Reflection Paper
As a result of this class and our text, I have a more in depth understanding of Christianity. Having attended church all my life and being from a Christian family I assumed that I thoroughly understood the basic foundation of Christian theology. However, after reading the text and other assigned articles, I have realized that I had just accepted some ideas as truths that I would have had difficulty upholding if questioned by a non-believer without considerable Biblical research. I chose to discuss the last three points relating to the importance of personal testimonies, the importance in living a Christian life, and how my own church can better communicate God’s love to our community. I chose these topics because I thought they could build on each other and flowed together naturally.
Why are personal testimonies important in sharing the gospel?
I believe personal testimonies are a key factor in the sharing of the gospel with a non-believer. Our text states that “Witnessing begins by giving a testimony—telling about what God has done for and to you as a person” (Towns, 2007, Pg. 143). Having the opportunity to talk with a non-believer about Christ by sharing one’s own experience is one of the easiest ways to build a relationship. Sharing of one’s own hardships and trials as well as one’s own imperfections helps a non-believer realize how precious and encompassing God’s grace is. The process of sharing experiences establishes a deep-seeded rapport and builds trust and understanding. The power of personal testimony is made relevant because of the efforts done to relate to the person, and the credibility is built through insight gained through similar scenarios. The Christian exhibits compassion much differently when he or she takes the time to reveal his or her own flaws or “hang-ups” allowing the non-believer to feel more comfortable confessing his or her own sins and begin to lean on the Lord and ask Him for forgiveness....