FBC Daily Devotions

Read Paul’s testimony to King Agrippa in Acts 26:1-29. While it is a long reading, it is an excellent story of Paul’s faith journey.

It is one thing to know the gospel, it’s another thing to know how to share it. The words of the gospel are pretty straight forward once they are clear in our heads. But the gospel is more than mere words. They are accompanied by a body – us. And when the gospel is very, very personal and touches our lives in a meaningful way, the gospel message can be very powerful. Of course, it means nothing without the power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the unbeliever.  Which raises the question: Is a personal testimony important? Based on yesterday’s passage, aren’t the gospel words and the Holy Spirit powerful enough by themselves? Is our testimony really needed when it is the Holy Spirit that draws an unbeliever to Himself?

The Bible says to always be ready to give an answer for the hope in us (1 Peter 3:15). That is something personal because one’s life generates questions about their hope. Paul shared his testimony on several accounts (you have just read one). Is there a place for personal testimony?

Personal Thoughts

A personal testimony helps provide credence to the gospel through the eyes (and ears) of the listener. When a witness testifies to a crime, the truth of the act is verified by the witness. Our testimony is a similar kind of witness. The truth of Jesus is verified by our personal witness. That is the gist of Jesus’ words that the disciples would be witnesses of Jesus, testifying to what they had seen (Acts 1:8). When we have seen something and have experienced Christ personally, then our testimony has a little more weight. Is that an attempt to replace the Holy Spirit’s work in the unbeliever? I think not. The Holy Spirit’s work is essential. The gospel words are essential. And that’s where a personal testimony comes in. Our testimony is in essence the gospel in our own words and life. The power is still the gospel, but the way the words are communicated differ from person to person, but the essential truth of the gospel is the same: Jesus saved me from a wretched life deserving of wrath.

To Consider

No matter if your faith journey was a dramatic transformation or a smooth transition, God can use your story because the gospel is at its core. Tomorrow we will look at our testimonies in more detail, but for today, begin thinking about your own faith journey and how it can be woven into spiritual conversations. The gospel is powerful, and it becomes much easier to share it with others when it comes from your personal story.