An Exclusive Experience

As a young seminar student in 1894, Carl Bowman carefully studied his text: Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000. Then he delivered a message to his peers and his professor, David Nyvall, covering what he described as “main points, subordinate points, and conclusion.” Satisfied, he said down.

But Nyvall was silent, as Bowman described, “looking at his Greek Testament.” Finally, he spoke: “Well, that was like being invited to dinner without getting any food.”

For Bowman this was “a crushing moment.” He thought he was prepared and that his message was solid. But later he realized that Nyvall was right. He learned a valuable lesson—the importance of providing real spiritual meat. Real life-impacting truths. Not just points from a study. He challenged himself always to “serve spiritual food.”

The Apostle Paul knew the importance of providing spiritual meat. Not just cold outlines or subjective speculation but real “life to life” ministry. Truths that had changed his life, which he knew would impact others.

These were not things that he just heard about or read, but things he knew to be true. These were firsthand experiences that he could speak about with certainty and conviction.

These personal experiences are essential parts of our testimony. Knowing that Jesus has changed our lives. Knowing that the Bible is true. Knowing the power of the Spirit. Sharing truths we know to be true.

As you interact with others, be ready to share from the depth of your personal experience. As you study the Bible, ask God to give you life-changing insights. Apply His principles. Stand on His truths. Give others the meat of His life-changing Word.