The Power of Testimony in Evangelism

Devotional

Day 1: Be Ready to Share the Hope Within You

The call to share your faith is not about having all the answers or being fearless in every situation, but about honouring Christ in your heart and being prepared to gently and respectfully explain the hope you have in Jesus. You don’t need to fear others or worry about their reactions; instead, focus on living in a way that reflects Jesus and be ready to speak when the opportunity arises. Your testimony is simply the story of what Jesus has done in your life, and that is enough. When you share from a place of authenticity and reverence, God uses your words and your life to point others to Him. [56:40]

1 Peter 3:14-16 (CSB)
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame."

Reflection: Who is one person you could gently and respectfully share your story of hope with this week, and what would it look like to be ready for that conversation?


Day 2: Pay Attention to People and Their Deepest Desires

Every person you encounter is carrying hidden pain, longing, or desire—often deeper than what appears on the surface. When you pay attention to the people around you, especially to their struggles and longings, you begin to see opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus in a way that truly connects. Whether someone is driven by fear, guilt, a search for truth, existential longing, a need for help, or a desire to be loved, God can use you to meet them where they are. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the real needs of those around you, and let compassion—not judgment—move you to action. [01:06:08]

Matthew 9:36 (CSB)
"When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may be struggling beneath the surface—how can you intentionally listen and show them the compassion of Jesus this week?


Day 3: Use the Culture to Reach the Culture

God has placed you in a unique context, surrounded by people with specific interests, backgrounds, and cultural touchpoints. Like Paul in Athens, you can look for ways to connect the gospel to the questions, values, and stories that matter to those around you. This means being aware of what’s happening in the world, understanding what people care about, and using those things as bridges to share the truth of Jesus. Rather than dismissing or ignoring culture, seek to understand it and let the wisdom of Scripture guide your conversations, so that you can speak in ways that resonate and invite curiosity about God. [01:13:33]

Acts 17:22-23 (CSB)
"Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said: 'People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.'"

Reflection: What is one cultural interest, event, or conversation topic you can use this week as a bridge to talk about faith with someone in your community?


Day 4: The Power of Your Unique Testimony

Your story is unlike anyone else’s, and the way Jesus has met you in your struggles, questions, and longings is a testimony that can encourage and inspire others. The grace you have received, the transformation you have experienced, and the love that now fills you are all part of the story God wants you to share. Even if you feel your story is ordinary or unfinished, remember that God is still at work in you, and your journey can be the very thing that helps someone else take a step closer to Jesus. Don’t underestimate the impact of your honest, personal testimony—it is a gift to the world. [01:22:30]

Psalm 66:16 (CSB)
"Come and listen, all who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for me."

Reflection: Take a few minutes to write down how Jesus has changed your life—what is one part of your story you could share with someone who needs hope?


Day 5: Every Interaction is a Gospel Opportunity

Every day, you have countless interactions—some big, some small—that are opportunities to show the love of Jesus. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, a smile to a stranger, or a moment of kindness to someone in need, each encounter is a chance to bring the presence of Christ into someone’s life. You are the first “Bible” many people will ever read, and the way you live and love can make following Jesus more beautiful and compelling to those around you. Ask God to help you see each moment as significant, and to use your life as a testimony to His grace. [01:20:55]

Colossians 4:5-6 (CSB)
"Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person."

Reflection: What is one ordinary interaction you can approach with intentional love and gospel purpose today, trusting God to use it for His glory?

Evangelism For Everyone: TESTIMONY
Sermon Summary

As we continue our evangelism series, this week our focus turned to the power and purpose of testimony—our personal stories of how Jesus has changed our lives. Testimony is not about having all the answers or being able to debate theology; it’s about bearing witness to what Jesus has done in us, and sharing that story with others in a way that is authentic, gentle, and rooted in love.


Drawing from 1 Peter 3, we are reminded to honour Christ in our hearts, to be ready to share the reason for our hope, and to do so with gentleness and respect. The example of Paul in Acts 17 shows us that sharing faith is not about reciting a formula, but about paying attention—to people, to opportunities, to the culture around us, to the wins we have along the way and most importantly, to the gospel itself. Paul’s approach in Athens was to see the deep desires and pains of those around him, to engage with their culture, and to present the truth of the resurrection in a way that resonated with their deepest longings.


Pastor Mike showed us six 'appeals' from Timothy Keller that draw people to Jesus: fear of judgment, release from guilt, attraction to truth, existential longing, help with problems, and the desire to be loved. Each person’s journey is unique, and our testimonies are shaped by the particular ways Jesus has met us in our deepest needs. Our challenge is to pay attention to those around us, to see their pain and longing, and to offer the hope of Jesus in a way that is both personal and centred on the gospel.


Discipleship is the final step—walking with those who respond to Jesus, helping them grow in faith and understanding. Our role is not to convert, but to bring people closer to Jesus, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work of transformation. Every interaction is a gospel opportunity, and our lives are the first “Bible” many will ever read. Our stories matter because they point to the greater story of Jesus, and as long as we have breath, God is not finished with us yet.


