Over the last
two weeks, I’ve been reading John 1. It spoke
a great deal to me about a testimony. Even the main theme indicates our purpose, "The Word became flesh" by our sharing Jesus. I will use some other scriptures below but I am mostly going to reference this passage verses 1-28. So grab you bible, crack it open and read along. :)
The guide book for Testimony
Start with scripture – The first 3 verses of John starts
off with the power of God’s Word. The word that he spoke when he created the
earth, healed the sick, and resurrected the dead. It is also a reference to the
power in his written word that you and I read.
If you want
to develop a testimony start reading scripture, but also start speaking it in your life. Pray scriptures over yourself and others. When you
need to make a decision see if there is any scripture that you remember, or
seek the word to help you find an answer that will satisfy your question. When
you struggle with anger, depression, insecurity, confusion, etc. speak scripture out
loud to combat those circumstances. (v1-3)
Proverbs
18:21 tells you that the power of life and death resides in the tongue.
In this passage of John, verses 4-5 state that it is specifically God’s word that is all you need to bring life
and light to your situation.
Likewise,
your testimony confirms how you know God is real. What are the “ahhas” or
evidence from your life that confirmed his existence? This helps others
identify how he might work in their life too.
It’s not just about you - A testimony is a great way to get
more personal with those your see regularly. We have to include details about
our life to connect with others. This
usually involves our past, our current setting and our sin. –But a powerful testimony is not just
about you. Be sure to connect God with
each of those prominent points. (v8)
A testimony is good for everyone - Everyone can have one. Everyone can
benefit from hearing one. We don’t need to save it for our “God friends”. Nor
do we store it up to share with those people that “need Jesus” to make them
more agreeable to us. Your testimony is good for everyone, including total strangers.
(v9).
It is even
good for the person giving the testimony. Check out Philemon1:6 or my
post about that verse.
People won’t always recognize what
you identify as God - Others might not agree or identify with what we’re saying. My commentary on John
20:10-18 says that after the resurrection
Mary was so consumed in her grief that even she did not recognize Jesus because
she wasn’t expecting to see him. This world is consumed in grief. Sometimes,
even your “best…” will be hard for them to see as you do. Don't give up! (v10)
Even some
of your christian friends and church peers might not identify or agree with your
experience. (v11) Persevere!
A Testimony is more than just a
decision to talk or to receive words
– Sure you can have an experience here and there that gives you a testimony
about God. But to live a testimony or to receive Christ, means that you are
willing to give some things up in order to have him as your father and Lord.
This means that you submit to him and his will instead of your own. In doing
so, you will be reborn. He will dwell among you and in you. -Allowing HIS
spirit to come alive in you. He will move you with new words and, at least for me, it's something that you will have to tell. (v12-14)
The Transformation will make you cry
out in belief – When you are transformed, you feel it and others see it. When you KNOW that you are saved- When you KNOW that he is God- You will become less afraid to share the word because you KNOW others need to
get to the place that you are getting to. You will cry out in many ways. (And if you are not
in any of those places now, I sincerely urge you to go deeper, there is more! You
really can be sure!) (v15)
Equal parts Grace and Truth - It’s easy for us to condemn
ourselves but a good testimony is part truth and part grace, not condemnation. Write
what you are convicted about, use scripture [law] where applicable but also
share how it free’d [gospel] you? (v16-17)
Feel free to remind them of the
obvious – No one has
ever seen God. You’re not God either. You
just know the one who is. (v18-20)
Don’t compare your testimony to
someone else - You
might not be a preacher or know enough doctrine. You might not have a certain
speaking style or have had certain life experiences. But trust that God still
wants to have a relationship with you that brings revelation about him. Don’t
compare yourself to others because you are unique. There is a particular
audience that needs to hear your style and your experiences. (v21)
There will always be someone who
questions you –
It’s plain and simple. You’re testimony might raise more questions or even seem to provoke listeners. They might try to demand more answers or challenge you. There
will also be those that still question God. Your testimony might not win them.
But consider this- what if they go home and rant about your efforts and the
person on the other side becomes intrigued. What if someone else is walking by
that needed to hear that word? Never underestimate God's power to move someone through you. (v22)
Rely on scripture – Now check out Isaiah 40:3-5. Even John used scripture to answer questions. If
you can’t recall a scripture off the top of your head to answer the question directed at you don’t make anything up. Be honest, explain that you don’t know. Find a bible
and look up answers together. Or set a time to get together with a bible and
look the answers up then. (v23)
You and I don’t save people but we
can bring others to Christ so that he can save them - Do not confuse being baptized with water as being the same as being baptized
with the holy spirit. Being baptized in water is a wonderful milestone. It represents a coming to the Lord or a public profession that you desire to deepen
or already have a deeper faith. I would encourage you to do it if you haven't already but it is
the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the seeking of his counsel that cultivates a
relationship and belief in God. Either way, not only does God change us, he allows us to be a part of his work, his healing and his miracles. (v24-26)
God even gives sinners a testimony – Even John felt like there was
something in his life that kept him from being worthy to receive God and his
testimony. Most of us are the same way and so we never put that foot forward to
try and get to know him. But despite how he felt and whatever it was that he
had in his life to make him feel that way, he was part of Jesus’s inner circle.
