Beloved brothers and sisters,

I greet you warmly, grateful beyond measure for the opportunity to share the powerful story of what Christ has done in my life. This testimony isn’t simply about me—it’s about the unstoppable power of Jesus, who brought clarity to my confusion, joy to my despair, and life to the spiritual death I once knew.

Before Christ captured my heart, I walked in darkness—wandering without true purpose, desperately searching for something real. I vividly remember the emptiness, drifting through life without an anchor. Sin wasn’t merely actions I regretted; it was the deeper condition of being lost, endlessly chasing after shadows. Romans 7:18 describes it well: “In my flesh dwells no good thing,” and that was my daily reality. My life became a testament to the inadequacy of human effort and wisdom, as every worldly pursuit left me emptier, every promise broken.

Then, purely by grace, something profound occurred. God met me unmistakably through His Word and the faithful preaching of Scripture. I’ll never forget hearing a sermon from Pastor Colin Peters on 1 Peter 2:17—simple yet powerful words: “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” These words pierced deeply, and suddenly, the Cross became more than a distant story; it became an undeniable reality. Christ’s declaration, “It is finished” (John 19:30), resonated deeply within my soul. For the first time, I truly understood that my salvation rested entirely in His completed work, not my own striving or merit.

The transformation that followed wasn’t immediate perfection, but it was undeniably powerful and genuine. I experienced true repentance—metanoia—a radical change in heart and mind. Anxiety began giving way to peace, negativity to gratitude—a process we’ve discussed often, as I’ve sought to cultivate this positive spiritual habit. Fruit began to grow in areas of my life that were previously barren: patience in trials, peace in place of fear, and a new freedom I never imagined possible. Romans 8:15 became personal truth: “You have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption.” Each day became a living testimony, not to my strength, but to the undeniable power of Christ. His victory over sin and darkness is my present reality, enabling me to stand firm even amidst personal struggles, family challenges, and doctrinal battles.

Throughout this journey, I have learned deeply that my standing is by God’s grace alone. This wasn’t due to my intelligence, strength, or sincerity. Ephesians 2:8 constantly reminds me, “By grace are you saved through faith… it is the gift of God.” Grace is the anthem of my testimony, the heartbeat of every transformation, every victory, every moment of peace I’ve known. In navigating family struggles, especially with our parents’ battles with Alzheimer’s and dementia, grace has been my refuge and sustainer.

Brothers and sisters, Christ has truly fulfilled every promise of God, and we now live joyfully under His reign. The old fears and empty rituals no longer bind us. Let us stand firmly together, alert to teachings that would distract us from the clarity and simplicity of Christ’s completed work. As we’ve navigated challenges within our own congregation, I’ve witnessed firsthand the emptiness of half-gospels and shallow spirituality. Let us instead find our rest fully in Christ’s finished work, trusting the solidity of His everlasting Kingdom.

I share this testimony with sincere love, confident that what Christ accomplished for me, He has done completely for every believer. May my story never glorify me, but continually point back to the One who rescued us all. Let this testimony comfort you, challenge you, and invite you into deeper rest and bolder living as we celebrate together the incredible power of Christ’s finished work.

Together, let us joyfully proclaim:

“Whom the Son sets free is free indeed” (John 8:36).

In grateful and joyful dependence on His grace,

Your fellow servant and brother,

Amen.