“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” Revelation 12:11

This week’s message continues our Good Series, a journey that began last November as we sought to grow in boldness and obedience to Christ. Since that time, we have explored what it means to be vessels of God's presence, how to respond to the Great Commission, and how to grasp the richness of the gospel message.

We have talked about the joy of eternal life and the weight of eternal judgment. We have wrestled with the reality of sin, the justice of God, and the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We have reminded ourselves that the gospel is not only something we receive, but also something we are called to share.

In this sermon, we focus on one of the most personal and powerful tools in the believer's life: the testimony.

What is a testimony?

While it might seem like a religious word, most people understand it as a witness or a declaration of something you have experienced. In the Christian life, a testimony is your personal story of encountering Jesus, being freed from sin, and walking with Him toward eternal life.

However, we often misunderstand our testimonies. Sometimes we treat them as if they ended the day we were saved. Sometimes we define them by the sins of our past. We may think of them only as words we say, or we make ourselves the center of the story.

But your testimony is first and foremost about Christ.

The most important truth about your story is that it is rooted in His story. The Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 5 that the testimony we hold is actually the testimony God gives about His Son. If we believe in the Son, we carry His testimony within us. This means your testimony is not just about what has changed in your life, but about the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done.

Jesus Himself said that His testimony was confirmed by the Father. When we shift the focus from ourselves to Christ, we take the pressure off of ourselves to perform, persuade, or save. We could not save ourselves, and we cannot save others. Only Jesus saves. And that is good news.

A testimony must be both spoken and lived.

It is not enough to simply behave in a godly way and hope people figure out why. Jesus commanded us to preach the good news. That requires words. At the same time, our lives should reflect the transformation Christ brings.

Walk in love and integrity, showing patience, honesty, and forgiveness. Serve others with humility, letting your good works glorify God. Live distinctly as a follower of Christ, not blending into the culture, but standing firm in truth and grace.

Avoid using the gospel as a weapon. Speak with grace and love. Do not perform your faith for the approval of others. And do not treat salvation as a one-time event while ignoring the call to disciple others.

Your story is not just about your past. It is about what God is doing in you today.

Too often we think our testimony is only valid if it begins with extreme brokenness or dramatic conversion. But that can mislead people. The truth is, every person apart from Christ is in need of salvation. Whether your background seems dark or relatively tame, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

The power of your testimony is not how far you fell, but how great the grace of God is in lifting you up.

Even more, your testimony is ongoing. God did not just save you once and leave you. He is continuing to work in you by His Spirit. You are being formed into the image of Christ. You are bearing fruit. You are being carried from one degree of glory to another.

So how do you share your testimony well?

Start by telling it often, especially to other believers. The church is encouraged when we hear what God is doing.

Prepare different versions for different settings. Have a short version that can be shared in a few sentences, a slightly longer one for deeper conversations, and a fuller version for those who want to know more.

Always keep Jesus at the center. Your testimony is meant to introduce others to Him, not to spotlight your own journey.

Pray before and after sharing. Ask for the Spirit’s guidance and trust Him with the results.

And when someone is moved by your story, be ready to take the next step. Follow up. Walk with them. Disciple them.

Your life is part of a greater story—God’s story. He saved you not only for heaven, but so that you might bear witness to His Son today.

Your testimony is powerful because Christ is powerful.

Let your life and your words proclaim the goodness of Jesus.

Watch the full sermon to be encouraged, equipped, and challenged to step into your calling as a witness of the gospel.

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