Celebrating the Power of Personal Testimony
Summary
Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate the power of story—our stories of walking in God’s power, authority, and victory. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring what it means to “walk in” these spiritual realities, and today was set aside to hear how these truths are being lived out in real time among us. The invitation was simple: share a current, personal story of what God has done or is doing in your life, and reflect on what you’ve learned through it. This is not just about recounting past glories, but about recognizing and testifying to God’s ongoing work in our midst.
The criteria for sharing were clear: the story needed to be recent, personal, and include a lesson learned. This approach not only encourages authenticity but also helps us see how God is moving in the everyday moments of our lives. As people came forward—young and old alike—the room was filled with testimonies of healing, breakthrough, answered prayer, and the quiet, steady faithfulness of God. Each story was a unique expression of God’s goodness, and as a community, we were invited to listen, celebrate, and call out the themes of power, authority, and victory that resonated in each testimony.
We were reminded that sharing our stories is not just for the platform; it’s a vital part of our life together. Stories connect us, build faith, and often provide the encouragement someone else needs to keep going. The power of testimony is that it activates faith—not just in the one who shares, but in all who hear. We were encouraged to keep track of our stories, perhaps by journaling, so that we don’t forget the ways God has shown up for us.
As we concluded, there was an open invitation for anyone who was touched by a particular story to receive prayer from the person who shared it. This was a moment of activation, where the testimony could become a point of breakthrough for someone else. We closed in prayer, thanking God for His goodness and asking for more opportunities in the coming week to experience and share His power, authority, and victory. The challenge remains: know your story, share your story, and let God use it to bless others.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Current Testimony: There is a unique strength in sharing what God is doing right now in our lives. Current testimonies remind us that God is not just the God of the past, but the God of the present, actively working in and through us. When we share these stories, we invite others to see God’s hand in the everyday and encourage faith for today’s challenges. [48:09]
- Personal Stories Build Community: When we open up about our personal journeys—especially the recent ones—we foster deeper connections within the church. Vulnerability in sharing allows others to know us more authentically, and often, our story is the encouragement someone else needs to persevere or believe for their own breakthrough. [49:21]
- Testimony Activates Faith and Authority: The act of sharing what we have learned through our experiences with God is not just informative; it is transformative. Testimonies carry spiritual authority and can release faith in others, creating an atmosphere where God’s power and victory are expected and experienced. [58:47]
- Remembering and Recording God’s Work: It’s easy to forget the many ways God has moved in our lives, especially as time passes. By journaling or otherwise recording our stories, we keep a record of God’s faithfulness that can be revisited and shared, strengthening our faith and the faith of others. [01:21:21]
- Testimony as an Invitation to Encounter: When someone’s story resonates with us, it can be a divine invitation to receive prayer and experience a similar breakthrough. The testimony is not just a report; it’s an open door for others to step into what God has done, making the power of story a catalyst for personal encounter and transformation. [01:47:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45:55] - Series Recap: Walking in Power and Authority
[00:48:09] - Criteria for Sharing Your Story
[00:49:21] - The Importance of Personal Testimony
[00:50:04] - Pouring Out Praise Through Story
[00:50:52] - Guidelines for Sharing: Time and Participation
[00:58:47] - Stories from All Ages
[01:09:16] - Identifying Themes: Power, Authority, Victory
[01:21:21] - The Power of Story in Community
[01:26:56] - More Testimonies and Reflections
[01:35:00] - The Ongoing Invitation to Share
[01:40:00] - Romans 10: Righteousness in Christ
[01:47:49] - Activation: Prayer and Testimony
[01:52:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:54:00] - Invitation for Personal Prayer and Fellowship
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Power of Story – Walking in God’s Power, Authority, and Victory
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### Bible Reading
Romans 10:5-13
*(This passage was referenced as the main text in the sermon, focusing on the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ and the nearness of God’s presence and work in our lives.)*
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 10:8-10, what is the relationship between believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth?
2. In the sermon, what were the three criteria for sharing a story with the church? ([48:09])
3. What are the three main themes the church has been focusing on in this series? ([58:47])
4. How did the church encourage people to respond if a particular story resonated with them? ([01:47:49])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize both the heart (belief) and the mouth (confession) in Romans 10? How might this relate to the act of sharing testimonies in church?
2. The sermon highlighted the importance of sharing current, personal stories that include a lesson learned. Why might recent stories be more impactful for building faith in a community? ([48:09])
3. The pastor said, “Testimony activates faith—not just in the one who shares, but in all who hear.” What does this mean, and how have you seen this happen in your own experience or in the church? ([01:21:21])
4. The invitation was given for people to receive prayer from those who shared stories. What does this suggest about the connection between testimony and spiritual breakthrough? ([01:47:49])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged everyone to “know your story, share your story, and let God use it to bless others.” What is one recent way you have seen God at work in your life that you could share with the group? ([01:21:21])
2. The criteria for sharing included being current, personal, and including a lesson learned. Is there a recent experience where you learned something new about God’s power, authority, or victory? What was it, and how did it impact you? ([48:09])
3. The pastor encouraged journaling or recording stories so we don’t forget God’s faithfulness. Do you have a way of remembering what God has done in your life? If not, what simple step could you take this week to start? ([01:21:21])
4. Vulnerability in sharing stories was said to build deeper community. Is there a part of your story you’ve been hesitant to share? What holds you back, and what might help you take a step toward sharing it? ([49:21])
5. When someone else’s testimony resonates with you, the sermon encouraged seeking prayer from that person. Has there been a time when someone’s story gave you hope or faith for your own situation? How did you respond? ([01:47:49])
6. The themes of power, authority, and victory were highlighted. Which of these do you most need to experience in your life right now? How can the group pray for you in this area? ([58:47])
7. The pastor prayed for “opportunity for story to happen” in the coming week. What is one area of your life where you are asking God to show up and create a new story? ([01:47:49])
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Closing Thought:
Stories are not just for the platform—they are for every believer, every day. As you share and listen, let God use your story to encourage, build faith, and invite breakthrough for others.
