Power of Testimony: Sharing God's Work in Our Lives

Today, we reflected on the transformative power of testimony, drawing from the story in Mark 5:1-19 where Jesus delivers a man possessed by a legion of demons. This man, once isolated and tormented, was restored to wholeness by Christ’s mercy. Rather than inviting him to become a preacher or teacher, Jesus simply told him to return home and share with his family all that God had done for him. This act of personal testimony became a catalyst for many others to seek out Jesus, demonstrating that sharing our encounters with God can have a profound impact on those around us.

We considered how, in our modern context, we often neglect this vital practice. Many of us are quick to share stories about our daily lives, our struggles, or even the latest news, but we hesitate to speak openly about what God has done for us. Sometimes, even in our own families, we fail to recount the ways God has shown mercy or answered prayers. Yet, it is through these stories—our testimonies—that faith is planted and grows, both in ourselves and in others.

The story of the missionary in Congo further illustrated that testimony is not just about words, but about living out the love and generosity of Christ in tangible ways. When people see the reality of God’s love in our actions, they are drawn to the gospel in a way that mere preaching cannot accomplish. Our challenge, then, is to bring Jesus back into our stories—at home, at work, and in our communities. By doing so, we empower faith, strengthen the church, and make room for God’s wonders to be seen among us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Testimony is a powerful tool for transformation. When the man delivered by Jesus shared his story, it drew crowds to Christ, showing that personal encounters with God can open hearts in ways that arguments or sermons cannot. Our own stories of God’s mercy are often the most compelling witness we can offer. [10:55]
• 2. God calls us to witness, not necessarily to preach. Jesus did not require the healed man to become a theologian or a teacher; He simply asked him to tell what God had done. This reminds us that every believer, regardless of training or background, is equipped to share their experience of God’s grace. [15:39]
• 3. Our silence about God’s work can hinder faith in our families and communities. When we fail to share how God has moved in our lives, we miss opportunities to encourage and empower those closest to us. Testimony is the seed from which faith grows, especially in the hearts of our children and loved ones. [20:40]
• 4. Living out the gospel is as important as speaking it. The missionary’s willingness to give away all he had demonstrated Christ’s love more powerfully than words alone. Authentic testimony is both seen and heard; it is the visible evidence of God’s love in action that often breaks down barriers to faith. [26:13]
• 5. Bringing Jesus back into our daily stories is essential for a vibrant faith. In a culture where God is often left out of our narratives, intentionally sharing what Jesus has done renews our faith and strengthens the church. When we make Jesus central in our conversations, we create space for God’s wonders to be revealed. [27:11]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:03] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
• [02:52] - Reading Mark 5:1-19
• [04:16] - The Man Among the Tombs
• [05:36] - Jesus Confronts the Demons
• [06:31] - The Man’s Restoration and the Crowd’s Reaction
• [07:59] - Understanding the Man’s Condition
• [09:22] - The Power of Jesus’ Deliverance
• [10:55] - The Impact of Testimony
• [13:01] - Jesus’ Instruction: Go and Tell
• [14:25] - The Call to Witness
• [16:51] - Why Christians Struggle to Witness
• [17:52] - Missing Jesus in Our Stories
• [20:40] - Testimony in the Family
• [22:19] - The Church After COVID
• [23:30] - The Missionary’s Story
• [26:13] - Testimony in Action
• [27:11] - Bringing Jesus Back Into Our Stories
• [28:50] - Empowering Faith Through Testimony
• [30:21] - Closing Prayer and Call to Share

Bible Reading

Mark 5:1-19 (ESV) — (Please read this passage together as a group before starting the discussion.)

Observation Questions

1. What was the condition of the man before he met Jesus, and how did the people in his community treat him? ([04:16])
2. After Jesus healed the man, what specific instruction did Jesus give him? ([13:01])
3. According to the sermon, what was the immediate effect when the healed man shared his story with others? ([14:25])
4. In the missionary story from Congo, what did the villagers do to test the missionary’s message about love? ([23:30])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus told the healed man to go home and share his story with his family, instead of inviting him to become a preacher or follow him? ([13:01])
2. The sermon mentions that Christians often share many stories but rarely talk about what God has done for them. What might be some reasons for this hesitation? ([17:52])
3. How does sharing personal testimony differ from preaching or teaching, and why might it be more effective in some situations? ([15:39])
4. In the missionary story, why did the villagers return everything to the missionary and open themselves to the gospel after seeing his actions? ([26:13])

Application Questions

1. Think about your own family or close friends. When was the last time you shared a story of what God has done in your life with them? If it’s been a while, what holds you back? ([20:40])
2. The sermon challenges us to bring Jesus back into our daily stories, not just at church but at home and work. What is one specific way you can do this in the coming week? ([27:11])
3. The missionary’s love was shown not just in words but in giving away everything he had. What is one tangible way you can show Christ’s love to someone this week, even if it costs you something? ([26:13])
4. The pastor mentioned that our silence about God’s work can hinder faith in our families and communities. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear your testimony? How might you start that conversation? ([20:40])
5. The sermon pointed out that we often talk about news, sports, or daily struggles, but rarely about Jesus. What is one practical step you can take to make Jesus a more regular part of your conversations? ([17:52])
6. When you face a difficult situation (like grief, conflict, or stress), how can you intentionally “bring Jesus back into your story” as the pastor encouraged? ([27:11])
7. The pastor said that when we share our testimonies, faith is empowered and the church is strengthened. How have you seen this happen in your own life or in the life of someone you know? ([28:50])