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Living Hope Christian Church - Elders
I have been an Elder at Living Hope Christian Church since 2004. Prior to that I served as a Deacon since the church's inception in January 1999. In many ways my testimony is unremarkable. My acceptance of Jesus Christ and the work He completed on the Cross was not the result of some dramatic or sensational event, but rather the result of an accumulation of evidence, which made it the only thing to do for me.
I was raised in the Episcopal Church largely because my parents attended that church at the time. Although I was aware of God in a general sense, I really had no idea of the extent of His love and plan. I say this even though I was an Altar boy, involved in the choir and Sunday School at the church. My family was close to the Minister who ended up leaving to become a Chaplin in the Navy.
Shortly after he left, my father, who was the Treasurer of the church, had a falling out with the new person and we moved on to another church. Generally speaking, this is what happens when we trust in man and do not seek to grow spiritually and do things the way God would.
This began a long period away from God for me, which lasted until my wife and I began to attend a Catholic Church in Providence. I must say that my wife was much more faithful to God at this point and often subtly suggested I should attend with her. I was impressed by the priest and as a result, I began to get a picture of who God really is and how much He loved me.
We began to see what we perceived to be inconsistencies in what the Bible teaches and Catholic doctrine. These questions led us to New Hope Christian Church in Swansea, MA for more solid Biblical teaching.
I was saved in the fall of 1988 as I watched the film "Jesus of Nazareth," which I had watched several times. This particular time, however, it was clear to me as I watched that God was drawing me to Him and that I needed to accept Jesus for who He was and is. I remember being more resolute and determined to know the Author of my salvation better, rather than experiencing “fireworks” or any overwhelming feelings. I reasoned at this point that if I have accepted Jesus as God and God as the Provider of my salvation that I needed to know Him better and to serve Him.
The process alluded to above God calls Sanctification, becoming like Him. It continues on today as I still experience the ups and downs of this life, but God has proven Himself to be faithful beyond measure over the years.
God is a loving, faithful, ever present, all knowing God, who works all things for good for those who love Him. If we would be honest with ourselves and look and listen for Him, He will reveal Himself to us in His creation, His Word and our circumstances. Watch for Him. Listen for Him. He loves you and wants to give you His Peace.
Rick Bringhurst's testimony:
For 3 or 4 summers, I attended a ten-day summer church camp for kids. This camp was designed to teach and encourage children and teens and to help them understand the importance of following God. Each evening there was a service with nice music and speakers who stressed taking God seriously and committing our lives to Him. They taught us about becoming "Born Again." An altar call would follow and many young people, including myself, would go forward. I would get emotional, feel really good for awhile, but within a short time my life would go back to normal with no real change in my heart and character. I would do this every summer that I attended this camp!
Even at the church we were still attending, I would periodically feel bad about the way I was living (even though I was a pretty straight-laced kid) and the way I was treating my relationship with God. I would go forward when the Pastor's message was especially convicting to me and I would recommit my life to God. I was becoming weary.
When I was eighteen years old, I was laying in bed one night thinking about where my relationship with God was. I knew I was saved but wanted to finally get serious about my Christian life. I prayed and told God that I was ready to turn it all over to Him and that I was tired of playing games. I determined to go out the next day and buy a Bible. This time I knew that I meant business, and it was the turning point of my life!
The next day I did purchase a Bible and I read it every day! God was faithful to bring people into my life to minister to me and help me grow in faith.
Some of you reading this may be able to relate to my story. Perhaps like me, you've never taken the step to get serious about God. I want to encourage you to do so right now without further delay!
There is no special place or time of day to pray to God. He is always available to hear you! You don't need to speak special words to Him either. He just wants you, just as you are.
The simple truth is this: He died to pay for your sins. We simply need to believe that. If you've taken this step in the past or just now, the next thing you must do is grow spiritually. God has provided the things you need to do that. He has given you his Holy Spirit who resides within you at the moment of salvation! Get a Bible and read it like I did. Find a good church that is committed to teaching the Word of God. All Christians need to be part of a healthy local church. It is here that you find the support you need to move forward in your relationship with God. If you are in need of a church family, I invite you to visit us at Living Hope Christian Church. I can assure you from my own personal experience, that Living Hope is a sound, balanced, healthy church.
Only you can determine to have a right relationship with God. I made that decision and I have never regretted it! I hope you, too, will decide to believe on Jesus Christ. |
My testimony begins when I was approximately ten years old. It was during that time that I remember our family attending church on a regular basis. I went to church because it was expected of me and also because I had developed some friendships. Fortunately, the church was a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church, so I was being exposed to Truth, even though I was not aware of it.