Level: 3, Lesson: 8
How to Use Your Testimony
OUTLINE

***SPECIAL STUDENT NOTE***

This lesson does not have any questions for you to answer at the end. When you have finished, you may proceed on to the next lesson. Also, all of the lessons in the entire Discipleship/Evangelism program were originally designed as printed material, cassette tape, and video… We have adapted them all to the internet. Therefore, in these last remaining lessons you may here the instructor on the audio portion referring to a video or a tape. Simply disregard this reference to a tape or video as it does not pertain to these internet lessons. Thank you very much for your understanding.

Outline

THE DEATH OF MY DAUGHTER

by Don Krow

I have the same basic needs that you have - the need for love, acceptance, communication, a solid faith in God, and a purpose in life.

I had a most unusual experience happen to me on December 14, 1981, that I would like to share with you. On that day, my wife gave birth (it happened to be a home birth) to identical twins. The firstborn was perfectly normal in every way. The second was, what is known to the medical profession as stillborn. Of course you probably know that stillborn means dead. At this point I HESITATE TO TELL YOU THE REST OF THE STORY BECAUSE IT IS SO UNUSUAL AND ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE.

Regardless of what our natural mind tells us, there is a spiritual realm that is involved in this world. Before God, what I am telling you is the truth.

A midwife who had worked at a high-risk maternity center in El Paso, Texas, tried to revive my second child with every known medical procedure and eventually gave up. At this point, I accepted her death, but wanted to hold her. As I reached to pick her up, I WAS SUDDENLY KNOCKED BACK AND PARALYZED momentarily by an evil force. The Bible calls these evil forces demons. I KNOW IT SOUNDS BIZARRE, but I took authority over this demon in Jesus' name and commanded it to leave. I then began to command life to come into the child. At this point the child took a breath and then ceased to breathe. Again I said, "I command you to leave and life to come into this child in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." AT THAT MOMENT THE CHILD BREATHED AND THIS TIME CONTINUED TO BREATHE. SHE WILL BE 18 YEARS OLD on December 14, 1999. Because I had a tape recorder going during this birth, I was able to time the events that took place. MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT BREATHING ON HER OWN FOR OVER EIGHT MINUTES. You know and I know that even though she is alive today, SHE SHOULD HAVE HAD BRAIN DAMAGE. I want you to know that she is perfectly normal in every way, and excels in her school work.

Since the time of the twins' birth I've studied the Bible a lot. I have discovered that there is a conflict between two kings and two kingdoms (Colossians 1:13-14). What do you think a person needs to do to enter God's kingdom? Keep God's law? Live the best he can? If that is your answer, then tell me, why did Christ die? The Simple English New Testament states, "If the law could have made us right with God, then Christ died for nothing!" (Galatians 2:21). According to this verse, do you see any other way to heaven except through Jesus Christ? Jesus said " . . . I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

Would you consider turning to Him today for the forgiveness of your sins and the newness of life that He offers? (II Corinthians 5:17).

I would like to talk to you about this because I care about you.

You may contact me at my website: www.behold.net/krowtracts/index.html

or e-mail at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HOW TO USE YOUR TESTIMONY

A SLAVE IS SET FREE

A True Story by Joe Rose

When I was 14 I stole a bottle of Taylor's port wine from my grandmother's bar, drank it in my bedroom, and then passed out on the floor. My drinking soon progressed to smoking marijuana, and when I was 15, I tried hash, acid, and many other drugs. Getting drunk and high was my way of gaining acceptance. I knew I could always find somebody to be with and party with, if I was getting stoned or wasted. Besides, I liked the way it felt getting buzzed.

I'd get up on the weekend and have to ask one of my friends where we were the night before because I blacked out much of the evening. I continued this lifestyle through my twenties and in 1986, after 16 years of "just a couple more beers," a failed marriage, and job burnout, I was tired of life and considered suicide.

IS YOUR LIFE A MESS TOO?

ARE YOU UNHAPPY WITH WHAT'S GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?

ARE YOU SAYING, "THIS IS STUPID, WHY AM I EVEN READING THIS?"

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JUST TAKE A PILL AND WAKE UP ON THE OTHER SIDE?

IF YOU ANSWERED "NO" TO THESE QUESTIONS, DON'T READ ANY FURTHER— IF YOU ANSWERED "YES" TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTINUE READING.

I met a man named Brooks who told me how God had helped him many years ago, overcome personal failures in his life. He asked me if I was saved. I asked "saved from what?" He then asked me if I believed in heaven. I answered, "Yes." He asked, "Are you going there and why?" I answered, "Yes, because I am basically a good person and never killed anyone."

He explained to me that the problems I was facing in my life were only symptoms of a greater problem. This greater problem was that I was a sinner and not in touch with God. I was spiritually dead and as a result I kept making mistake after mistake in my life. Brooks explained that Jesus says I need to be born again to escape future judgment for my sins and come into friendship with Him. By accepting Jesus as my Saviour, and repenting for my sins, is the only way I will get to heaven (John 14:6; 3:3).

I thought that he was a fanatic and I would leave in a couple of days (I was staying with him for a few days while looking for a place of my own). But the more he talked, the more I realized that the things I saw as my problems, were really only symptoms of a greater problem: THAT I NEEDED JESUS IN MY LIFE. I needed to be born again. I decided to call on Jesus, and accept Him as my Lord and Saviour; then I was born again.

Once I called on Jesus as my Saviour, a funny thing happened. God removed the desire for alcohol and drugs from my life. I felt like I had been a slave to drugs and alcohol for 17 years and now, because of Jesus, I was free from this bondage. I have lived in this freedom for 11 years.

FRIEND,

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS IN YOUR LIFE THAT ARE STOPPING YOU FROM MOVING FORWARD, IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SUICIDE,

IF YOU ARE BURNED OUT IN YOUR JOB, MARRIAGE, OR LIFE IN GENERAL,

PLEASE CONSIDER CALLING ON JESUS, AND ASKING HIM TO BE YOUR LORD AND SAVIOUR. HE DESIRES FOR YOU TO ESCAPE THE

WRATH TO COME AND RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM. ALL WHO CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.

(Romans 10:9-10,13).

 

HOW TO USE YOUR TESTIMONY

THE DEATH OF A DOPE FIEND

by Rocky Forry

At the age of 15, I smoked my first joint. I was intrigued by the way pot made me feel. As time went by, I kept a bag of dope on me wherever I went. First thing in the morning, everyday, I needed that RUSH to start the day. Throughout the day, I took hits to keep me BUZZED. This kept up for 14 years. I told people "I CAN QUIT WHENEVER I WANT TO, I JUST DON'T WANT TO!" When my baggie was low I became nervous, anxious—finding a high was all I could think about. I couldn't relax until I could replenish my supply. If other drugs were available (coke, hash, mescaline) I COULD NOT RESIST THEM. I WAS IN BONDAGE! Webster's dictionary defines bondage as "SERVITUDE TO A CONTROLLING PERSON OR FORCE."

The Bible says in Romans 6:16 " . . .that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; . . ." I WAS A SLAVE! I was controlled by an EVIL FORCE. I was a slave to an ADDICTIVE SPIRIT. I willed to be loosed from it but could not break free. Is something holding you in slavery? (DRUGS, ALCOHOL, PORNOGRAPHY, GLUTTONY—the list goes on...) Are these spirits destroying your life, marriage, health?

John 10:10 says the "The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

In John 8:36, Jesus says "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." Jesus helps everyone who comes to Him. Are you ready to come to Him? His delivering power is available to take away the fiendish desires and control the devil has over your life. How bad do you want to be free? Jesus wants to start your life over fresh with Him (II Corinthians 5:17). He loves you. He died for you. CRY OUT TO HIM. Acts 2:21 says, "Whosoever will call on the name of the LORD shall be saved." I did. I've been free the last 15 years. Nothing evil controls me anymore.

Jesus Christ and the Word of God will not only set you free, but keep you free!

Are you ready?

Jesus is!

For prayer call (719) 635-1111 or page Rocky at 386-1814.

HOW TO USE YOUR TESTIMONY

TIPS ON SHARING YOUR FAITH
by Don Krow
(Additional Information)

EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD WITNESS

One of the first things that Jesus said to His would-be followers was "Follow Me, and I WILL MAKE YOU BECOME fishers of men" (Mark 1:17, NASV).

This command was expanded upon as we see that evangelism and discipleship was the real mission of Jesus Christ when He was on this earth: "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: FOR THEREFORE CAME I FORTH" (Mark 1:38).

Christ not only began His earthly ministry with evangelism and discipleship in mind, but He also ended it with the command of the Great Commission. 15"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel TO EVERY CREATURE. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17And these signs shall follow them that believe. . ." (Mark 16:15-17). Verse 20 tells us that the disciples obeyed that command as "they went forth, and PREACHED EVERYWHERE, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following" (Mark 16:20).

