YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY:
Your personal testimony is a natural introduction to sharing the Gospel of Christ. Use the following guidelines to help you develop your own story of what God has done in your life.
1. You have a story to tell, so tell it! People will marvel when you share how much Jesus has done for you (Mk 5:20).
2. Ask God to give you insights into how He has worked in your life.
3. You do not need to be an experienced speaker. Simply share from your heart about how you have experienced the love and grace of Christ, and how you now want to share that good news with others.
4. To help you as you prepare, read Acts 22, 23, and 26. Note Paul’s before, how, and after. Guide your testimony around these three areas. Be sure to use your own words.
Below are some thoughts to get you started for each part of your story.
a. BEFORE I received Christ, I lived and thought this way…
• Spend a brief time on them before. This is not a biography from childhood. It is best to start at a time in life that relates to your experience with Christ.
• If you became a Christian as a child, be thankful for the blessings that came with your salvation, including God’s protection.
• If you didn’t meet Christ until later in life, you can mention your struggles with sin but do not dwell on it or glorify it.
b. HOW I received Christ through faith and repentance…
- Focus on expressing your faith and repentance in this part of your testimony.
- Be as specific as possible, but don’t make the circumstances of your conversion the focus.
- Your salvation is based on God’s work of grace in your life and the promises He’s made, not your experiences or feelings. Tell of how you came to believe in Jesus and put your faith in Him, and that you repented of your sins.
- When you speak of your faith in Christ, use words and phrases that accurately communicate your experience, such as: “I placed my trust in Christ to forgive me of my sins,” or “I saw my need for a relationship with Christ and received Him as my Lord and Savior.”
- Using your own words, mention repentance (how you turned from living for self and sin), and chose that which is better (an abundant life in Christ).
c. NOW with Christ in my life, I live and think this way… - Explain some of the most significant ways that Christ changed your life, and how He is still changing your life today as your Lord and Savior.
- Don’t create the illusion that all things are perfect, but rather that He’s doing a work in you and you continue to trust in Him.
Some areas where you may have seen changes are:
• Relationships
• Atmosphere in the home
• Bad habits
Some areas where you are applying God’s Word to your life might be:
• Love and forgiveness
• Fulfillment and peace of mind
• A new perspective on life
• Assurance from fear
• Assurance of eternal life
• Inner peace and new attitudes
• Changing your priorities and goals, forsaking idols
• Surrendering to God vs. being in control
• A new purpose for living
• Fellowship and a sense of belonging
• Inner strength and witnessing
• Being understanding of others
• Surrendering to God vs. being in control