Tell

Week 3

By: Des Joyce

This series will be used to show our congregation the power of their faith testimony. We will be speaking very practically each week about why and how to tell your story of faith and the impact that has on this world.

Looking Back

Play the song by Leanna Crawford - Still Waters (Psalm 23). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKGu_e7YMrA
I am always encouraged by Christian testimonies, especially when they are spoken or written in the media. Recently we have had Astronaut Butch Wilmore (2025) and Artemis II pilot Victor Glover (2026) share powerful Christian testimonies, describing how their time in space deepened their faith in Jesus Christ and awe of God's creation. You may like to use these links to the astronauts: Artemis Astronauts Incredible Faith Message & It's a special thing to be a human

Often we think of testimony as salvation stories, but there are all kinds of testimonies that can point others to Jesus. Stories of healing, providence, provision, guidance/direction, forgiveness, reconciliation and so on - simple life stories that can point the hearers to God.

For me, the most impactful testimony in December 2025 was of the Abdallah family in western Sydney - a Lebanese Christian family who lost three of their children after a young driver, Sam, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, ploughed into them and killed four children in 2020. This story is recounted in Greg Sheridan's latest book, “How Christians can succeed today”. (Allen and Unwin, 2025). They share a powerful story of forgiveness in their grief and anger. They have created the i4Give Foundation to promote the central Christian message of forgiveness. Danny Abdallah meets with Sam in Cessnock prison, and Sam has become a Christian - "I want what you have." He had seen the effect of the power of forgiveness.

Is there someone who helped you come to faith, or a deeper faith experience? Share who that person is that comes to mind and what happened.

Looking Up

Read John 9:18-25
- If someone questions you about your faith, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 and Romans 1:8
- We receive power from the Holy Spirit to share our testimony. Can you think of a time when you were aware of this power? Share it.
- When you share your faith with someone, can you identify with Paul in verse 1 of the Corinthian reading. Explain this to the group - the effect this has on you.

Looking Ahead

How can our small group help us to “fan into flame” the spiritual gifts God has given us?
“Do not be ashamed to testify about Jesus.” (verse 8) Is this something that you struggle with? Share how it affects your testimony.
Read 1 Peter 2:9
- Share how some situations are most difficult to remember that you are chosen and holy, to declare the praises of God.
- Reflect over the coming week how you think others with whom you interact see Jesus evident in your life. Maybe chat with a trusted Christian friend about this.

Prayer

Break up into groups of 2 or 3 and pray for each other. Lay hands on those who request it to be empowered or bolder in sharing faith in the church and the wider world.