You Have A Testimony!

YOU HAVE A TESTIMONY!

1 John 1:1

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR: BIG BANGS

1. A woman was getting her hair cut the other day...and the beautician mentioned she had a degree in “Cosmology.”

2. So the woman asked her whether she thought the cosmic background radiation was the best evidence for the big bang.

3. She replied that big bangs wouldn’t look good on her, and that's the moment when the woman noticed the diploma on the wall that said "Cosmetology."

B. SCRIPTURES ABOUT “TESTIMONY”

1 John 1:1, “That...which WE HAVE HEARD, which we have SEEN with our eyes, which we have LOOKED AT and our hands have TOUCHED—THIS WE PROCLAIM concerning the Word of life.”

Rev. 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

1 Pet. 3:15, “Always be prepared to give... [a] reason for the hope that you have.”

C. IDEA & TITLE

1. Each of us needs to KNOW that we have a testimony, how important it is, how to share it, and know how it will affect others.

2. The title of this message is “You Have a Testimony!”

I. WHY IS OUR TESTIMONY SO IMPORTANT?

A. YOUR TESTIMONY IS A WEAPON AGAINST HELL

1. One of the greatest weapons we have against hell is our testimony. The Bible says, “They overcame him...by the word of their testimony” Rev. 12:11. Your testimony makes you a threat to hell, so open your mouth and testify.

2. You see, it’s not just ‘what you came through’ that matters, but ‘what comes through you!’ Your personal victory benefits no one except yourself. But when you open your mouth & declare the faithfulness of God...Your testimony becomes a weapon...a sword in your hand & an instrument of power to set the captives free.

3. Your testimony becomes a lifeline to someone who’s sinking. Tell your neighbor: “I’ve got a testimony.”

B. IT GIVES THE DEVIL A BLACK EYE!

1. We used to serve the enemy. Now, we ‘serve him notice’ that we’re serving God. David (Ps. 138:1) said, “…before the gods I will sing praise to You!”

2. IT DECLARES OUR ALLEGIANCE. We’re in enemy territory. We need to declare which side we’re on.

3. ILLUS. A Grandma in a Confederate State came out of her house with a broom to face the advancing Union Army. “Do you think you can whip the Union Army with a broom?” said an officer. “No. But I’m here just to let you know which side I’m on!”

4. We need to make it real clear to the devil and people around us which side we’re on. There shouldn’t be any doubt!

C. SPEAKING RELEASES GOD’S WORD INTO PEOPLE

1. The religious leaders (of 1st Century) told the Apostles “STOP SPEAKING THE NAME OF JESUS.” The devil doesn’t want YOU to speak either.

2. Why? Because life & death are in the power of the tongue! (Prov. 18:21) When you speak the Words of God, you release the Life & Power of God.

3. We’ve been given the keys to the Kingdom of God. It’s within our power to open and shut that Kingdom to others.

4. When we vocalize the Word, its force moves into this world. It enters the heart of those who hear it and begins to work. The more you can speak the Word of God, the better!

5. “So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” Isa. 55:11. The Word can save and transform any person who hears it. It has power to set people free.

D. CONFESSION MAKES FAITH PERMANENT

1. Confession is a vital link to faith. Rom. 10:8-10, we’re SAVED because we confess Christ! 2 Cor. 4:13.

2. ILLUSTRATION

a. A man of God led a young rich man to the Lord. He stayed with the man of God a while. The day came when he had to return to his wealthy lifestyle. He told the man of God he was afraid that he might slip back into his old habits.

b. The man of God told him to tell the first 10 people he met that he’d become a Christian. If he did, he wouldn’t have to give up his bad friends, they’d give him up!

c. That’s exactly what happened; When he witnessed to the first 10, he was recognized as a Christian and those who wanted no part of Christianity got away from him! [J.M. Boice, Christ's Call To Discipleship, Moody, 1986, pp. 122-23.]

II. HOW TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY

A. HINDRANCES TO SHARING OUR TESTIMONY

1. 90% believe they should share their faith. 40% invite someone to church. Only 3% share their faith with an unbeliever.