Vivian’s Testimony

It is needful to go back a long time to my childhood to lead to my happiest day. I was born on a farm in Virginia in 1932. My family consisted of my father, my mother, a brother six years old, and a sister two years old. Five years later, my parents were blessed with another daughter. Our family was a happy one. There are sad memories, but mostly happy ones. We knew we were loved and had the important things that money can’t buy. I suppose, like most children who have been the youngest for five years, I may have resented the attention my baby sister received. A five year old doesn’t realize the attention is absolutely necessary. I also loved her dearly. It almost broke my heart one day when she fell off the sofa onto the floor when I was supposed to be carefully watching her. I’m sure it hurt me more than her because my mother said she didn’t get hurt. My mother was very understanding and did not get angry with me.

I was a shy child, so when I started to school, it seemed only natural to me to play with my older sister’s class during recess. Her friends became my friends for at least three years. My memories of Sunday School and church go back before I ever started public school. I can visualize my Sunday School teacher now, telling us a Bible story. I loved the Bible cards we received with pictures and verses on them. Yes, I was especially fond of Sunday School and singing during the worship services. During a revival one night, my oldest sister and a friend of hers went forward to join the church. I went too. The pastor asked if we believed in God and in Jesus his Son. It seemed like I had always believed in God so naturally I said yes. I became a church member at the age of twelve. I attended churches of various denominations during the next few years: Southern Baptist – where my membership was – Church of Christ, Church of God, and Methodist.

After I graduated from high school, I met and later married a wonderful man. He chose the U.S. Air Force as a career. We were stationed in several different states, as well as three overseas assignments for him. We were living in Watertown, N.Y. in May 1959 when he received orders to go to a six-month school near Tacoma, Washington. One day during the summer of 1959, I thought about life and death, and realized that I didn’t know where I’d spend eternity – heaven or hell. I had the idea that Christians were supposed to be perfect, and that certainly left me out (then and, I imagined, forever) for I knew I’d never be perfect. So I began a searching period of conviction. I listened to sermons on the radio and TV, read religious tracts given to me by a Christian neighbor, and even looked up the word ”Christian” in Webster’s Dictionary! Still, I didn’t find an answer that satisfied me, and I was not at peace.

I was attending a Southern Baptist church in Parkland, Washington. The pastor was Rev. Andrew Seago. He and a church member came to our house for visitation on October 1, 1959. He explained to me that Jesus was the only perfect man, and that he is now at the right hand of the throne of God to make intercession for Christians when they sin (I John 1:8-9, 2:1-2). He said that there is a difference between willfully living in sin day by day and simply committing a sin. God offers us forgiveness for our sins through Jesus’ death; and through his resurrection, the promise of everlasting life.

Later that night after the pastor had gone, I repented of all the wrong I had ever committed and asked God to let me know for sure what being a Christian meant. The next morning after breakfast our seven year old son asked, ”What is a Christian?” I didn’t know the answer then, but shortly afterward the Lord spoke to me. I was washing clothes, and what seemed to be like a voice from above said, ”Your sins are washed away. Jesus paid it all.” What peace, joy, and happiness filled my soul! It was indescribable.

All that I needed to know was that I was a sinner. ”For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. I had to admit it, ask forgiveness, have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and receive him as my own personal Saviour. ”But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe on his name,” John 1:12. I was born again (John 3:3), October 2, 1959! That was the happiest day of my life. I could really sing those hymns I loved so much with a new meaning, and that’s just what I did. I’m no singer, but I made a joyful noise. I followed my Lord in baptism (Matthew 3:13-17) – believer’s baptism – being immersed under water, showing a picture of being dead to sin, buried, and raised to walk in newness of life (death, burial, and resurrection). I was baptized this time not only a church member but a Christian – what a difference! You see, there’s so much difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. A person can know all there is to know about something, but if they don’t believe it, accept it, and put their faith and trust in it, then it will not become something personal to them; so it is with becoming a Christian.

God doesn’t force his love on us; we are free to choose. I’m so thankful he let me live long enough to choose the heaven way! Now there is no doubt in my mind where I will spend eternity. I’ve never regretted it. Even though I’ve failed God many times, he has never failed me. He has been so good to me and showered me with many blessings here, as well as a home in heaven. I have a wonderful Christian husband and three wonderful sons who have accepted Jesus as their own Saviour too. It is amazing that God loved us so much that he sent his only Son to die for our sins. ”For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16. It is a free gift – we can’t work for it and church membership doesn’t give it to us. ”For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 6:23. ”For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8&9. We’re supposed to work for the Lord; that’s why he left us here after we became Christians, but we can never work to receive salvation. Salvation only comes to us through God’s way and that is his Son, Jesus. What God has done for me, he can also do for you. Don’t wait until it’s too late to choose your eternal home. We never really know what tomorrow holds or even the next hour. It’s wonderful to know and have assurance that our life is in God’s care.

