Finding Hope and Redemption in Christ: Pastor Mark's Testimony
Paster’s Mark Testimony on finding Jesus
Pastor Mark’s journey to finding Jesus began 20 years ago when he inherited his father’s money and lost it all in the stock market. He was left with immense debt and lived with regret, guilt, anxiety, and deteriorating health. He even faced suicidal thoughts and felt overwhelmed by his circumstances.
It’s important to remember that we never truly know what someone is experiencing in their life, but God does. By opening our mouths to invite others, we allow God to reach out to non-believers through us, offering them salvation and relief from their suffering.
Pastor Mark experienced this firsthand. He was invited to church and discovered that Jesus wanted to save him. He opened his heart to Jesus and began to listen to the Word. He realized that Jesus wanted to save him from everything he was facing. Mark prayed with all his heart, and during his journey of faith, he often felt consumed by life’s stresses. However, he found peace and relief in the church services and the Word of God.
Proverbs 12:25 says:
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
The good word is the gospel, the good news.
Pastor Mark attended church every week, learning about the gospel and why Jesus died for us. This understanding gave him hope and joy, even in the face of possible bankruptcy. Despite having no other way out, Jesus made a way for him, and the Word of God drove out his evil thoughts.
When you’re established in righteousness (having Christ in your heart and hearing the good news), you’ll be far from oppression, terror, and fears. Jesus will deliver you from all these.
If you’re facing feelings of uselessness or unworthiness, remember that these are just feelings, not the truth. The truth is that Jesus has paid for all our sins. God wants us to stand up, and He makes all things sufficient for us.
This realization transformed Pastor Mark’s feelings. When you let the Word of God wash over you and feel the presence of Jesus, you’ll understand that if God is for you, who can be against you?
Hebrews 8:12 says:
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
To grow in grace, it’s essential to know that God is merciful to our unrighteousness. Despite our shortcomings, God wants us to stand up again and be righteous because of what Jesus did on the cross. When God remembers our sins no more, we should also forget our sins and remember His love for us.
We are made not to look at our feelings but to look at Him.
When we focus on Jesus, everything changes. We are transformed. If you want to be a better person, don’t dwell on your past sins. Instead, embrace the gift of righteousness. Whenever you fail, look to the cross and remember what Jesus paid for. Those who are forgiven much will love much. By loving Jesus more, you’ll fall out of love with your sins.
We can’t depend on ourselves; we have to depend on Jesus and His grace for a good life.
Always depend on Him. When you depend on Him, everything changes. The flesh dwells in no good thing. When you start by grace, you’ll continue by grace.
When facing difficulties, know that God is building you up. Just as parents want their children to grow strong and healthy, God wants to build us up spiritually. It’s important to know that all our sins are forgiven.
Romans 8:1 says:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].
No matter our past mistakes, Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross covers our sins—past, present, and future. The blood of Jesus Christ is eternal, and His work is finished for good. Don’t let anger or guilt prolong your suffering.
Romans 8:2 says:
Because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
To avoid being overwhelmed by sin, remember that we are a new creation. Feelings are not the truth. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Condemning yourself only makes things worse. Instead, give your problems to Him and ask for His grace.
Faith is crucial. Faith means believing and speaking that God has done everything for us.
John 6:63 says:
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
The devil wants to steal our health, but what you proclaim and believe will shape your future.
Proverbs 4:20-23 says:
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Guard your heart, not your circumstances! The most prominent thoughts in your mind prophesy your future.
A boundary is a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.
Psalm 5:12 says:
For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Your boundary has already been set.
When Pastor Mark was not established in righteousness, he felt oppressed by guilt, terror, and anxiety. But now, terror is far from him. You shall not fear, for the Lord is with you and in you. Who can be against you?
You have authority, and everything is given to you.
1 John 5:4 says:
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Proverbs 4:24 says:
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
God created the world with His thoughts and words, and similarly, when we guard our hearts and know that we are in the righteousness of God, we are divided from the world. Don’t curse yourself. God will surely bless the righteous.
You have the authority to pray for protection and healing. You won’t know the power of your tongue until you use it.
Luke 10:19 says:
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
We are called to reign in life, not to be bystanders but to speak forth.
Matthew 16:19 says:
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, making them bold and full of the Spirit to glorify Jesus. In Acts 3:6, Peter said that what he had to offer was more than gold or money—he had Jesus, who is more than enough.
When you are full of the gospel and Jesus, you’ll be a blessing to everyone. You’ll become more like Jesus.