what is a christian experience essay

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How does one discern a genuine Christian experience?

The moment he witnessed the birth of his son, he knew right there and then his life had changed. The journey with his bride that ushered in a new life was an experience that he never would forget. As my friend continued to describe the experience of becoming a father for the first time, all he could think of was the love for his wife and their son. The significance about the birth of his son was that it was based on a visible reality that exhibited, truth, beauty, and goodness. When one is blessed to witness the birth of a new life, there is a beautiful sense of awe and wonder at the reality of this life-giving event. Where before the husband’s sole responsibility is to protect and care for his wife, now he has the added responsibility of caring for his wife as a mother and their newborn child.

It is important to understand the value of experiences and not downplay them as something futile or unimportant. A person’s personal experiences are generally anchored in how they perceive the event and how it applies to them personally. In many respects their personal experiences are developed to define who they are and how they view the world, it becomes their own dogma.

How the person chooses to interpret and apply their experiences in daily living may have lasting consequences either positive or negative. If one were to ask the question: What did Jesus come to do , there would be a myriad of responses based solely on a person’s perception and experience of who Jesus is personally to them from friend, pacifist, brother, Messiah, Savior, Son of God, the word made flesh-Incarnation and so forth.

If a person identifies Jesus Christ as a pacifist based solely on his experiences as advocate for nuclear disarmament, would he be correct? Did God send his only Son to solely advocate for the peace of humanity and halt all forms of war? The answer to this question is no, St. Matthew reminds through the words of Christ; do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. [1] We encounter in this scenario a misinterpretation of who Jesus Christ is based on one’s own personal experience. The potential result of this mindset is a view of Jesus Christ as simply a fellow advocate instead of the second person of the Trinity who came to suffer and die for the sins of humanity.

Frank Sheed provides us with an answer to the question of what did Jesus come to do by identifying Jesus as Savior . He specifically describes the Angel who speaks to St. Joseph and identifies Jesus as the one who will save His people from their sins. [2] Sheed’s response is important because it identifies two things; man’s identity comes from God, and second, man needs Jesus Christ due to his inability to save himself from sin. There is a distinct difference between one’s experience identifying Jesus as a pacifist versus Jesus as Savior as echoed by Sheed.

The Christian Experience

St. John Paul II in his explanation about the importance of catechesis within the Christian experience reminds us that the experience of Christian living is rooted in the moral life-the life of Christ.

Catechesis is built on a certain number of elements of the Church’s pastoral mission which have a catechetical aspect that prepare for catechesis, or spring from it: The initial proclamation of the Gospel or missionary preaching to arouse the faith, examinations for the reason of belief, experience of Christian living, celebration of the sacraments, integration into the ecclesial community, and apostolic and missionary witness. [3]

The significance of St. John Paul II’s explanation on the Christian experience is that our pastoral mission is to arouse the faith in a loving and prudent way. Our Christian experience if properly ordered toward the Trinity and specifically Jesus Christ will unleash a bevel of graces that will keep those, we encounter focused on inviting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior into their lives. Jordan Aumann tells us:

If Christian spirituality signifies a participation in the mystery of Christ, our first task is to contemplate that mystery with the help of the New Testament and then to discover how we share it. The mystery of Christ is the mystery of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh and dwelling among us-Jn 1:14 the God made man. The Old Testament had progressively revealed God as Father, as one who approaches man, but his presence was never so intimate as when he sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him- 1 Jn 4:9. The mystery of the Incarnation reveals that God is not only the transcendent and majestic God but he is God “for us” a God of generous love-Eph 2:5. [4]

In the early Church, the Christian life was Christocentric because of the words and deeds of Jesus Christ, which were still fresh in the minds and hearts of the apostles, disciples and all laity. [5] Their experiences resonated with the paschal mystery- the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ because the received the oral and written experiences of the life of Christ from those who witnessed these events, the Apostles, disciples, and presbyters.

Thus, you had a clear explanation of the life of Christ based on the experiences of those who witnessed the events of Christ unfold. Faith and the practice of the Gospel provide each person with an experience of life “in Christ,” who enlightens him and makes him able to evaluate the divine and human realities according to the Spirit of God. [6] Thus the Holy Spirit can use the humblest to enlighten the learned and those in the highest positions. [7]

The identity of a proper Christian experience

An authentic Christian experience is rooted in the moral law, we are called to exercise our baptismal grace-the love of God received at Baptism through Jesus Christ to know, discern, and understand an authentic Christian experience.

The fidelity of the baptized is a primordial condition for the proclamation of the Gospel and for the Church’s mission in the world. In order that the message of salvation can show the power of its truth and radiance before me, it must be authenticated by the witness of the life of Christians. [8]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that the witness of a Christian life and good works done in a supernatural spirit have great power to draw men to the faith and to God. [9] By living with the mind of Christ, Christians hasten the coming of the Reign of God, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace. They do not, for all that, abandon their earthly tasks; faithful to their master, they fulfill them with uprightness, patience, and love. [10] A genuine Christian experience evokes a joyful surrender to the will of God and avoids the notion that one’s personal experience serves as a “the” spiritual barometer apart from Jesus Christ. Any form of experience associated with Jesus Christ must possess a Trinitarian dimension and situate Jesus Christ as the center of all experiential activity.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. [11]

[1] Mt 10:34

[2] Sheed, Frank, Theology and Sanity, (San Francisco, Ignatius Press,1993) p. 233-234

[3] Catechesi Trandendae, 18

[4] Aumann, Fr. Jordan, O.P. Christian Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition, (San Francisco, Ignatius, 1985), p. 10-11

[5] Ibid, p. 24

[6] 1 Cor 2:10-15

[7] CCC 2038

[8] CCC 2044

[9] Ibid, 2044

[10] CCC 2046

[11] Romans 6:3-4

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Steps to Life

To prepare people for eternal life.

The Christian Experience

In apostolic times the early church was a force to be reckoned with. The new converts were full of grace and the Holy Spirit. The word of God was preached with the fullness of the Spirit and people were added to the church daily. The message that Jesus was the Messiah was “preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). The men and women that Christ drew to Himself were not well educated, were corrupted by sin, and their minds were fixed on temporal things. They were just the kind of people that Jesus had come to save.

“For the carrying on of His work, Christ did not choose the learning or eloquence of the Jewish Sanhedrin or the power of Rome. Passing by the self-righteous Jewish teachers, the Master Worker chose humble, unlearned men to proclaim the truths that were to move the world. These men He purposed to train and educate as the leaders of His church. They in turn were to educate others and send them out with the gospel message. That they might have success in their work they were to be given the power of the Holy Spirit. Not by human might or human wisdom was the gospel to be proclaimed, but by the power of God.” The Acts of the Apostles , 17.

Through their association with Jesus, they came to see the beauty of His character and desired to follow Him. Like most people, it took time for them to fully grasp His mission and the great need of a change to be made in their lives. Jesus is a patient teacher, willing to go the extra mile to shape the minds of His people so they can understand more fully the difference between His character and the character of Satan. In the beginning, the disciples did not fully understand the depths of sin. They were blinded by their own ideas of the world and how they should be saved. It took forty days of instruction after the resurrection of Jesus for them to understand the scriptures of the prophets. Preconceived ideas and worldly politics were set aside. Their only focus was on the kingdom of heaven.

“The disciples were to go forth as Christ’s witnesses, to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of Him. Their office was the most important to which human beings had ever been called, second only to that of Christ Himself. They were to be workers together with God for the saving of men. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles stand as representatives of the gospel church.” Ibid., 19.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples and they went forth preaching repentance to all men. Peter proclaimed, “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.” “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’ ” (Acts 2:32, 38). In a few years, the message of the crucified and resurrected Messiah was given to the world. People perceived the truth and embraced it. Love for one another in Christ was their theme and the fruit of their labor. “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (verses 46, 47).

This is the Christian experience that Jesus came to bring to all people who would forsake the world and follow Him. He had laid out before the disciples the keys to the kingdom of God—righteousness, goodness, and longsuffering. He gave as an example a life of toil and struggle and a deep love for others. He said to His disciples, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” and “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 14:15; 15:12). As it was for the early disciples, so it is for us today. We must also have this experience in love and faith in Jesus.

“The apostle prayed that love might abound more and more. There must be a living faith, before there can be a living experience. There are many who have a certain formal knowledge of Christ, and an indefinite faith that does not have an active influence upon the life and character. This faith is not a saving faith. Our love for Jesus must commence here, if we expect to love Him through the ages of eternity. All who love Christ will talk of Him. How shall the world know of the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of your Lord and Saviour, unless you make it the theme of your thought and conversation? If our hearts are rejoicing in the hope of beholding our coming Saviour, shall we not speak of it to others? ‘Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh’ (Matthew 12:34). We shall have the Spirit of Christ, if we are in union with Him; and with the same untiring love and patience, we shall seek that which is lost. One soul is worth the world. It is the purchase of the blood of Christ, and those who really love Christ will feel the value of the souls for whom He shed His precious blood.” The Signs of the Times , July 27, 1888.

