walls, they have been such friends to me, because Jesus has been here... Nobody will ever know the glory and wonder of the presence of Christ I knew in that prison cell. As I left I I said 'Lord, will you stay with me so that I may always know Thee as deeply and as closely as I have done here'." (Imprisoned for her faith whilst in the Salvation Army) | These are my favourites because I know them personally... Their histories are all varied and personal, but the common theme is that they would all say that they've met Jesus Christ.
Les "Unconditionally loved, when I can't love myself, and sometimes to do the same when history and habit would have me act differently... freedom from habits and darkness. He gives me less worry cos I'm not in charge."
Therese "Having a relationship with Jesus is like having the best ever friend with you all the time. Once you have committed your life to Christ, your perspective totally changes; nothing is bigger than Him; you appreciate the certainty that all things in this life are not as important or threatening as you thought - especially as you are no longer relying on yourself, alone, to make them work. You give your life to Christ and He gently steers you towards what is important, prospers what is best for you and you learn to let go of what is displeasing to Him and no good for you. You learn that when He is for you, none can prevail against you; you're never alone. You can absolutely trust Him to speak for you, to defend you. All He asks is that you put your faith in Him. And you'll get plenty of evidence that He's there; He'll show you in hundreds of different ways; many of them miraculous." Read more...click here. Marc I am often struck by the what my friend wrote in the front of the Bible he gave me nearly 13 years ago (whilst I was a committed Atheist): Jesus said "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him" (John 7:36-38)" and “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home in him" (John 14:23). Jesus is making that a reality in my life. Read more...click here. Huw "Being given an opportunity to know someone so awesome and indescribable that He can create new stars and galaxies with one hand whilst placing the other firmly on my shoulder, and with all the deep affection of a Father, say 'I'm for you. I sent my Son to die for you. I live in you. I want to work in and through you. You are mine and your joy is eternally secure and guaranteed. Follow me."
Paul "For me, knowing Jesus has meant having someone utterly dependable with me all of the time. While it is easy to feel let down by people and circumstances, Jesus has been totally faithful and has never let me down. I don't always understand what is going on around me, but I know I can trust Jesus with all of it, not matter how large or trivial."
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