In what ways can we prepare to share "what you have seen and heard"? Called to Witness “For you will be His witness to everyone of what you have seen and heard.” (Acts 22:15) Prepare Your Heart through Personal Encounter • Revisit the moment Christ met you—fresh gratitude fuels authentic sharing • Meditate on Psalm 66:16: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what He has done for my soul.” • Keep a running list of answered prayers and recent ways the Lord has worked; today’s mercies make yesterday’s story come alive Anchor in Scripture • Daily intake—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16) • Memorize key gospel passages: Isaiah 53; John 3:16–18; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 • Study 2 Timothy 2:15—handle the word accurately, avoiding half-truths or clichés Rely on the Holy Spirit • Luke 12:12: “For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” • Pray for sensitivity to His promptings; He knows the listener’s heart • Expect power, not mere eloquence (Acts 1:8) Cultivate Credibility in Daily Life • 1 Peter 2:12—live honorably so your life reinforces your words • Guard your speech: Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” • Pursue consistency at work, home, and online; hypocrisy muffles the gospel Craft Your Testimony • Keep it concise (three parts): – Life before Christ – How you met Him – Life since knowing Him • Practice aloud; brevity opens doors for dialogue • Highlight Christ’s work, not self-improvement Stay Ready, Whatever the Setting • 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer…yet do it with gentleness and respect.” • Carry a pocket Bible or app; point people to the text, not just opinion • Store simple illustrations (bridge diagram, Romans road) for clarity Watch for Open Doors • Colossians 4:3—ask God to “open a door for the word” • View interruptions as divine appointments (Acts 8:26-35) • Keep literature or a link handy to leave behind Persevere in Love • 2 Corinthians 5:14: “For Christ’s love compels us.” • Remember: we testify because God first loved us; love keeps motives pure • Celebrate each seed sown—God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6) |
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