TELL Week 4 By: Jacqui Thomas 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 their story of faith and the impact that has on this world. Looking Back If you would like to, you can listen to this song by Terrian called Testimony: https://youtu.be/ijm46OEP0zQ What has God been teaching you through this series - is there something that has really stood out for you concerning telling others about Jesus? Looking Up Read together Ephesians 3:14-21 & Acts 1:8 in a couple of different versions. These passages are full of promises that give you the power and reason to share your story with others. Which part of these verses especially speaks to you? How does it give you confidence to share your testimony with others? Read together 1 Peter 3:15. This verse gives us two very good instructions about sharing our testimony. What are they and how might this affect how you share your testimony with others? Paul gives some wonderful advice about how he first shared his testimony and the good news with unbelievers in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Read it together. How do these verses give you even more confidence when you come to share the reason for your hope with others who don't know Him? Looking Ahead From these scriptures we learn that you don't have to be especially gifted, or clever with words, or even have the world's best testimony. You don't have to know lots about theology or doctrine or know the Bible from cover to cover to share your story. Being real with people (with all our weaknesses and shortcomings) helps us to walk alongside people in their struggles. You don't have to know all the answers because God promises to be there with you to help you say exactly what you need to. Sometimes He just wants you to plant a small seed in someone's heart. Though you don't have to do this right now (although you can if you want to), you can write out your testimony to help you focus on the important parts - but keeping it brief and simple is the best. It can include: Who you were before meeting Jesus How you met Jesus How you've changed because of your encounter with Jesus What parts of these verses can you especially hold on to next time you have the opportunity to answer a question or talk about your faith to others? Are there still things that you worry about with sharing your story? Feel free to share these hesitations and fears with your other life group members (you'll probably find they have similar ones!) Prayer Pray in groups or pairs about sharing your story - for God's strength in your areas of weakness, that God will give you the words to say. And that we will remember that He is doing the biggest part of the work in bringing them into relationship with Him as you are faithful in sharing His good news - He has been working in their hearts since before they were born. Pray together for those people who you care for that don't know Jesus yet.