These early disciples did not have a life of leisure, but of hardship. They were hated for Christ’s sake and persecuted, but they continued to deliver the message that He gave them to proclaim. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19), Peter said to a dying sinful world that needed to be justified through the blood of Jesus so they might stand before the Lord of Hosts. Many died to self and took on the yoke of Christ. They loved not their lives unto death but freely gave themselves for His cause. With joy in their hearts and words of forgiveness on their lips, they held nothing against any man. Instead, they reached out in love to those who were marred by sin, to uplift them from the mire of the world.

“When Christ sent forth the disciples with the gospel message, faith in God and His word had well-nigh departed from the world. Among the Jewish people, who professed to have a knowledge of Jehovah, His word had been set aside for tradition and human speculation. Selfish ambition, love of ostentation, greed of gain, absorbed men’s thoughts. As reverence for God departed, so also departed compassion toward men. Selfishness was the ruling principle, and Satan worked his will in the misery and degradation of mankind.” The Ministry of Healing , 142.

“Under the fiercest persecution these witnesses for Jesus kept their faith unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort, shut away from the light of the sun, making their home in the dark but friendly bosom of the earth, they uttered no complaint. With words of faith, patience, and hope they encouraged one another to endure privation and distress. The loss of every earthly blessing could not force them to renounce their belief in Christ. Trials and persecution were but steps bringing them nearer their rest and their reward.” The Great Controversy , 41.

What a sharp contrast to the Christian experience of today. Many believe that if they attend church once a week and profess to love God, they have a place in heaven. They believe there is nothing else required of them to be saved. Yet, Jesus gives us a much different view of what it means to be saved. When Mary Magdalene anointed the Savior’s feet with her tears, she found forgiveness in His voice, “Then He said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ Then He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace’ ” (Luke 7:48–50). And when the poor woman who had been bleeding for 12 years reached out to touch the hem of His garment, He said, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48). What did each of these women have in common that Jesus found worthy of salvation? Faith!

“True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized and felt.” Early Writings , 72. “Faith is trusting in God—believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership, and accepts its blessings. Truth, uprightness, purity, are pointed out as secrets of life’s success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these. Every good impulse or aspiration is the gift of God; faith receives from God the life that alone can produce true growth and efficiency.” Gospel Workers , 259.

To have the experience of the early church, we must claim the promises of God. It is imperative that we relinquish our will to His will to create the change from sinful selfishness to perfect righteousness. Self must be sacrificed on the altar of God so that the purity of the Holy Spirit will have a fit temple to dwell in. Faith in every word that proceeds from the mouth of God is essential to receive His blessings and prepare for the great work ahead. Jesus said that the last days would be as in the times of Noah and Lot, with great evil at every corner. Temptations and trials will be against God’s people, but the most deceptive test will come from within the church itself.

“Satan therefore laid his plans to war more successfully against the government of God by planting his banner in the Christian church. If the followers of Christ could be deceived and led to displease God, then their strength, fortitude, and firmness would fail, and they would fall an easy prey.” The Great Controversy , 42.

Satan knew that persecution was not having the desired results, so he changed his tactics and started weaving in false doctrines. He insinuated that God’s people could not overcome sin, therefore, they must just keep their sins confessed. Once he established this false doctrine, it was then easy for him to sow strife, jealousy, and evil speaking amongst the good church members. Fault finding became commonplace, unforgiveness grew out of fault finding, and the result was a prideful fallen church.

“The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honor. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God and to believe in His death and resurrection, but they had no conviction of sin and felt no need of repentance or of a change of heart. With some concessions on their part they proposed that Christians should make concessions, that all might unite on the platform of belief in Christ.” Ibid.

Professed Christians will proclaim that they are keeping all God’s laws and that they believe in the resurrection of the dead in Christ, yet there will be something missing. Outwardly, they will be formally keeping His Sabbath, attending church regularly, but the inward change has not been wrought. Selfishness, self-will, pride, and the love of this world will still be hidden in the heart. The unsanctified among God’s people will take leadership roles just as they did in the early church and drive the Holy Spirit away. Complacency will begin to appear, the work will stop, and the love of Christ will wane. We are seeing the result of these very conditions in the church today.

Jesus foresaw this happening in the early church and warns us that it will happen in the last church. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Revelation 2:5; 3:18).

Christ is gathering His angels for the last battle, but He is wondering if there will be any faith left on earth when He comes. He is looking for a people to stand up like the early apostolic church and proclaim His love for the world, to warn them of the impending doom that is about to fall upon it. “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:7, 8)?

“What is the condition in the world today? Is not faith in the Bible as effectually destroyed by the higher criticism and speculation of today as it was by tradition and rabbinism in the days of Christ? Have not greed and ambition and love of pleasure as strong a hold on men’s hearts now as they had then? In the professedly Christian world, even in the professed churches of Christ, how few are governed by Christian principles. In business, social, domestic, even religious circles, how few make the teachings of Christ the rule of daily living. Is it not true that ‘justice standeth afar off: … equity cannot enter. … And he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey’ (Isaiah 59:14, 15)”? The Ministry of Healing , 142.

As we look at the experience of God’s early church, we must ask ourselves: What is our experience today? Are we tirelessly working for the souls of others? Do we have the fervent love for our brothers and sisters in the church? Are we fulfilling the great commission that Jesus gave us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19, 20)? Time is shorter now than in 1844 when Jesus started His ministry to cleanse the sanctuary of the sins of God’s people. He is waiting for a people who will stand up and be counted, with a pure doctrine of righteousness and a mouth that speaks saving truth to this fallen world. Jesus is at the door now, knocking on each heart to see if we will open the door so that He can make His home with us. Soon our time will be finished, and we will give an answer for what we have accomplished in His name. Let each one of us pray that we will be found ready at the great Day of Jesus.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Mike Wells lives in Wichita, Kansas, and is director of Anointing Oil Ministries.

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Emerging Scholars Blog

InterVarsity's Emerging Scholars Network

Writing a Christian Personal Statement

Writing any application for a school can be difficult, and writing the Personal Statement can become the most challenging part of it. By the time you are preparing to submit an application, most of its elements are already fixed: your GPA, your MCAT or GRE scores, the activities you did (or didn’t do). The Personal Statement, however, is an open field of possibilities in self expression, and that sense of ambiguity lends itself to great liberty and/or great anxiety.

Admittedly, the title is somewhat misleading. A “Christian” personal statement shouldn’t technically be very different from any other personal statement. It still has to accomplish the same goals, which are fairly well defined in the context of applying for a graduate or professional school. As an example, an excellent source on the Medical School Personal Statement Â would advise you to focus on answering these questions:

What have you done that supports your interest in becoming a doctor?
Why do you want to be a doctor?
How have your experiences influenced you?

Sounds simple? It’s not. Few people can easily articulate the reasons why they want to go into medicine (and this even includes those who have beenÂ working in medicine). As reflected on before , the most powerful reasons tend to be emotionally charged and heavily driven by personal experiences, desires, and ambitions. Sometimes these reasons spring from tangible and discrete moments that are relatively simple to describe: a father becomes ill, a friend becomes helpless, a tragedy unfolds in which the universal compulsion to heal and to comfort becomes central and even life-changing. But sometimes those reasons are harder to describe: a series of loosely connected jobs that led to an internal conviction, an affection for both the material and immaterial, a search for a career grounded in the authenticity of human experiences.

The more personal these experiences are, the more uncomfortable and self-conscious we become in describing them. We wonder if others will see things from our perspective, and as we struggle to describe them in nouns and adjectives and run-on sentences, we find it easy to become paralyzed by the fear that the reader/admission officer/judge will fail to understand . . . and in doing so, reject us as both applicants and as people. It is deeply unsettling because the process will require an act of introspection and then an act of public revelation.

So, like all other expressions of self-revelation, we are tempted to edit heavily. We want to be accepted for who we are but we also want to achieve a goal. We have an ideal that motivates us, but in order to achieve it we must submit it to the scrutiny of another . . . and in that process, we risk having it change.

What do I mean by this? I mean that I volunteered at a soup kitchen because I wanted to help people, but in writing the essay I wanted to make sure that the reader understood just how deeply I felt that emotion, so I overplayed the descriptions of how scraggly the hobo’s beard looked or how heart-melting that child’s eyes were. I mean that I did research because it sounded interesting and I enjoyed tinkering around in the lab, but I wanted my work to be respected so I added a gazillion extra adjectives about how triumphant or beatified I felt when gazing through the clear liquid in a test tube. I mean that I felt helpless when I sat by my friend’s bed as she lay dying or in watching my sister get bullied in speech therapy, but I wanted to do rightly by them in becoming a doctor so I wrote whatever bastardized piece of junk I felt needed to be written in order to get the job done. I mean I wanted to talk about Jesus and what he meant to me, but I couldn’t because it might get us both thrown out of school before we even started there.

