In early church times, in the face of severe persecution and strict warnings not to preach in the name of Jesus, the disciples Peter and John responded:
“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).
That is an apt description of how Jesus’ followers—Kingdom ambassadors—speak of faith in Jesus Christ: We tell our story. In other words, we “testify” or offer a brief “testimony.”
Below you will find three unique approaches that you can use to prepare your own testimony. It also includes relevant Bible verses.
Pray First
First, intercede for the nonbelievers you know in several ways, including family, work, neighborhood, activities, hobbies, and organizations.
Pray for them in light of the Scriptures below.
Three Approaches
The first approach is a set of verses that are part of a tool called the “Romans Road.” These are biblical truths you can use to share the gospel as a pathway or “road” to salvation.
Next you will find a way to share the gospel using Romans 6:23 alone—the gospel in a nutshell. It focuses on three time periods in your life—before, during, and after you became a follower of Jesus. Note how the “Romans Road” verses correspond to the time periods listed in this section. This helps you think of how to launch into a description of each time period in your life.
The third and final approach below provides an opportunity for you to think through a short description for each time period. Follow the prompts with a few sentences each; once again, consider including Bible verses from the Romans Road and other relevant verses the Holy Spirit brings to your mind!
The Romans Road
Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8-9 – But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
Romans 10:9 – Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in
your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 5:1 – Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
The Gospel in a Nutshell: Romans 6:23
1. I understand what it means to be separated from God. My sinful choices were . . .
2. God got through to me about the free gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. This is how it happened . . .
3. Since I received Jesus Christ into my life, everything has changed. Here is what my life is like now . . .
Personal Testimony – Sentences: John 9:25c, “I was blind, now I see”
I was blind – Let me tell you about my life before knowing Jesus Christ:
How I began to see – Let me tell you how I came to know and receive Jesus Christ:
Now I see – Let me tell you what my life has been like after receiving Jesus Christ:
In conclusion, remember that as Christ-followers our primary citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. As such, the Lord graciously uses us to be ambassadors of His Kingdom.
May you experience the joy of inviting those in your circle of influence to be Kingdom citizens as well! When you do, as reflected in the three stories Jesus tells in Luke 15, all of heaven rejoices right along with you!