This study was first taught on October 4, 2020

Topic: The Essence of Our Testimonies

(use the audio to study)

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Background
So far, from <strong>Acts 3:1-8</strong>, we have discussed:
 The old way v. the new way
 God’s way of doing things
 The temple of God is you—not a building
 Those outside the temple of God v. those inside the temple of God
 Sitting at the gate of the temple and the various sitting conditions of Christians
 Silver and gold and what God says about it
 Silver and gold and the work of God
 The command to the lame man to rise and walk
 Faith in the name of Jesus Christ
 The reaction of people when a miracle happens—this was our discussion last week.

We noted that when something uncommon happens your reaction should be uncommon. This was typified by the man born lame after he was healed—he leapt, walked all over the place and praised God. Indeed, we noted that God demands that we give Him thanks and praise continually. We also noted that if our reaction is genuine, it will attract people to witness the wonder of God’s doing in our lives. Generally, people tend to respond to the way we react to God’s doing in our lives. The more we are excited and praise God, the likelier will those around us participate or be attracted to inquire about what has happened.

Scripture Text(s)
Acts 3:1-26
In this chapter, we see how the miracle of the healing of the lame man and his reaction—walking, leaping, and praising God—can be categorized as a testimony. We shall thus be looking at what a true testimony should be.
The imperative for a discussion on testimonies derives from their abuse and misuse in many Christian gatherings. We intend to set forth what constitutes a testimony and what does not, what the goal of giving testimonies ought to be.<br>
A testimony is a statement or declaration of something uncommon that has happened to you or someone you know. It is usually a statement of truth—it is not meant to deceive. It is a statement of what God has done in yours or another’s life—it is not an advertisement for a pastor, church, or programme.
John 9:25; Mark 5:19-20; 3:9-12; Matthew 12:14-16; Acts 2:14ff; 3:12ff; 14:9-18; Psalm 68:11; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Luke 1:34-45; 18:35ff; Mark 5:22-43; Hebrews 6:17-26; Psalm 50:23; Luke 1:46-55.

Conclusion
Sadly, today, people have been deceived to believe that if they do not testify of God’s doings in their lives something worse would happen to them! This is not why you should testify—this is a ploy for free advertising by pastors for themselves and their church/ministry/programme.

Testimonies are principally about Christ and what He is doing in our lives, as a mark of our gratitude and appreciation for what He has done for us, as well as presenting Him to a largely illiterate world (spiritually, that is). they are not instruments for advertising a person, ministry/church or programme. When giving a testimony, if Christ is the goal, you would speak less of the pastor, church/ministry, or programme; but more and more about Jesus Christ and Him crucified!

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