Post by {CS}Cpl.TheRev on Apr 15, 2008 17:29:46 GMT -5
I'm Reverend Will. I am a member of Christian Soldiers {CS}. I have played with a few of you and appreciate your faith!
Here's my testimony:
I first heard and understood the word in 1998, a little later in life for most people. Keep in mind that until that time I had absolutely no idea what salvation was and had never heard about the blood. I attended that particular church from 1998 until 2000. I got saved on May 10th, 2000 one month after my accident. I WALKED, didn't use crutches, to the front of the church and was washed in the blood. My mother, who at the time was NOT in chruch and hadn't been in over 15 years, down-played it and it hurt me badly. She said "oh, we'll see if it lasts" and it killed me, and I pretty much said the same thing. I still felt changed though, but didn't act accordingly. I left because in April of that year, 3 weeks before my 19th birthday, I shattered my ankle in an ATV wreck. The church frowned upon me having surgery to repair the 60 some fragments of my ankle. Mind you, this church had about 15 members that activly attended. At that point I did have the "bug" and read and studied as much as I knew how. I began going to a new church in North Carolina about 5 miles from my home in 2004. I have since become a member of this church. When I first started going there, they only had an average Sunday attendance of about 45, they presently are averaging 80. The church's name is Newman's Chapel Baptist Church in Otto, NC.
When I joined the church, I elected to be baptised since I was just a baby when I was first dunked. Since then I rarely miss a service, unless I'm out-of-town or very ill. The Lord had been dealing with my heart for some time when I finally announced my calling to preach his word on September 30th. My first sermon was surprisingly not as nerve-racking as one might think. I spoke clearly, but didn't read quite as well as I'd have liked, but I was still nervous. My second sermon came the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving and went much smoother. Ever since annoncing the call, I have had greet feelings on doing Missionary work both here and abroad. I have also had the desire to have a full-time Ministry. On October 31st this year I had knee surgery to repair a badly torn cartiledge that had plagued me for over four years. My work understood that I'd be out for a while. I had missed 9.5 of the 10 vacation days back in january with double pnuemonia. On December 5th, the company president spoke with my mother (who has re-dedicated her life to God) when she brought a doctors note in telling them I'd return to work on the 10th. They told her to go home and tell me I'm fired. I hadn't filed for emergency leave so I can't take legal action, but I am in the process of filing for un-employment. I has slightly angry with them for the WAY they did it, but not for firing me. I was actually relieved. Whe one door closes, God opens another. Since being fired, I'm taking full advantage of the opportunity. I am currently working on a degree in Biblical Studies and hoping to eventually get my PhD in it. I may also look into possibly getting an Associates or Bachelors in Pastoral Studies.
When I preach the word of God, I preach HIS word only. I've seen many of preachers preach their opinion of the Bible and their opinion on what a Christian should be. If one has any questions about how a Christian should be, the Book of James is a very nice little road map. The three fellow preachers that have been mentoring me told me to first and foremost obey the Lord in his drawing power, meaning preach where he leads you. I've seen a few fellows preach what the church and deacons tell him. Telling him to preach what they fell. It felt dead in there, it was silent as if it were a funeral. I don't agree with that type of preaching, but am by no means saying it's wrong. After all, only HE can judge, I'm but a lowly sinner saved by his grace. When I preach I try to incorporate my life experiences (humor is usally involved to some extent) so that points are better understood. If you've got people laughing, you've got their attention. If you've got their attention, they'll hear it when you drive home a point. If you have any questions about me or my nearly 27 years of life don't hesitate to ask, I'll answer any questions you may have.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phillipians 4:13
Be Blessed!
Here's my testimony:
I first heard and understood the word in 1998, a little later in life for most people. Keep in mind that until that time I had absolutely no idea what salvation was and had never heard about the blood. I attended that particular church from 1998 until 2000. I got saved on May 10th, 2000 one month after my accident. I WALKED, didn't use crutches, to the front of the church and was washed in the blood. My mother, who at the time was NOT in chruch and hadn't been in over 15 years, down-played it and it hurt me badly. She said "oh, we'll see if it lasts" and it killed me, and I pretty much said the same thing. I still felt changed though, but didn't act accordingly. I left because in April of that year, 3 weeks before my 19th birthday, I shattered my ankle in an ATV wreck. The church frowned upon me having surgery to repair the 60 some fragments of my ankle. Mind you, this church had about 15 members that activly attended. At that point I did have the "bug" and read and studied as much as I knew how. I began going to a new church in North Carolina about 5 miles from my home in 2004. I have since become a member of this church. When I first started going there, they only had an average Sunday attendance of about 45, they presently are averaging 80. The church's name is Newman's Chapel Baptist Church in Otto, NC.
When I joined the church, I elected to be baptised since I was just a baby when I was first dunked. Since then I rarely miss a service, unless I'm out-of-town or very ill. The Lord had been dealing with my heart for some time when I finally announced my calling to preach his word on September 30th. My first sermon was surprisingly not as nerve-racking as one might think. I spoke clearly, but didn't read quite as well as I'd have liked, but I was still nervous. My second sermon came the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving and went much smoother. Ever since annoncing the call, I have had greet feelings on doing Missionary work both here and abroad. I have also had the desire to have a full-time Ministry. On October 31st this year I had knee surgery to repair a badly torn cartiledge that had plagued me for over four years. My work understood that I'd be out for a while. I had missed 9.5 of the 10 vacation days back in january with double pnuemonia. On December 5th, the company president spoke with my mother (who has re-dedicated her life to God) when she brought a doctors note in telling them I'd return to work on the 10th. They told her to go home and tell me I'm fired. I hadn't filed for emergency leave so I can't take legal action, but I am in the process of filing for un-employment. I has slightly angry with them for the WAY they did it, but not for firing me. I was actually relieved. Whe one door closes, God opens another. Since being fired, I'm taking full advantage of the opportunity. I am currently working on a degree in Biblical Studies and hoping to eventually get my PhD in it. I may also look into possibly getting an Associates or Bachelors in Pastoral Studies.
When I preach the word of God, I preach HIS word only. I've seen many of preachers preach their opinion of the Bible and their opinion on what a Christian should be. If one has any questions about how a Christian should be, the Book of James is a very nice little road map. The three fellow preachers that have been mentoring me told me to first and foremost obey the Lord in his drawing power, meaning preach where he leads you. I've seen a few fellows preach what the church and deacons tell him. Telling him to preach what they fell. It felt dead in there, it was silent as if it were a funeral. I don't agree with that type of preaching, but am by no means saying it's wrong. After all, only HE can judge, I'm but a lowly sinner saved by his grace. When I preach I try to incorporate my life experiences (humor is usally involved to some extent) so that points are better understood. If you've got people laughing, you've got their attention. If you've got their attention, they'll hear it when you drive home a point. If you have any questions about me or my nearly 27 years of life don't hesitate to ask, I'll answer any questions you may have.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phillipians 4:13
Be Blessed!