My Personal Testimony

[Castaway57]

All non-Adventist believers are also invited to, and welcomed in this topic.

Here are some suggested guidelines I came across for when you want to share your personal testimony about Christ in your life, and/or how you became a Christian. As 1 John 1:1-3 tells us:

1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of Life,
1Jn 1:2 (for the Life was revealed, and we have seen it and bear witness, and show to you the everlasting Life, who was with the Father and was revealed to us),
1Jn 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

In keeping with the above scripture; I also found these guidelines:

Personal Testimony Work Sheet

1/ My Life before I Accepted Christ: Share this part of your testimony with people in order to identify with them..."I needed help and I found it in Jesus." (8T 321)

2/ How I Became A Christian: Tell how it happened. If you were brought up in a Christian home, there was still some point at which you gave your life to fully to Christ. Your testimony may revolve around a particular answer to prayer, or, some victory in your life that has meant a lot; and has made Jesus real to you..."I found the Bible to be the Voice of God to my soul." (8T 321)

3/ My Life Since I Became A Christian: Tell how your life has changed, and something of the joy you now experience..."In Christ the hunger of my soul has been satisfied..." (8T 321)

4/ In Summary: of your personal testimony, try to use an appropriate Scripture verse, which sums up your life; and will be a precious Bible promise for whomever you are giving your personal testimony to..."So everyone may be able to, through their own experience, to set their seal to this; that God is true..." (John 3:33, ARV) "I believe in Jesus, because He is to me a divine Savior." (8T 321)

I will look forward to participating in this topic, and in reading your replies about your personal experience/s with Christ OUR Lord.

 

[Castaway57]

An Angel Named Gladdie
By Castaway

This is part of a letter I wrote about an elderly woman that was discouraged, and I wrote this about a true experience to encourage her, and others in similar situations:

God is always blessing me in many ways. There are many trials; but His blessings far out-weigh them all.

I can't remember if I told you or not, but I have started a little part time nursing - private duty in homes. I have been looking after an elderly couple to help out their children in taking care of them; but the lady has gotten quite ill and is in hospital. She is dying, and preparing to go out from this world to the next, and when I went to see her today; there was no one else there. It was like God had especially arranged it.

We had a chance to talk, pray, and read a bit of scripture together. Even in all her frailty and suffering; she turned to me and said in a whisper: "You know Castaway, I have given my heart to God; for it is Him only who can help me now." And then she started crying...

To me, this was quite touching; to see someone so ill; and knowing that their time is close, and yet, expressing such faith and commitment to The Savior. When this lady said that to me; I asked if I could "read her something;" and we went over Romans 8 where it says: "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ..."

She knew why I was reading this; and she said; "Oh Castaway, you lighten my heart so..." The funny part was, I had brought my small pocket Bible; and the print is really small. I actually couldn't read it, because my eyes are not as good as they used to be; so I fumbled a bit for a minute. Then I said to her: "Just wait a minute;" and I prayed for God to give me the words to the verses I wanted her to hear. And then the words actually did come out!! I couldn't read them; I had to just say them as they entered into my mind. It was so amazing to see it unfold...and I checked my Bible later and they were verbatim!

I felt it very important to just go to her and tell her as Micah once testified: "Even while I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my Light.." (Micah 7:8 ), and she seemed to really embrace this "message."

Today; I know that God used me as His instrument so that he could lighten the heart of a sick, old woman who was nearing the end of her pilgrimage in this world. It is such a blessing to see Him work like this in the dark valleys of our experiences.

The Bible tells us that in the last days, "the love of many will wax cold;" but I take that to also mean that the love of others will grow (warm)...The love of Christ is stronger than death; and I am really glad I could tell someone this today, and personally witness this today.

Christ has shown that His love was stronger than death. He was accomplishing man's salvation; and although He had the most fearful conflict with the powers of darkness, yet, amid it all, His love grew stronger and stronger. He endured the hiding of His Father's countenance, until He was led to exclaim in the bitterness of His soul: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" His arm brought salvation. The price was paid to purchase the redemption of man, when, in the last soul struggle, the blessed words were uttered which seemed to resound through creation: "It is finished."

I don't know if any of this makes sense; but to just know that God walks with us, no matter what, is such a precious experience. I watched this dying lady today have that experience. She didn't really say an "It is finished;" but she did say: "It is only Jesus who can help me now." That meant to me that "It was finished" for my friend.

Oh, and by the way; I felt that I too received the assurance today that I needed. Her faith, gave me assurance, and encouragement. And this is a true knowledge of truth.

