Proof

For there are three that testify.... - 1 John 5:7

If I had ever told my friends and family that prior to October 18, 2009, I would preach in Africa (in French), they would have laughed and said (along with me), "I don't think so, Dave." However, that is just what I did. Yes, even I found it hard to believe at the time, but the claim that I actually did it comes from two facts:

1) those who were actually present that can testify to the actual event, and

2) how many were present.

You can believe my testimony, because over 100 people were present at the time, most of whom were professing followers of Christ (trustworthy witnesses).

Well, in the same way, the Apostle John was appealing to reason when he spoke of three reliable witnesses. We can believe his words, because of their testimony. In John's case, those witnesses were also irrefutable (as we will see).

If you claim to speak for God, you better be sure that your proof is no less credible.

The value given to the testimony of any feeling must depend on our whole philosophy, not our whole philosophy on a feeling. - C. S. Lewis