I. A VERBAL confession of Christ as Savior and Lord in the presence of others is always assumed to be part of the salvation process in the N.T.
(Matt. l0:32-33; Rom. l0:9-11; I Cor. l2:3).
Why? (Matt. 12:34)
II. The Scriptures teach us the importance of giving a testimony in the congregation.
A. To give public thanks to God (Psa. 35:18).
B. To give public praise to God (Psa. 111:1).
C. To bless God publicly (Psa. 26:12).
D. To share with God’s people what God has been doing in your life (Psa. 66:l6-20).
AS A MATTER OF FACT, PSALM l07 IS ENTIRELY GIVEN OVER TO CALLING US TO BEAR PUBLIC TESTIMONY IN THE CONGREGATION.
III. Public testimonies result in:
A. Praise and thanks given to God.
B. Sinners being saved.
C. Saints being encouraged and stirred up to walk in holiness.
IV. Some practical guidelines on giving a testimony:
A. BE GOD-CENTERED: Always make God the principle actor and the main point of
attraction. Let all glory go to Him – not you.
B. DON’T BE AFRAID OR ASHAMED: Ask for the filling of the Spirit for boldness.
C. DON’T COMPETE WITH OTHERS BY:
l. embellishing
2. exaggerating
D. Strive to end your testimony with the people praising God for His greatness instead of
praising you for your “greatness”.
E. Learn to exhort, admonish, encourage, or even rebuke one another in your testimony.