Stephen's Testimony

As a child I was sent regularly to a Church of England Sunday School but I do not remember ever thinking that the stories were meant to be true any more than other legends and fables such as Jason and the Argonauts. Nor do I recall believing in the existence of “God”. It never crossed my mind that anybody thought that Bible stories were true.

At 14, I first came into regular contact at school with a couple of people who clearly did believe the Bible to be true. I was amazed that apparently intelligent people could think like that. Although my interest was piqued, it was no more than that at first. However, over time I reached a point where I thought it was worth investigating the claims. I would read library books, listen from afar to what these two Christians were saying, and eventually I borrowed and read my mother's Bible.

In the course of time, the Lord brought me to a point where I believed that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and was raised from the dead. I wanted to be a Christian but knew I was not one. I knew that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) but in my pride, I did not think I was all that bad a person, although I did know that I was selfish and more “naughty” than I presented myself to others. The Lord says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) Does your pride prevent you from acknowledging your sin and seeking forgiveness as mine did?

It was only when the Lord convicted me of the true depth of my sin that I could genuinely repent and receive the promised forgiveness and new life. I cannot name the day but I know it was a few months before my 16th birthday.

Now that was over 40 years ago and what has happened since? Many things, but when Satan's minions try to sow the seeds of doubt in my mind through their lies, I know how wonderfully and radically I was changed. The Lord has been faithful throughout those years, through the good times and the bad. Jesus is real and he is coming back. Will you be ready?