I realized that the real work of writing a Personal Statement was to stop myself from selling myself. I was not a product out on the marketplace to be distinguished only by my differences in merit and form, but a unique person whose path had already been determined by a loving and sovereign Lord. I was not applying to different schools out of a statistical strategy for maximizing the probability of admission, but because each institution’s strengths and weaknesses could cause me to grow and be shaped differently for the work of the Lord. It helped me understand myself better, realizing in some circumstances that some of my applications were actually not the best thing for me. And I found that though thinking in this way was far more difficult than simply optimizing a resume, it restored a sense of purpose and intentionality to an otherwise superficial and anxiety-provoking time. It made descriptions of myself more vulnerable but more honest, which inadvertently made things more confident and more peaceful.

It made them Christ-centered, and therefore Christian.Â In the words of the Psalmist :

OÂ Lord, you haveÂ searched me and known me! YouÂ know when I sit down and when I rise up; youÂ discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, OÂ Lord,Â you know it altogether. YouÂ hem me in, behind and before, andÂ lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge isÂ too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or whereÂ shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shallÂ lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say,Â â€œSurely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,â€ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

Writing a Christian Personal Statement:Â Part 2 ,Â Part 3 .

About the author:

David graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and received his medical degree from Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School with a Masters in Public Health concentrated in health systems and policy. He completed a dual residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Christiana Care Health System in Delaware. He continues to work in Delaware as a dual Med-Peds hospitalist. Faith-wise, he is decidÂedly Christian, and regarding everything else he will gladly talk your ear off about health policy, the inner city, gadgets, and why Disneyâ€™s Frozen is actually a terrible movie.

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How to Write Your Testimony

Use This 5-Step Outline to Share Your Story of Salvation

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General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center

How do you write a testimony to share your story of salvation? Skeptics may debate the validity of Scripture or argue the existence of God, but no one can deny your personal experiences with God. If you tell someone how God worked a miracle in your life, how he blessed you, transformed you, lifted and encouraged you, or perhaps even broke and then healed you, no one can argue or debate it.

When you share your Christian testimony, you go beyond the field of knowledge into the realm of relationship with God. Use this five-step outline to make sharing your testimony easier.

Tips to Remember as You Write Your Testimony

Stick to the point. Your conversion and new life in Christ should be the main points.
Be specific. Include events, genuine feelings, and personal insights that clarify your main point. Make your testimony tangible and relevant so others can relate to it.
Be current. Tell what's happening in your life with God right now, today.
Be honest. Don't exaggerate or dramatize your story. The simple, straightforward truth of what God has done in your life is all the Holy Spirit needs to convict others and convince them of God's love and grace.

5 Steps to Writing Your Testimony

These steps explain how to write your testimony. They apply to both long and short, written and spoken testimonies. Whether you're planning to write down your full, detailed testimony or prepare a quick two-minute version for a short-term mission trip , these steps will help you tell others with sincerity, impact, and clarity, what God has done in your life.

1. Realize Your Testimony Is Powerful

First and foremost, remember: There is power in your testimony. The Bible says we overcome our enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony:

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Revelation 12:10–11, (NLT)

Many other Bible verses reveal the power of sharing your testimony. Spend a few minutes looking them up: Acts 4:33 ; Romans 10:17 ; John 4:39 .

2. Study an Example in the Bible

Read Acts 26 . Here the Apostle Paul gives his testimony before King Agrippa. He tells about his life before his conversion on the road to Damascus when he persecuted the followers of the Way. Next, Paul describes in detail his miraculous encounter with Jesus and his calling to serve Christ as an apostle . Then he goes on to tell of his new life after turning to God.

3. Spend Time in Preparation and Prayer

Here are a few things to consider before you start writing your testimony: Think about your life before you met the Lord. What was going on in your life leading up to your conversion? What problems or needs were you facing at the time? How did your life change after knowing Jesus Christ ? Pray and ask God to help you share what he wants you to include.

4. Use a 3-Point Outline

A three-point approach is very effective in communicating your personal testimony. This outline focuses on before you trusted Christ, how you surrendered to him, and the changes in your life since you began walking with him.

Before: Simply tell what your life was like before you surrendered to Christ. What were you searching for before coming to know Christ? What was the chief problem, emotion, situation, or attitude you were dealing with? What motivated you to seek a change? What were your actions and thoughts at the time? How did you try to satisfy your inner needs? (Examples of inner needs are loneliness, fear of death, insecurity, etc. Possible ways to fill those needs include work, money, drugs, relationships, sports, or sex.) Remember to use concrete, relatable examples.
How: How did you come to salvation in Jesus? Simply tell the events and circumstances that caused you to consider Christ as the solution to your search. Take time to identify the steps that brought you to the point of trusting Christ. Where were you? What was happening at the time? What people or problems influenced your decision?
Since: How has your life in Christ made a difference? How has his forgiveness impacted you? How have your thoughts, attitudes, and emotions changed? Share how Christ is meeting your needs and what your relationship with him means to you now.

5. Words to Avoid

Stay away from " Christianese " phrases. "Churchy" words can alienate listeners/readers and keep them from identifying with your life. People who are unfamiliar or even uncomfortable with church and Christianity might not understand what you are saying. They may mistake your meaning or even be turned off by your "foreign language." Here are some examples:

Avoid using the term " born again ." Instead, use these words:

spiritual birth
spiritual renewal
spiritual awakening
come alive spiritually
given a new life
my eyes opened

Avoid using "saved." Instead, use terms like:

delivered from despair
found hope for life

Avoid using "lost." Instead, say:

heading in the wrong direction
separated from God
had no hope
had no purpose

Avoid using "gospel." Instead, consider saying:

God's message to man
the good news about Christ's purpose on earth
God's message of hope for the world

Avoid using "sin." Instead, try one of these expressions:

rejecting God
missing the mark
falling away from the right path
a crime against God's law
disobedience to God
going my own way with no thought of God

Avoid using "repent." Instead, say things like:

admit I was wrong
change one's mind, heart, or attitude
decide to turn away
turn around
make a 180-degree turn from what you were doing
follow God's Word
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Kevin / April 11, 2014

How to Write (and Share) Your Christian Testimony: 7 Tips

How to Write and Share Your Christian Testimony Tips

Writing and sharing your Christian testimony with others is a great way to share your faith and testify to the transforming work of God in your life.

A testimony can share biblical truth and personal experience in a powerful way that exalts Christ and testifies to His saving work.

One time when I was in college, a stranger approached me and began to share his faith and testimony. The basic gist of it was this:

I was depressed and suicidal and didn’t know where to turn. Then my friend invited me to her church and I got connected and really felt welcome. Now I’m not depressed anymore and have a great group of friends and have found truth in God.

That’s a pretty good testimony, right?

What if I told you that this man was a cult-member? It turns out he was.

The sad thing is that many testimonies I have heard from Christians do not sound very different. I don’t mean to say that there can be bad Christian testimonies. If God has redeemed you—it is a miracle of grace and is to be celebrated whether you are an ex-addict or a former church kid (like me)! What I do wish to say is that our testimonies can be shared in vague, unhelpful, and sometimes unbiblical ways.

It is not wrong to share a before-and-after story of how your life has changed like in the story above—in fact that is a good thing! But in sharing our testimonies, we must not forget Who and what makes our testimony possible: Christ and His gospel.

The goal of this article is to provide some guidance for writing a Gospel-centered and Christ-exalting testimony.

The Importance of Christ in our Testimonies

Our testimonies should point to Jesus Christ and the transforming work He has done in our lives—not merely positive changes we have experienced. Only talking about positive changes with a token “God” mention here or there might make people think the point of Christianity is to have a better life instead of following Christ and being reconciled to God.

We need to mention what Christ has done for us, specifically what He did on the cross. Paul models this type of Christ-centered attitude when he writes to the Corinthians, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul knew that Christ’s work on the cross was of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3).

If we fail to mention what Christ has done, we rob the glory due to Christ and make Christianity seem like something we can do ourselves. People may then equate Jesus with a self-help guru, the Buddha, or the Oxy-Clean guy—three people that can generate testimonies, but can’t save you from your sins or help you walk in newness of life.

Jesus should be the hero of every testimony.

The more clear we can be about Who He is and what He has done, the more impact our testimonies will have, and the more glory will go to Christ.

7 tips for writing and sharing your Christian testimony:

1. Follow the storyline of your life:

Before coming to Christ
When and how you came to Christ
After coming to faith in Christ

2. During your story, let listeners know what you learned about Jesus:

Who Jesus is
What He accomplished on the cross
What He offers us
What He calls us to do (believe and repent)

3. Share key Bible verses. This is helpful to shows people you submit to Scripture and it also unleashes the power of God’s Word which will always accomplish what it purposes (Isaiah 55:11). A helpful portion of Scripture that you can interweave into your testimony is Ephesians 2:1-10 because it covers important gospel truths like sin, the wrath of God, faith in Christ, and the grace of God.

