YOUR TESTIMONY
Your testimony is a powerful tool to spread the Word. The word of your testimony can change lives.
Revelation 12:11 (KJV)
“ And they overcame him(Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death”
What is our purpose on earth?…Jesus commanded us…
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
“ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”
Many non believers, become born again Christians after hearing, reading or witnessing a powerful testimony. It takes a moment of obedience, boldness and willingness to share your testimony, and by doing so, you may just touch a non believer's heart, and allow Jesus to change his life forever.
What is a testimony ?
A Testimony is a factual report, evidence, demonstration or description of a specific event (the testimony of history) that changed your course of life.
Your personal testimony…
This is an explanation, description of how God redeemed you personally from the power of darkness, and how He placed you into the Kingdom of Light through His Son Jesus Christ.
This is a factual report of how you received eternal life through Jesus Christ!
Some people received this through supernatural wonders i.e. healing, some through a process of restoration, or rescueing, some through a tough process or difficult circumstances i.e. “near death experiences” etc. These facts caused them to change their lives… drastically
[Note:there is a life before and a life after…]
You may also catch “ a Glimpse of Eternity In the Search of the Truth ” - The Lazarus Phenomenon - the Movie. Visit international video evangelism @ www.ivenet.com
My Testimony: How do I give my testimony?
There are three major areas of your testimony
- My life before receiving Christ
- My reborn/rebirth experience – the…where and how?
- My life thereafter [how did this change my life – give practical examples
*Are there eyewitness accounts: a close friend or a wife/husband or family-members? They are usually reliable witnesses in this regard.
Guidelines for structuring your testimony
- First pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. (James 1:5)
Before giving your testimony, bring this before God and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, that you may share that which is Holy Spirit inspired. In this, your testimony will be to bring praise and glory to Jesus.
- Relate to the group
It is important to relate and understand the interaction and "identity" of the people within the group. Seek sensitivity and guidance in the Holy Spirit. It is necessary to assess whether the group consists mostly of believers or non belivers, the age group, gender etc..
- Give examples of your own lifestyle before becoming reborn
[Keep this short!] Here it's important to note that there will always be someone who can identify with your previous type of lifestyle and, who desperately needs Jesus in his/her life!
- Your pre-life testimony must be short, powerful and factual. (-3min)
Keep to the truth and be factual– no lies. Avoid going into too much detail and therefore being "boring" [This is about your Savior and what He did for you ~ and how you changed!]
…Focus on point 5 & 6
- Your reborn-experience. (-5min)
Time, date, place if you can remember.
Give a brief explanaition of the details of your reborn experience. This should include details such as, what brought you to this decision to find a new life in Jesus, and address the where and the how's about it. Share facts such as who the Holy Spirit annointed to lead you into giving your life and heart to Jesus. You can also quote John 3:16
- The after reborn-effect on your life (-7min)
How did this reborn-experience affect your “ heart” , personality, your lifestyle, and your character? (Did you lay down habits such as Foul-language, partying, drinking, premiscuity, drugs, idol-worship etc) Are there any eyewitness accounts of how you changed? [Read also Ese 36:26]
NB: What did you learn about Christ? Share about His agape (sacrificial) Love, His grace, and forgiveness. Be a testimony of The fruit of His presence in your life. Read Galatians 5:22 and notice the changes in your life – and your PRIORITIES where you still need to change. [Ps. this is a life-long growing process- just KEEP GROWING!]
There are times when some of us might feel as if we are not strong or worthy but in those times just rather speak out and say “I know I'm not where I should be, but thank GOD, I'm not where I use to be!” - Joyce Meyer
- Who is your new family in Christ? [1.5 min + end]
Who are your new friends? Where do you go to church, cell or small group?
Go now and become active, fulfil the Great Command… |
