#statementoffaith

(1) Testimony:

Firstly, you must understand what a testimony is, and by definition it is evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.

Secondly, please understand that my testimony below is very poorly worded and not at all articulate. I wrote it right after ”my experience” happened, and I refuse to revise it, because I believe it might lose some of its importance or specialness to me, and that would be devastating. So, please excuse the rather poor quality in literary standards. 

Thirdly, here is some background information. I have always been a Christian. I have always believed in God and Jesus, but honestly, I’d never really cared or even been interested in God until “my experience” happened. I am specifically a Primitive Baptist (message me if you’d like to know more) and I was baptized on March 11th, 2012. Now, I am going to tell you how I came to this decision, and/or realization.

I was home alone and was listening to Disney Movie songs on YouTube, because I’m a dork. :) But I came across a movie I used to LOVE watching: Prince of Egypt. So, of course I had to watch it, because it was one of my favorite movies when I was younger. I came to the part in the movie where Moses sees the Burning Bush and hears God’s voice and I couldn’t help myself, I cried. I wasn’t quite sure why I was crying, but it affected me and i just found myself crying at God’s greatness. 

The next scene I cried at was when the Israelites are leaving and they sing “When You Believe” and I started tearing up, but when Moses got to the sea and his brother, the Pharaoh started coming and Moses had to put ALL of his FAITH in God and risk looking like a complete fool by walking out into the ocean; I broke down. I couldn’t stop crying. Moses had put all of his Faith in God and I realized so should I. That moment was when I believe I was truly reborn, my heart made new.

I was currently experiencing some tough obstacles I was trying to, and am still struggling, to overcome. I had been praying about them, but I wasn’t really putting my heart into the prayers. So when I was crying uncontrollably I got on my knees and prayed and begged and begged God for an answer to my problems. He gave me an answer. He spoke to me; not aloud, but in my mind and heart. He told me: Focus on God more, and let my love for him and his love for me overcome any obstacles. 

I would never have thought that. Trust me, if I could have found an answer that easily I would’ve. After He gave me that answer I just cried and cried and this unreal and amazing feeling of relief and awe washed over me. I felt so close to Him. He had given me exactly what I’d needed and for maybe three days after that amazing experience I struggled with whether or not I should get baptized. It had seemed like God had given me a little push into doing it, it seemed like that was what He wanted, but I was still worried it wasn’t the right time. But finally after praying and discussing things with my family, I decided I would get baptized. 

God is amazing. God is great. God will love you no matter what you do. It is amazing to think that He is always there with you, loving you, guiding you. I am so thankful for my family, life, and everything God has given me. 

I just wanted to share with you my experience and what really happened to make me feel so close to God.

*Again, I know this is poorly worded, but it is very difficult for me to explain it in words.*

If you have any question, please feel free to ask. 

Thank you for reading this whole thing, I mean, if you did, but if not that’s okay too, it is really long. :)

Love y’all! ♥

(2) Statement of Faith

I was a Primitive Baptist for much of my life, however, I no longer consider myself part of any denomination. I attend an Independent Baptist church.

While I do believe in the main idea Primitive Baptist's have, which is predestination of the elect, it came to my attention that I did not agree with many of their other practices. I believe that other things such as bible studies, life groups, instruments, and children's Sunday school can and should be added to the church to enhance the worship. However, I do not believe churches should run like businesses, pressure people to give money, or add on unnecessary things like basketball courts and playgrounds.

I affirm the belief of The Holy Trinity.

I believe Jesus is God's son.

I believe Jesus died for all of His children, and all of His children were redeemed after his sacrifice on the cross, and they are all secure in their eternal life with God. It is a finished work.