August 27, 2021 - Acts 22:1-21

What a special opportunity is ours when we can give our personal testimony of Christ’s gift of salvation! For me personally, it is an occasion to share an event that dramatically changed my life. Each believer has a story that is true, unique and extremely important to their Christian walk.

Paul stands in front of a hostile crowd and begins to speak to them boldly about his heritage and background of his training. The fact that he had persecuted and delivered individuals that believed in the Way to the high priests, was attested by the priests that were present.

He then moves to the story of his conversion and relates to the people listening of how the Lord spoke to him from heaven and caused him to be blinded. This voice introduced Himself as “Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.” After hearing the voice and following His commands, Paul is led by the hand into Damascus.

Finally, Paul relates the work of Ananias and his pronouncement that Saul had been chosen to know God’s will and be His witness to all men (vv. 14-15). This testimony continued with Paul recounting a trance that immediately commanded him to leave Jerusalem and to preach to the Gentiles (v. 21). When the crowd heard that word, (Gentiles) they responded with cries to have him killed!

As Paul gave his testimony there in front of a large crowd, so we can prepare and share how the Lord has worked and changed our life as well. Our testimony can be broken into three parts. The initial step is our life before Christ became real to us. This does not have to be long, shorter is better or it may sound like we are glorifying the wrong lifestyle. Next, comes the salvation account where Christ came into our lives, provided an understanding of Himself which led to repentance. Lastly, we can readily share specific ways God is presently working in us since we invited Him into our life.

Each part plays an important role to assist unsaved people to witness the power of God. Our testimony demonstrates the difference Christ has made in our life

can help others come to know Christ for the first time! I trust we are each praying for someone we can share even one portion of our personal story with this week!

With an Expectant Hope,

Pastor Miller