With great power the apostles testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. Acts 4:33
The 29th of June is a special day. According to church tradition, this was the day Paul was martyred for his faith. Churches all over the world are available to remember. Our church did as well this year. It's good to remember those who fought the good fight before us. But it's also good to remember the ones laying down their lives in our day and age; To honour the modern-day martyrs. Most of us won't be asked to renounce our faith or be killed because we believe. But we are asked to die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). The word "martyr" comes from a Greek word meaning "testimony". We are all living testimonies of what Christ has done in our lives and whenever we share them, we die to ourselves.
what have you Witnessed?
The idea of a Christian testimony is the same as the idea of giving a testimony in court, being a witness to events. Giving an account of something that you have personally witnessed or experienced. In Acts 1:8 Jesus said "... you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Thanks be to God we are not alone whenever we share with others what God has done in our lives, is doing in and through us, as well as what we believe He will one day do. The first part of Acts 1:8 reads: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you."
As your everyday conversations naturally flow a theme or point of connection will present itself. Ask God to help you recognise and cease these opportunities. It can be anything from purpose, government, forgiveness, aspirations, marriage, anything really. This is your cue to give credit where credit is due (to God) or to share how God has challenged your thinking on this subject or to highlight a truth from His Word.
Obviously, it helps to know and be well acquainted with what God has said on diverse topics, so make sure you fill your heart with the right things. It will make witnessing so much easier, ergo, ensure you are filled with the right things. "...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34)
Ask yourself whether you are even willing to be a witness, a colleague, a family friend, or even your own child and share with them your current "testimony"? And again, simply put, it's just giving credit where credit is due. Sharing what Jesus has done, is doing, or will do. I say currently because things are always changing in our lives, God is always working, we are growing and that's what you share.
What is your testimony?
Sometimes God will prompt you to share the story of your conversion. How, when, and where He saved you. This one will stay the same, so I suggest you write it down to think through it, get your facts straight, and get the details down. We forget things as they get further and further into our past. So, share your testimony as often as God allows to remember!
Start with basic questions and answer them: Who was I before I knew Christ? What did I use to think was truth? Where was I physically, spiritually, mentally before I got saved? When did I first become aware of God or His work in me? Why did He save me? How did He do it and how has He changed me since?
The most powerful testimonies contain, yes, a clear gospel message, but is relatable (true, even vulnerable). In other words: personal experience. Keep it real. Be specific. Use examples and share honestly.
Be engaging. Ask questions as you go. "Have you also been in a car accident?" or "I wasn't sure what to do. Have you been there before?" - dependent on your story of course. At the end you can engage with something like "It's brought me so much peace to know what happens after I die. Would you like to be sure too?" or "I grew up in church, thought I heard it all before. Is this news to you, like it was to me?"
If you are talking to someone one-on-one, keep it informal, conversational, and non-confrontational. If you are sharing it with an audience, you can still ask rhetorical questions but be a bit bolder and specific in posing a challenge. "Are you willing to attend church for a month and see what happens?" or "I encourage you to ask the pastor or myself some of the questions you are currently struggling with."
Empowered to share
In conclusion, sharing your Christian testimony with whomever you are with is a powerful way to die to yourself. And so is being attentive to opportunities in everyday conversations. The Holy Spirit will show you natural (sedge)ways to be an effective witness. Make sure you are approachable, sincere, and non-judgemental as you share your story. The goal is to give glory to God and invite others to experience His love. As we do this, we are not only reminded of God’s faithfulness in our own lives, but we will inspire others to seek after Him. So, let us be bold and willing, ready to share this hope and peace we have found in Christ.
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