Why is it important to share our faith experiences with our community? The Story Snapshot “ So the man went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone was amazed.” — Mark 5:20 Jesus frees a man from a legion of demons. Instead of letting him climb into the boat with the disciples, the Lord gives him a different mission: return home and tell. One verse records his obedience, yet that single step becomes a model for every follower of Christ. Why Sharing Matters, According to Scripture • It exalts the Lord’s work, not ours – Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” – Mark 5:20 centers on “how much Jesus had done for him.” • It multiplies the reach of the gospel – Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” – The healed man covered an entire region (the Decapolis) long before the apostles arrived. • It strengthens personal faith through testimony – Philemon 6: “I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you acknowledge every good thing that is yours in Christ Jesus.” – Speaking out solidifies what God has done in the heart. • It brings salvation to listeners – Romans 10:14: “How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?” – People were “amazed,” a first step toward belief. • It confronts spiritual darkness with tangible evidence – Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” – The formerly possessed man’s changed life displayed Christ’s authority over the demonic realm. • It fulfills our ministry of reconciliation – 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 calls every believer an ambassador. Sharing personal rescue stories is frontline diplomacy for the kingdom. Lessons from Mark 5: Obedience in Everyday Places • Jesus often sends us back to familiar streets, workplaces, and family circles. • Our story is enough. Detailed theology can follow, but firsthand experience captures attention. • Proclamation happens both in conversation and in consistent behavior. A changed life validates spoken words. • The man covered ten Gentile cities; our “Decapolis” may be a neighborhood, a social feed, or a breakroom. Simple, Practical Ways to Tell Your Story • Write out a brief before-and-after testimony; aim for two minutes. • Share a current answer to prayer when friends trade weekend updates. • Post a verse that ties to something God just did in your life, adding a short personal line. • Serve while you speak: meals delivered, rides given, burdens shared open doors for gospel words. • Keep Christ central: emphasize what He did, not how you fixed yourself. • Invite people to read the Bible with you; let them see the source of your hope (1 Peter 3:15). Encouragement from Early Believers • Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” The earliest church had no buildings, budgets, or social status—yet their stories, empowered by the Spirit, turned the world upside down. Living the Pattern Today Every redeemed life becomes a living billboard for the mercy of God. Whether fresh from bondage like the man of Gerasa or decades into discipleship, the call is the same: go home, open your mouth, let people see “how much Jesus has done.” |
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