Message summary: When we contemplate the great things that have taken place in our lives and the tremendous contrast of light to darkness we will not settle for being a “nominal” Christian. Instead we will seek to be phenomenal Christians since we serve a phenomenal Savior!

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"For the Mighty One has done great things for me" (Luke 1:49).

We greet the people around us before the worship service on Sunday mornings. Some are regular "pew neighbors" we've come to know. We've observed that, whether a church is large or small, people still tend to sit in the same place, often the very same pew week after week.

I turned around to greet an elderly man I hadn't met in the row behind us. After introducing myself I exchanged the common cordial greeting that can lead to a conversation, “How are you, today?”

I was surprised at his response when he responded, “Nominal” (or so I thought). I was stunned that he so candidly self-identified as such. I have often heard the term “nominal Christian”* but was surprised that anyone would actually admit to being one!

I followed up, “Nominal?” He clarified, or rather I had misunderstood him, “Not nominal, phenomenal!” Well, that sure changed what I was thinking!

He told me that he had a bad fall several weeks earlier. He took on more than he should, (sometimes we older people do that!) when he carried in a load of firewood, causing him to lose his balance and fall which really hurt his back. A large band-aid covered the sizeable scrape on his bald, shiny scalp where his head landed.

After being laid up for several weeks he was thrilled to be back in church and that's what he meant by "phenomenal". After all, he now had a fresh perspective and the contrast couldn’t be more stark: For nearly two weeks my new acquaintance laid flat on a bed, writhing in pain with every move, and stared at the four walls of his recovery room. Now he was in God’s house, visiting with God’s people, worshiping in song, hearing the public declaration of Scripture, being challenged and inspired by a sermon. He was phenomenal!

Who wants to be nominal and even more so, who would admit that to a complete stranger? After all, a “nominal” person is one who is being someone or belonging to something in name only without depth, conviction, or practice. The term “nominal Christian” has been around a long time and sure isn’t a term I’d want others to use in describing my walk with God!

"For the Mighty One has done great things for me" (Luke 1:49). Today's text is from the The Magnificat (Mary's song) in Luke 1:46-55. Although Mary is specifically lauding God for what He has done for her, in being a vessel carrying the Savior of the world, these words can apply to all of us who have experienced God's redemption through Christ and this is phenomenal!

Who did it? "The Mighty One"

What has He done? "Great things"

For who? "For me"

That's the essence of a personal testimony. In Fanny Crosby's great hymn "To God Be The Glory" she writes and we still sing:

When we contemplate the great things that took place in our lives and the tremendous contrast of light to darkness we will not settle for being a “nominal” Christian. Instead we will seek to be phenomenal Christians since we serve a phenomenal Saviour!

Next time you’re asked, “How are you?” consider responding “Phenomenal!” and be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have (2 Peter 3:15). It could lead to a great witnessing opportunity.

Be encouraged today!  Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber