The blind man answered and said, “Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25
1 – Realize the Power of Your Christian Testimony
First and foremost – remember – there is power in your testimony! Revelation 12:11 says we overcome our enemy be the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.
2 – Study Examples of Testimonies from others
Paul’s Testimony, Acts 22:3-21 Acts 26:9-20
Tracts on tract rack past the restrooms on the left.
3 – Spend Time in Thoughtful Preparation
There are a few things to consider before you start writing your testimony. Think about your life before you met the Lord.
Questions to Consider:
What was going on in your life leading up to your salvation?
What problems or needs were you facing at the time?
How did your life change after that?
4 – Start with a Simple 3-Point Outline
A three-point approach is very effective in communicating your personal testimony. The outline focuses on before you trusted Christ, how you surrendered to him, and the difference since you’ve been walking with him.
Before:
Simply tell what your life was like before you surrendered to Christ. What were you searching for before coming to know Christ? What was the key problem, emotion, situation or attitude you were dealing with? What motivated you? What were your actions? How did you try to satisfy your inner needs? (Examples of inner needs are loneliness, fear of death, insecurity. Possible ways to fill those needs include work, money, drugs, relationships, sports, immorality)
How:
How were you saved?
Simply tell the events and circumstances that caused you to consider Christ as the solution to your searching.
Tell how God spoke to your heart.
Tell who God used and how they witnessed to you.
Tell where you were at when you were saved.
Tell how you responded to that invitation
Since:
How has your life in Christ made a difference?
How has his forgiveness impacted you?
How have your thoughts, attitudes and emotions changed?
Share how Christ is meeting your needs and what a relationship with Him means to you now.
5 – Important Tips to Remember
Stick to the point. Your conversion and new life in Christ should be the main points.
Be specific. Include events, genuine feelings and personal insights that clarify your main point. This makes your testimony tangible – something others can relate to.
Be current. Tell what is happening in your life with God now, today.
Be honest. Don’t exaggerate or dramatize your life for effect. The simple truth of what God has done in your life is all the needs to convict others of their sin and convince them of his love and grace (www.christianity.about.com).
6 – Things to Avoid
Avoid giving every little detail.
Avoid being graphic or inappropriate details of your past. You can refer to specific sins in a general way.
Avoid using terms that an unsaved person would not understand – like the term “unsaved.”
Explain How God has…
– Opened your eyes to spiritual truth
– Rescued you
– Delivered you from despair
– Given you a purpose to live for God
– Forgiven your sins
– Taken away your guilt and given you a clear and clean conscience
– Changed the focus of your life from being selfish to caring for God and others.
- Write out your testimony
- Short version – 2 minutes or less
- Long version – 5-7 minutes (no longer than 10 minutes).
- Let the place where you are sharing your testimony dictate the length.
If you are talking one on one then you can take longer to give your testimony. If you are speaking to a group where other people will also be speaking, then you need to keep your testimony shorter.
- Look how Paul’s testimony is tightly put together. He didn’t ramble on about things that had no bearing on his testimony
- Practice giving your testimony so that you will be prepared to give it when the opportunity is opened to you.
The SALT Strategy:
S Say Anything
A Ask Questions
L Listen Well
T Turn the Topic to Christ
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