WHAT IS EVANGELISM?

The phrases "preach the gospel" and "bring glad tidings" refer to the Greek word "euaggelizo" which means "to evangelize." Success in evangelism is not seeing how many people we can win, but rather it is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and trusting God for the results. Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him. . ." (John 6:44).

WHO REACHED THE LOST?

Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service . . ." (NIV).

This must mean that the true purpose of God in giving the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher is to prepare God's people to do the work of the ministry.

In Acts 8:4 it states, "The believers who had fled Jerusalem went everywhere preaching the good news about Jesus!" (LB). In comparing this with Acts 8:1, it is clear that everyone, except the apostles, went everywhere and evangelized. Such was the result that within 300 years the whole Roman Empire was exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why? Because everyone was preaching the good news!

WHERE DID EVANGELISM TAKE PLACE?

Where did the believers evangelize? In the temple area, common to the Jews (Acts 2:1-46); in the synagogue (Acts 14:1); throughout entire cities (Acts 8:5); in the desert (Acts 8:26); on the bank of a riverside (Acts 16:13-15); in jail and prison (Acts 16:23); according to Acts 20:21-22, publicly and from house to house. A paraphrase of Acts 1:8 would state that evangelism begins in your own home town, then surrounding cities, your state, country and then the world. Evangelism and discipleship begin where you live - anywhere there are people.

WHAT WAS THE METHOD AND APPROACH TO DISCIPLESHIP/EVANGELISM?

By studying Jesus' methods of discipleship/evangelism, we can conclude that true evangelism and discipleship use all the scriptures, and the whole counsel of God in reaching people. The reason one set of scriptures or one approach does not work with everyone is that mens' hearts are in different spiritual conditions (see Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:14-20; Luke 8:9-15). Jesus' approach to the woman caught in adultery was pure grace (John 8:3-11). Jesus' approach to the woman at the well required a word of knowledge (John 4:16-18; I Corinthians 12:8). For Zaccheus it took a dinner invitation (Luke 19:1-10). To the rich young ruler, Jesus ministered the law (Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18:18-27). It took the law to show this man the need for a Saviour (see Galatians 3:24).

SALVATION IS FROM THE HEART

The idea that reaching the lost is a method, such as a salesman's approach, is false. Jesus allowed the rich young ruler to walk away (Mark 10:21-22). We are not after quick decisions, but want converts who will go on to become true disciples. Bill Fay, in his excellent booklet on witnessing, states, "We need to get away from a ‘win them' mentality. People do not put their faith in Christ because we cleverly force them to believe. We must realize that if we ‘win' someone to Christ, he's probably not saved. D.L. Moody, the evangelist, was riding on a train when a drunk came up to him and said, ‘Mr. Moody, I'm one of your converts.' Moody replied, ‘I'm afraid you are, because you're obviously not a convert of the Lord's'" (How Can I Share My Faith Without an Argument? by Bill Fay, p.6).

R.A.Torrey said, "One of the great faults of Christian work today is haste. We are too anxious for immediate results and therefore do superficial work. Many of those who followed Christ came to Him slowly. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, Peter, and even Paul - although the final step in Paul's case seems very sudden - are cases in point. Three days after Jesus appeared to Paul on the way to Damascus, Paul came out into the light and openly confessed Christ (see Acts 22:16). One man, with whom a slow but thorough work has been done, and who at last has committed his life to Christ, is better than a dozen who are rushed through a sinner's prayer and think they have accepted Christ when in reality they have not. It is often wise to plant a truth in a man's heart and leave it to work. The seed on rocky ground springs up quickly, but it withers just as quickly" (How to Bring Men to Christ, by R.A.Torrey, pgs. 87-88).

Scripture reveals a vast difference between trying to twist someone's arm to get him to say a sinners prayer, and one crying from the heart (without manipulation) for mercy from God and forgiveness of sins.

Notice the following scriptures reveal that salvation results from the freewill heart response of people (resulting in conversion) and not by well meaning people pressuring others to make premature decisions.

"Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37When the people heard this, THEY WERE CUT TO THE HEART and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘BROTHERS, WHAT SHALL WE DO?'" (Acts 2:36-37, NIV). Notice who asked what to do? It was the people under conviction.

