Testimony

“…Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

-Mark 5:19

In context, Jesus spoke this phrase to the man with the unclean spirits that He healed after the man begged to stay with Jesus.  Christ performed a marvelous work in this man’s life. Verse 20 goes to state that the man returned to Decapolis and began to proclaim how much Jesus has done for him, and everyone marveled.  This is one of many places in the Bible where you read about people giving testimonies.

A testimony is basically a first-person account of the moving of the Holy Spirit in one’s heart that led them to know Christ and how he continues to work in their life.  Testimony serves as the reality of what enables people to see that what God can do in one’s life, he can also do it in others.  It’s always a blessing to hear one another’s testimony because it serves as inspiration, encouragement, and a blessed reminder of the faithfulness God continues to show to all those who place their trust in Him.  Going into a matter of my own personal opinion, I think it’s important to share your testimony.  You never know who God has placed around you to hear or read your story, and it can be something that helps lead them to Christ.

For those who may not be too familiar on how to even share a testimony, I will like to point you to Acts 26.  After being arrested in the temple, Paul was passed around to different authorities before he finally found himself standing before Agrippa the King.  Taking advantage of an opportunity to talk to a large gathering, Paul used the time he had to share his testimony masterfully disguised as his defense.  Using different parts of Paul’s “defense,” I will like to point out things that he did that can help someone who is figuring out how to share their own testimony.

Life before Christ (Acts 26:4-11)

In verses 4-11 of the text, Paul basically shared his life before his conversion.  When sharing a testimony, that is obviously a good place to begin.

Running into Christ (Acts 26:12-18)

Here Paul is speaking on the conversion itself.  With our testimony, this can be a part where we share that “moment of clarity” when you realize our total depravity and our need for a savior who we have in Christ Jesus, and how we receive forgiveness by simply believing/trusting His completed work on the cross.

Life in Christ (Acts 26:19-20)

Paul then speaks of the aftermath of the conversion.  Likewise, we can share how God continues to strengthen and sanctify us to the very day.

This is just a simple example of how one can share a testimony, but by no means is it the only way to do so. We all have unique stories that we can tell of the truth and goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ.  And also, do not fear if you do not have a “spectacular” testimony to share.  We tend to live in a culture where we all desire drama in our stories, but it not might be the case for us all.  What matters is the spectacular grace God showed us in His Son, Jesus Christ, so please do not ever be discouraged.  Even with a spectacular story like Paul, people still resisted Paul’s appeal to trust in Christ (v.24,28).

Here at DCIM, we have an opportunity for you to share your testimony under our “Ministry” tab.  Please feel free to share your experience of how God adopted you into His family through the blood of Jesus Christ and how he continues to show His faithfulness through all the good and bad times of your life.  Your story will serve as encouragement and hope to those who read it, and allow you to be the light-bearers we are called to be in Matthew 5:16.  Soli Deo Gloria! Amen!