1 R E V C H A R L E S E D W A R D C L A R K, J R. D M I N S E N I O R P A S T O R
2 You have a Life Message 1 John 5:10 Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them.
1 Thess 1:8 The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore you're the message! 3
2 Cor 2:17 NCV But in Christ we speak the truth before God, as messengers of God. 4 1 John 5:9 NCV Anyone who believes in the Son of God has the truth that God told us.
The testimony of God is in you 5 You have a storehouse of experiences that God wants to use to bless and influence the world
Your Life Message has four parts 6 Your testimony Your life lessons Your godly passions The Good News
Your testimony 7 The story of how Christ has made a difference in your life 1 Peter 2:9 chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you
Acts 1:8 8 You are the witness, not the attorney (Holy Spirit) You do not have to be a biblical scholar, just be an expert on your life Build a relational bridge for Jesus to walk across
9 1 Peter 3:15-16 TEV 15 Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, 16 but do it with gentleness and respect. Four parts of your testimony What my life was like before I met Jesus How I realized that I needed Jesus
How I committed my life to Jesus The difference Jesus made in my life 10 List all of the problems, crises, circumstances, etc. that God has brought you through Use the story the person can best relate to
Your life lessons 11 Truths that God has taught you from life experiences (lessons and insights) What God has taught me From failure From lack of money From pain or sorrow
What God has taught me 12 Through waiting Through illness From disappointment What I have learned from my family, my church, my relationships, my small groups, and my critics
Your Life Message includes sharing your godly passions 13 God uses passionate people to advance His Kingdom God gives us different passions Don t expect EVERYBODY to share your passion, learn to value everyone s passion
Your Life Message includes the Good News (Gospel) 14 Rom 1:17 NCV The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself that it begins and ends with faith. As the Scripture says, "But those who are right with God will live by trusting in him."
15 Learn to love lost people because that is who God loves 2 Peter 3:9 NCV The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.
Col 4:5-6 TLB Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them. Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone. 16
Point to ponder: God wants to say something to the world through me. 17 Verse to remember: 1 Peter 3:15-16 TEV Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, 16 but do it with gentleness and respect. Question to consider: As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?