Evangelism Through Testimonies Series

EVANGELISM THROUGH TESTIMONIES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 5:19

"Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you."

Supporting Texts: Psalm 66:16, Revelation 12:11, John 4:29, Acts 4:20, 1 John 1:3

INTRODUCTION:

One of the most powerful ways to evangelise is by sharing personal testimonies of God's goodness. Testimonies are real-life encounters with God’s power, mercy, and love. They reveal the tangible acts of God in the lives of believers and demonstrate His faithfulness to others.

In Mark 5:19, after delivering the demon-possessed man, Jesus instructed him to go and tell others what the Lord had done for him. His testimony became a tool for evangelism, and many in his region came to know Christ. Likewise, the Samaritan woman in John 4:29, after encountering Jesus, went into the city and shared her experience, leading many to salvation.

Every believer has a testimony of salvation, deliverance, healing, or divine intervention. Sharing these experiences helps to strengthen the faith of others, defeat the enemy’s lies, and bring souls to Christ. In this study, we will examine how testimonies serve as a tool for evangelism and how to share them effectively.

1. THE POWER OF PERSONAL TESTIMONIES

Testimonies are spiritual weapons that can transform lives and draw people to Christ.

a) Testimonies glorify God (Psalm 66:16)

When we declare what God has done, we bring glory to His name.

b) Testimonies overcome the enemy (Revelation 12:11)

The devil is defeated by the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony.

c) Testimonies inspire faith in others (Romans 10:17)

Hearing testimonies builds faith in those who are struggling.

d) Testimonies serve as living proof of the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:3)

People see the evidence of God’s power through our testimonies.

e) Biblical Example: The Samaritan Woman’s Testimony (John 4:29)

Her story led many Samaritans to Christ.

2. HOW TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY EFFECTIVELY

A well-shared testimony can lead people to Christ, while a poorly presented one may not have the same impact.

a) Be clear and concise (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)

Keep your testimony simple and direct.

b) Focus on what God did (Psalm 118:23)

Emphasise God's power and mercy rather than your past.

c) Be sincere and honest (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Authentic testimonies touch hearts.

d) Connect your testimony to the gospel (1 John 1:3)

Show how your experience relates to salvation and faith in Christ.

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Testimony Before King Agrippa (Acts 26:12-18)

Paul shared his transformation to lead others to Christ.

3. TYPES OF TESTIMONIES IN EVANGELISM

Different testimonies can reach different people and situations.

a) Salvation testimonies (Titus 3:3-7)

Sharing how Jesus saved you from sin.

b) Healing testimonies (Mark 5:34)

Declaring how God healed you strengthens the faith of others.

c) Deliverance testimonies (Luke 8:39)

Telling others about how God rescued you from oppression.

d) Provision testimonies (Philippians 4:19)

Encouraging people with stories of divine supply.

e) Biblical Example: The Testimony of the Man Born Blind (John 9:25)

He boldly declared, “I was blind, but now I see.”

4. TESTIMONIES AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit empowers our testimonies to bring transformation.

a) The Holy Spirit gives boldness (Acts 4:20)

He removes fear and gives us confidence.

b) The Holy Spirit convicts hearts (John 16:8)

Testimonies become a tool for conviction.

c) The Holy Spirit confirms testimonies with signs (Mark 16:20)

Miracles often follow testimonies of faith.

d) The Holy Spirit prepares hearts to receive (Acts 16:14)

He makes people receptive to testimonies.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s Testimony on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:32-41)

His Spirit-filled message led 3,000 people to salvation.

5. OBSTACLES TO SHARING TESTIMONIES

Several challenges can hinder believers from sharing their testimonies.

a) Fear of rejection (2 Timothy 1:7)

Many are afraid of people’s opinions.

b) Feeling unworthy (Isaiah 6:5-7)

Some feel their story is not powerful enough.

c) Forgetting God’s goodness (Psalm 103:2)

Some fail to remember what God has done.

d) Persecution from others (John 15:18-19)

The world may oppose our testimonies.

e) Biblical Example: The Parents of the Man Born Blind (John 9:20-22)

They feared persecution and refused to testify boldly.

CONCLUSION:

Testimonies are a powerful form of evangelism. When we share what God has done in our lives, we glorify Him, strengthen the faith of others, and lead souls to Christ. The enemy wants to silence our testimonies, but we must be bold and obedient, trusting that the Holy Spirit will use our words to transform lives.

Every believer has a testimony, and every testimony has the potential to bring someone to Jesus. Do not keep silent—share your testimony and let God use it to expand His Kingdom.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me the boldness to share my testimony without fear.