Preparing a Testimony

Weekly Update – November 9th, 2023

On Sunday we had the privilege of witnessing two baptisms: Kerrstin Petty and Timothy Goodman.  We believe that baptism is not only a personal event, where the one being dipped in the water is symbolizing the change that has taken place in their hearts, but that baptism is also a public event.  What I mean is, we believe that the one professing Christ in baptism, must do so in front of the gathered church.  The reason for this is so that the church can participate in the baptism of the one professing Christ by affirming the public display of Christ’s work in their life, and then commit to walk beside this person in discipleship and accountability. This is why we often connect baptism to membership.  For it is hard to commit to walk beside someone in the Christian life if they don’t formally covenant with the church.

Therefore, one of the things that I ask every person being baptized to do is to write their testimony.  If we as the church are affirming a person’s profession of faith by witnessing their baptism, then we ought to not only see it symbolized (through the going down into the water), but also verbalized, through the person sharing their testimony.  In fact, being able to share your testimony is not only something that a person being baptized should be able to do, but it is something every Christian should have readily available.  When it comes to evangelistic opportunities, or even simply encouraging another believer, a testimony can be an effective tool.  This is why I always ask our interns to prepare a testimony when they start their term as well as those being baptized.  This week, I would like to encourage you to do the same.

The question is, how do we write a testimony?  Well, it is quite simple.  You want to take it in three parts:

First, tell about your life before Christ.  The apostle Paul does this in Galatians 1:13-14.  Here he says, for you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.  Paul recounts for us his life of opposition to God and the persecution of God’s people.

Second, tell how you came to follow Christ.  The apostle Paul continues in Galatians 1:15-16 saying, but when he who had set me apart before I was born, who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me…Here Paul remembers God’s calling of salvation and the grace shown to him through Jesus Christ. 

Third, tell how your life has since been different because of Christ.  The apostle Paul concludes in Galatians 1:16-24 saying, (so that) I might preach him among the gentiles…They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.  Paul’s life had dramatically changed. 

When writing your testimony, not every detail about your previous life needs to be shared.  As long as you give a basic explanation of what life was like apart from Christ, how you came to see Christ as your only hope, and what life is like now, then you have a clear testimony.  Try to include the gospel message in it as well.  You can do so by talking about the direction of your former life towards sin, what Christ did for you through his life, death and resurrection, and then what it means to repent and believe. 

As Christians, we should be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us (1 Pet. 3:15).  Even more than that, we should be intentional about trying to share the good news of the gospel.  A clear testimony can serve as an aid to us in evangelism, a tool for discipleship, and a source of encouragement in conversations with others.  I would encourage you to write a testimony if you haven’t.  If you have, let it serve you as you seek to pursue Christ, as well as lead others to know him too.     

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life."
- John 5:39-40

Announcements:

Services for Jerry Malone: Visitation will be on Friday (11/10) from 6:00-8:00pm. Memorial service will be on Saturday (11/11) at 10:30am. Both services will be held in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church.

Christmas Choir: Rehearsals for Christmas Choir are held on Friday evenings. Please contact Martin Maharas for details.

Thanksgiving Potluck: The annual Thanksgiving potluck will be held on Sunday, November 12th. We ask that families of 1-3 bring one dish to share and families of 4 or more bring two dishes to share. We will be collecting donations to help Fill the Pantry at this time. Immediately following the potluck, families are welcome to help decorate the tree outside the church on Main St.

Befriend a Student: If you are interested in befriending a student from Longview Community College this semester, connect with Matthew Klika. You can find more information about befriend a student HERE.

Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of the minor prophets will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament will meet in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Nursery Volunteers Needed

Nursery volunteers are needed each week during the 10:30am service time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE. 

Wednesday Evening Activities

Awana, Youth Group, and Biblical Counseling are on Wednesday evenings. We will share a meal in the Faith Center Gym at 6:00pm before heading to classes at 6:30pm.