Harvest Christian Center – Phelan, CA

“Thanks Pastor Eric for the chance to speak this morning!”

Serves in university ministryTraining next generation of disciple-

makers Develop nation-wide outreach

Returned in late-June 2013 after 5 ½ years

1 Peter 3:15-16But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

I’m glad that you asked.

Let’s take a look…

The life of John NewtonMidshipman, ship captain, minister, composer.

The life of a ‘goodie-two shoes’Never in trouble, did like parents told them.

We desire to follow the Lord, of course, but cannot give away what we do not possess ourselves. Proof of the possession of the life of Christ in us is demostrated through our ability to give it away.

Daniel 12:2-3 (NIV)[2] Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. [3] Note Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

Paul’s recounted in Acts 26:4-231.Life before receiving Christ (Acts 26:4-11)

 A religious life but against God

2. How I received Christ (the conversion)(Acts 26:12-18)Recognizing the need for Christ and a commitment to Him – how Paul received Christ

3. Life after receiving Christ (Acts 26:19-23) 

A changed life and a witness about Christ

4. The response from the hearers (Acts 26:24-26) 

Does everyone have the handout? There’s room for notes.

1. Before receiving Christ I lived and thought like this:

•Something to remember:Make the effort to use descriptive words that an unbeliever can understand and that characterizes your life before knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. (examples: egotistic, no feelings, guilty, worried, fearful, without hope, full of anxiety, always trying to be better, etc.).

2. How you received Christ – conversion: (if someone was instrumental to bring you to Christ, mention it here)•Later, describe your conversion in terms that an un-believer can easily understand. Phrases like ‘was saved,’ ‘was redeemed by the blood of Christ,’ or ‘born again,’ though having significance for we believers, probably don’t have the same meaning to an un-believer. You can describe your salvation experience like this: ‘I discovered that God loves me,’ I understand that Jesus is God,’ ‘someone told me that God has a plan for my life.’

3. After I received Christ these things started to change:

•Use common words familiar to an un-believer to describe your life now. (examples: I stopped worrying. I found peace. My guilt is gone. I’ve found the only way to real living.)

4. Site a scripture that you could share with the person to who you are giving your testimony (Consider memorizing that scripture perhaps making it your life verse).*The Romans Road is important. Remember these well: Romans 3:9-10; 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-10; 10:13

An example of a 10 second testimony:1. (Life before receiving Christ) There was a time in my life when I was confused and without hope; however…

2. (How I received Christ, la Conversion) I had an encounter with Jesus that changed by life.

3. (Live after receiving Christ) Since that time I have had a purpose for living.

1. NFL Sunday Night Football, NBC (21.6 million)2. The Big Bang Theory, CBS (19.9 million)3. NCIS, CBS (19.7 million)4. NCIS: LA, CBS (16 million)5. NBC NFL Sunday Pre-Kick, NBC (15.7 million)6. Dancing With the Stars, ABC (15.3 million)7. The Blacklist, NBC (14.9 million)8. The OT, FOX (14.9 million)9. The Voice, NBC (14.5 million)10. Person of Interest, CBS (14 million)

The prior testimony of 10 seconds amplified to 30 seconds:

1. (before I received Christ)   “When I was younger, I couldn’t find peace or joy, in anything or anyone. My friends and activities couldn’t fill the emptiness in my life.”

The prior testimony of 10 seconds amplified to 30 seconds:

2. (how I received Christ – conversion)   ”One day, a friend told me had died so that my life could have meaning and direction. I realized that I was a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness. So I asked God to forgive me, and genuinely believe in Jesus as my Savior, receiving him into my life.”

Prior testimony of 10 seconds amplified to 30 seconds:

3. (after I received Christ)   ”Since turning my life over to Jesus, I have discovered that the Bible provides all the answers I need. No matte what comes along, God’s peace and joy are mine forever.”

If anyone is unable to give a testimony of Jesus’ work in their life, perhaps they would like to ask Him for the life change He offers all those who call upon His name.

Romans 10:12-13 says, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Philemon 6“I pray that you may be active in sharing

your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we

have in Christ.” –NIV

“…that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the

acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” -NKJV

Harvest Christian Center – Phelan, CA