Why I Am a Christian ~ David Wood
This is a powerful testimony. Here we have a modern-day Apostle Paul. In fact, David Wood is the head of the Acts 17 Apologetics Foundation.
This testimony, though half an hour long, holds such profoundness in my life. I've watched it many times over and am still in utter awe at the wondrous transformation that God took David Wood through. From attempted murderer to Believer, from complete atheist to evangelist, from cynical to faithful, and from psychopath to theologian. What a miracle.
The part that gets me every time is the part where David talks about being in solitary confinement and falling on his face in repentance and humility. After living his entire life believing that he was more highly evolved than everybody else, he fell prostrate before his Creator and finally understood how lowly he truly was. After believing for so long that he was better, smarter, and more advanced than other human beings, he realized how truly covered in sin he was.
His points make so much sense to me, and what I love the most is how well he can speak it out. He clearly has a God-given gift for public speaking and for articulating his thoughts. It makes me think of the people in the world who have been given so much talent but are living in separation from Christ. I'm tempted to call it a waste. When people use their obvious talents to work against the work of God, what a waste! However, when Jesus' love and grace wins them back over from their unbelieving self and they embark on a new mission int he service of the Lord- what an amazing thing!
Suddenly, the talents are no longer wasted. Instead, they are multiplied and blessed. David Wood can speak. He has a gift. Apart from Christ, that gift amounted to less than nothing and could not produce anything of real value. However, as soon as Christ won his soul, His gift can multiply again and again. He can witness to unbelievers, speak to millions over the internet, change hearts, open discussions, and point people to Christ.
His testimony gives me hope for the friends of mine who are living apart from Christ. I could worry and stress over their salvation, and I often do. However, I know that Christ has not abandoned them. He is using me and others in their lives to win them back. And when it happens, Heaven will gain some truly necessary skill! We've all been designed with purpose and for purpose. We've all have something to give.
Even the dirty, crazy psychopath that tried to murder his father and ended up in prison has something to give. What reason do we have for ever losing hope?