4. Use words everyone can understand. Propitiation, justification, and only-begotten may be fine words for a Bible study or theological textbook, but may sound like Christianese to someone not familiar with Christian lingo. Keep your vocabulary simple and easy to grasp.

5. Be ready to share your testimony concisely. Sometimes our window of opportunity to share is up in two minutes—be ready for any and every situation!

6. Practice sharing your story in a compelling fashion. Describe how you felt during specific times and give people details of the who, what, and where of important parts of your story so they can visualize it. Sharing about the grace of God through Jesus Christ in your life should be the most exciting thing you can tell people about—act like it!

7. Be ready with good follow up questions. “What do you think?” “Have you ever thought about your sins before?” “Does God’s judgment scare you?” “Do you realize Jesus can forgive you of your sins too?”

May God open many doors for you to share how His grace has impacted your life!

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Christian Experience and Theology

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE AND THEOLOGY

Angelo Scola

The priority of experience over theology is ontological, and this priority reveals plainly that man is primarily and essentially the receiver, not the producer, of truth.

In the history of Catholic thought, especially in our century, there has been a complex, highly nuanced relationship between theology and what we may call <Christian experience.> Scholars are unanimous that the credit for having freed the concept of Christian experience from its principal formative influences—in particular those relating to the Modernist crisis—belongs to Jean Mouroux, who thus enabled theological reflection or experience to go beyond the initial task of legitimating its subject matter. Nevertheless, the complexity attendant upon a careful definition of the two concepts experience and theology—increases prodigiously whenever we try to make a single coherent statement about both. Therefore, it is still necessary to work out a rigorous account of the notion of Christian experience. Only then will we be able to eliminate all the impasses and to set the relationship between experience and theology on a secure enough foundation.

It is not my task here to meet to this challenge. Nevertheless, I want to record a few short reflections on what is commonly understood under the rubric of Christian experience (the entirety of a life lived according to the faith and, therefore, within the community of the Church), in the hope that they may suggest some fruitful clarifications regarding its relationship to theology. My aim is simply to present two brief reflections and some of their implications as a kind of portico leading into the articles on experience in the current issue of <Communio.>

In the first place, we have to remember that Christian experience is ontologically prior to theology. It is theology's proper horizon, whereas the reverse is not the case. Theology, understood as systematic and critical investigation, is in itself incapable of producing Christian experience by its own resources. What is more, theology is born of Christian experience and must ceaselessly refer to the horizon that this experience sets for it. Given this premise, there are good grounds for saying that every crisis of theology—provided that the requirements of its object and the rigor of its method have been ensured—has its ultimate explanation in a crisis of Christian experience.

The foundation of the ontological priority of experience over theology lies in the concept of Christian experience itself. In fact, when we talk about Christian experience, we have to recognize that it contains its own principles of rationality [<razones>], its own <logos>. The truth-criterion of Christian experience is inside this experience itself, not outside or beyond it. Theology sinks its roots in this <logos.> As a science theology is called to serve experience by reflecting critically and systematically, that is, organically, on its immanent <logos>, which is not "produced" by theology. In rendering this service, theology stimulates experience to measure itself against the totality of the <datum> of Revelation as it is attested by the Bible and authentically interpreted by the Magisterium. This fact does away with an extrinsicist, thus originally dualistic, conception of the connection between experience and reason.

"The community of Christian faith," maintains Joseph Ratzinger, "belongs to the Christian concept of faith and reason." Consequently, talk of Christian experience in the comprehensive sense of a life containing its own <logos> necessarily implies a constitutive link with the Christian community, which is the commensurate subject of this experience (<sancta confitetur Ecclesia> [the holy Church confesses]). This subject as communion, which does not absorb the person, but allows him to exist in an ontological correlation with all who have received (by faith and baptism) the grace of participation in the dead and risen Christ. It likewise imparts a distinctive character to the method by which Christian experience begins and unfolds in relation to theology.

The "communional" nature of the subject of Christian experience absolutely precludes confusing it with <praxis.> This is because the original and archetypal experience belongs to the primordial subject, Jesus Christ, and, in him, to all who are "his own." Every authentic human experience of the Christian God is, therefore, objectively included in, and formed by, the experience of Jesus Christ. As a result, the Christian experience of the individual takes the form of a tension towards the totality, hence, of an opening, of a way [<camino>]. Any temptation to lock ourselves into a human measure reduces experience to something partial. This partialness can be overcome only by the "gift from on high," in the Spirit and in faith. Faith bestows the opening towards the totality that is the incarnate Son of God.

We therefore realize that from the methodological point of view the relationship between theology and experience is not, and cannot be identified with, the relationship between theory and <praxis.> Nor can the theologian understand himself as a kind of Christian "organic intellectual" a la Gramsci. In point of fact, the priority of experience over theology is ontological, and this priority reveals plainly that man is primarily and essentially the receiver, not the producer, of truth. Christian experience is born of the <sequela Christi>. Moreover, <Logos> is constitutive of Christian faith, which shows that this faith, precisely insofar as it is faith, requires reason, and that theology is therefore located at the heart of experience.

We can draw three important conclusions from what he have just set forth:

(1) Every Christian is a potential theologian. That is to say, every authentically Christian experience contains the rational structures [<razones>] which constitute the principle of the theologian's task.

(2) It is not absolutely necessary that all Christians engage in theology in order to be Christians.

(3) Those who engage in theology—as a vocation and, therefore, also as a profession—can and must do so from within Christian experience lived in a tangible Christian community. This is the condition of a deepening reflection on the organic, systematic and critical character of the <Logos> inherent in experience.

One final observation in keeping with everything that we have said: In the history of Christian thought, it is Christian experience (together with the criteria of rigor and method, in the movement of <intellectus fidei> [understanding of/in faith] of the event of Revelation, Jesus Christ) that sooner or later has judged the quality of a given theological reflection. Conversely, we can say that the life of the saints (just think of Benedict, Dominic, Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola . . . ) has always given rise to a fruitful "school" of theology.

Translated by Adrian Walker

This article was taken from the Summer 1996 issue of "Communio: International Catholic Review". To subscribe write Communio, P.O. Box 4557, Washington, D.C. 20017-0557. Published quarterly.

Home — Essay Samples — Religion — Religious Beliefs — My Personal Experience with God: A Reflection

My Personal Experience with God: a Reflection

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Published: Aug 4, 2023

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Introduction, finding meaning in god, reflecting on my experience with god, works cited.

The Bible. New International Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com.

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What Is So Important About Christian Hope?

John Piper Twitter @JohnPiper

No neutrality, the christian’s certain future, god’s household plan for his church, god rescues us from god, your holy deeds are not filthy rags, what god’s love does in our hearts.

Topic: Hope

What is so important about Christian hope?

If our future is not secured and satisfied by God then we are going to be excessively anxious. This results either in paralyzing fear or in self-managed, greedy control. We end up thinking about ourselves, our future, our problems and our potential, and that keeps us from loving.

In other words, hope is the birthplace of Christian self-sacrificing love. That's because we just let God take care of us and aren't preoccupied with having to work to take care of ourselves. We say, "Lord, I just want to be there for other people tomorrow, because you're going to be there for me."

If we don't have the hope that Christ is for us then we will be engaged in self-preservation and self-enhancement. But if we let ourselves be taken care of by God for the future—whether five minutes or five centuries from now—then we can be free to love others. Then God's glory will shine more clearly, because that's how he becomes visible.

When God satisfies us so deeply that we're free to love other people then he becomes more manifest. And that's what we want above all.

What's the difference between a Christian definition of hope and the way it is usually used?

The word "hope" in ordinary English vocabulary is generally distinguished from certainty. We would say, "I don't know what's going to happen, but I hope it happens."

When you read the word "hope" in the Bible (like in 1 Peter 1:13—"set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"), hope is not wishful thinking. It's not "I don't know if it's going to happen, but I hope it happens." That's absolutely not what is meant by Christian hope.

Christian hope is when God has promised that something is going to happen and you put your trust in that promise. Christian hope is a confidence that something will come to pass because God has promised it will come to pass.

How do we build our hope in God?

Hope is a portion or part of faith. Faith and hope, in my mind, are overlapping realities: hope is faith in the future tense. So most of faith is hope.

The Bible says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). This implies that hope, like faith, is also strengthened by the word of God. Hope comes from reading his precious and very great promises and looking to Christ who purchased them.

I would sum it up like this: The most important verse in the Bible for me, probably, is Romans 8:32:

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Now that last part is hope producing! But it's grounded in the rock-solid statement that "God didn't spare his own son."

So the essence of what we look to in the Bible to build our hope is, What has Christ done for me in my sinful condition that enables me to know that I will not come in to judgment and condemnation and that all things are working together for my good? And the answer is that Christ died for me, rose again for me, and therefore all the promises of God are yes in him.

So let's look away from the circumstances that confront us, look to Christ, look to the promises, and hold fast to them. Hope comes from the promises of God rooted in the work of Christ.

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Salvation: An Overview

Other essays.

