Sharing Your Story: The Power of Testimony
Key Scriptures:
John 4:28–30, 39; Revelation 12:11; Acts 26:1–29
Introduction
People can argue with your theology, but they can’t argue with your story. Your testimony is living proof that God changes lives — and it’s one of the most powerful evangelism tools you have.
When the Samaritan woman met Jesus at the well, she didn’t run back to her village with a theological debate. She simply said, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did” (John 4:29). Her authentic encounter with Jesus brought many to believe.
The same can be true for you — if you learn to share your story with clarity, humility, and love.
Biblical Foundation
- John 4:28–30, 39 – The Samaritan woman’s story drew an entire town to Jesus.
- Revelation 12:11 – We overcome the enemy by “the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”
- Acts 26 – Paul used his personal conversion story as a bridge to share the gospel.
Kingdom Principles
- Your story is a seed.
- God can use it to open hearts, plant curiosity, and inspire faith.
- Keep Jesus at the center.
- The focus is not on your past mistakes but on Christ’s power to transform.
- It’s not about perfection, it’s about authenticity.
- Vulnerability draws people in — being real is more powerful than sounding polished.
Practical Framework for Sharing Your Testimony
- A. Before Christ – What was your life like before you met Him? (Be honest but appropriate.)
- B. Encounter – How did you come to know Jesus? (Who, what, when, where?)
- C. After Christ – What has changed in your life since? (Highlight transformation and hope.)
Keep it short — 3–5 minutes. Leave room for questions and further conversation.
Practical Ways to Share
- In casual conversation when someone asks about your life or values.
- On social media in a short post or video.
- Over a meal or coffee with a friend.
- In a group setting when asked to introduce yourself or share your journey.
- As part of an outreach, paired with a relevant scripture or invitation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overloading with details – Too much information can distract from the point.
- Making yourself the hero – Keep the focus on God’s work in your life.
- Using “churchy” language – Avoid terms that may be unfamiliar to non-believers. Here is a list of some phrases. These are not rigid examples but can be adapted to suit the audience.
Churchy Phrases => Why It May Confuse a Non Believer => Plain, Relatable Alternative
Note that these are not rigid but only advisory to be aware of and may still be appropriate depending on the audience.
- “I was washed in the blood.” => Sounds strange or even disturbing if you don’t know the biblical context. => “I’ve been forgiven and made clean on the inside because of what Jesus did for me.”
- “Born again” (without explanation) => May be seen as a political label or strange concept. => “I started a new life with God.”
- “Anointed” => Non-believers may think of oil, rituals, or mystical powers. => “God gave me the ability to do this” or “I felt God’s help.”
- “Sanctified” => The meaning isn’t obvious outside of church circles. => “God is helping me grow and change to be more like Jesus.”
- “Redeemed” => People might only know it in the sense of a coupon or gift card. => “God rescued me from my past and gave me a new start.”
- “Lost” (as a label for people) => Can sound insulting or judgmental. => “Before I knew God…”
- “Backslidden” => May be meaningless or odd-sounding. => “I drifted away from following God for a while.”
- “Walking in the flesh” => Without context, it sounds like something about skin or body. => “I was living selfishly, without thinking about God.”
- “Repent” (without explanation) => Often misunderstood as just feeling bad or saying sorry.=> “I turned away from the wrong things I was doing and started following God.”
- “Quiet time” => Sounds like punishment in a classroom. => “I spend time each day reading the Bible and talking to God.”
- “Hedge of protection” => Can sound odd or literal (like bushes). => “I prayed for God to keep you safe.”
- “Traveling mercies” => Obscure to those unfamiliar with Christianese. => “I’m praying for your trip to go well and for your safety.”
- “Spirit-led” => May sound mystical or vague. => “I believe God guided me in this decision.”
- “Plead the blood” => Without biblical background, this can be alarming. => “I’m asking God to protect me because of what Jesus did on the cross.”
Real-Life Example
After struggling with depression and drug addiction for years, Sarah found peace through Christ during a church service a friend invited her to. She now shares her story with other women in her workplace who feel hopeless, simply saying, “I’ve been there, and here’s what changed my life.” Her honesty has opened doors to pray for co-workers and invite them to explore faith.
Growth Challenge: “This Week’s Mission”
- Write out your testimony using the Before–Encounter–After format.
- Practice sharing it with a trusted friend in 3 minutes or less.
- Look for one opportunity this week to share it naturally.
Interactive Discussion Prompts
- In three sentences or less, how would you tell a friend what God has done for you?
- Think about someone who shared their testimony with you. What made it impactful or memorable?
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