Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #2 — Share Your Testimony

Picture: Counsel #2 — Share Your Testimony CCL 57.1

We're all different, but we experience similar things. Who hasn't waited in line at a government office for a driver’s license? Or felt excited receiving an unexpected gift? Our life experiences often overlap, and that's why our stories are powerful. How has knowing God impacted your life? A testimony has three important parts: what your life was like before you met Jesus, what changed when you accepted Him, and how your life has changed since then. Your unique story of how Jesus transformed you from who you were before could inspire others who are still trying to figure things out to consider a new direction in choosing a life with Jesus.^[84] CCL 57.2

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” - 1 Chronicles 16:8 CCL 57.3

“Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world.... That which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs.... These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls.” Ellen White in The Desire of Ages, p. 347.3 CCL 57.4

Reflect: Can you think of two to three times in your life where God’s faithfulness and guidance is especially clear to you? Including the three parts described above, make a brief draft of your testimony so that you can tell someone your story when the opportunity arises. CCL 57.5