June 2008 Monthly Letter

I could write the following letter after almost every Weekend.

A gentleman named John wrote the following to me:

Dear Dr. Rand,

I have been a Presbyterian all my life. My grandparents and parents have been actively involved in the Lord's work through this denomination for many years, serving as elders on several occasions. My grandfather was once a delegate to G. A. when it met in Seattle.

I prided myself as a communicant for memorizing much of the Westminster Confession of Faith. I still remember Question 14 of the Shorter Catechism: "What is sin? Sin is any want of conformity,unto, or transgression of, the law of God." And I can still name the books of the Old and New Testaments backward and forward!

It was a pleasant surprise to hear you quote from the Presbyterian Book of Order on Worship in regard to "opportunites to respond to the call of Christ." (After the service, I confess I checked it out in the pastor's office to read it for myself-W-2-5002.)

As a budding teenager I did make a profession of faith in Jesus when our communicant's class joined the church. However, up until this morning, I believe it was more of a mental assent and because that's what you are expected to do after completing the class, right? Besides all the family members are there to witness and celebrate my joining the church.

Today when you gave the congregation an opportunity to profess our faith with a definite response only if being led by the Holy Spirit, I felt the hairs on the back of my head stand up! And it wasn't because my wife and I sat near the air conditioning vent! Wow!

This came from inside of me, not just from my mouth as on the Sunday all the communicants joined the church. I know it was the Holy Spirit moving within my heart. I now know for certain I have received Jesus and by faith applied His blood for all my transgressions of the law of God.

It felt like the first time I was aware I was in love with my wife after dating her for several weeks. It was electrifying! Now I also personally realize the catechism's answer to the first question: "My chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." I have finally found my PURPOSE!

I've been in the spiritual womb for a life time, and today I was born anew. Alleluia! Thank you for giving this old Presbyterian Catechismatic that opportunity.

John

Thank you, partner in this Ministry for allowing me the privilege of letting the Holy Spirit bring to personal faith in Jesus Christ, those who have believed with their heads in the great doctrines of the church BUT who have now also believed with their hearts in the Great Redeemer! As I mentioned above, these kind of testimonies are frequent! To God be the glory for His enlightenment!