In the light of the Savior's life, the hearts of all, even from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are "thoughts of peace, and not of evil." Jer. 29:11 . It declares that while God's hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift.

The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for mankind. Use these gifts to convince them that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. Their greatest happiness will be found in loving Me.

I believe that God opened His “whole treasury” to me through this little old lady who said in her “darkness:” The Lord is my light.” I truly spoke with an “angel” as I sat by the hospital bed today.

(and this lady was not an Adventist, nor did she even go to any church.
Her "church" was to watch "Hour Of Power," on TV every Sunday.
Gladdie died about an hour after I left her bedside).

* Although the family was deeply saddened at the passing of their loved one here; it really made a difference to them when I told them this little story. (1 Jo 1:1-3).

Why not make a big difference in someone's life by sharing your testimonies for Christ here today?

 

[E.T.Elijah]

I had always a fascination with end times. Growing up I always tried to come up with some philosophical understanding of the Bible, although I had never really read or studied but a few things here and there. Then about 12 years ago a co-worker got me into the Left behind series. I instantly fell in love with the story and of course the Biblical aspect of the end times. I tore threw book after book (at least the 4-5 that had been written up to that point). I couldn't put them down. My theology on end times was beginning to shape to that of the series.
One day I recieved a flyer in the mail for a set of meeting starting the next night. And you can guess the main topic was "Will you be left behind?" I told my wife that we had to go, I wanted to know more about the left behind theology. Boy was I in for a shock! Not only did it turn out to not be what I expected to here about Left Behind, but it would also alter my life forever.
Amazing Facts evangelist Brian McMahon shook my whole world up. Each night after the meetings I would spend the next few hours going over the topic with a fine toothed comb to make sure what he said was in harmony with scripture. After about 10 meetings my wife confessed that we had actually gotten one of those flyers in the mail a few days earlier and she had thrown it out. That was the first time that I knew that God had a plan. And it started with me going to those meetings.
When the meetings were finished my wife and I were baptized. And I found a new life studying the Bible. I wish I could say though that life continued to take off for us. After a few years in the church, we were hit with our first of many challenges. My oldest son was molested by a girl that sometimes babysat for us. She was 15 and he was 11. But of course, we only found out after he had acted out on a few others. Shamed by what was happening we began to withdraw from the church. Over the next 3 years we found ourselves out of the church and immersed in the world.
Life was going along and my wife and I felt a push to get back to church and our walk with God. We walked through the doors one Sabbath and it was like we had never left. Little did we know what was going to happen next. A friend of ours handed her a book called "His Robe or Mine." And again God was leading without me knowing. I read through the book and my outlook on my life began to change for the better. I learned to thank God even in the times of trial. Only God knew why that book came into our possession, and a few weeks later so would I.
Now I should say, my new outlook on life was not fully shared by my wife. by her own admission she had a hard time being so positive in times of trial. We recieved some unexpected money in the mail. We had planned on doing something with the family since money had been tight for so long. But before we could commit to anything the breaks on our car went bad. She was frustrated because nothing seemed to go our way. I explained that God knew the breaks were going bad and had provided a means to get them fixed before we knew we needed it. That did not sit so well.
A few days later, we dropped the car off at the break place and went next door to have lunch while we waited. In casual conversation, she professed that she had been praying for wisdom and that when she went to right the check she was a peace with it. That she saw the blessing of His provision. We had a wonderful afternoon before I went to work. We both worked at the local hospital. I worked 3rd shift; she worked first. Since I worked that night she would drive me to work and then we would switch the car in the morning when she would come in.
That next morning before I was to get off work I get a page to hurry to my wifes office. She was not feeling well and needed to be taken to the ED. She was having some chest pains. An hour and a half later she had passed away. She was 33. I found myself in that room praying on my knees for the Lord's will to be done, life or death I would except it. There before all the medical staff, I was a witness for God. I showed a faith that I had no idea I had in me. Was it hard to thak Him in such a situation...absolutely! But God had already prepared me for what had come. That afternoon after I left the hospital I sat down and read the book of Job...its how I felt. God flashed through my mind the morning before when I came home and saw her on her knees praying (she never did that), and our conversation about how she trusted God with the break situation. God showed me that she had finally put her trust in Him and recieved salvation. He brought to my mind a quote from EGW about how He would take some early to seal them in their faith. For the life of me I can't find that quote although I have found it twice before lol.
Now I'm left with 2 boys to raise on my own. My oldest does not take it so well and so begins his journey on a downward spiral that eventually winds him in prison (but he has turned to God for help). And again I leave the church after a few months and get swallowed up in the world.
Fast forward 2 1/2 years. I now begin to search for a female companion, not necessarily for love, but someone to share a friendship. After a few months I begin to chat online with a younger woman (I'm 37 she is 27). Before long a romance begins.
SDA beliefs were very new to her. She had lots of questions and that made me get back into studying. Before long we both felt the urge to attend church. We went back to my old church and were welcomed with open arms. Soon we were married and had twins (boy/girl). A few months after the twins were born she began studying for baptism and has given her life over to the Lord. And we are now both very active in church and growing in Christ.
I know my testimony is long. But I think it does go to show how God works behind the scenes. It all started with a second flyer in a mailbox that shouldn't have come. And lafter some trial it has ended with not only one wife giving her life to the Lord, but through her death, allowed me to lead another wife to the Lord. And hopefully all my children in turn. Thank God!

