INTRODUCTION
Today is testimony Sunday. A time set aside to tell of God’s righteous deeds, His saving acts, His mighty acts, His marvelous deeds (Psalm 71:15-17). Sharing testimony is one of the good practices gradually disappearing from the church. As it used to be, it is no longer part of the modern day church life to regularly share testimonies. Even though God has been good, most believers (for one reason or the other) keep quiet as if they have not experienced supernatural interventions. And because of this morbid silence to God’s faithfulness, mercy, love and goodness, the church today is missing greater demonstration of God’s grace (Acts 4:33-34).
DEFINITION OF TESTIMONY
Merriam Webster defines it in several ways, one of which is, “Firsthand authentication of a fact: evidence.” But for for the purpose of this exhortation, TESTIMONY is:
-An open acknowledgement and declaration of God’s goodness and power by an individual or group of people.
-Simply sharing what God has done for you.
TRUTH ABOUT TESTIMONY
1. Testimony is a Public Declaration-Psalm 71:15; Psalm 22:22.
2. We Must Recognize God as the Source of Our Testimony-Psalm 71:15.
3. Testimony is a form of Praise and Honor to Christ.
4. Testimony must be God focused―not to ‘show off’ but to ‘show forth’-Psalm 71:15.
5. Testimony must be Intentional―not an afterthought-Psalm 71:16; Luke 8:39.
6. Testimony should be ongoing―must never stop-Psalm 71:17.
WHAT TESTIMONY CAN DO (POWER OF TESTIMONY)
1. Testimony Enhances Longevity-Psalm 71:18, 20-21; Psalm 9:13-14.
2. Testimony Reminds us of God’s Goodness-Joshua 4.
3. Testimonies Are Great Tools for Edification and Encouragement-1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14.
4. Testimony is a Witness to the Unsaved- Luke 8: 39; John 4:39.
5. Testimony Seals our Victory over the Enemy- Rev. 12:11.
6. Testimony is an Open Declaration of Your Stand-Rev. 12:11.
7. Testimonies Attract More Grace- Acts 4:33.
8. Testimonies Beget Testimonies.
9. Testimonies Foretell the Future- Rev. 19:10b; I Samuel 17:34-37.
CONCLUSION
Someone said, “One of the reasons for less supernatural acts in today’s church is that we don’t place enough premium on what God has done in the past.” Telling what God has done in the past has the capacity to activate raw faith to do supernatural exploits.