Vivian E. Gibbs July 10, 1932 – Sept. 24, 2025

Discerning is said of those who are capable of discriminating between good and evil. (1)

No one can be truly discerning apart from the mastery of the Word of God. All the desire in the world cannot make you discerning if you don’t study Scripture. Prayer, alone, for discernment is not enough. Obedience alone will not suffice. Good role models will not do it either. Even the Holy Spirit will not give you discernment apart from His Word. If you really want to be discerning, you must diligently study the Word of God. (2)

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

(1) W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN.

(2) Developing Your Discernment by John MacArthur, page 31 – copyright 2023.

I have worked in the trades for 46 years and I know that whenever water shows up where it is not supposed to be, people automatically assume it is a plumbing leak. Of course we go to check it out and it often is plumbing but almost as often, it is not.

There are other sources of water in buildings. Condensation can occur in ductwork and on pipe that has not been properly insulated. Condensate pans in HVAC units can overflow if not properly maintained. The roof and fire sprinkler piping can leak. None of these water problems are fixed by the plumber, but we always get the first call.

There is a parallel in Scripture. Whenever baptism is mentioned people automatically think – water! But believe it or not there are other baptisms in Scripture. There is Spirit baptism which is how a believer is placed into the body of Christ (I Cor 12:13 ). There is baptism by fire, referring to the fires of judgment. There is a baptism of deliverance to which Peter refers concerning the waters of judgment that raised the ark thus saving Noah and his family from destruction. There is the baptism of repentance called for by John the Baptist. And there is the baptism that identifies.

The Lord Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist and identified by God the Father (voice from heaven), and the Holy Spirit (alighting on Jesus as a dove from heaven).

Christians follow the Lord in believer’s baptism by immersion, thus identifying themselves with His death, burial, and resurrection (buried in the likeness of His death, raised to walk in newness of life).

So, when you see baptism in Scripture, your first thought should not be water (call the plumber)! Your first thought should be context! What is happening in the context of the baptism at hand?

Baptism is like a wedding ring. It does not make you married. It simply identifies you as one married to Christ. That is why in the context of Scripture, baptism always follows the exercise of faith – believing.

Acts 8:26-38

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

The place of the scripture which he read was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth”. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

...let the word of Christ (Messiah) dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

In 1998 we lost a child. Jessica was still born. The most difficult part of this experience was for my wife in coming home with empty arms. It was a very long time before she could even visit Jessica’s grave. Jessica’s tombstone bears the inscription that is the title of this article – “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”. On what basis could we say that and be comforted?

John 3:18 gives us the answer: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. The Greek word pisteuo (I believe) means to be persuaded of, and hence, to place confidence in, to trust.” A small child or infant is not capable of belief or unbelief, of being persuaded or not persuaded, of placing confidence in or not placing confidence in, of deciding to trust or not to trust.

The only reason anyone is separated from God in hell for eternity is because of a refusal to accept God’s provision for his or her sin. It is a free gift. God’s provision for us is the substitutionary (in my place) sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The sinless Son of God took upon Himself my sin so that I might receive His righteousness. His death, burial, and resurrection paid for my sins and completed the work of salvation. A decision to believe or not to believe requires the ability to accumulate this knowledge and to decide what to do with it. Until a child reaches the age of accountability, he or she cannot make this decision.

No one goes to hell for Adam’s sin. We inherit from Adam a sin nature but until we become accountable for our own personal sins, we can neither believe or not believe the gospel. When the child born to King David and Bathsheba died, this account was given of King David:

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me (II Samuel 12:18-23). In other words David was saying that he would see the child again.

Scripture records that David was a man after God’s own heart. When Nathan the prophet brought King David’s sins of adultery and murder to light, David repented and sought God’s forgiveness. Psalm 51 records David’s sorrow over his sin, which produced repentance and a petition for forgiveness, giving evidence of genuine belief.

If we possess genuine faith and our child is safe in the arms of Jesus, then we can say with David; I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

...let the word of Christ (Messiah) dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

The word apostle means “a sent one”.

Acts 9:3-22 (vs 15) The Lord’s Testimony concerning Paul:

And Saul (Paul), yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Acts14:14 Luke’s Testimony:

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Paul’s Testimony Concerning Himself

In all the books Paul authored in the New Testament except two, he spoke of his apostleship: See Romans 1:1-7 & 13; I Corinthians 1:1-3; 9:1-18, 15:1-11; II Corinthians 1:1&2, 12:12; Galatians 1:1-5, 2:6-9; Ephesians 1:1&2; Philippians 1:17 (alluded to); Colossians 1:1&2; I Timothy 1:1, 2:7; II Timothy 1:1; & Titus 1:1-3.

