Dad just came back from an evangelistic meeting called "Chicken Soup for the Soul", in which a top chef shared his personal testimony.
I was told that 80% of the testimony revolves around his small and tragic beginnings, how successful, wealthy and influential he later became, 'almost' revels in how depraved his lifestyle in having a mistress in everywhere, beating his suicidal and depressed wife... etc ...
In the 'gospel' part, he shared how his wife visited a church and came home with a beautiful glowing face. On top of that, she forgave him of all the vices he committed!
Later, he lost a lot of money during the financial crisis. But the wife remained faithful, the children gave him angpow money and they could go on vacations. Now, he also goes to church and is very happy... Implication: You should go too..
There was little talk about his own encounter with Jesus, about repentance, about faith... about the gospel of Christ's work on the cross etc. When he talked about his past, there wasnt a tinge of sorrow or contrite spirit. It almost seems as if he revels in and took pride in painting his vice in deep, clear strokes...
In order to attract interested crowds, we have adopted a very pragmatic approach by inviting celebrities or former gangsters (the badder, the better) to give testimonies...
It could work if the person is steeped in the gospel and has a genuine testimony of repentance/faith. But as it is, I'm not surprised that Dad wasn't the least impressed with the testimony.
That chef just gave a wonderful and detailed testimony of his past rebellion against God. The material blessings which follow his church attendance merely shows a continuing captivity to consumerism.
But sadly there was little trace of transforming grace, redemption and repentance, thus no gospel presentation in any of it.
I was told that 80% of the testimony revolves around his small and tragic beginnings, how successful, wealthy and influential he later became, 'almost' revels in how depraved his lifestyle in having a mistress in everywhere, beating his suicidal and depressed wife... etc ...
In the 'gospel' part, he shared how his wife visited a church and came home with a beautiful glowing face. On top of that, she forgave him of all the vices he committed!
Later, he lost a lot of money during the financial crisis. But the wife remained faithful, the children gave him angpow money and they could go on vacations. Now, he also goes to church and is very happy... Implication: You should go too..
There was little talk about his own encounter with Jesus, about repentance, about faith... about the gospel of Christ's work on the cross etc. When he talked about his past, there wasnt a tinge of sorrow or contrite spirit. It almost seems as if he revels in and took pride in painting his vice in deep, clear strokes...
In order to attract interested crowds, we have adopted a very pragmatic approach by inviting celebrities or former gangsters (the badder, the better) to give testimonies...
It could work if the person is steeped in the gospel and has a genuine testimony of repentance/faith. But as it is, I'm not surprised that Dad wasn't the least impressed with the testimony.
That chef just gave a wonderful and detailed testimony of his past rebellion against God. The material blessings which follow his church attendance merely shows a continuing captivity to consumerism.
But sadly there was little trace of transforming grace, redemption and repentance, thus no gospel presentation in any of it.
Comments
People sometimes feel shy to share their testimonies which are tame compared to those who led a very illustrious and notorious past life.
But one doesn't have to be a really bad person or dwell heavily on your past sins in order to give a great testimony. There is no shame in being open to share God's grace and hope in one's daily life struggles. You never know that it may be a marvellous blessing to some pilgrim in this journey of life.
Very interesting though.
But I'm reminded of a testimony by David Bryant about bringing a Hindu student to meet a Christian couple, in hope of sharing gospel.
The couple shared how God has blessed them with a house, a car, comfortable life etc. But then, the Hindy gal shared how she wants to give her life to help the poor (despite her own poor background)
The Christians didn't know where to hide after that.