Musing – Is Your Salvation Testimony Ready? On the tip of your tongue?

Hebraic Musing – Is Your Salvation Testimony Ready?  On the tip of your tongue?

Have you written out your Salvation Testimony?  Could you spontaneously deliver it?  Can you tell it in a 30 minute speech; in a two minute opportunity; or to someone in an elevator in 20 seconds?  Why might that important?  Let me propose a simple three part outline –
(1) What was the sinfulness I had to give up in my past life?   
(2) What did I experience when I made Jesus my Lord? 
(3) What’s my life with Jesus been like ever since that day?   

Paul had a three part testimony when he witnessed to King Agrippa in Acts 26.
(1) What was Paul’s past life?  "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus … I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them … I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. … I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.” Acts 26:9-11  NIV
(2) What did Paul experience when he encountered Jesus?  "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus … as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, … I heard a voice saying …  'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?....'    Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?'   'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting … Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you …  as a witness ….   the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes …, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'” Acts 26:12-18
(3) What has Paul been doing since then?  "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.  First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”  Acts 26:19-20

The impact!?!?  Festus interrupted Paul's defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane.” Acts 26:24  And in  Acts 26:28 “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’"  We will learn the final result when we get to Heaven!   Interesting! “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” 1 Cor.1:18

Can you tell your testimony in a similar three part outline?  Why is it important to write it out?  A - So you are ready to deliver it whenever the Holy Spirit asks you to.  “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

When Jesus commanded us, he also empowered us.  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, ...”  Matthew 28:18-20

Other examples of the importance of our Testimony:  Acts 22 – Apostle Paul’s defense before the Jerusalem Mob.   Acts 7 – Stephen‘s address before his execution.   And in Mark 5:19 Jesus said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."

Points to ponder

Have you ever shared your salvation testimony?   What happened?

Who do you know who needs to hear your testimony?  Who would relate to your past life?

In order to fulfill the “Great Commission” how might our personal salvation testimony help?

People disagree with my preaching; they even argue with my teaching;
BUT they cannot argue with my testimony.  It is real and it is the truth!

BTW - You can also “testify” about how God blessed you in a special way recently!

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Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. Matt.10:32

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      August 6, 2019  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”