“I am one of them.”
“Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of His life, and never travelled far. He was maligned and rejected by many, though He had done no wrong. And yet, billions of people now follow His teaching and find in Him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them. Christ’s example helps me.” So spoke the Queen on Christmas Day.
When Her Majesty The Queen speaks so overtly and openly and positively many receive inspiration and motivation.
It is always good to testify openly and publicly that you are “one of them” – that you belong to Jesus Christ, and follow Jesus Christ.
As I write today it happens to be a most significant occasions for me.
It was on this day 48 years ago that the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ baptised me in the Holy Spirit while sitting in the front room of our home in Fife, Scotland.
A most close friend, Jim Kincaid, had been so patient with me over the past five weeks as I struggled and almost battled with this spiritual experience. Oh, I wanted it and longed for it, but thought it was not for me, and then within five brief moments it all happened and it all came true, and it has lasted.
Jesus Christ is so faithful and loving and gracious and generous when He pours out the Holy Spirit.
It happened on the day of Pentecost. It happened in that front room.
It continues to happen today when men and women are open to all that Almighty God has for them.
Paul openly and publicly declared that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew it was the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
The word ‘gospel’, at that time, was used to describe news of a victory which will change the situation, or of someone coming to help in time of trouble.
It is possible to become ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That may be why some remain quiet in certain situations, or in particular company, when they know they should be speaking out.
Never be afraid nor ashamed to give your testimony to the Grace of God. Share what Jesus Christ has done for you. It may be used to help many people around you.
Here am I, 48 years later, being able to share what happened that Sunday evening.
Paul and also Peter never tired of sharing what God had done for them, rescuing them from sin and empowering them for ministry.
God is faithful. He will not let you down. He will never let you down.
For those wishing to remain faithful to the teaching of Jesus, Jesus spoke on this crucial matter, saying, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him.”
A person who does not belong to Jesus Christ now, and who has no desire to follow Him now, will have no desire to be with the risen and living Saviour once this life is over.
Paul, imprisoned for his faith in Jesus Christ, wrote to young Timothy, urging him not to be ashamed to speak about Jesus, or ashamed of me His prisoner.
“I am one of them.”
