Just As You Are Book Study Chapter Seven

Just As You Are

Online Book Study

Chapter Seven – When I First Shared

April 15, 2019

First of all, no one can deny the personal testimony of your experiences with God. By sharing your story about how God worked in your life, there is no denying it.

Revelation 12:11, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Often times we didn’t realize the importance or the power of a testimony. If you are like most of us, we do not know where to begin when it comes to sharing our testimony.

Read Acts 26:1-32

The Apostle Paul gives his personal testimony before King Agrippa. He tells about his life before his conversion on the road to Damascus when he persecuted the followers of the Way. Next, Paul describes in detail his miraculous encounter with Jesus and his calling to serve Christ as an apostle. Then he goes on to tell of his new life after turning to God.

The first thing to do is to pray and ask God to help you share what He wants you to include.

Then let’s look to Apostle Paul’s testimony and consider the following when it comes to writing out one’s testimony:

• Think about your life before you met the Lord. What was going on in your life leading up to your conversion?
• What problems or needs were you facing at the time?
• How did your life change after that? A three-point approach is very effective in communicating your personal testimony. This outline focuses on before you trusted Christ, how you surrendered to him, and the difference since you’ve been walking with him.

Remember the whole reason of sharing your testimony is to point people to Christ. Here are some simple steps as you are pray and think about your story.

• Keep it simple and to the point. Your conversion and new life in Christ should be the main points.
• Be specific. Include events, genuine feelings and personal insights that clarify your main point. This makes your testimony tangible–something others can relate to.
• Be honest. Don’t exaggerate or dramatize your life for effect. The simple truth of what God has done in your life is all the Holy Spirit needs to convict others and convince them of his love and grace.
• Be current. Tell what is happening in your life with God now, today.

Remember we are here today, because I shared my story. I was nervous and didn’t know the power behind the testimony until I began to share it. You have a story that has power in it as well.

It is time to pray and think about the story that will turn or return people to Christ. Our world is in need of living witnesses for Christ. Now is not the time to be passive.

Read Acts 26 for inspiration on writing and sharing your testimony.

Psalm 113 for prayer.

Chapter Seven – When I First Shared

1. What is your testimony? Have you shared it with anyone? What do you think would happen if you shared it more often?

2. Why do you think every testimony matters, both large and small?

3. What Scripture supports the sharing of testimony? Can you find three of them to give you the confidence and assurance to share your testimony?