 

[E.T.Elijah]

Ask and ye shall recieve! Searching EGW writings and found it.

Cousels on Health pg 375.2
" He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world."

 

[Castaway57]

Ask and ye shall recieve! Searching EGW writings and found it.

Cousels on Health pg 375.2
" He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world."

It is so amazing how the Lord can work through the darkest experiences. Thank you for sharing this touching testimony.

Isa 40:29 He gives power to the weary; and to him with no vigor; He increases strength.
Isa 40:30 Even the young shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall;
Isa 40:31 but those who wait on Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

 

[Castaway57]

Eleven Keys To A Powerful, Personal Testimony:

1/ DON'T GLAMORIZE SIN:

Don't fall into the trap of detailing all about sin's special pleasures, or how wicked you used to be, or how you "got away with it."

You should, however, emphasize the emptiness, the guilt, the misery that you experienced as a result of the sins in your life.

NOTE: A sinful past is not necessary in order for you to witness for Jesus, because "he who knew no sin," was of course, the most effective Witness that had ever lived!

 

[Castaway57]

2/ AVOID MEANINGLESS EXPRESSIONS

For eg., "Since I came to the message;" or "after I came into the truth." Instead of these types of expressions; you might try something like this:

"After I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, I ___________. (fill in the blank).

 

[Castaway57]

3/ DON'T BE WORDY

Make your testimony short and to the point. You should be able to give your testimony in three minutes or less! This makes it easy to fit into everyday conversations with friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, etc.

 

[Castaway57]

4/ NEVER SPEAK CRITICALLY OF OTHER CHURCHES

Some people call it a “testimony” and all they do is criticize a church they used to belong to and how they “escaped” from it's grip. Most of such churches have true believers in them and we can better glorify God by focusing more on Jesus, and how he is to us a divine Savior to us personally. Many people with this kind of criticism do not have this kind of testimony.

You don't even need to mention right away; the specific denomination into which you were born, or which one you are a member of now! Much of the time it would actually be best to not mention denominations right away in an initial testimony. Later, you will have plenty of opportunity to discuss denominations; or to give a Church testimony; by building upon your initial testimony; but in the type of testimony we are discussing now, it would be much better to refer to your Church as "my Church family;" or "Christ's great family;" etc. (see 1 Cor.12:13). Your sole object in an initial testimony should be to attract people to the Person of Jesus Christ, and your personal experience with Him.

Quote
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 

[Castaway57]

5/ NEVER GIVE A LONG LIST OF THE SACRIFICES

Never give a long list of all the great sacrifices that you had to make since becoming a Christian, or of all the things you had to give up, or of all the hardships that you have had to face to become a Christian. For what are all these things compared to “the eternal weight of glory” that is the Christian's reward? (see 2 Cor.4:17). Instead; you should try to emphasize the more positive benefits and experience of your Christian walk. (Phil.4:8)

 

[Castaway57]

6/ BE SPECIFIC

People tend to forget generalities, but they will remember specifics. For eg., instead of saying something like: “It is so wonderful; tell the person/s concerned just what it is that is so wonderful. Here are some examples of how it can be said. You must adapt these to your specific situation and experience:

a) “It is such a wonderful thing to go to bed at night, knowing that if I don't wake up in the morning, that I will still wake up on the resurrection morning; and then I can live forever!” This is very specific!

b) Instead of saying something like; “I have such peace,” try explaining exactly what you mean by that. For eg., “My husband is an Arctic Pilot. His work is very dangerous; but since we have both become Christians, I have come to know that his life is really in God's hands anyway. If he should lose his life in an accident, I KNOW that things would not really end there because there will be a resurrection of the dead when Jesus comes again; and then we will be united forever.”

