Yesterday, Sunday, October 8th, I preached a sermon titled “Oh No He Di’n’t!”, having the congregation shout out the title whenever I said something that Jesus clearly did not say. It was fun, because it gave us the opportunity to play a little. But the problem is not fun; it is a very serious problem in our culture! Unfamiliarity with the Bible has led to many people putting their own thoughts and opinions into the mouth of Jesus. When we run into this problem, we need to be bold enough to correct them, gently and with love.
But an even bigger problem in our culture is that people don’t know what Jesus actually said. And this is where we need to step up and declare the Word. Not belligerently, but with grace and (again) love. And not necessarily from a street corner with a bullhorn, but within our relationships and social circles. Many of you, I know, struggle with family members who do not know Jesus, so this relates to those situations, too. We need to be able and ready to share what Jesus has spoken and otherwise poured into our lives since we began following Him.
This coming Sunday we will observe as “Laity Sunday.” The Sunday in the year when we lift up the ministry of the laity. Several members of our church family will give testimony as to the presence of Jesus in their lives. It is an awesome opportunity to prepare by practicing our own testimonies. In business circles there is a thing called the “elevator speech.” Business people are encouraged to create and practice their “elevator speech” which is a short, simple summary of what they do, what their business is. Christians can do this with their testimonies. Something that can be shared in 30 seconds (while you ride an elevator, or not!) to share what Jesus has done in their life. It is a good start in the process of developing your full testimony, which I also encourage you to do.
The Scripture says, “always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15b ESV) So, like in an elevator ride, if someone asks you “Why do you follow Jesus?”, you can give them your answer without hesitating or saying something lame like, “Let me have my pastor call you!” All of us need to be ready to share our testimony.
So, while those are preparing to give their testimonies to the church this Sunday, we can all prepare our own testimonies! Who knows, maybe you will be called upon to give your testimony some day soon?!?
Grace and Peace,
