Be ready to preach the Word with your personal testimony
“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so….” (Psalm 107:2 KJV)
Fulfilling God’s command to “preach the Word”
We’re commanded in 2 Timothy 4:2 to be ready to “preach the Word” at all times. One of the ways to do this is through the use of telling your own conversion story. Or, stated another way, by giving your personal testimony. Testimonies, often in the form of testimonials and endorsements, are given all the time in advertorials and commercials by satisfied customers sharing their positive experiences with products and services. This form of advertising is proclaimed by many experts to be the greatest form of advertising method there is because it’s so powerful and effective. Famous celebrities and athletes make millions of dollars in endorsement revenues because of it. A great example of someone using this method in the Bible is the Apostle Paul. He loved to give his testimony because he knew that there is a tremendous power in the word of a personal conversion story. He shared his testimony three times in the Book of acts (see Acts 9:3-20; 22:5-16; 26:12-19). Another great example is from a man who had been healed by Jesus from blindness (John 9:25). Religious leaders tried to trap him with religious questions but he didn’t argue with them. Instead, he testified to them by replying with, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” People find it hard to argue or refute someone’s personal story.
How to prepare a personal testimony
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
Why have testimonies? - To witness to the unsaved. To give a first-hand proof of a satisfied customer. To be a blessing to, and to encourage other Christians.
What should a testimony consist of? - A testimony is the account of a personal experience with Jesus Christ.
Where to give your personal testimony - At special events and programs. During witnessing opportunities with family, friends and strangers. Where you are invited to speak.
Some don’ts - Don’t be too wordy, beat around the bush, or emphasize how bad you used to be. Don’t speak in glittering generalities. Don’t speak critically or negatively about any group, church, or individual. Don’t give the impression that the Christian life is a bed of roses. Avoid mannerisms when you speak, such as rubbing your nose, jingling coins or keys in your pocket, swaying, clearing your throat, and using verbal ticks such as “uh’s”, “likes”, and “you knows”.
When asked to give your testimony - Share with loving enthusiasm in the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). Speak loudly and clearly in a natural, relaxed tone of voice. Smile often! Ask God to give you a happy, radiant face. Memorize your testimony and practice it until it becomes natural.
Outline for preparing your testimony
1) Before I received Christ I lived and thought this way:
2) How I received Christ:
3) After I received Christ these changes took place:
4) A pertinent or favorite verse by which I might close:
Therefore…
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Col. 4:6 ESV)
“For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20 ESV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16 ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)