Testimony The Bible is divided into two segments – a New and an Old Testament - written testimony of real-life encounters with God. While libraries have been and are being filled with content extracted and dissected from these documents, they themselves were not originally conceived as text book presentations of spiritual and philosophical principles. For the most part, the content discovered in them is simply documented stories, events, and effects of God’s involvement in the affairs of people not any more qualified than us. Many of the experiences represented in the scriptures were not known to be all that significant to those involved as they occurred. However, what has taken them from just events in our past to revelations of the plans, purposes and nature of God that produce belief in Him is the fact that they were written down and shared. Through the simple telling of God encounters faith has spread across the world, awakening hope and moving hearts to pursue a relationship with Him. It is in the telling of what God has already done, His personal touch in lives, that belief in Him is enabled, resulting in a choice to experience that touch as well. While we can be grateful for those who have faithfully shared the testimonies that have made the scriptures available to us today, this power to share the goodness of God has been given to each of us as well. The gospel that is most effectively shared to those we encounter in the world is much more than just quoting of stories from the Bible. It may be hard for those in our present culture to relate with stories from thousands of years ago, but when a personal experience is shared from a present-day setting, where the power of God has produced freedom, provision, healing, and help to an otherwise hopeless situation, it becomes the gospel that will make its way to a heart in need. Rather than waiting to become well-versed in a depth of theological understanding that may only repel those who are desperate for an answer, the testimony of those who have had a first-hand experience that requires no memorization, just heart-felt sharing, will bring light and hope to a darkened soul. This is the commission we’ve all been given, to have a Holy Spirit infilling that results in our hearts over-flowing with personal encounters in grace. The power of the enemy to separate from the presence of God will be brought down as people enter into union with the Father where there is simple obedience to share a personal testimony of new life in Christ. Notes Our directive from Jesus Mark 16:15-16 (NKJV) 15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Gospel – good news Every new creation – the task of bringing people back to Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NLT) 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. Ark of the Testimony – Access to a personal encounter with God and all His power. From possessed to commissioned. Mark 5:19-20 (NKJV) 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled. The hearing of a testimony awakens faith. Mark 5:25-28 (NKJV) 25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” In the telling of what God had already done was the provision of faith to overcome. Revelation 12:11 (NLT) 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. The promised encounter that empowers testimony. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." To go with an overcoming testimony Encounter – experience the working of the Holy Spirit Go to – implies discovery of people/their condition/needs Share a testimony of Jesus as the Way Maker Care for through maturity/disciple Overview: All in Christ are sent to share. Discovery of need by caring/asking Share from an encounter. Care through maturity. Prayer: “I am overwhelmed by how wonderfully Your goodness has touched my heart and cared for the needs of my soul, Father. From this abundance of life may there be a very natural outflow of sharing my encounter as a testimony. By the power of Your Spirit enable me to care and share to those around me who are desperately in need of Your love.” Action: Remember and document the God moments when revelation of Him has brought salvation, deliverance and provision. Nurture the encounter that is yours on a continual basis, acknowledging Him in all your ways, praying in the Holy Ghost and applying faith to His promises. Intentionally engage those around you with sincere intent of knowing them and their status of life. Share your own experience to bring hope for resolution of an area of need. Lead them to transformation in the presence of the Lord. Declaration: “This new creation I’ve been made to be in Christ is full of purpose and mission in simply sharing the experience of goodness that is mine. The Holy Spirit guides me in this mission and fills my mouth with words that will draw people into the same encounter that has transformed my life. There is overcoming power for myself and those with whom I share in every telling of my personal good news of Jesus’ blood and righteousness applied to my life.”