"And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he PREACHED JESUS to him. 36And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?' 37And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'" (Acts 8:35-37, NASV). Notice that when Jesus was preached, the eunuch asked how he may respond. His heart was open and wanted Jesus.

"And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled. 14And a certain woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshipper of God, was listening; and THE LORD OPENED HER HEART TO RESPOND to the things spoken by Paul" (Acts 16:13-14, NASV). Notice that the Lord opened Lydia's heart to respond and she did!

A jailer said to the Apostle Paul, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:29-31). Again, a man under conviction who had just witnessed an earthquake realized his need for salvation. It was the unbeliever who asked how to be saved. Again this is evidence of an open heart that wanted Jesus. No manipulation was involved.

A rich man asked Jesus, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). This man asked the right question to the right person.

A thief knew he was a sinner and under just condemnation. Out of his heart's need he cried to Jesus for salvation. "Lord, remember me when you enter into your Kingdom." And Jesus said, "Today (at your death) you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).

A tax collector humbled himself before God, beat his breast, and cried, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" God accepted him, forgave his sins and declared him in right relationship with God (Luke 18:9-14). This man's heart was open and prepared to receive God's grace because he knew his need for a Saviour.

Anyone who has done a lot of evangelism is aware of the problem I am addressing. Reaching the lost takes discernment and skill, using God's Word. It also should not stop short of an invitation to receive Christ as both Lord and Saviour. But it should never be manipulative (see the informative booklet, Prayer, Repentance & Salvation at: http://www.behold.net/krowtracts/index.html).

SOME HELPFUL METHODS OF APPROACH

If we ever needed discernment and the power of the Holy Spirit, it is in evangelism and discipleship (Acts 1:8). I hesitate to give a method lest it is turned into a formula, but I also believe that through prayer and reliance upon God, that these methods may be very helpful in beginning a life of fulfillment by obeying the Great Commission.

APPROACH No. 1:

Approach No. 1 is what I call "prayer walking." Prayer walking is when you knock on doors and ask people if they have any prayer requests. It is non-threatening because you are not presenting some form of dogma, but rather showing that you care about them and want to pray for them and their families. We have had great success with prayer walking. One example happened around Christmas, when I was knocking on doors and asking people if they had any prayer requests. A lady named Debra answered the door and said that she had just lost her job, her car had been stolen, she had no money to give presents to her children and she was living with her sister. I told her that it was no coincidence that we met. I prayed with her, told her that Jesus was calling her to Himself, offered her some literature, which she took, and then I left.

A few days later I returned and gave her some money. She was overwhelmed that anyone cared.

After Christmas, I returned to find that she was in the hospital. When I visited her in the hospital, she immediately recognized me and thanked me for helping her and her children. I told her of God's love and the gospel. She immediately wanted to be saved. I told her, "Why don't you tell Jesus what you have just told me!" She called out to Christ from her heart for the salvation that He offers. And I was the one to witness this. The key to true soul-winning is to get people to go directly to God for themselves through Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and not to mimic someone else's prayer.

Lately we have seen some good results through prayer walking as a local church, and I have gone out on Saturday mornings. Several people have turned to Christ.

APPROACH NO. 2:

Approach No. 2 is using a tract. The real purpose of a tract is to open a conversation with a stranger so that you may talk. The most effective tract that I use for this purpose is the testimony tract about the death of my daughter. Some people have said, "Well I don't have a testimony as powerful and dynamic as that." I say, "You don't have to - use mine!" Joe Rose, one of my friends and companions on our discipleship/evangelism ministry team, tells my testimony better than I do, and with great results! You can do it too!

This is the way I usually start: "Hi! My name is Don Krow and we are in your neighborhood today praying for people's needs. By the way, are there any needs that you have that you would like us to pray about, or a prayer request that you have that we could take back to our homes and pray for?"

"No, not at this time," they may answer.

" I would like to leave you this pamphlet about my daughter. I have two daughters, twins actually, and they will be 18 years old in December. One of them was stillborn, you may know what that is? Well, she is alive today and perfectly normal in every way. She was dead for around eight minutes. This pamphlet tells you how this miracle took place. Would you like to have it? In fact, if you have a few moments, I'll tell you the story." (See the tract The Death of my Daughter for the full story.)

