Blog

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life.” — 1 John 1:1–3

The disciples had a front-row seat to the life of Jesus. They encountered Him and experienced Him in person. It was their personal testimony that gave them credibility.

WHY DO I BELIEVE?

How do we know these stories are true? How do we know Jesus is who He said He was?

Give me the evidence, some say. Scientific evidence. Scriptural authenticity. Historical accuracy.

These are important. They matter.

The evidence may lead you toward Him, but it is faith that connects you to Him.

HOW DOES IT BECOME PERSONAL?

There are some things I simply don’t need an expert to tell me are true.

I follow Jesus for the same reason the disciples followed Him: because I’ve encountered and experienced Him personally.

There are things in my life that would not be true were it not for the presence of God.

He has awakened my soul. He has answered prayers. He has prepared me and led my life in unexplainable ways. He has changed me as a person in tangible ways. He has given me peace in the face of stress.

WHY DO I WANT OTHERS TO BELIEVE?

When you’ve experienced God personally, that experience cannot be denied. It becomes your own testimony of the reality of God.

Our story is the best story we can tell.

This is what I share. Not a philosophy I’ve inherited, but a Person I’ve encountered. A Person who is very real. A Person who has led me, changed me, and prepared me.

This is why I share. So that others might encounter and experience the life-changing presence of Jesus.

Copyright © 2026 by John Meriweather @ https://www.facebook.com/john.meriweather.3  No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org.