“Salvation,” as the term implies, is “rescue” – rescue from hell but also from sin itself, its power and ultimately its very presence.

Salvation is a widely-encompassing theme in Scripture presented from a variety of perspectives and entailing a variety of benefits. What follows is a rather “birds-eye view” of the biblical presentation, serving as an introduction to this larger section on soteriology.

Introduction

The theme of God’s gracious rescue of sinners for his own glory dominates in Scripture both in its comprehensive story from creation to consummation and in the various ways this salvation is presented and described by the biblical writers. It is a work of God from beginning to end, stemming from his heart of love for the ill-deserving (grace) and issuing in his own self-sacrifice and the redemption and restoration of his chosen people.

Salvation in the Bible’s Story

The Bible’s story of salvation begins in the first pages of Scripture. God created man to image God’s rule over the earth, but man rebelled and fell under divine judgment. The way back to God now is impossible from the human side, for man is the guilty party rendered helpless by sin and with no right of approach. But in grace God promised a champion (Gen 3:15) who would defeat the tempter and bring restoration. This promise unfolds throughout biblical history, and the hope broadens as God adds promise to promise. In successive covenants God pledged himself to bless the world through the seed of Abraham (Gen 12:1-3) who will reign in righteousness on David’s throne (2Sam 7) universally and forever. The triune God will himself effect the forgiveness of his people’s sin and consequent acceptance by the Son’s self-offering in substitutional sacrifice (Isa 53) and by his gracious gift of righteousness (Jer 23:6, 16; Zech 3; Rom 3:21-31). By the bestowal of his Spirit God will enable his people to live in obedience (Jer 31:31-34; Rom 8:1-14), and in the end “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Hab 2:14; cf. Isa 11:9), and God’s redeemed people will at last dwell safely in his blessed presence in the new heaven and the new earth.

This story that lies on the surface of the biblical narrative is also carried by means of a number of varied yet inter-connected themes – below we mention just a few:

Adam and the new Adam
God’s faithful son
Creation to new creation
Temple & the presence of God
Defeat of the Tempter
Exodus-new Exodus

Throughout the biblical story God’s promise of salvation (Gen 3:15) unfolds via promise and fulfillment culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ who in his first coming secured salvation for his people and in his return will bring that salvation to consummation (Heb 9:28).

Perspectives of Salvation

Salvation may helpfully be viewed from various perspectives. A trinitarian perspective (Eph 1:3-14) focuses on the respective works of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Salvation is generally spoken of as originating in the divine decree and the Father’s choice (election) of those whom he would save and his “giving” of these beloved people to his Son (John 6:39). The Son, in turn, is sent and willingly comes on this mission of rescue (John 17:1-4) and in place of his people offers himself in sacrifice to God (John 17:9; Eph 5:2, 25; cf. Rom 3:21-25). The Father and the Son, in turn, send the Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26) who bears witness of Christ (John 15:26-27), convicts (John 16:8-11), unites us in faith to Christ to receive the salvation he embodies (Rom 8:1-17), brings to life (John 3:1-8), gives faith (1Cor 12:3), and seals us as his forever (Eph 1:13-14).

Salvation in christological perspective focuses on the works of Christ in accomplishing salvation. In his incarnation he joined himself to us in order to become our mediator (John 1:14; 1Tim 2:5). In his sinless life he established the righteous record God’s law demands (Gal 4:4-5). In his death he took our place, bearing our curse and rendering satisfaction to God (Gal 3:13). In his resurrection he entered the age to come and takes us with him to newness of life (Eph 2:5), sharing in his vindication (Rom 4:25; 1Tim 3:16) in glory (Eph 2:5-6). In his ascension he was exalted to his mediatorial glory at the right hand of God (Acts 2:36) from which he poured out his Spirit on his people (Acts 2, Pentecost) and makes intercession (Heb 7:25). And in his return he will bring our salvation to its decreed consummation (1Jn 3:2).

This christological perspective also focuses on the offices of Christ: prophet, priest, and king. As prophet he reveals, by the Word and the Spirit, the will of God for salvation. As priest he offered himself a sacrifice for us in satisfaction of divine justice and makes intercession for us. And as king he rules and defends us, and he restrains and conquers all his and our enemies. 1

This christological perspective also focuses on Christ as the last Adam , our new representative head who wins back for us all that was lost in the first Adam (Rom 5:12-21). And it focuses on Christ as the covenant for his people (Isa 42:6; 49:8; cf. Luke 22:20) who in his death secures all covenant-promised blessings (Jer 31:31-34).

Salvation in individual and cosmic perspective focuses on the experiential dimensions of salvation individually and personally (conversion, assurance, renewal, etc.) and in the larger created order. Sin has distorted humanity, and the created order itself was caught up in its fallenness and judgment (Gen 3; Rom 8:17-25). Salvation in the end encompasses this cosmic perspective: the created order itself will be restored in the day of our resurrection.

Salvation in chronological perspective focuses on the outworking of salvation from its source in God’s elective decree (redemption planned ), to its accomplishment in the work of Christ (redemption accomplished ), to our experience of it in union with Christ (redemption applied ). Salvation is an eschatological concept in that its promised benefits will be realized fully only in the final state; Scripture, however, describes it as experienced in stages – initially upon faith (Eph 2:8), continually in the outworking of God’s purpose in us (Phil 1:6), and climactically when Jesus returns for us (Heb 9:28; 1Jn 3:1-3). In this sense we may say that we have been saved (Eph 2:5, 8; 2Tim 1:9; Titus 3:5, etc.), we are being saved (Phil 1:6; 1Pet 1:5), and we shall be saved (Heb 9:28; 1Pet 1:5; cf. Rom 13:11). Each of these “stages” of salvation entail corresponding benefits (see below) and in their completeness perfectly overcome the problem of our sinful alienation, enmity, guilt, and corruption.

Salvation Planned

God’s choosing of those whom he would save is everywhere in Scripture described as an act of grace. It is a choice grounded solely in God himself without reference to anything in us. From eternity he set his love on us and determined to bring us to glory (Eph 1:3-6).

Salvation Accomplished

In his death the Lord Jesus redeemed us from the curse of God’s broken law (Gal 3:13) by offering himself in our place and bearing our curse, thereby satisfying God’s just wrath (propitiation; Rom 3:21-25), and providing for us the righteousness God requires of us (1Cor 1:30; 2Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9). In his substitutionary death our Lord secured every saving blessing (Rom 8:32).

“Salvation” (rescue) is the broad term, but this salvation that Christ purchased for us in his death has multiple dimensions, answering our multi-dimensional need.

In redemption we are liberated by the payment of the ransom price of Christ’s blood.
In forgiveness our debt is cancelled, the debt having been paid in full in Christ’s redeeming death.
In justification we are declared righteous before God the judge by virtue of Christ’s substitutionary death and gift of righteousness.
In reconciliation we are brought from enmity into fellowship with God.
In adoption we, in union with Christ the Son, become God’s children.

The NT presents a certain “logic” to these various aspects and benefits of the work of Christ. Most famously, in Rom 3:21-25 Paul explains that we are justified through Christ’s redemptive work that, in turn, was secured by means of his propitiatory death. Similarly, in 2Cor 5:19-21 he explains that our justification stems from Christ’s substitutionary death and results in reconciliation. In Eph 1:7 he tells us that Christ’s substitutionary death constitutes the ransom price by which we are forgiven (cf. Gal 3:10-13); that is, we are not forgiven by mere divine fiat but by a substitutional payment of the debt that freed us from it. The NT insists that all saving blessings come to us as a consequence of Christ’s death (Rom 8:32; cf. 1Cor 15:3; 2Cor 5:14ff); among all the various metaphors employed to describe Christ’s death, and among all the dimensions of its varied import and significance, propitiation via penal substitution is basic and central.

Salvation Applied

Our experience of salvation hinges in its entirety the Spirit’s uniting us with the risen Savior to participate in his resurrected life. Christ accomplished redemption for us, and in him all saving blessing is found.

Calvin’s famous statement here bears repeating:

First, we must understand that as long as Christ remains outside of us, and we are separated from him, all that he has suffered and done for the salvation of the human race remains useless and of no value for us. Therefore, to share with us what he has received from the Father, he had to become ours and to dwell within us. For this reason, he is called “our Head” [Eph. 4:15], and “the first-born among many brethren” [Rom. 8:29]. We also, in turn, are said to be “engrafted into him” [Rom. 11:17], and to “put on Christ” [Gal. 3:27]; for, as I have said, all that he possesses is nothing to us until we grow into one body with him ( Institutes of the Christian Religion 3.1.1).

This experiential dimension of our salvation begins with divine calling (1Cor 1:9) and culminates in glorification (Rom 8:30). God’s life-giving call unites us with his Son by his Spirit so that we may experience in union with him the salvation he accomplished and embodies – it is in union with him that we share in the experience of his resurrection, life, and exalted glory (Col 3:1-4). Concepts such as conversion, assurance, renewal, sanctification, perseverance, resurrection, and glorification, express this multi-dimensional experience of salvation in Christ from beginning to end. “Salvation,” as the term implies, is “rescue” – rescue from hell but also from sin itself, its power and ultimately its very presence.