 

[Castaway57]

7/ IDENTIFY WITH PEOPLE

At one time or another, most people have had some degree of legalistic tendencies in their Christian experiences. You can use such things to emphasize how you have something in common with a given person. Use elements from your own experience that will enable people to see themselves in your life, through your personal experience. It is a physical law of life that when a person sees similarities between their experience and your experience; then they will be more likely to accept the same solutions that you have found to your problems.

Don't hesitate to mention a brief accounting of some traumatic experiences in your life; for eg., loss of a loved one, war, accident, separation, loss of job, moving, etc. Making mention of such events may draw you closer to the person concerned, and arouse their questions/comments of common interest. These events in your life may have prepared you, or played some other important role in leading you to Christ. “Some who engage in the work of saving souls, fail to secure the best results, because they do not carry out with thoroughness the work that they began with so much enthusiasm. They do not identify themselves with those whom they wish to help in reaching the Bible standards of Christianity.” (GW 381, Phil.1:6)

 

[Castaway57]

8/ EMPHASIZE THE FRIENDLINESS

That you have found in your new Church family. Many have not found this happiness, and are lonely, or in want of friends; and the mentioning of warmth and friendliness will usually strike a responsive cord. Stress the great comfort you have in belonging. Remember, not all churches are alike, try to have goals of showing friendliness and warmth yourself, even if it is a little scarce where you are! History has shown that one person doing the right thing can bring about much needed revival. Wasn't it Aristotle who once said: “Show me the place to stand and I will move the world!?”

 

[Castaway57]

9/ ALWAYS BE KIND AND TACTFUL

Never appear to be self-righteous, or better than others. In deciding what to say or not to say; consider the background of the person you are giving a testimony to: remember, that speaking about Jesus to an uncommitted person, IN FRONT OF OTHERS, may actually just cause great embarrassment for them, and hinder the cause of God through your “testimony.” Use tact and common sense in such situations. The most important thing is to be completely natural in your witness for Jesus.

 

[Castaway57]

10/ OTHER POSITIVE FACTORS

to weave into your personal testimony might include something about the love and harmony that Jesus can bring into the home and into the family life, or, the great relief from guilt feelings that come from forgiveness; maybe read Psalms 31:1-2, or 51:1-10. You could also tell about the confidence with which a person can face old age, terminal illness, death; etc. With Jesus, we do not face these things alone! (Heb.13:5).

 

[Castaway57]

11/ PRAY FOR YOUR COUNTENANCE

to radiate Christ's assurance; and to let your smile, the look on your face, speak the language of heaven. Remember Stephen, “And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:15). God was with Stephen in a very special and intimate way in the end; and people could see it in his face.

Remember, as people listen to your testimony, The Holy Spirit is at work; not only giving you the words to speak, but also impressing the minds of those to whom you are speaking. Frequently a person's facial expressions will reveal an awakening desire to find the same peace and assurance in Christ that you have found. Your looks can literally give you away! Be truly happy in Jesus yourself if you want others to be. Be alert to a person's “body language” and other signs or opportunities; and use them as a means of leading a precious soul to Christ. (Jam.1:5).

 

[Castaway57]

I know I already posted these somewhere; but it is a good place to post them again.

NOTE: See below for a Personal Testimony Worksheet. Make extra copies of it and do a little brain-storming and practice, until you come up with a simple, three minute testimony. Try doing this alone, with another person, and within a group setting.

PERSONAL TESTIMONY WORKSHEET

1/ My Life Before I Accepted Christ: Share this part of your testimony with people in order to personally identify with them: “I needed help; and I found it in Jesus.” (8T 321).

2/ How I Became A Christian: Tell how it all happened. If you were brought up in a Christian home, there was still some point at which you gave your life fully to Christ. When you made a definite and personal commitment. Your testimony may revolve around a particular answer to prayer, or, around some victory in your life that has meant a lot; and has made Jesus real to you. “I found the Bible to be the Voice of God to my soul...” (8T 321).

3/ MY LIFE SINCE I BECAME A CHRISTIAN

Tell how your life has changed, and something of the joy you now experience. “In Christ, the hunger of my soul has been satisfied...” (8T 321).