Key Takeaways
  • 1. Testimony is about Jesus, not us. The heart of testimony is not a polished story or a list of spiritual achievements, but a simple, honest account of how Jesus has changed our lives. Our role is to point others to Him, not to ourselves, and to trust that the power lies in the gospel, not in our eloquence or expertise. [56:40]
  • 2. Pay attention to people’s pain and deep desires. Every person you meet is carrying hidden burdens and longings—whether for love, truth, freedom from guilt, or help in crisis. True evangelism begins with compassion: seeing people as God sees them, asking good questions, and listening for the deeper needs beneath the surface. [66:08]
  • 3. Engage with culture, but let Scripture interpret it. Paul’s example in Athens teaches us to notice what matters to the people around us, to use cultural touchpoints as bridges for the gospel, and to avoid unnecessary offense. Yet, we must always let the truth of Scripture shape our understanding of culture, not the other way around. [73:33]
  • 4. Focus on the wins and trust God with the rest. Not every conversation will lead to immediate fruit, and some will even bring ridicule or rejection. But God calls us to be faithful, to celebrate the small steps people take toward Jesus, and to remember that every positive interaction is a seed planted for the kingdom. [79:53]
  • 5. Your story is still being written. No matter where you are on your journey, God is not done with you. The unique ways He has met you—especially in your pain and longing—are part of the testimony He wants to use to reach others. As you reflect on your story, remember that every day is a new opportunity to bring the love and hope of Jesus to those around you. [82:30]

Youtube Chapters
  • [44:32] - Trusting God’s Power in Evangelism
  • [52:38] - Evangelism Habits: Introduction
  • [56:40] - The Meaning and Power of Testimony
  • [63:39] - Paul in Athens: Engaging Culture
  • [66:08] - How Paul Approached Evangelism
  • [73:33] - Interpreting Culture Through Scripture
  • [74:31] - The Centrality of the Gospel
  • [75:35] - Resurrection: The Heart of Our Hope
  • [78:57] - Discipleship and the Journey of Faith
  • [80:55] - Every Interaction is a Gospel Opportunity
  • [82:30] - Reflecting on Your Story

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 3:14-16 (CSB) — > But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.

Acts 17:22-31 (CSB) — > Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth

 and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’ Since we are God’s offspring, then, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination. Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”


Series Questions

  • Who have you invited to Sunday 14th September?
  • How have you gone with what you said you would do?

      • Practice Your Testimony

      This week is a great week to practice sharing your own testimony together. Attached in the resources section is a PDF you can use as a template, along with an example of Mike's own testimony to see how it could work out. Remember: testimonies require context. It will depend who you are speaking to as to what you say.


      Observation Questions
      1. According to 1 Peter 3, what attitude should we have when sharing the reason for our hope, and how should we treat those who ask us about our faith?
      2. In Acts 17, how does Paul begin his conversation with the people of Athens, and what does he notice about their culture before sharing the gospel?
      3. The sermon mentioned six core desires that draw people to Jesus. Can you recall what they are? ([01:06:08])
      4. What is the main focus of our testimony, according to the sermon? Is it about us or about Jesus? ([56:40])
      Interpretation Questions
      1. Why do you think Peter emphasizes sharing our faith with “gentleness and reverence”? How might this change the way people receive our testimony?
      2. Paul uses the Athenians’ own culture and poetry to introduce the gospel. What does this teach us about engaging with people who have different beliefs or backgrounds? ([01:13:33])
      3. The sermon says that every person has deep desires or pains that can draw them to Jesus. Why is it important to pay attention to these deeper needs when sharing our story? ([01:06:08])
      4. The sermon points out that not every conversation will lead to someone following Jesus right away. Why is it important to “focus on the wins and trust God with the rest”? ([01:19:53])
      Application Questions
      1. Think about your own story with Jesus. What is the way He has met you in your deepest need or longing? How could you share that honestly with someone else? ([01:22:30])
      2. Ps Mike encourages us to pay attention to people’s pain and hidden burdens. Is there someone in your life right now who might be carrying a hidden burden? What could you do this week to listen or show compassion? ([01:06:08])
      3. Paul looked for opportunities to connect with people where they were—at the synagogue, the marketplace, or Mars Hill. Where are your “marketplaces” or natural places to connect with others in your life? How can you be more intentional there? ([01:03:39])
      4. Pastor Mike reminded us that our role is not to convert, but to bring people closer to Jesus and trust the Holy Spirit to do the work. Does this change the pressure you might feel about sharing your faith? ([01:19:53])
      5. The idea was shared that “every interaction is a gospel opportunity.” Can you think of a recent everyday interaction where you could have created a 'gospel opportunity' more clearly? Where might one be coming up in your life? ([01:20:55])
      6. Pastor Mike said, “Your story is still being written.” Do you feel like you've stopped living out a testimony at all? What might need to change in your life for this to change? ([01:22:30])
      7. The sermon talked about engaging with culture but letting Scripture interpret it. Is there a part of culture you find hard to understand or relate to? How could you approach it with curiosity and a gospel mindset, like Paul did? ([01:13:33])



      Quotes

      'Our strongest desires are not necessarily our deepest desires' - John Mark Comer

      'Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible' - Karl Barth

      'It’s the story of Jesus that has given you a story to tell. But it is still your story to tell.' - Ps Mike

      Sermon Clips

      Evangelism tends to be fairly terrifying for people. So we're trying to make it less terrifying. We're trying to make it a bit more approachable and easy. So we're going through the acronym habits. Who can remember what H was? Hospitality. A. Somebody who's not Rachel. Come on, work with me here. Thank you, Rachel. B. Really? Being a Christian. Being Christian. I. Yeah, people were ready. I love that. I love that. I don't really remember that one. I was ill last week. I did preach it, but I don't really remember it. And today we're up to tea, which is testimony. And so we are talking about testimony. And I was kind of like really stuck in my head about how to communicate this one today. Because testimony is story, really. We're talking about story. And so I felt like, okay, surely I want to talk about story. But the more I dug into it, the more I found it difficult. Because I was walking around last night, just around the streets of Sefton Park, the mean streets of Sefton Park, and just sort of practicing my testimony out loud. And I found it incredibly difficult. And it took me ages to work out why. Do you know why? Because I wasn't talking to anybody. I was just trying to say out loud to no one in particular, this is what my testimony is. But your testimony requires context. You're not just saying it into the void. You're sharing it with a human being. And so there's a connection point that is needed when we give our testimony. [00:52:49] (88 seconds)  #TestimonyNeedsConnection

      Every true and good story is ultimately the story of Jesus. Every true and good story. That's where they live. That's where it lands. So what is a testimony? Testimony is basically an eyewitness account of how God rescued you from sin and death through Jesus Christ and changed your life as a result. That's what your testimony is. [00:55:38] (22 seconds)  #JesusIsEveryGoodStory

      Don't fear others, honor Jesus first in your heart, be ready to share your faith when you're asked, do it in an appropriate way and then he kind of says the same thing again don't fear others don't worry about how other people will respond don't worry about that just honor jesus share your faith when you're asked do it in a way that makes sense and don't worry about it that's the wisdom in short from peter it's good advice. [00:58:23] (27 seconds)  #HonorJesusFearNoOne

      Paul shares the testimony of Jesus in the first place because his heart is broken for the people around him. He doesn't look around him. He doesn't look around him at the people bustling around in metropolitan Athens and go, these people have their lives together. I bet they don't need Jesus. No, he looks around him at the idols in the city and his heart breaks for who they don't have. [01:05:51] (23 seconds)  #CompassionDrivesEvangelism

      Every person you walk past on any day has one of these things deep beneath them driving them beating in their heart whether they know it or not and a few quick questions and you can usually scratch the itch and find out what is underneath so paul sees the existential longing in the people of athens they are looking so hard for something more than life they've turned everything into god it breaks his heart but it drives him to share the gospel. [01:08:39] (32 seconds)  #ReachYourGodGivenPeople

      Everyone is valuable. Everyone has the image of God on them. Cashiers, customers, baristas working on barista machines, sorry Jess I couldn't resist that, patients, students, strangers, simply give them your time and see what God wants to do. Here's the beautiful thing: like 80% of your interactions with strangers will require you to say how are you and smile and they'll say good and that'll be it. Like introverts exhale, it's not that hard. It is literally just making eye contact with someone at the checkout. Yes, a human at the checkout. Just give them the time of day because sometimes you'll catch something and they're actually looking for someone to connect with and that's when you just need to pause and give them a bit of time. Make margin for this stuff. Every human matters. You matter to God. That's why you're in this room. That's why he's called you home to Jesus. Make time for other people because they're all special. [01:10:51] (60 seconds)  #FaithfulPersistenceTransforms

      Paul used the culture to reach the culture. Paul looked at what was in the culture and he notices the idols and he uses the Greek poet Epimenides to help them connect to what he's saying about God. This is what Karl Barth, the Christian thinker, used to say. Take your Bible and take your newspaper and read both, but interpret your newspaper from your Bible. That is to say, pay attention to what's going on in the culture. Read your scriptures, but let the scriptures interpret culture, not the other way around. [01:14:10] (29 seconds)  #TestimonyCenteredOnJesus

      Pay attention to the gospel. This is the secret source. The secret source of our testimony is this. It's only a testimony if it's about Jesus. If you're just telling a cool story, you're just a bit of a narcissist. At some point, it's got to come back to God. [01:14:45] (17 seconds)  #JesusChangesLivesNotUs

      Your story is to help them understand that the story of Jesus is the thing that will change their lives. Your story might be nice. That's not going to change their life. It's what Jesus has done for them through His life, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension, and coming judgment that will change their life. It's not you. It's Him. [01:17:28] (20 seconds)  #DrawPeopleCloserWithLove

      Because your story is unique. Nobody else has lived the life you have lived. And because of that, you are uniquely able to reach some people. The sufferings that you have been through are testimonies out the other side for others. Because of what God has done, of how He has carried you through. Everything you have been through points forward to the grace of Jesus. Nobody else has known His grace in the exact same way as you. It's the story of Jesus that has given you a story to tell. But it's still your story to tell. [01:21:59] (34 seconds)  #GodFillsTheEndlessVoid

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