WALKING IN LIFE
1 John 1:1-1:4
We live in an extremely religious time. Notice I said religious, not Christian. Our society says, “You believe what you want and I will believe what I want”. They also say, “All paths (religions} lead to the same God.”
As a Christian, I know this is not true, but how do I witness to people like this? See, these people will question the Bible and its claims; but they will not question your personal testimony.
As we begin this series, “Light In The Darkness” from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John; I want us to use Scripture in building our testimony.
Every Christian, whether saved at a young age or saved after a long terrible life, has a testimony. You may think that your testimony is boring; but there is nothing boring about God taking someone who was spiritually dead and giving them new life.
God can use your testimony to reach people I may never be able to reach. As we build our testimonies, I want us to have two main focuses.
1 John 1:1-4
Focus #1
As you begin writing your testimony, you may need to recall what your life was like before you met Jesus as your Savior. Note that not all people were evil murderers, drug dealers, etc… Some of you were saved at a young age and never got into those types of things. If this is the case, don’t focus on the fact that you were not out killing people, focus on how God has led you and taken care of you all of these years.
Your first focus must be not on you, but the One who changed you. The focus must always be on Jesus Christ. Remember, without Jesus you are no different than a lost person. A testimony focused on any other person or thing besides Jesus Christ is pointless bragging and will not lead others to Jesus.
Write an opening statement about how Jesus Christ has changed your life. You may be thinking, “Why write it down when I already know it.” The main reason is so you will realize how truly blessed you really are and that you have a story to tell others.
My Testimony (Part 1)
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The second focus is on how someone else can be saved. It does not good to give your testimony and tell them how God changed you and then not share with them the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
It is real important that you not use “churchy” words and just start “thumping” them with the Bible. Remember the Bible is your book, not theirs; so if you just start quoting Scripture they may “turn you off”.
I do need to stop at this point and state the obvious. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts people of their sins and need for salvation, not us. If the Holy Spirit gives you a Scripture, use it. What I am saying is don’t come across as some pious religious person who is better than everyone else.
What is the basics of being saved? In your testimony explain that God caused you to realize that you are a sinner and the punishment for that is eternal death; but God sent His only begotten Son to this earth. He lived a perfect life and died for the sins of the world on a cross and was raised from the dead on the third day. Explain that if any person believes and confesses that Jesus is the Son of God who paid their price for sin on the cross and was raised from the dead on the third day that they will be saved. That means that they will be given eternal life in Heaven. That new life begins that very moment that a person is saved and from that point on that person has a new leader.
My Testimony (Part 2)
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I pray that you would share with others what Jesus has done in your life and how He can change their lives for ever.
Series: Light In The Darkness [#1]
Sunday Evening Bible Study July 13, 2003
Bel Aire Baptist Church
