I love the writings of Peter because he’s so outspoken and quick.
I love the writings of John because he’s so fixed on the mutual importance of truth and love.
But I have a special place in my heart for Paul because he was once a blasphemer and opponent of the gospel like me.
Every time I read Paul’s letter to Timothy, his child in the faith, I am reminded anew of God’s unique calling and purpose for me and how greatly His grace and love have overflowed in my life.
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV
Does your testimony sound different from mine and Paul’s? Were you never a persecutor of Christians and an opponent of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Great news! God still has a unique purpose and calling for YOU! God still wants to use YOU as an example of His perfect patience.
Whether you grew up from infancy surrounded by Words of Truth whispered over you as you slept, or you walked in utter darkness until adulthood, the light has come for you. Now go and share the good news with others this holiday season. It’s never too late to tell someone about the saving faith available to all through trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
2 Timothy 2:8-13 ESV
Teach What is Good 