Steve Fowler, July 3-4

Everyone has two testimonies. Your first testimony is the story of how Jesus transformed your life. Ephesians 2:8,9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Your first testimony is how you were saved. You didn’t save yourself. Jesus saved you. He may have used someone to reveal His precious Gospel to you––a friend who talked to you, a friend who invited you to an event or something you read on your own. Your first testimony is powerful. You once were dead in your shame and guilt, but now you have been made alive in Christ. Your second testimony is the difference you are now making in this world. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Someone once said that there is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person. Ephesians 2:10 teaches us that there is a purpose-shaped vacuum as well. You are God’s workmanship. You were prepared in advance for good works.

Salem Alliance is full of people who have come alive in Jesus Christ, and now they are making a difference. There are literally hundreds of you who are reading this perspective column today who are actively serving. You’re teaching children, cutting firewood, playing an instrument, cleaning up after others, cooking, praying, leading a Bible study, leading a community group, delivering a lunch to the homeless, greeting people, etc. The list of ways you serve goes on and on and on. The bottom line is that you are making a difference. Thank you. Thank you for making a difference. Thank you for serving. You may be volunteering in a very public ministry or you are likely serving in a way that no one notices. I’m grateful for you. Serving is the normative Christian experience. You were created for this!

Steve is Lead Pastor of Salem Alliance Church and was born in Hong Kong, China. He grew up in Asia and moved to the US to attend college. After 14 years in business, Steve followed a call to pastor. He has served churches in Washington and Hong Kong and has been in Salem since 2005. He is married to Trina, has four children and one son-in-law.