He was the first one chosen, “He was the one whom Jesus loved”, he was known as
a son of thunder and chosen to care for Jesus's own mother. (v27-28)
Never underestimate the mercy and power of God and the ability of having a real
relationship with him.
Each of us
are sinners, check out 1
Tim 1:16 (16 But for
that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of
sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for
those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.)
Summary
There are still verses 29-50 in this chapter. I haven’t gotten through those verses yet. There may
be a part two. But I’d like to leave you with some “Reggie tips” before I
close.
Practice makes perfect - It might feel awkward the first 10
times or the first 100 but practice will improve your confidence in him. Do NOT give up because
you think the first one was a flop. I’ve been writing for 2 years now and I
still struggle with awkwardness. But what I have experienced as a result of
allowing a testimony, has far outweighed the hindrances that I felt prior to giving it. So, Press on friend, press on! - Checkout Phil 1:6
Thankfulness - There is a thankfulness that will develop in your heart
once you are able to reflect on his evidence in your life. Col 2:6-7
It only has to be one - You don’t have to win a sea of
people to have a good testimony. Scripture says “for
the least of these”, or “the
one lost sheep”. Your testimony might only need to be good for one. And
what if that one is you!?
Always Double Check Me – Never take someone else’s word for
your salvation! Double check everything that I say; just as you should for your
preacher, your friends, etc. It becomes a real message to you, when you confirm
the details and consider any personal meaning/reflection in the verses. I
encourage you to pray and ask God to help you draw closer and know his will.
Ask him to open your heart as you read his word. Then find some quite time and prepare
to receive what you asked for!
Blessings
to you!
Photo Credit : http://www.ellopos.org/
Over the last
two weeks, I’ve been reading John 1. It spoke
a great deal to me about a testimony. Even the main theme indicates our purpose, "The Word became flesh" by our sharing Jesus. I will use some other scriptures below but I am mostly going to reference this passage verses 1-28. So grab you bible, crack it open and read along. :)
The guide book for Testimony
Start with scripture – The first 3 verses of John starts
off with the power of God’s Word. The word that he spoke when he created the
earth, healed the sick, and resurrected the dead. It is also a reference to the
power in his written word that you and I read.
If you want
to develop a testimony start reading scripture, but also start speaking it in your life. Pray scriptures over yourself and others. When you
need to make a decision see if there is any scripture that you remember, or
seek the word to help you find an answer that will satisfy your question. When
you struggle with anger, depression, insecurity, confusion, etc. speak scripture out
loud to combat those circumstances. (v1-3)
Proverbs
18:21 tells you that the power of life and death resides in the tongue.
In this passage of John, verses 4-5 state that it is specifically God’s word that is all you need to bring life
and light to your situation.
Introduce God to others - John came as a “witness”. This is
someone who has seen, heard or who can attest to an event taking place or a
person being seen. (v6-7)
Likewise,
your testimony confirms how you know God is real. What are the “ahhas” or
evidence from your life that confirmed his existence? This helps others
identify how he might work in their life too.
It’s not just about you - A testimony is a great way to get
more personal with those your see regularly. We have to include details about
our life to connect with others. This
usually involves our past, our current setting and our sin. –But a powerful testimony is not just
about you. Be sure to connect God with
each of those prominent points. (v8)
A testimony is good for everyone - Everyone can have one. Everyone can
benefit from hearing one. We don’t need to save it for our “God friends”. Nor
do we store it up to share with those people that “need Jesus” to make them
more agreeable to us. Your testimony is good for everyone, including total strangers.
(v9).
It is even
good for the person giving the testimony. Check out Philemon1:6 or my
post about that verse.
People won’t always recognize what
you identify as God - Others might not agree or identify with what we’re saying. My commentary on John
20:10-18 says that after the resurrection
Mary was so consumed in her grief that even she did not recognize Jesus because
she wasn’t expecting to see him. This world is consumed in grief. Sometimes,
even your “best…” will be hard for them to see as you do. Don't give up! (v10)
Even some
of your christian friends and church peers might not identify or agree with your
experience. (v11) Persevere!
