Expressing Faith In God: A Personal Testimony

Professing your faith in God is a public declaration of your intent to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. It is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, where individuals openly articulate their beliefs and commitment to God. This profession is not merely a ritual or an empty statement but a reflection of genuine faith and a changed heart. It is often accompanied by baptism, a symbolic act representing death to sin and resurrection in Christ. While words alone do not guarantee salvation, professing your faith is a powerful expression of your relationship with God, and it can be a catalyst for personal transformation and a lifetime of discipleship.

Declare your faith in God publicly

Declaring your faith in God publicly is an important aspect of the Christian faith. It involves openly and personally articulating your beliefs and commitment to following Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. This declaration is not just a private affair but is meant to be shared with both the church and the world. Here are some ways to declare your faith in God publicly:

Baptism

Baptism is an outward symbol of an inner relationship with God. It represents a person's death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of your faith journey and commitment to following Christ.

Testimony

Sharing your testimony involves narrating your personal story of faith. It could include how you came to believe in God, how your faith has grown, and how God has transformed your life. Testimonies can be shared with both believers and non-believers and are a powerful way to declare your faith publicly.

Words and Actions

Declaring your faith is not just about words but also about the condition of your heart. It involves a personal faith in the risen Christ and a heart commitment to Him. This means pursuing righteousness, loving God and your neighbour, and crucifying the flesh and its works. It also involves living out your faith daily and striving to be a sincere and holy believer.

Service to God and Neighbour

True faith in the heart will bear fruit through good works of service to God and neighbour. This could include acts of generosity, such as giving your time, resources, or a listening ear to those in need. It also involves forgiving others and being a person of character who keeps their word.

Evangelism

Declaring your faith can also involve sharing the hope you've found in Christ with others. This can be done through open and honest discussions, answering questions, and addressing doubts. It's important to do this with love, grace, and patience, respecting others' sensitivities and viewpoints.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ

To believe in the Lord Jesus Christ is to have faith in Him and to trust in Him. It is to declare openly and personally that you believe in Him and to make a public profession of your faith. This is based on the Bible verse, Acts 16:31, where Paul and Silas are asked by the jailer in Philippi, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" The reply is, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

This is further supported by Romans 10:9, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This highlights the importance of both faith in the heart and a profession of faith with one's mouth. It is not enough to simply have faith; one must also declare it openly and be unashamed to be called a follower of Jesus.

Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ involves having personal faith in the risen Christ and a heart commitment to Him. It is about trusting in Him as your Saviour and giving your life to Him. This belief should be sincere and from the heart, as stated in Romans 10:9, and not just an empty profession or lip service.

Furthermore, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ also means believing in His resurrection. This is emphasized in Romans 10:9, which says, "believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead." The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith and is essential for salvation.

Additionally, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ entails following Him as the Lord of your life. This means submitting to His authority, obeying His commands, and striving to live a life that is pleasing to Him. It is a lifelong commitment to discipleship and following His teachings.

Lastly, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ often involves baptism as an outward profession of faith. While baptism does not guarantee salvation, it symbolizes the new life we have in Christ and our inner change of allegiance to Him. It is an important step in the Christian life, demonstrating our commitment to follow Jesus and our identification with His death and resurrection.

Be generous with your time, money, and energy

Generosity is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The Bible calls on followers to be generous with their time, money, and energy, and to give cheerfully and without compulsion. This is because everything we have belongs to God, and by giving, we put God first in our lives.

The Bible states that "whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). This highlights the importance of giving without hesitation and with an open heart. It is also a way to worship God and show appreciation for all He has done.

When we are generous, we connect with others and find ourselves getting involved in their lives. We allow them to use our belongings and resources, and we help those in need. This act of selflessness is a way to live out our faith and follow Jesus Christ's example of self-sacrifice and love.

Being generous with our time, money, and energy also helps us develop compassion and humility. It is a way to invest in our relationship with God and strengthen our faith. We show that we trust Him to provide for us and meet our needs, even when we don't have a lot to give. This trust in God's provision is a key aspect of professing our faith.