We are brought into the experience of salvation now, in this life, although it is not yet in its fullness. Our experience of salvation in its fullness awaits our Lord’s return (Heb 9:28), when we shall at last be with him and be made like him (1Jn 3:2).

The Power of Understanding: What Christian Education is Really About

Christian education is more than just memorizing verses or attending Bible studies. It’s a holistic approach to learning that focuses on developing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. By blending faith with academics, Christian education offers a unique perspective on the world and prepares students to lead purposeful lives .

At its core, Christian education is about understanding the nature of God and His plan for the world. Through rigorous coursework, students develop critical thinking skills and learn to apply biblical principles to everyday life. They are challenged to explore their faith and deepen their understanding of God’s word.

But Christian education is not just for Christians. It’s for anyone who wants to explore life’s big questions and develop a sense of purpose. It’s for anyone who wants to learn in a community that values compassion, kindness, and service. It’s for anyone who wants to be equipped to make a positive difference in the world.

If you’re looking for an education that will transform your life, Christian education may be the answer. In the following sections, we’ll explore what makes Christian education unique, its benefits, and how it can prepare you for success. So, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Unlocking the True Meaning of Christian Education

Christian education is more than just learning about the Bible or attending church. It is about developing a deeper understanding of God’s plan for our lives and how to live out our faith in a meaningful way. The true meaning of Christian education lies in the transformation of the heart and mind, shaping us into the people God intended us to be. It is a holistic approach to education that encompasses not only academic knowledge but also spiritual growth and character development.

Through Christian education, students learn to see the world through a different lens, one that is shaped by faith, hope, and love. They are challenged to think critically, to serve others, and to make a positive impact in the world. Christian education equips students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life and to find their purpose in God’s plan.

The Foundations of Christian Education

Biblical Worldview: Christian education is grounded in the belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for truth and morality.
Relationship with God: Christian education recognizes that knowing God is the key to understanding ourselves and our place in the world.
Integration of Faith and Learning: Christian education seeks to integrate faith into all areas of life, including academics, extracurricular activities, and personal relationships.

The Benefits of Christian Education

Christian education has numerous benefits for students, including:

Character Development: Christian education emphasizes the development of virtues such as kindness, honesty, and integrity.
Academic Excellence: Christian schools are committed to providing a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond.
Community: Christian education fosters a sense of belonging and community, where students can build meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers.

The Role of Christian Education in Today’s World

In today’s world, Christian education is more important than ever. It provides a safe and nurturing environment where students can explore their faith and develop a deeper understanding of God’s plan for their lives. Christian education equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate a rapidly changing world and to make a positive impact in their communities. Through Christian education, students learn to be servant leaders, using their gifts and talents to serve others and to make a difference in the world.

If you’re looking for an education that will not only prepare you for the future but also transform your heart and mind, Christian education may be the answer. Find a Christian school near you and unlock the true meaning of education.

How Christian Education Can Transform Your Life

Christian education is more than just learning about the Bible or attending church. It’s a transformative experience that can impact every aspect of your life. By immersing yourself in a Christian education, you can gain a deeper understanding of your faith and how it can guide your decisions and interactions with others.

One of the greatest benefits of Christian education is the opportunity to build relationships with like-minded individuals who share your values and beliefs. These relationships can provide support and encouragement, as well as challenge you to grow and develop as a person.

Develop a Stronger Relationship with God

Christian education can help you to develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. By studying the Bible and learning about God’s character and will for your life, you can gain a better understanding of who God is and what He desires for you.

Prayer: Christian education can teach you the importance of prayer and provide you with guidance on how to pray effectively.
Bible Study: By studying the Bible, you can gain a greater understanding of God’s word and how it applies to your life.
Community: Christian education can provide you with a supportive community of believers who can help you grow in your faith.

Develop a Stronger Sense of Purpose

Christian education can help you to develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in life. By understanding God’s plan for your life and how you can use your gifts and talents to serve Him, you can find greater meaning and fulfillment in your life.

Service: Christian education can teach you the importance of serving others and how you can use your talents to make a difference in the world.
Vocation: By understanding God’s plan for your life, you can gain clarity on your career path and find greater satisfaction in your work.
Mission: Christian education can inspire you to live a life of purpose and mission, seeking to make a positive impact on the world around you.

Develop a Stronger Character

Christian education can help you to develop a stronger character, rooted in biblical values such as love, kindness, and compassion. By learning about these values and putting them into practice, you can become a better person and make a positive impact on those around you.

Integrity: Christian education can teach you the importance of honesty, integrity, and moral courage.
Compassion: By learning about God’s love and compassion for others, you can become a more compassionate and empathetic person.
Leadership: Christian education can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective leader, rooted in biblical principles.

Christian education has the power to transform your life, providing you with a deeper understanding of your faith, a stronger sense of purpose and direction, and a more compassionate and Christ-like character. If you’re looking for a way to grow in your faith and make a positive impact on the world, Christian education is a great place to start.

Why Christian Education is More Than Just Bible Study

Many people associate Christian education solely with Bible study, but it’s much more than that. While studying the Bible is a crucial component, Christian education also encompasses other aspects that can help transform your life.

One of the key benefits of Christian education is the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of God and his plan for your life. Through courses in theology and Christian worldview , you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how to live a life in line with God’s will.

The Importance of a Well-Rounded Education

Christian education isn’t just about gaining knowledge of the Bible, it’s about gaining knowledge and skills in all areas of life. This includes courses in history, literature, science, and math, as well as extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and art. These courses and activities can help you develop a well-rounded perspective on life and can equip you to make a positive impact in your community.

The Value of Community

Christian education provides an opportunity to be part of a community that shares your values and beliefs. This sense of community can be invaluable, especially during difficult times.
Through Christian education, you can develop close relationships with teachers and fellow students who can support and encourage you throughout your journey.

Preparation for Life Beyond School

Christian education equips you with skills that are valuable in all areas of life, not just within the church community.
Through Christian education, you can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued by employers.

Christian education is much more than just Bible study. It offers a well-rounded education that can transform your life and equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to make a positive impact in your community and beyond.

The Benefits of a Holistic Christian Education

Christian education is not just about attending church or studying the Bible. It is a holistic approach to education that aims to shape individuals into well-rounded and responsible members of society. Here are some of the benefits of a holistic Christian education :

Develops spiritual and moral values: Holistic Christian education teaches students about the importance of living a life that aligns with Christian values. Students learn to be honest, compassionate, and respectful, while also developing a deeper understanding of their faith.

Fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills: A holistic Christian education is not just about memorizing facts and figures, but rather about developing critical thinking skills. Students are taught to analyze information, identify problems, and come up with creative solutions.

Provides a well-rounded education:

Social Development: Students are encouraged to work collaboratively, respect others, and develop positive relationships. Christian education provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to grow socially and emotionally.
Academic Excellence: Holistic Christian education focuses on academic excellence, ensuring that students are well-prepared for college or the workforce.
Physical Health: Christian education encourages students to take care of their bodies through regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Schools often offer sports teams and physical education classes to promote physical health and well-being.

Encourages service and leadership:

Service: Christian education teaches students the importance of serving others and making a positive impact in their community. Schools often organize service projects and mission trips to help students develop a heart for service.
Leadership: Christian education empowers students to become leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in the world. Schools often provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities.

A holistic Christian education is an investment in the future of students. It provides them with the tools they need to succeed academically, socially, and spiritually. By developing a well-rounded education that focuses on academic excellence, character development, and service to others, Christian education is transforming lives and making a positive impact in the world.

Preparing for Success: How Christian Education Sets You Apart

Christian education offers more than just spiritual growth; it sets students up for success in all aspects of life. With a focus on character development, critical thinking, and community involvement, Christian education provides a well-rounded approach to education that prepares students for the challenges of the real world.

But what exactly are the benefits of a Christian education when it comes to preparing for success? Let’s explore.

Character Development

Integrity: Christian education emphasizes the importance of honesty and moral values, instilling in students a sense of integrity that will serve them well in all areas of life.
Leadership: With a focus on servant leadership, Christian education prepares students to be effective leaders who prioritize the needs of others and work towards the common good.
Self-Discipline: Through biblical teachings and spiritual disciplines, students in Christian schools learn to exercise self-control and develop healthy habits that set them up for success in all areas of life.

Critical Thinking

Christian education encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. With a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity and problem-solving, students are challenged to explore complex issues and develop a deep understanding of the world.

Moreover, a Christian education encourages students to approach learning from a biblical worldview, enabling them to connect their faith with their academic pursuits and develop a deeper understanding of their role in God’s plan for the world.

Community Involvement

Service: Christian education emphasizes the importance of serving others, encouraging students to get involved in their communities and make a positive impact on the world around them.
Relationships: With a focus on building strong relationships with others, Christian education prepares students for success in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional networking.
Diversity: By encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives and learn about different cultures, Christian education fosters a sense of empathy and understanding that is essential for success in our globalized world.

