I received a most encouraging phone call yesterday from a man who attended a men’s conference that I was privileged to be in last week. He took part in a training session on witnessing where we challenged men to share their personal testimony with someone over the next seven days. My friend had been praying for a man over the age of eighty for the last three years. Though he has witnessed to him many times, he had never shared his personal story of salvation.
A few days ago he went to see the man for whom he had been so burdened. He shared with him how he personally came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. When he finished the man bowed his head and trusted Christ as his Savior!
Next to the Scriptures themselves, the most powerful tool you have in witnessing is your own personal testimony. Notice how often in the book of Acts Paul told the story of meeting Jesus on the Damascus road. No matter how far you may grow in your Bible knowledge never get far removed from the day Christ saved you. Use your story to point others to Him!
Over 150 people in Texas took part in a recent training on how to witness more effectively
Many years ago my Pastor taught us that a complete testimony has three parts:
- My life before receiving Christ.
- How I came to know Christ.
- What Christ means to me now that I am saved.
The first part is the most abused. Too often we major on the details of our sin. That glorifies the devil. Instead, we should share the root problem – we were without God. Without hope. Without peace and purpose. Lost.
The second part is the most important. We should share the story of how we came to understand the gospel. Explain how you received Christ by faith in such a simple way that the person you are speaking to could understand how to be saved. Our experience is not enough. The truth of the gospel must be given.
The final part is the most neglected. A good testimony is never past tense; it is always present tense! God is always in the present tense. Christians should be anxious to share the difference the Lord Jesus has made in them.
Would you take the challenge to share your testimony with someone this week? It is not telling them about you – it is telling them about Jesus. Take my friend’s example and try it for yourself. It works!
To read more about sharing your testimony click here.
To watch a training session on giving your testimony click here.
Good stuff Brother,enjoy your insight and your love for the Lord!! Happy Easter to you and your family!!
Thank you, Chris, for taking time to read and comment. Happy Easter to your family as well!
Great thoughts. I love that God is always in the present tense. Monday night, I watched about 3 of your sermons on YouTube. You mentioned your dad quoting the procrastination poem. Tuesday night went to hear him in revival in Summersville. Yes, he quoted the procrastination poem. Cranberry choir sang and sounded wonderful and the message was wonderful!! So good to be in service with all of them.
Thanks for all your encouragement. So glad you were able to see dad and mom. God bless you! We appreciate your prayers.
What a blessing to read and be reminded that there is such a need to keep witnessing. Every single day we meet someone who needs the Lord. God bless you, Scott. I pray daily for you, your family and your work for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you so much for praying for us! We deeply appreciate your encouragement. God bless you.