All of Paul’s epistles (letters) authored by Paul were accepted into the canon of Scripture and include Paul’s own statements concerning his calling and appointment by the Lord, thus recognizing Paul’s writings as being from God Himself – “God breathed” as to source (II Timothy 3:16). God makes no mistakes.

Peter’s Testimony II Peter 3:15&16.

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

The clear teaching of the New Testament is that marriage is (1) a ceremony, John 2:1-10, (2) a spiritual union, Ephesians 5, and (3) a physical union, Hebrews 13:4.* See also Covenant below.

Marriage is God’s Idea

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause (purpose) shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Matthew 19:4-6

Cleave – “to join fast together, to glue, cement,…..primarily said of metals…..”.** God is the joiner or welder. The two becoming one flesh is God’s work. We are not to mess with it (Proverbs 6:32).

Marriage Is a Physical Union

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4a

Christian Marriage is a Picture of Christ & the Church

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Ephesians 5:22-24

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. Ephesians 5:28

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:33

Marriage Is a Covenant

Marriage is a covenant but not in the sense of the English use of the word. “In contradistinction to the English word covenant (lit., a coming together), which signifies a mutual undertaking between two parties or more, each binding himself to fulfill obligations, it does not in itself contain the idea of joint obligation, it mostly signifies an obligation undertaken by a single person.”**

In other words the covenant of marriage does not depend upon the action or lack of action of the other party. It is dependent upon the keeping of the vow by the one making the promise.

…let the word of Christ (Messiah) dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

*John P. McGraw, M.A.

**W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – Copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN.

The following is part of a letter from the apostle Paul to the Corinthian church.

I Corinthians 5

It is reported commonly that there is fornication (illicit sexual intercourse)* among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother (Christian) be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. I Corinthians 5:1-13

…let the word of Christ (Messiah) dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

*W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – Copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN.

If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him (John 14:21).

John MacArthur, in his book “Walk Worthy”, explains that there are three common Greek words for love:

Eros – This is the love that takes, that loves someone for what it can get out of them. It’s the love that’s typical of the world – sexual and lustful. It’s self-gratifying.*

Phileo – This is the give-and-take love that typifies friendship. The love because of what I can get from you and what I can give to you.*

Agape’ – This is the love that gives, no taking involved. It’s the kind of love that seeks the highest good for another no matter the cost. It is completely selfless. God loved mankind in this way: He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Jesus said, ”Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Agape’ is unconquerable benevolence; it is invincible goodness. It is the Greek word Ephesians 4:2 uses – the fruit which the Holy Spirit alone can produce in the believer’s life, of humility, which leads to gentleness, which leads to patience, which leads to forbearing love.*

In John 21 Jesus asked Peter twice; Do you love (agape’) me? Twice Peter answered to that question; Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you. Finally Jesus asked; Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (phileo) me? To which Peter answered yet again; Lord,…..you know that I love (phileo) you.

Peter, knowing his own heart, could not honestly say that he loved (agape’) the Lord in that way. However, Peter’s life and his death, demonstrated the very love (agape’) that Jesus was asking for.

How about you and I? Can we be as honest as Peter was about our own heart and yet as submissive to God’s will as Peter became in following the Lord to the very end?

Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me (John 14:22-24).

If you love (agape’) me, keep my commandments.

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

*Walk Worthy – copyright 2025 by John MacArthur, page 132.

And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race;
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me. [Refrain]

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee. [Refrain]

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. [Refrain]

Charles Wesley, pub.1738 – copyright status is Public Domain. Courtesy of Timeless Truths Publications – Copyright © 2002-2020 Free Online Library.

He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he (God) had promised, he (God) was able also to perform.

And therefore it was imputed to him (Abraham) for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 4:20 – 5:2

Imputed – “credited to his account.”

Justified – “declared righteous”.

Faith – “A firm persuasion or conviction from hearing God’s word”.

Peace – as opposed to being at war with God.

Through Christ – “Neither is there salvation in any other…”

Access – Faith is the gang plank used to board the ship of grace.

Grace – “God’s help or enabling”.

Rejoice – having been justified (declared righteous) – WHAT JOY!

Hope – Confident assurance……that God will be glorified.

And he (Abraham) believed in the Lord; and He (God) counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6

Are you fully persuaded?

...let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Definitions from W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – Copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN.