by Rick Marin | Aug 12, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
What do James and Peter say will produce a new birth in a person?
(Eccl. 11:1-6; Isa. 55;11; John 7:37-39; Rom. 1:14-16; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 4:12) Blog Aug 09-15, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus are his witnesses. They tell others about God’s saving love. This brings joy to them, to those who believe their testimony, to God, and to the angels in heaven. Every human being is a purchase of Jesus and someone who God desires to save. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus.
The Word in us (Psa. 119:11; John 7:37-39; Eph. 6:10-18; Col. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:15-17)
1. What must you have before you can receive any of the gifts of the Spirit to aide you in witnessing? You must have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you.
2. If we want the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and flow out of us like living water what must we do? We must believe in Jesus in order to receive the Holy Spirit.
3. What does Paul say in Colossians that will help us teach others? The Word of Christ in our hearts.
4. What spiritual weapons must we have in order be prepared for spiritual conquest and to cut our way through darkness and prejudice in reaching out to others? The truth, righteousness, the preparation of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, prayer, & the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
5. If it is a sin for a Christian not to witness what does Psalm 119 tell us to do that will help overcome this sin? It says we should hide God’s Word in our hearts.
6. What does Paul say that Holy Scripture will produce in our lives? Good works (of which sharing our faith is one).
7. What does Isaiah say will help us know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary? Listening to God as soon as we awake in the morning.
8. For what does Peter say we should be always ready? To give an answer to everyone that asks a reason for the hope that is in us.
The Word from us (Eccl. 11:1-6; Matt. 4:4; Luke 1:41-42; 8:11; Acts 2:14-21, 25-28; 7:1-53; 8:35; 10:34-43; 13:14-41; 18:25)
9. To what did Jesus in the wilderness compare the Word of God? To bread.
10. To what did Jesus compare the Word of God in Luke 8? To seed.
11. What principles of dealing with bread and seed does King Solomon give in Ecclesiastes 11? That we are to give it to everyone we meet, no matter what time of day, & not withhold because of circumstances.
12. In the New Testament what does a person do that is filled with the Holy Spirit? They speak the words of truth.
13. When Peter shared his faith at Pentecost what was the basis of his testimony? Peter’s testimony was not about the thrilling experience he had that morning nor about the ten days of prayer in the upper room, rather he spoke of what was prophesied in Joel & Psalms about Jesus.
14. When Stephen shared his faith before the Sanhedrin what was the basis of his testimony? Stephen’s testimony was not about how he was chosen to be one of the seven deacons, nor of the wonderful miracles he had been performing, nor of how no one in the Libertine synagogue was able to dispute his doctrines, rather he spoke of what Moses & the prophets wrote.
15. When Philip shared his faith with the Ethiopian eunuch of what did he speak? Philip’s testimony was not about how he was chosen to be one of the seven deacons nor about how an angel & the Holy Spirit had sent him out into the desert, rather he spoke of Jesus as revealed in Isaiah 53.
16. When Peter shared his faith in Cornelius’ house what was the basis of his testimony? Peter’s testimony was not about the rooftop vision he received in Joppa nor about the thirty-mile walk to Caesarea, rather he spoke of the words of Jesus & those of the prophets.
17. When Paul shared his faith in Antioch of Pisidia what was the basis of his testimony? Paul didn’t speak about his marvelous experience on the road to Damascus nor about escaping over the wall in a basket, rather he showed from the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus fulfilled all that was prophesied of him.
The Word in them (Psa. 19:7; Isa. 55:11; Acts 20:32; Rom. 1:14-16; 10:17; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 4:12-13; James 1;18, 21; 1 Pet. 1:23)
18. If “faith” is what we desire to be exercised in those to whom we witness, what is it that we must proclaim to others in order for them to believe? The Word of God as Romans 10:17 declares.
19. What does David say in Psalm 19 that will convert the soul? The Law of the Lord.
20. What do James and Peter say will produce a new birth in a person? The Word of God.
21. What does Paul tell the Romans that has power for saving people? The Gospel, which is only found in the Word of God.
22. What kind of wisdom does Paul tell Timothy that the Word of God can give him? Wisdom unto salvation.
23. If the Gospel found in our Bibles is the sure and only means of bringing a person to faith in Jesus what should be the theme of our witnessing to others? The story of Jesus as presented in the Bible.24. Why is it that the presentation of the Word of God brings such powerful results in converting people to God? Because the Word of God is powerful & sharp, pointing out to people even the underlying motives of their actions & God says it will never return unto him void but will accomplish his will.
by Rick Marin | Aug 6, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
Should those with certain gifts gather themselves apart from those with different gifts?
(Matt. 25:14-30; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-31; Eph. 4:7-16) Blog Aug. 02-08, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: All believers in Jesus are to be his witnesses. They are to tell others about God’s saving love which motivates their testimony. When sinners are converted joy comes to them, to those who witnessed to them, to God, and to the angels in heaven, a multitude of sins are covered by the blood of Christ, and the witness grows more like his Savior. We must view everyone as a purchase of Jesus and as someone who God desires to save. Intercessory prayer brings God’s power to motivate conversions and the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer comes along side to help us in our witness for Jesus.
Distribution (Matt. 19:21; 25:14-30; Luke 12:33-34; Rom. 12:4-8; 2 Cor. 5:9-10; Eph. 4:7-16)
1. How do we know that the subject of “spiritual gifts” is one we ought to study? Because First Corinthians twelve begins by saying “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
2. Who chooses what gifts a believer is to receive? The Holy Spirit does.
3. How does God determine the number of talents to give to a person? This he determines according to each person’s natural abilities.
4. In his parable of the talents what did Jesus expect the servants to do with their talents? To use them & thus increase them.
5. In Jesus’ parable of the talents what were the talents and how does that apply to us? They were a form of money, so we are to use the money entrusted to us to advance God’s kingdom more & more.
6. What should we learn from Matthew 25:19? That God will have a final day of giving account for what we have done in the body.
7. What did the servant who received only one talent admit when his master returned? That he was filled with fear rather than with faith & therefore buried his lord’s money in the earth.
8. What does the “earth” represent in the parable of the talents? The “earth” represents this world in which many Christians invest all that God gives them while not laying up treasure in heaven.
9. What awaits God’s faithless servants after they give account for what they did in this life? Being cast into outer darkness where only crying & grinding of teeth awaits them.
Purpose (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-14, 18-25; Eph. 4:7-16)
10. Why are spiritual gifts given to Christians? They are given for their good & the good of other church members so that all grow up into Christ, not being led astray by deceivers, but by helping each other to be built up in love & that the ministers may be supported in perfecting the saints & bringing complete unity of the Spirit into the church.
11. List some of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible: Apostleship, evangelists, pastors, the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, the gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, benevolence, leadership, showing mercy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues,
12. How do Ephesians 4:7-13 and 1 Cor. 12:18-25 describe the function of the gifts in the church? They say that every member has a spiritual gift & that all the other members need that gift to be exercised for their benefit, even those gifts which seem much less significant, for just like a physical body whose organs supplement one another so in the church body each member needs the influence of the other members so as to grow up into Christ & avoid any division in the church – each member is to care for one another.
Usage (Matt. 3:16-17; Mark 13:34; Acts 10:38; 1 Cor. 12:13-17; 2 Cor. 1:21-22)
13. Should those with certain gifts gather themselves apart from those with different gifts? No, they all are to remain in the one body, the church, into which the Holy Spirit has immersed them all.
14. What should we learn from Paul’s use of the term “body” for describing the church? That like a body Paul sees the church as an organized, visible unit & not as some hidden, unorganized group of true believers.
15. What should we learn about gifts of the Spirit from Jesus’ statement in Mark 13:34? That specific gifts are given to each believer for them to exercise.
16. What does the Holy Spirit bring to a person as soon as they place their faith in Jesus? The Holy Spirit indwells the believer in Jesus as soon as they believe the Gospel & sheds love & other fruits of the Spirit into their heart. Only after this evidence of true faith should a person be baptized into God’s church on earth.
17. What did Jesus receive at his baptism? At his baptism Jesus received a special anointing for his ministry as the Messiah. Like John the Baptist he was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth but at his baptism he was given a special anointing.
18. What are we to receive when we are baptized into God’s church? I’m not sure. Could it be that when we join God’s church on earth by means of water baptism we are given spiritual gifts to exercise in the church?
by Rick Marin | Jul 29, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
What did the Holy Spirit not do on the Day of Pentecost?
(John 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Acts 4:31; 17:2, 34; Eph. 1:13-14; Heb. 4:12) Blog July 26-Aug 01, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: All believers in Jesus are to be his witnesses. They are to tell others about God’s saving love which motivates their testimony. When sinners are converted joy comes to them, to those who witnessed to them, to God, and to the angels in heaven, a multitude of sins are covered by the blood of Christ, and the believer grows more like his Savior. We must view everyone as a purchase of Jesus and as someone who God desires to save. Intercessory prayer brings God’s power to motivate conversions.
The Work of the Spirit (John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Rom. 8:9, 11, 16, 26-27; 15:13, 19; Eph. 1:13-14; 6:17)
1. According to John 16:7-11 what does the Holy Spirit do for everyone in the world? He convicts them of sin & unbelief; of righteousness because saving righteousness is now in heaven; & of judgment because just as Satan was judged according to his works so every human being is to be judged according to their works.
2. Who only have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them? Only believers in Jesus have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them.
3. What is the general role of the Comforter that Jesus promised to send to his disciples? The word used for “Comforter” means “helper” or “one who comes alongside of” for the purpose of helping, so we must be clear that the Holy Spirit is not given to Christians as a “Substitute” but rather Christians are to work together with the Spirit in a co-operative manner.
4. According to Romans 15 what does the Holy Spirit do for Christians? He gives us power.
5. According to John 14, 15, and 16 what does the Holy Spirit do for believers in Jesus? He comforts & helps us live holy lives; he teaches us the truth; he brings truths to our remembrance; he testifies of Jesus; he guides us into all truth; shows us things to come; he glorifies Jesus; & shows us things that Jesus wants us to know.
6. What is the primary instrument that the Spirit of God uses to guide us? It is the Word of God that is the sword of the Spirit that guides us.
7. How are Christians sealed into Christ our Savior? By receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit as a down payment of our eternal inheritance –we have this seal until we are permanently sealed in the final judgment or until we permanently reject Jesus.
8. Why does John in his first epistle say that Christians do not need another person to teach them what the Bible means by what it says? Because they have the unction of God’s Holy Spirit who will guide them into all truth.
9. According to Romans 8 what does the Holy Spirit do for us? He inspires & presents our prayers before God thus interceding for us.
The Spirit in the book of Acts (Acts 1:4-5; 2:4, 14, 38, 41; 4:23-31; 6:3; 8:29, 39; 10:44-46; 11:15-16; 15:28; 16:6-7)
10. For what did Jesus tell his disciples to wait before beginning their witness? For the gift of the Holy Spirit which they received on the Day of Pentecost.
11. What did the Holy Spirit not do on the Day of Pentecost? He did not do the preaching nor the baptizing in water.
12. On the Day of Pentecost what did Peter say the hearers must do in order to receive the Holy Spirit? They must repent & be baptized.
13. When the brethren prayed for boldness to speak the Word while facing persecution who gave them their request? The Holy Spirit.
14. What requirements did the apostles give for choosing the deacons? That they must be of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit, & full of wisdom (which comes from God).
15. What happened to those who heard the Gospel in Cornelius’ house? They received the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, & magnified God just as the disciples had done on the day of Pentecost.
16. What other ways did the Holy Spirit guide believers in the book of Acts? He told Philip to join himself to the Ethiopian eunuch, he helped the Jerusalem council make the right decision, & he forbad Paul to preach in Asia & Bithynia.
New Testament Witnessing (John 15:26-27; Acts 4:31; 6:7; 10:44; 17:2, 34; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12)
17. What should we conclude from the fact that Acts 2:41 says they that gladly received his word; 8:4 says those scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word; 4:31 says they spoke the word of God boldly; 13:49 says the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the region; 17:2 says Paul reasoned with them out of the Scriptures; 18:24 says Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures? That the Word of God was the central basis of New Testament witnessing & should be ours also.
18. What was the theme of New Testament, Spirit-filled witnessing? Jesus Christ & him crucified.
19. What was the result of New Testament, Spirit-filled witnessing? Thousands were converted in a day & the Gospel was preached throughout the world.