I then proceed to give the gospel. The story is the open door to present the gospel. I usually say something like this: "Since the time that happened with my twins, I've studied the Bible a lot. This is what I discovered. There is a kingdom of darkness and there is a kingdom of God's dear Son. When Jesus came to earth, the Jews thought He was going to be a political Messiah that would put down their enemies and destroy Roman rule. But Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this earth.' Jesus was calling people into His kingdom and rule by repentance (having a change of heart and mind) and turning to Him for the forgiveness of their sins through His shed blood. I don't know where you are in all of this - have you ever heard this message before?" Depending how a person responds at this point will determine if I leave or go right into the Word. I always leave tracts to reinforce the message.

PRESENTING THE DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAM

At this time we usually present the discipleship program. Jesus' real commission is to make disciples. We are here at your home today to offer you, in just a 10-15 minute presentation on video or audio cassette, a concentrated teaching on various Bible topics. A dialogue will follow that will take you to the Bible for answers. It's not like going to church. If you have a question you can't stop the pastor and ask a question. We go directly to the Bible and use no additional books or magazines. I'll tell you what! If you would like to try the first lesson, and if you are not helped, encouraged and spiritually strengthened, you won't see our faces anymore. We are not here to waste your time or ours. Would you like to try our first lesson?" If they say "Yes" we schedule a time to return and meet where they are most comfortable - in their home. We are not after a high pressure decision. We are building relationships, friendships and are bringing them God's Word. It is only after weeks of establishing relationships that we begin to ask for a response. People then are coming into Christ with an understanding and commitment. They are ready to become Jesus' disciples.

USING THE SCRIPTURES

I recommend reading R.A. Torrey's book, How to Bring Men to Christ to give you many examples of how to use the scriptures in winning souls. Let me give you just one: "Many years ago, I noticed a white-haired man in a meeting who did not stand up to acknowledge that he was a Christian. At the close of the service, I walked over to him and asked, ‘Are you a Christian?' He said he was not. I was sure he was interested, so I asked him the direct question, ‘Would you become a Christian tonight if I showed you the way?' He said that he would.

"I opened my Bible to Isaiah 53:6 and read the first part of the verse, ‘All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way.' I then said to him, ‘Is that true of you?' and he answered, ‘Yes.'

‘Now,' I said, ‘let us read the rest of the verse. ‘And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.' What has the Lord done with your sins?'

He thought a moment and said, ‘He has laid them on Christ.'

‘What then,' I said, ‘is all that you have to do to be saved?'

He replied promptly, ‘Accept Him.'

‘Well,' I said, ‘will you accept Him tonight?'

He said, ‘I will.'

"Let us kneel down and tell God so.' We knelt down, and I led in prayer. He followed in a simple way, telling God that he was a sinner, but that he believed that God had laid his sins on Jesus Christ. He then asked God for Christ's sake to forgive his sins.

"When he finished, I asked him if he thought God had heard his prayer and that his sins were forgiven. He said, ‘Yes.' I then asked him if he would begin to lead a Christian life at once, set up the family altar, and openly confess Christ before the world. He replied that he would. Some months later, I met his pastor and found that he had gone to his home in a distant city, set up the family altar, and united with the church. Apparently all that this man was waiting for was for someone to make the way of salvation plain to him" (How to Bring Men to Christ, by R.A.Torrey, pp. 27-29).

APPROACH NO. 3:

Approach No. 3 is similar to No. 2, in that is uses a testimony. People may argue with your theology but not with your personal experience or testimony. I use my testimony, but also use others. That's why I wrote tract no.11 Do You Believe in Miracles. This is a testimony of how my wife received a healing. I find that these testimonies work similarly to the accounts recorded in the gospels, except that they are modern day miracles. The whole point is, as John's Gospel states, "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name" (John 20:31).

I encourage my discipleship/evangelism partners to write their own testimonies in tract form. A friend (Joe Rose), has written three tracts that I have on my website and I often use his testimony in conjunction with mine. Sometimes he shares mine. Use your testimony in conjunction with others and always "salt and pepper" it with Scriptures in between. Real success in discipleship/evangelism results from using God's Word. Testimonies and tracts, are only means to an end, that is, to present the gospel of Jesus Christ.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

How to Bring Men to Christ by R.A Torry, Whitaker House Publishers. (This book takes you step by step in using the Scriptures in leading others to Christ).

What the Lord God Has to Say About Prayer, Repentance and Salvation by James Brand. (You may read this booklet at http://www.behold.net/krowtracts/brand.html on the world wide web).

Evangelism A Concise History by John Mark Terry. Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee USA (A great book that gives evangelism history throughout the church).