4/ IN SUMMARY

of your personal testimony, try to use an appropriate Scripture verse which sums up your life, and will be a precious Bible promise for whomever you are sharing your personal testimony with. “...So everyone may be able, through [their] own experience, to 'set [their] seal to this; that God is true.'” “I believe in Jesus, because He is to me a divine Savior...” (8T 321)

In the next post; I will talk in more detail about "Putting Your Personal Testimony To Work."

I hope & pray that this helps and blesses someone in their Christian walk.

 

[Castaway57]

Putting Your Testimony To Work

Have you ever said to yourself: “I wish I could turn this conversation around a bit to tell this person about Christ?” Have you ever thought something like “If there only were more time, I could tell [this person] what Christ means to me?”

Why not turn some of your day to day contacts with people into eternal profit, by preparing your testimony for Christ ahead of time?

If you decide in advance on a few possible types of openings, then you will be ready to include in just a few minutes of conversation, an inspiring and effective witness for Christ.

To prepare your testimony, write one out into about a two or three minute length story, using the above Personal Testimony Worksheet. Then; you can use the following guidelines from the Bible, to fit your testimony into a variety of different situations.

The directions you are about to study are are applied from the book of Acts, chapter 26, where the apostle Paul gave his amazing testimony to King Agrippa.

 

[Castaway57]

TESTIMONY GUIDELINES FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL'S WITNESS

1/ GRACIOUS INTRODUCTION: Acts 26:2-3

Paul made a point of referring to Agrippa’s expert knowledge of Jewish customs. Find a point of interest, or identification. You might say to someone: "_______, I really appreciate your friendship, and I am ashamed that I have never told you about my best friend. This friend is Jesus…” Or, “You and I have a lot in common ______, When I was in school; I had everything that a person could want; and yet, somehow, underneath all of that; was a lot of discontent.” If the person you are speaking with has children, you could say something like: “Bringing up children in this modern world is pretty rough at times. If it wasn’t for a major miracle in my life, I would be totally lost in knowing just how to bring my children up.” Think of several possible types of introductions that you might be able to use in some way that would help you to identify with the person/people you are talking to.

2/ GOOD PART OF PAST LIFE: Acts 26: 4-5

If you just say what a horrible sinner you were, people may not be able to identify themselves with you very well. Paul told how he was looked up to for his religious practices. You should mention briefly your past morality, Church attendance, ideas about God, generosity, etc., as you lead to the third point coming up in the guidelines from Paul on giving your personal testimony.

3/ BAD PART OF YOUR PAST LIFE: Acts 26: 9-11

“Even though people thought I was so good,I knew what was really going on inside my own head.” Mention some specific things like hateful thoughts, covetousness, emptiness of heart, or pride. Perhaps you feared that you would not go to heaven. Many people would be able to identify with you in this because they are also not always too sure.

4/ CIRCUMSTANCES OF YOUR CONVERSION: Acts 26: 12-15

Don’t feel that your own story is too colorless; for your conversion is just as much a miracle as was Paul’s. Use mostly details that show your personal transaction with God, and avoid confusing statements like: “I went forward at Church.” Your listener may think that “going forward” is the answer. You could say instead: “When the minister asked if anyone had never received Christ personally, I knew that I had not, and that this was a time when I felt God was calling me to decide to trust Him with my life and my heart.” If you don’t really know the exact time you committed yourself to Christ, you could say: “The time came when I had realized how that what I was doing was not enough; and how Christ on the cross provided for my salvation.” We know that the sun rises at a very precise moment; but we may not have actually seen it right then. Yet, we do know that it is there because we see it in the sky.

5/ RESULTS OF CONVERSION: ACTS 26:23

Mention the most striking change in your life, as Paul did; weather in the desires, actions, hunger for God’s Word, peace, or satisfaction. Show the effects of being born again.

6/ THE GOSPEL MESSAGE: Acts 26:23

Weave into your story some details about Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection. This is the message with power:

Rom 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 1Co 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. Act 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Rom 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Phi 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

 

[Castaway57]

7/ PERSONAL APPEAL: Acts 26: 27-29

Using the person’s name you are speaking to; ask a question relating to them: “___________, have you ever thought of Christ in this personal way?” “If you were do die today, would you be sure that you would go to heaven?” Or, “Does anything I have said bring any questions to your mind?”

The responses you get, of course, will be varied; but they may lead you to make later arrangements for a further talk or study on this subject; or some may ask you right away to tell them more. But by being prepared in advance from studying this personal testimony material; you will be able to present Jesus Christ, at any time, to anyone, who has need of Him.