Tag Archives: personal testimony

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – A Testimony of Faith

1 Comment

Charles Stanley

Acts 8:4-39

Yesterday, we listed the three facets of a Christian’s personal testimony. Today, let’s take a look at a biblical figure who exemplified these qualities. In Acts 8:5-6, Philip brought the good news of Jesus Christ to Samaria, and the crowd there listened intently. It must have been thrilling for him to see such warm receptivity to the gospel. In spite of this, he demonstrated obedience to the Lord by immediately following instructions to leave and take the message to Gaza. Philip’s godly character was evident in his sensitivity to the Lord’s call and his willingness to obey at once, no matter the cost.

We also see that Philip’s conduct matched his character. He allowed right principles to guide him, and his actions lined up with his beliefs. Had Philip chosen to disobey the Lord, or if his faith had not been genuine, his behavior would have revealed ungodly motives, and his testimony would have been worthless.

Whether Philip was addressing large crowds or speaking to an individual, his words pointed to Jesus Christ. In verses 25-39, he taught Scripture to a traveler and then baptized the man. Philip considered his words carefully and made sure that his conversations directed others to the Savior.

Philip is an example of a believer who trusted in Christ, regardless of the situation. His devout, unwavering faith revealed itself in the way he testified with his life. As you approach different situations throughout the day, try to be like Philip—let the Lord guide your character, conduct, and conversation.

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Importance of a Sincere Testimony

1 Comment

Charles Stanley

Psalm 78:1-7

What is a testimony? Some believers think that it’s just a brief account of the way God has worked in their life. While that may be true, our testimony is much more than simply a short story.

One important aspect of our testimony is our character, which should include a spirit of obedience. Do we follow God’s instruction on occasion but ignore Him the rest of the time? An obedient spirit follows His guidance, no matter what. At times our actions may outwardly display obedience, but nobody except God knows what lies within our heart. He sees our true character, and it should line up with the story we tell others to glorify Him.

Our conduct—in other words, what we do—is another facet of our testimony. If what we say conflicts with our behavior, then we cloud our witness, and unbelievers may consider us hypocritical or doubt the genuineness of our faith. The way we act should confirm who we are in Christ.

Finally, a third part of our testimony is our conversation. As Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” This gives us an opportunity to tell others what God is doing in our lives. Our words can be significant to an unbeliever who doubts the existence of God or the divinity of Christ.

When our character, conduct, and conversation fail to match who we are in Christ, we hamper our ability to reach others with the gospel. A testimony can make the difference between doubt and faith in the life of an unbeliever. How authentic is your personal testimony?

 

 

 

Uncategorized

Charles Stanley – Telling Your Story

1 Comment

 

John 9:1-7

The Lord will use a Christian’s personal testimony in powerful ways. As we speak about how God has rescued and changed us, the Holy Spirit can heighten people’s interest in spiritual matters and use our words to help them seek Christ as their Savior.

In John 9, we learn about a blind man whom the Lord healed. He had been sightless since birth, and many people wanted to know about his miraculous healing. To each one who questioned him, he told the facts as he had experienced them: “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!” (John 9:11 NLT).

When we obey Jesus’ commands, people around us will notice that there is something different about us. Perhaps they’ll be curious about our ability to remain patient or calm in times of adversity. They may ask why we have given up popular activities or avoid certain places. We can respond as simply as the blind man did: “I was spiritually blind and separated from God by sin. Jesus, the Savior, died on the cross to pay for my sins. Through faith in Him, I know I have been forgiven and have been adopted into God’s family. That’s why I am not the same.”

We don’t have to know every answer to every question in order to talk about our Savior. We need only tell what has happened to us personally. Take the time to write out your testimony in a few sentences, and be able to relate the story briefly and clearly. Then look for an opportunity to tell someone what God has done in your life.

Uncategorized

Charles Stanley – Telling It Like It Is

1 Comment

 

Matthew 10:32-33

Life often demands proof. Sometimes it seems that no matter what we say, people simply will not

believe us unless we can provide some definite verification. That can be a good thing when what you’re

sharing is the most important news in the world—and you have the evidence to back it up.

The news I’m talking about is the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. And the proof is your own personal

testimony.

Every single believer has an irrefutable account of how Christ saved him or her from sin. It is

disheartening when people downplay their faith story as boring or “ordinary.” How could this story ever

be ordinary? It isn’t just some narrative about how you spent your day; we’re talking about a

supernatural event. This is the chronicle of how Almighty God entered your heart. News like that is far

from boring.

Remember that no one can discount your testimony. It’s your own story—the truthful telling of how

God has worked in your life. A testimony is similar to a fingerprint: no two are the same. And regardless

of the details, no one can ever deny your own personal experience. Even if some people do not believe

in the power of Christ, they cannot refute what He has done in your life.

Boldly giving your testimony can be a challenge, especially if you’re not sure how your audience will

react. At such moments, however, know that your story will be something they’ve never heard before.

God gave you a special gift in your unique testimony. Are you sharing that gift with others?