What's My Story
Depart from me, I am a sinful man...
Derek Iannelli-Smith
My favorite sayings at the time were, "There is nothing a sidekick cannot cure and before of making deposits in the Iannelli savings bank."
His Story
Testimony of Conversion
Brokenness
May 2009
I.Introduction
A. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalms 34:18 NASB)
B. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20 NASB)
C. "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. "We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."(John 6:64-69 NASB)
1. On what basis do I know that I am united with Christ?
I know that I am united with Christ because of His death, burial, and resurrection in my mind, and I catch brief glimpses from time to time, this reality as a heartfelt contentment and confidence. It creates a longing in me to be with Him and worship Him forever. I realize that He is not finished with me and sometimes those times are through trials, tribulations and temptations. I have hope as I am reminded of the story of Christ Jesus, and what He accomplished for me on the Cross of Calvary, Golgotha, and erupting from the tomb. I just know.
2. How did I first become aware of the righteous and holy nature of God?
I became aware of the righteous and holy nature of God through being confronted with my helplessness, depravity, and emptiness of looking for satisfaction from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. I realized that none of these things would ever satisfy and while I exercised early faith, I realized that the only approval or right standing that would ever satisfy would be God, the Father and being loved by Him. I catch brief glimpses of this from time to time as well, and even then, I don’t understand what it means to live a life of the Joy of Fearing God. I am thankful for restoration, the story of redemption and I am reconciled to Him, which reminds me of His Righteousness and Holiness.
3. How did I come to a point of conviction over my sin and rebellion?
I continually come to a point of conviction over my sin and rebellion when I truly comprehend God’s holiness in biblical tension. It varies based upon those areas of which God is currently working as well.
4. How did I become aware of Jesus’ substitutionary death and resurrection for sinners, and his offer of forgiveness to all who believe in Him?
I became aware of Jesus’ substitutionary death and resurrection for sinners, and His offer of forgiveness to all who believe in Him when I was stunned by the depravity of my heart and how much it grieves God and that I was not created for this, but for worship.
5. When did I personally turn from your sin and selfishness and embrace Jesus in repentance, faith and new obedience?
I personally turn from my sin and selfishness and embrace Jesus in repentance, faith and new obedience daily. Currently God is working on my turning from impatience, fear of man, and dying to myself daily. These are items that bring about frustration, brokenness, repentance, redemption, and reconciliation with the Father.
II. What scripture impacts, reminds and stuns me of these truths?
A. "But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!’I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."' "So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate. (Luk 15:17-24 NASB)