Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah
Witnessing, whether it’s testifying for one’s faith or standing in the witness box in a criminal trial, can be a daunting prospect. A simple, authentic testimony, however, can convince the most ardent skeptic.
The Marquette County, Michigan, Prosecutor’s Office offers several tips to be a credible trial witness. The guideline suggests that “If you are halting, stumbling, hesitant, arrogant, or inaccurate, the judge and the jury may doubt that you are telling all the facts in a truthful way.” A witness who is “confident and straightforward” will be more likely to “make the court and the jury have more faith in what he or she is saying.”
Some of their points are obvious: “Honesty is the best policy; Speak clearly and loudly; Do not nod your head for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.”
Some are not as apparent: “You have a right to explain your answer; Don’t ask the judge for advice; The judge and the jury are interested only in the facts. … Don’t give your conclusions and opinions unless specifically asked.”
And some are humorous in that they even need to be stated: “Don’t chew gum, and keep your hands away from your mouth; Avoid laughing … about the case in the presence of the jury,” and “Never argue with the defense attorney.”
An honest testimony reveals that you have something valuable to give away, with no strings attached.
The same is true with faith witnessing. It’s a good personal strategy to remember that no one can argue with your testimony. It is your story, and no one can deny your experience. Witnessing for your faith effectively is best when it comes naturally, though sometimes strategy helps.
John’s gospel reflects a blend of art and strategy. John strategically demonstrates Jesus’ divinity by reporting His miracles, and giving his own theological understanding of the eternal existence of Christ. John then artfully recounts the testimonies of others, many of whom are Christ’s disciples. The early disciples followed the simple, natural approach of “Come and see, go and tell.”
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry as prophesied in Isaiah 40:1-5; he proclaimed Jesus as “the Lamb of God” in John 1:36, and that message compelled Andrew to go and see Jesus for himself. He was so energized that he invited his brother, Simon, to investigate Jesus as well (John 1:41-42). Philip also saw and heard Jesus, and told Nathanael (John 1:43-46).
Nicodemus’ story in John 3:1-21 provides us with one of the most beautiful passages in Scripture, but we almost didn’t have this episode recorded for us. “The Desire of Ages,” page 177, tells us that after Jesus’ ascension, “Nicodemus related to John the story of that interview, and by (John’s) pen it was recorded for the instruction of millions.” That seemingly incidental chat between Nicodemus and John provided a testimony that has resulted in the conversion of millions to salvation in Christ.
Sometimes our own innocent conversations, devoid of any strategy, can lead others to life-changing decisions for Christ.
For Reflection
Connecting: Recall an apparently coincidental conversation that changed your life in some way. As you reflect on it, was the conversation just a natural dialogue, or did the person have a strategy in mind to lead you to a certain conclusion?
Sharing: Read John 1:19-23. We can understand why John the Baptist would deny that he was the Messiah, but why did he also deny the title of a “prophet”?
- A true prophet will always humbly deny that title
- He knew his calling fulfilled Isaiah 40:1-5, which identified him as a “voice,” but not a prophet
- Since most Old Testament prophets were either persecuted and jailed (Jeremiah), or murdered (Isaiah), he didn’t want that designation
- He wanted people to pay attention to his testimony, not himself
- He was the original “lesser light, pointing to the greater Light”
- Other
Applying: Have you ever attended a Witnessing Training program? Was the emphasis of the training on natural conversations, or witnessing strategies? Did you actually learn anything that helped you share your faith?
Valuing: Sometimes when we attempt to employ witnessing strategies, those we share the gospel with can feel that they are the object of some project, rather than feeling valued as a person. Honestly evaluate your own witnessing attempts. Do you naturally develop genuine friendships through these interactions?
~ Chuck Burkeen
As Chuck stated in this week’s Sharing Scripture, “Sometimes our own innocent conversations, devoid of any strategy, can lead others to life-changing decisions for Christ.”
Unfortunately, sharing one’s story can feel daunting.
Lifeway Research finds that two thirds of Christians say they have prayed at least once in the past month for the salvation of a friend or family member who is not a Christian, but they do not know how to tell others about Jesus without using traditional, preachy approaches that do not work.
Some 24 percent say they aren’t sure what information needs to be shared or where to start. Just 23 percent say they’re ready for any opportunity to tell someone how to become a Christian. Another 19 percent say they know the essentials but aren’t comfortable putting them into words.
One suggestion for Christians struggling to find a way to share their story, without sounding preachy or “cringe” is to first read Dr. Scott Hildreth and Steven McKinion’s “Sharing Jesus without Freaking Out: Evangelism the Way You Were Born to Do It.” (Dr. Scott Hildreth also offers four tips to make one’s church more invite-worthy.)
How can you share your spiritual story? Should you share your story?
Sarah Susanna Rhomberg, writing for The Wilting Rose Project, shares several reasons why we should share our personal faith testimonies.
Your Story Can Change Others. Rhomberg first reminds readers of the Samaritan woman at the well, whose interaction with Jesus is found in John 4. After her Jesus encounter, the woman told the town she found Christ. She knew this because He was able to tell her things about her life that no one else would have known. John states plainly in verse 39 that because of her testimony, many came to believe in Jesus.
People Love Stories. Personal stories are more relatable and usually easy to grasp. Listeners can ask questions and respond with snippets of their own stories.
The Author of Life is Divine/Life Has Meaning. There are some moments in life that are too good to be true. Miracles occur. Mistakes are made, redemption is offered. And we are here with a purpose. Rhomberg concludes, “My story is worth telling because of the Author, God.”
How can you share your story and when will you start?
Stefani Leeper | Content Coordinator
Sources: The Wilting Rose Project, Lifeway Research news release, May 24, 2024, Lifeway Research insights, October 17, 2024, and “Sharing Jesus without Freaking Out: Evangelism the Way You Were Born to Do It.”
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