Modern Christianity (Part 3) — The Power of Testimony and Revelation in Scripture

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

In Part 3 of the Modern Christianity series, Dr. Gilmore  continues exploring the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and Pentecost. This short but powerful period gives us a blueprint for modern faith, showing how believers grow through doubt, faith, testimony, Scripture, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Theme:
Two essential parts of Christian life are the power of testimony and revelation in Scripture.

Testimony is more than reporting what happened. It is a kingdom tool God uses to strengthen faith, encourage others, and point people to Jesus. Revelation in Scripture is more than gaining knowledge. It is the Holy Spirit opening our understanding so we can see Christ more clearly throughout the Word.

This compares to a charger. The power is available, but testimony and Scripture help connect our faith to that power.

Mary Magdalene and the Women at the Tomb
In Matthew 28, the angel tells the women, “He is risen,” then immediately sends them to tell the disciples. Jesus Himself also appears to them and repeats the instruction: go and tell.

This marks a shift. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He often told people not to spread the news of miracles. But after the resurrection, the command becomes urgent: go testify.

The women obeyed even though they were afraid. Their message sounded impossible—Jesus was alive, and the disciples needed to go to Galilee. Yet they went in faith. Their example reminds us that our call to testify is immediate and urgent, even when we feel fear, uncertainty, or concern about being misunderstood.

The Road to Emmaus
In Luke 24, two followers walk with Jesus without recognizing Him. As He opens the Scriptures to them, their hearts begin to burn. When they finally recognize Him in the breaking of bread, they immediately return seven miles to Jerusalem to tell the others.

Their testimony became a natural response to encountering Christ. They were tired, discouraged, and confused—but once they recognized Jesus, urgency replaced weariness.

Testimony Builds Faith
When we share what God has done, it strengthens others. Someone else’s testimony may help us believe until we have our own encounter. Then we become the ones encouraging others. Testimony creates a chain reaction in the body of Christ.

Revelation in Scripture
Jesus did not always reveal Himself immediately. On the road to Emmaus, He first opened the Scriptures. This shows that faith often grows as God connects the dots for us through His Word.

Mature faith moves beyond knowing isolated Bible stories. It begins to see how all of Scripture points to Christ and how God’s plan connects to our lives today.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
John 16:13 says the Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth. John 14:26 says the Holy Spirit will teach us and bring Jesus’ words to remembrance. We are not left to understand Scripture on our own. The Holy Spirit helps open the Word and apply it to our lives.

Not every Bible reading moment feels dramatic. Sometimes Scripture is like a simple meal—daily nourishment. Other times, it feels like a feast. But both are necessary for spiritual growth.

Call to Action
Matthew 28:18–20 gives the Great Commission: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. This was the plan from the moment Jesus rose, and it is still the plan today.

Final Reflection:
Who are you telling about what God has done?
How is your understanding of Scripture growing?
Testimony and revelation should both be active in our walk with Christ.