A Testimony is more than just a
decision to talk or to receive words
– Sure you can have an experience here and there that gives you a testimony
about God. But to live a testimony or to receive Christ, means that you are
willing to give some things up in order to have him as your father and Lord.
This means that you submit to him and his will instead of your own. In doing
so, you will be reborn. He will dwell among you and in you. -Allowing HIS
spirit to come alive in you. He will move you with new words and, at least for me, it's something that you will have to tell. (v12-14)
The Transformation will make you cry
out in belief – When you are transformed, you feel it and others see it. When you KNOW that you are saved- When you KNOW that he is God- You will become less afraid to share the word because you KNOW others need to
get to the place that you are getting to. You will cry out in many ways. (And if you are not
in any of those places now, I sincerely urge you to go deeper, there is more! You
really can be sure!) (v15)
Equal parts Grace and Truth - It’s easy for us to condemn
ourselves but a good testimony is part truth and part grace, not condemnation. Write
what you are convicted about, use scripture [law] where applicable but also
share how it free’d [gospel] you? (v16-17)
Feel free to remind them of the
obvious – No one has
ever seen God. You’re not God either. You
just know the one who is. (v18-20)
Don’t compare your testimony to
someone else - You
might not be a preacher or know enough doctrine. You might not have a certain
speaking style or have had certain life experiences. But trust that God still
wants to have a relationship with you that brings revelation about him. Don’t
compare yourself to others because you are unique. There is a particular
audience that needs to hear your style and your experiences. (v21)
There will always be someone who
questions you –
It’s plain and simple. You’re testimony might raise more questions or even seem to provoke listeners. They might try to demand more answers or challenge you. There
will also be those that still question God. Your testimony might not win them.
But consider this- what if they go home and rant about your efforts and the
person on the other side becomes intrigued. What if someone else is walking by
that needed to hear that word? Never underestimate God's power to move someone through you. (v22)
Rely on scripture – Now check out Isaiah 40:3-5. Even John used scripture to answer questions. If
you can’t recall a scripture off the top of your head to answer the question directed at you don’t make anything up. Be honest, explain that you don’t know. Find a bible
and look up answers together. Or set a time to get together with a bible and
look the answers up then. (v23)
You and I don’t save people but we
can bring others to Christ so that he can save them - Do not confuse being baptized with water as being the same as being baptized
with the holy spirit. Being baptized in water is a wonderful milestone. It represents a coming to the Lord or a public profession that you desire to deepen
or already have a deeper faith. I would encourage you to do it if you haven't already but it is
the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the seeking of his counsel that cultivates a
relationship and belief in God. Either way, not only does God change us, he allows us to be a part of his work, his healing and his miracles. (v24-26)
God even gives sinners a testimony – Even John felt like there was
something in his life that kept him from being worthy to receive God and his
testimony. Most of us are the same way and so we never put that foot forward to
try and get to know him. But despite how he felt and whatever it was that he
had in his life to make him feel that way, he was part of Jesus’s inner circle.
He was the first one chosen, “He was the one whom Jesus loved”, he was known as
a son of thunder and chosen to care for Jesus's own mother. (v27-28)
Never underestimate the mercy and power of God and the ability of having a real
relationship with him.
Each of us
are sinners, check out 1
Tim 1:16 (16 But for
that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of
sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for
those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.)
There are still verses 29-50 in this chapter. I haven’t gotten through those verses yet. There may be a part two. But I’d like to leave you with some “Reggie tips” before I close.
Practice makes perfect - It might feel awkward the first 10
times or the first 100 but practice will improve your confidence in him. Do NOT give up because
you think the first one was a flop. I’ve been writing for 2 years now and I
still struggle with awkwardness. But what I have experienced as a result of
allowing a testimony, has far outweighed the hindrances that I felt prior to giving it. So, Press on friend, press on! - Checkout Phil 1:6
Thankfulness - There is a thankfulness that will develop in your heart
once you are able to reflect on his evidence in your life. Col 2:6-7
It only has to be one - You don’t have to win a sea of
people to have a good testimony. Scripture says “for
the least of these”, or “the
one lost sheep”. Your testimony might only need to be good for one. And
what if that one is you!?
Always Double Check Me – Never take someone else’s word for
your salvation! Double check everything that I say; just as you should for your
preacher, your friends, etc. It becomes a real message to you, when you confirm
the details and consider any personal meaning/reflection in the verses. I
encourage you to pray and ask God to help you draw closer and know his will.
Ask him to open your heart as you read his word. Then find some quite time and prepare
to receive what you asked for!
Blessings
to you!
Photo Credit : http://www.ellopos.org/
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