Overall, a Christian education offers a unique approach to learning that prepares students for success in all aspects of life. From character development to critical thinking to community involvement, Christian schools provide a well-rounded education that equips students to navigate the challenges of the real world with confidence and purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is christian education all about.

Christian Education focuses on teaching students from a Christian perspective , with an emphasis on faith, values, and character development. The curriculum integrates biblical principles and teachings into all subjects, including math, science, literature, and history, to provide a holistic education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of the student. Christian Education encourages students to develop a deeper relationship with God, a strong moral foundation, and a passion for serving others.

How is Christian Education different from secular education?

Christian Education is distinct from secular education because it is based on the Bible and Christian beliefs. Unlike secular schools, Christian schools prioritize spiritual growth and character development in addition to academic achievement. Christian Education also allows for prayer and worship in the classroom and fosters a community of like-minded individuals who share similar values.

Can non-Christian students attend Christian schools?

Yes, non-Christian students are welcome to attend Christian schools. While Christian Education focuses on faith, values, and character development, it also provides a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond. Students of all faiths or no faith are welcome to enroll in Christian schools, but they should be willing to learn about Christian beliefs and participate in school activities that reflect those beliefs.

Is Christian Education only for those who want to become pastors or missionaries?

No, Christian Education is not just for those who want to become pastors or missionaries. Christian schools prepare students for a wide range of careers and vocations, from doctors and lawyers to engineers and artists. While Christian Education emphasizes faith and character development, it also provides a high-quality education that prepares students for success in all aspects of life.

Are Christian schools accredited?

Yes, many Christian schools are accredited by recognized accrediting agencies, just like secular schools. Accreditation ensures that a school meets certain academic standards and that the education provided is of high quality. Christian schools that are accredited have been evaluated by an independent organization and have demonstrated that they meet or exceed established educational standards.

How do Christian schools prepare students for the future?

Christian schools prepare students for the future by providing a well-rounded education that focuses on academic excellence, character development, and faith formation . Students in Christian schools learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are essential for success in any career. Christian schools also provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, participate in community service, and grow in their faith, which can help them become responsible and compassionate members of society.

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Christian Faith: Ancient Religion Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Christianity is one of the many religions that exist in the world today. In addition, it is among ancient religions that were developed by patriarchs. It is largely based on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. The events and teachings of Christ are depicted in the New Testament. As the world’s largest religion, Christianity has, and continues to influence the lives of many people around the world. The Christian faith has several beliefs and doctrines that are meant to influence people into living authentic lives. For example, ity teaches that Jesus is the son of God, he is the way to salvation, and he was sent by God (the Father) to save the world from sin. In addition, it has several precepts that form its foundation as both a religion and way of life. Examples of core Christian teachings include forgiveness, peace, love, salvation, resurrection, belief in Jesus Christ, the second coming of Christ, and worship.

Things that appeal to me about the Christian faith include the teachings on love, sacrifice, hope, salvation, ad peace. All the teachings of Christianity are based on one major precept: love. In all his teachings, Jesus maintained the importance of loving both God and fellow humans. Love is a force that is capable of transforming people, communities, nations, and the world. Christians are always reminded that love is the greatest responsibility that God gave man when he created Adam and Eve and put them in the Garden of Eden. Jesus taught that love was the greatest commandment that God gave humans.

Through loving God, believers prepare themselves to love other humans despite their religious beliefs. Another precept is sacrifice. According to the Christian faith, God sacrificed Jesus for the sake of humanity. This was an overt expression of love. On the other hand, Christ sacrificed his life by suffering on the cross in order to save humanity. This teaching is very important because humans are required to make sacrifices in their everyday lives for the sake of other people.

On the other hand, Christianity gives hope to its followers by teaching that there will be an afterlife. This gives hope to followers because they live knowing that their good deeds will be rewarded in another life. Hope is a very important aspect of human life because it strengthens, motivates, and energizes people to do good deeds. In addition, the teaching on salvation gives life a purpose. Christians live their lives with the knowledge that the afterlife will give more happiness and fulfillment.

Finally, the Christian faith advocates for peace and coexistence among people. Jesus taught that it was important to love one’s enemies and avoid retaliation. In addition, he taught about the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a core Christian teaching and belief that is a sure way to peace. With war and turmoil prevailing in today’s world, the teaching would go a long way in promoting peaceful coexistence in the world. Jesus taught that peacemakers are blessed and worthy in the presence of God.

Christianity lauds the importance of peace and forgiveness as requisites for an authentic life. Jesus proclaimed that he had given peace to his disciples after his resurrection. Christianity’s teaching on peace is based on the work that the Holy Spirit does through believers who transform the world. Christians have worked hard to bring peace in the world through promoting their teachings.

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Jennifer Lopez files for divorce from Ben Affleck

More than two years after Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck tied the long-anticipated knot, the couple have called it quits again.

Lopez filed for divorce Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, according to court documents. A source close to Lopez said the couple did not have a prenup.

TMZ was the first to report the divorce filing.

The longtime lovers finally married in July 2022 after having rekindled their relationship the previous year.

Lopez and Affleck were engaged in the early 2000s but broke up before they were married and then spent a long 17 years apart.

Lopez was married from 2004 to 2014 to singer Marc Anthony, with whom she shares her two children, and she was engaged to New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez in 2019 before they broke up in 2021.

In total, Lopez has been married four times.

During the period, Affleck was married to actor Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018. They have three children together.

Lopez and Affleck met on the set of "Gigli" in 2002, according to Vulture , and by November of that year, they were engaged.

Two years later, in 2004, Lopez announced their split.

After Lopez and Rodriguez separated in 2021, she was often photographed with Affleck, prompting rumors that the lovebirds had given it another go.

Lopez announced in April 2022 that she and Affleck were once again engaged — 20 years after the first proposal. They married July 16, 2022, and got a marriage license from Clark County, Nevada, court records show.

The couple married in Las Vegas and arrived at the chapel just before midnight to wait in line with four other couples, according to Lopez’s fan newsletter, the J Lo, which blasted out the news just after the ceremony.

"We did it," the report said. "Behind us two men held hands and held each other. In front of us, a young couple who made the three hour drive from Victorville on their daughter’s second birthday — all of us wanting the same thing — for the world to recognize us as partners and to declare our love to the world through the ancient and nearly universal symbol of marriage."

The pair said at the time that "it was the best possible wedding we could have imagined. One we dreamed of long ago and one made real."

Rumors began to swirl in May that the couple was on the outs, as tabloids reported that they hadn't been seen together in weeks and that Affleck had moved out of their home, which was then put up for sale, before he moved into his own home, according to reports.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Chloe Melas is an entertainment correspondent for NBC News.

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An Immigrant’s Heritage Sets the Stage for a Life of Service

Christian Gloria was a certified personal trainer working one-on-one with affluent clients in Austin, Texas, when his heartstrings tugged. “I found myself on the second floor of this beautiful, expensive gym, looking literally across the train tracks wishing I could do more,” says the associate professor and deputy chair for the Department of Sociomedical Sciences . “I wanted to work with communities like my family who don’t have access to those kinds of programs and services.”

Gloria was 11 when his family emigrated from the Philippines to California, and then Texas. After earning his PhD from The University of Texas at Austin, he headed west. “I decided to do a leap of faith and move as close to Asia as possible,” says Gloria, who spent nearly a decade on the faculty at Hawaii Pacific University, where he oversaw the launch of the state’s first CEPH-accredited Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) and its first fully-online 12-month accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) degree programs. He also started visiting his homeland, intent on giving back through public health research, training, and workforce development.

“People say that public health is a discovery degree—it never goes as planned and the job calls you,” says Gloria, who came to Columbia in 2021 and serves as both director and principal investigator for the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s Columbia Mailman-based Region 2 Public Health Training Center. “Some people prefer to stay in one lane. I love to run to emergencies.”

Filipino nurses are a significant workforce around the world. How has their experience during the pandemic affected your work?

Gloria: In the U.S., Filipinos make up 4 percent of the nursing workforce. But one-third of the nurses who died during COVID were Filipino. In 2023, colleagues and I started Healing Heritage , a project with other Filipino-American researchers that has evolved to include partners from Norfolk State University, Loyola University of Chicago, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Harvard, and Princeton, with funding from Columbia’s Institute for Religion, Culture, and Public Life. We’re interviewing [Filipino nurses] about their experiences during the pandemic—which was also a time of anti-Asian hate events—about how they coped with the stresses, and how religion or faith played any role in their experiences. New York City has a large Filipino community; my dream is to establish a center for Filipino community health that I’m hoping will be based at Columbia.

What are the topics you’re tackling through the Public Health Training Center?