Devotional
Day 1: The Gift of Righteousness in Christ
Through Christ, righteousness is no longer something we strive to achieve by our own efforts or by following the law, but is a gift freely given to us by God. When we accept and acknowledge the work of Jesus on the cross, we are saved, reborn, and the presence of God dwells within us. This new life in Christ is not about searching for God in distant places, but about receiving Him who is near, and allowing His Spirit to transform our lives from the inside out. As we walk in this truth, our stories begin to reflect the wonder and power of God’s grace at work in us. [01:38:00]
Romans 10:6-10 (ESV)
But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) or “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you still try to earn God’s approval, rather than receiving His gift of righteousness through Christ? How can you rest in His finished work today?
Day 2: The Power of Your Story
Every believer’s story is powerful and has the capacity to change lives. When you share what God has done in your life—whether it’s a recent breakthrough, a moment of healing, or a simple act of obedience—you not only encourage others, but you also remind yourself of God’s faithfulness. Your testimony is a living witness to the goodness and wonder of God, and it can inspire faith, hope, and courage in those who hear it. Don’t underestimate the impact of your story; it is a tool God uses to reveal His glory and draw others closer to Him. [01:21:21]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Reflection: What is one recent way God has shown up in your life? Who can you share this story with today to encourage them?
Day 3: Walking in Power, Authority, and Victory
As followers of Jesus, we are invited to walk in His power, authority, and victory—not just as abstract concepts, but as realities that shape our daily lives. This means stepping out in faith, praying for others, speaking life, and expecting God to move in and through us. When we embrace our identity in Christ and the authority He has given us, we begin to see His kingdom break through in our circumstances, relationships, and communities. Victory is not just for a select few; it is the inheritance of every believer who says “yes” to God’s call. [01:00:00]
Luke 10:19 (ESV)
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Reflection: Where do you need to step out in faith and exercise the authority Jesus has given you this week?
Day 4: The Importance of Sharing and Receiving Testimony
Testimonies are not just stories; they are opportunities for God’s power to be activated in the lives of others. When you share your testimony, you invite others to experience the same breakthrough, healing, or encouragement you have received. Likewise, when you hear someone else’s story and it resonates with your own need, you are invited to respond—whether by seeking prayer, encouragement, or simply believing that God can do it again. The church is strengthened when we create space for stories to be told and for faith to be stirred through the power of testimony. [01:47:49]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV)
Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
Reflection: Is there a testimony you’ve heard recently that stirred something in you? How can you respond—by seeking prayer, encouragement, or sharing your own story?
Day 5: Saying Yes to God’s Opportunities
God is constantly placing opportunities in our path—opportunities to share, to pray, to encourage, to step out in faith. Often, the only thing required is a simple “yes.” When we say yes to God, even in small ways, we open the door for His power and presence to be revealed in our lives and in the lives of others. Whether it’s praying for someone, sharing a word of encouragement, or simply being available, your willingness can lead to stories of God’s goodness that impact many. Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back; trust that God will use your obedience for His glory. [01:50:00]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Reflection: What is one opportunity God is placing before you today that you can say “yes” to, even if it feels small or simple?
Quotes
The objective of this series is that we, just as a church, as a congregation, a body of people, there's an invitation in this series for you to just get on board. And if we take what Ross shared, that I Walk In Victory, and the principles there that he shared around the scripture, knowledge of scripture was key in the aspect, and understanding, intimacy with God. If we take those things on board, well, some things are going to happen in our lives that are a little bit different, yeah? [00:46:35] (34 seconds)
And you will tell a story, and they will, and you will automatically, they will know you so, so, so much better, because they've actually, so it's got to be, want it to be something about you. And I want you to then conclude with, I learnt this. Somewhere in there, I want, I learnt this. I learnt that if I lay hands upon the sick, they will recover. Ha! Or something to that effect. I learnt this. [00:48:59] (26 seconds)
So this is like a praise moment opportunity where we're going to do it with words and not song. So we sung about pouring out a praise. Yeah? Well, this is an opportunity now to pour out those praises in the wonders of God. How's that? [00:50:22] (18 seconds)
Isn't story so, so powerful? And I could ask you to all do a quiz. Week one, week two, and week three. I'm just, I know it, down pat right now, that the most accurate responses would be week three, without a doubt. Not just because it's the most current one, because story speaks, and your story is powerful, and your story has a capacity to change people's lives. [01:21:42] (29 seconds)
I have learned through through this journey just summarize it down for us for it for us all I have learned keep praying nothing good bye [01:21:10] (15 seconds)
If you're here and you're 12 because kids go, they go to kids at 12, 13 through to the top end, the mic's open to you. So young people, don't be shy but not just them alone. Don't anyone be shy. [00:59:01] (21 seconds)
I want to encourage you today to know story know your story know your journey and if you're a person that it just happens to be a little bit forgetful well make a journal write it down and make it plain so that all can see and understand because story is wonderful and story is powerful [01:50:19] (20 seconds)
As you get up think about do i go up there for them to pray for me or do i go and get a coffee do do part two first and then amen amen amen as you go just go quietly please that's why prayer is happening um bless the lord amen [01:55:51] (21 seconds)
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