How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15
Hello Young Believer! Does the very thought of public speaking make you want to break out in hives? I think that many times when we talk about sharing our testimonies that's the image that it conjures up in our minds. If you're in a fairly traditional church they may even require you to share at least some abbreviated form of your story before the congregation when you get baptized. So if your head is spinning trying to come up with what to say, here are a few questions you can answer below that will help you outline your testimony before such a dreaded event!
What were you like before you were saved?
How did you hear about the Gospel?
Why did you decide to follow Jesus?
How has this decision changed your life?
Now for me, many of the answers to those questions happened a long time ago. I was saved as a very young child and a lot of life has happened since then. If that is the situation you find yourself in as well, then here is a bonus question to consider:
How has God been working in your life recently?
Even if you're never required to stand up and give a terrifying public speech, you will have plenty of opportunities throughout your life to share your testimony. It could come up over coffee with friends, around the dinner table with family, or when your children begin to have questions about who God is and why you believe as you do. Sharing what God has done for you both in salvation and in your life ever since can be one of the greatest joys we have this side of Heaven. It can also cost you friends and loved ones who want nothing to do with your "newfound religion". In many places in the world today it can even cost you your life and one day in America it may cost you just as much to believe. I'm not saying this to frighten you, but so that you wouldn't be blindsided when you're asked to make sacrifices for your faith. After all, why would we be putting on armor if we were not going out to face a great enemy?
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:13-17
I'm sure that we will continue to talk about persecution of Christians later on in our studies and how we are to respond to it. The idea as we are at the beginning of these studies is to equip you with the arsenal that you need to go out and face a world that promises to be full of suffering and difficulty for those who would dare to follow Christ. That is why you must put on your sword daily and spend time in prayer, to be prepared for the Spiritual battles that face you every day of your life. In doing so, may we be given boldness to share the Good News, the strength to respond to persecution as the disciples did; with peace beyond their understanding and joy that they would share in the sufferings of our Lord.
If you have any other questions about how to share your testimony or about facing persecution, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. I've also been thinking about putting difficult topics like these in the Forum so that we can continue this discussion together there. I highly encourage you to find a mentor in the faith who can help personally walk you through many of these issues as you grow into a mature believer. This is one journey you were never meant to take alone!
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