Gloria: We assess the needs of the public health workforce, as well as develop and deliver trainings to meet these needs for our region, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Priority trainings lately have been in the topics of climate health, gun safety, de-escalation and conflict resolution, data science, technology and health, telehealth, trauma informed care, cultural humility and multicultural competence, health policy and advocacy, and mental health promotion and burnout prevention.

You have robust professional ties in the Philippines. How did those come about?

Gloria: In Hawaii, there’s a large Filipino-American community. Most youth there know nothing about our home country, don’t speak our native language. They inspired me to go back home and starting in 2015, to visit every school of public health I could find, with a mission to establish exchange programs for students and faculty.

How did the Philippine government’s 2017 Mental Health Act set the stage to expand your work there?

Gloria: Historically, there’s been a terrible stigma against even talking about mental health in the Philippines. My PhD was on mental health, stress, coping, and resilience. The 2017 Mental Health Act recognizes mental health as a medical issue and opens up funding for research and intervention programs. The government and universities invited me to become a Balik Scientist (or “Returning” Scientist), which is a program designed to reverse the country’s brain drain, and I became the country’s first mental health expert funded by this government program.

What was your role?

Gloria: My mission as a mental health visiting scientist was to help faculty and students from the department of psychology at Angeles University Foundation (Pampanga, Philippines) who are clinically trained, but not public health trained. They wanted to do population-level surveillance. I helped them bring their clinical training into communities and into the public health field, and I provided trainings on preparing research articles for publications to international scientific journals. The goal of the Balik Scientist Program is to bring scientists back home and incentivize them to stay and serve the country permanently. They certainly tried to do that with me, but it is not yet the right time for me.

What brought you to Columbia Mailman?

Gloria: During the interviews, I fell in love with everyone. People were so accomplished, yet humble. I was so in awe of the support system that Columbia has in place for faculty to be successful and world-renowned. One thing I love about Mailman and its students is how diverse everyone is, coming from all walks of life, all parts of the world, all kinds of experience and training—many are already leaders in their field. It’s a beautiful melting pot of brilliant people.

I Spent Years Being Terrified of Falling Asleep — Until I Realized What My "Nightmares" Really Were

Top view of scared woman in bed covering her face with blanket.

I can't breathe. There's a tremendous pressure in my chest. I'm panicking , and then I realize I can't move. I try to scream. Suddenly, violently, I'm startled awake, sweaty, shaking, and disoriented. I thought I was awake. This is when it hits me: no, I'm not going to die — it's just another terrifying episode of sleep paralysis.

Sleep paralysis is "a temporary inability to move or speak that happens when you're waking up or falling asleep," says Chris Allen , MD, board-certified sleep medicine physician, pediatric neurologist, and sleep science advisor at Aeroflow Sleep . "During an episode, you may be conscious but feel trapped in your body."

I first began experiencing episodes of sleep paralysis at about 14 years old and quickly developed a unique coping mechanism: I told myself I was just having a really, really bad recurring nightmare, and then I would microwave a frozen bean burrito and eat it with a truly disgusting amount of sour cream while watching reruns of "Roseanne." Around 2 or 3 a.m., I would reluctantly return to bed, where I would lie in complete terror until I finally fell asleep .

I'd spend the following day sleeping through all my classes and likely repeat some version of the cycle that evening. My entire high school career consisted of me reeling from episodes of sleep paralysis or consumed by anxiety that another attack was just around the corner. For whatever reason, I never told anyone what was happening to me at night. I thought it would be childish of me to admit I was afraid by what I thought were just nightmares.

I didn't know it at the time, but I was the perfect candidate for sleep paralysis. According to Shelby Harris , PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and the director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis , this sleep disorder affects about 8 percent of people. It's more common in teens and young adults and people with a history of anxiety, depression, and PTSD . Check, check, and check: I had panic attacks and OCD , was on and off antidepressants, and could not be home alone even during the daytime until I was 19 due to an incident when someone tried to come through my unlocked bedroom window at 2 a.m.

My late-night sleep paralysis-induced burrito binges caused loads of stomach issues, along with such severe acid reflux that the enamel on my teeth started to wear away.

But life went on. Eventually, I found an antidepressant that worked for me. I started taking better care of myself by eating healthier and exercising, and at 22, I married a guy I had been in love with since the 6th grade. Finally, I began to sleep better. I still found myself awake at ungodly hours, but I wasn't in constant fear that another episode of sleep paralysis was around the corner.

At 30, everything changed. My husband and I divorced, I changed jobs, and I moved into a little apartment in a neighboring state. I was broke and heartbroken , and my episodes of sleep paralysis (which I'd never mentioned to anyone, and still thought were extremely bad nightmares or a sign that I was mentally ill) came back with a vengeance and a new and exciting feature: hallucinations!

I began having what I now know are intruder hallucinations. I would wake up in the middle of the night on my sad, borrowed futon and see a large man standing where a bedroom door would have been had I not been living in the world's smallest studio. I would just lay there wondering what people would say at my funeral until I realized I was staring down the old Victorian desk in my living area.

While most of us recognize two primary states of consciousness — awake and asleep — modern neuroscience reveals the concept of "local sleep" where various parts of the brain essentially "go offline." "Sleep paralysis is a good example of this phenomenon," says Jonathan Berent, the CEO and founder of NextSense , a health tech company developing brain-sensing technologies. "Some parts of your brain are asleep or are in the process of falling asleep. Other parts, such as the prefrontal cortex, are still activated and alert, registering the experience in the conscious mind," Berent tells PS. This is why my sleep paralysis feels so real and not at all dreamlike.

Around this time, I began watching "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." During one particularly riveting episode, Kendall is reviewing her upcoming European modeling schedule when she tells her mom Kris that she doesn't want to travel because of her sleep paralysis. "I'm scared to fall asleep," she says.

Immediately, I Googled "sleep paralysis" and read article after article on the sleep disorder that had been plaguing me on and off for most of my life. I could not believe it was real, and I was equally astonished that this life-changing breakthrough resulted from my affinity for trash reality television.

While putting a name to my sleep disorder was enlightening, I didn't have a handle on the most significant contributor to my sleep paralysis — stress. According to Dr Allen, many factors, including sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, sleep disorders, mental health conditions, and even the position you sleep in, can put you at higher risk for this sleep disorder. Stress has always been the most significant indicator that I'm about to wake up in a cold sweat, fearing for my life. You're also more likely to develop this condition in your teens.

So, I started doing yoga, adopted a much healthier diet, took long walks, and began therapy. I stress-cleaned my apartment so frequently and with such intensity that when I moved out three years later, I was the first tenant to get their entire $500 deposit back.

Today, I'm the healthiest I've ever been. I rarely have episodes of sleep paralysis unless my stress levels get out of control. But I'm mostly able to manage them through yoga, long walks, or breathwork , which I practice with my therapist.

Of course, no one is perfect, and I don't always take care of myself perfectly, mentally or physically. And, sadly, I still sleep on an old brown futon. But now that I have a better understanding of what sleep paralysis is and what causes it, these days my fear of sleep is nothing more than a bad dream.

Melissa Persling writes about mental health, beauty, and relationships. In addition to PS, her work has been featured in The Observer, Stylist UK, and Business Insider.

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Tiny Memoir Contest for Students: Write a 100-Word Personal Narrative

We invite teenagers to tell a true story about a meaningful life experience in just 100 words. Contest dates: Nov. 6 to Dec. 4, 2024.

A banner of six purple and black illustrations. From left to right: a woman hanging a star in a window with the help of a little girl; two men staring lovingly at each other over a small table; a man presenting a miniature Christmas tree to his pet fish; a frog reaching out his arms to a squiggly figure; three family members piled on top of each other on a couch; a woman looking pensively out a widow as it snows outside.

By The Learning Network

Illustrations from Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories , the inspiration for this contest.

Can you tell a meaningful and interesting true story from your life in just 100 words? That’s the challenge we pose to teenagers with our 100-Word Personal Narrative Contest, a storytelling form popularized by Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories series .

After running this contest for two years, receiving a total of more than 25,000 entries, and honoring dozens of excellent miniature teen-written memoirs, we have discovered the answer is a resounding yes .

So, we challenge you to try it yourself.

We’re not asking you to write to a particular theme or to use a specific structure or style, but we are looking for short, powerful stories about a particular moment or event in your life. We want to hear your story, told in your unique voice, and we hope you’ll experiment with style and form to tell a tale that matters to you, in a way you enjoy telling it.

And, yes, it’s possible to do all that in only 100 words. For proof, just look at last year’s 15 winning entries . We also have a step-by-step guide full of advice that is grounded in 25 excellent 100-word mentor texts, as well as a rehearsal space , published for our first year’s contest, that has over 1,000 student-written mini memoirs. Because that space was so successful, we’re keeping it open for this year’s contest. We hope students will use it to get inspiration, experiment and encourage each other.

Take a look at the full guidelines and related resources below. Please post any questions you have in the comments and we’ll answer you there, or write to us at [email protected]. And, consider hanging this PDF one-page announcement on your class bulletin board.

Here’s what you need to know:

Resources for Teachers and Students
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COMMENTS

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