Furthermore, generosity is not limited to those who are rich or those who are perceived as holy. It is for everyone, and it is a way to declare our faith publicly and share the gospel with others. By being generous, we can make a difference in the world and bring glory to God.

In conclusion, being generous with our time, money, and energy is a vital aspect of professing our faith in God. It is a way to show our commitment to following Jesus Christ, connect with others, and invest in our relationship with God. Through our generosity, we declare that we are not ashamed to be called His followers and that we trust in His provision.

Forgive others

To profess your faith in God, you must openly declare your intent to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. This declaration is usually made publicly and is often referred to as a "profession of faith".

Now, let's focus on the aspect of "forgiving others" as a way to profess your faith in God:

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The Bible states that God's forgiveness of our sins is not something we can earn but is freely given by a loving God. As such, we are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Forgiveness can be challenging, and both asking for and granting forgiveness can be difficult. However, forgiveness is essential for healthy relationships and is a key aspect of professing your faith. Here are some ways to embrace forgiveness in your life:

• Recognise the benefits of forgiveness: Forgiveness brings joy and strengthens relationships. When you forgive, you show that you care about the person and the relationship more than getting what you deserve. It also allows you to view the person as more than just the wrong they committed.
• Prioritise forgiveness: Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive others before praying or making sacrifices. Forgiving others should be a priority in your daily life.
• Understand the impact of withholding forgiveness: Unforgiveness can lead to bitterness and resentment, allowing the sin committed against you to define you. It can also hinder your relationship with God.
• Embrace God's plan for forgiveness: God's plan for forgiveness involves relationships. When we experience forgiveness, we are compelled to show love and extend that forgiveness to others.
• Forgive as God forgives: God's forgiveness is complete and permanent. He does not keep a mental list of our wrongdoings to bring up later. When you forgive others, strive to forgive fully and move on, letting go of any bitterness or resentment.
• Don't wait for perfection: Forgiveness doesn't require the other person to change or for the relationship to be fully healed. You can forgive even if trust needs to be rebuilt over time.
• Set healthy boundaries: Forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring harmful behaviour. You can forgive and still set boundaries to protect yourself. It's important to recognise that some relationships may need to end for your safety, but you can still forgive and let go of bitterness.
• Be like Jesus: Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, even in His final moments on the cross. His example shows us that forgiveness is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Forgiveness is a powerful act that can transform relationships and bring freedom and joy. By forgiving others, you reflect God's love and mercy and strengthen your faith.

Be mindful of others' sensitivities when sharing your faith

When sharing your faith with others, it is important to be mindful of their sensitivities and to speak with grace. Here are some ways to be mindful of others' sensitivities when sharing your faith:

Listen with an Open Mind

Listening is an important part of sharing your faith. Be quick to listen and slow to speak or get angry. When someone shares a different worldview or opinion, try to listen with an open mind and avoid reacting defensively. Remember that your goal is not to win an argument but to share the hope you've found in your faith.

Be Generous

Generosity is a powerful way to embody the life-changing message of your faith. Give generously, whether it be your time, money, or other resources, without expecting anything in return. This can be a powerful witness to others and bless both you and those around you.

Pray for Opportunities

Pray for those you interact with and for opportunities to share your faith. By approaching evangelism in a prayerful way, you become more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and can wait for the right moments to have meaningful conversations.

Make Peace

Instead of arguing or imposing your opinions on others, look for ways to make peace and show love, even to those you disagree with. This can be a powerful witness in a world filled with conflict and can help you stand out as a follower of your faith.

Be Patient and Gentle

When sharing your faith, remember that it can take time for the seeds of truth to take root and grow in people's lives. Be genuine, gentle, and patient, and avoid coming across as intimidating or bullying others into accepting your beliefs.

Trust in God's Timing

It can be discouraging when you don't see instant results or transformation in those you are sharing your faith with. During these times, take your worries to God in prayer and trust that He is working in His time. Hold on to the promise that God's word will accomplish all that He wants it to and will prosper everywhere He sends it.

Frequently asked questions