20. What class of people were NOT reached by New Testament, Spirit-filled witnessing? There was no class not reached – poor Jerusalem Jews, temple priests, military Gentiles, Roman jailers, Athenian lawyers, European merchant women, Caesar’s household, & every kind of person in between were all converted.21. Why is it that the Word of God is so powerful in converting souls? Because it is the sword of the Spirit it is alive & always contemporary (see our Blogs concerning the Bible in <LifeResearchInternational.org>), it is essentially clear, & it has the ability to discern & point out our motives — it clearly understands all about us.
by Rick Marin | Jul 22, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
What unlikely people did Jesus say we should pray for?
(Luke 18:1-8; John 5:46-47; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Jam. 5:13-18; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; 1 John 5:14-17) Blog July 19-25, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: All believers in Jesus are to be his witnesses. They are to tell others about God’s saving love which motivates their testimony. When sinners are converted joy comes to them, to those who witnessed to them, to God, and to the angels in heaven, a multitude of sins are covered by the blood of Christ, and the believer grows more like his Savior. We must view everyone as a purchase of Jesus and as someone who God desires to save.
Cosmic Conflict (Dan. 12:10-14; Psa. 58:3; Isa. 14:12-15; 53:6; 2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:12; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Rev. 12:7-12; )
1. Why is it that all humans are not saved and bound for eternity with God? Because we have all turned our own way & gone astray from the God who created us.
2. When did we go astray? As soon as we were born.
3. Why is it true that every human being goes astray as soon as they are born? Because Adam chose to turn over this world to Satan when he ate the forbidden fruit & so we are all born the lawful prey of the enemy with depraved natures bent towards sin & rebellion.
4. Why is it that Satan is in rebellion against God? Because before this world was created he allowed pride to convince him that he should have God’s throne & be Sovereign oven the universe.
5. When Lucifer began his rebellion in heaven what did God do? God’s army of loyal angels under the leadership of Michael the Archangel (Jesus) fought against Lucifer & his angels (1/3 of the heavenly host) & cast them out of heaven down to this earth where Lucifer tempted Adam & Eve to sin.
6. When Satan gained lordship over this earth did that end the conflict between him and God? No, for Jesus stepped in between the wrath of God & guilty humanity & became one of us to defeat Satan thus recovering Lordship of this earth, making Satan very angry & determined to damn as many human beings as possible.
7. What evidence does Daniel 10 give that the cosmic conflict was continuing in Daniel’s day? The fact that the mighty angel Gabriel was sent to reveal how God’s people were to be delivered but he was detained by Satan for three weeks until Jesus came to his rescue.
8. What part are Christians to play in this cosmic conflict? We are to overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb & by being witnesses of the goodness of God.
9. How does Paul describe our battle and weapons? We fight against fallen angels but not with physical weapons.
10. This quarter we have considered why we are to witness, the effectiveness of giving one’s personal testimony, and how we are to view every human being. What added part of witnessing does Paul recommend in First Timothy? To pray for the salvation of others.
The Example of Jesus (Matt. 5:44; 6:6; Mark 6:46; Luke 6:28; 10:2; 21:36; 22:31-32; John 17:20; Acts 7:?;;)
11.What counsel and example did Jesus give as to where we should pray? In in private – closet or mountains.
12. What was Jesus’ prayer for Peter? Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail.
13. Who else besides his disciples did Jesus pray for in John 17? For us who would later believe in him.
14. What was Jesus’ instruction as to when we should pray? Always (which Paul also echoes in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
15. What unlikely people did Jesus say we should pray for? For those who persecute & despitefully use us.
16. Besides praying for the salvation of others what else did Jesus tell us to pray for in Luke 10:2? For God to send more laborers into his vineyard.
Prayers of Believers (Psalm 5:1-3; Luke 11:13; Acts 4:31; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; James 1:5; 4:2; 5:16; 1 John 5:15-17?; )
17. What should we learn from Acts 4:31 and Luke 11:13? That God gives his Holy Spirit in answer to prayer & the Spirit gives us boldness to witness for Jesus.
18. If we lack wisdom on how best to witness what does James tell us to do? As God for wisdom.
19. How did Stephen pray for his persecutors? He asked God to forgive them.
20. For whom does Paul tell Timothy and us to pray? For all men; for kings & for all that are in authority.
21. What reason does Paul give that we should pray for all men? That they might come to the knowledge of the truth & be saved.
22. According to James 4 what is one major reason we are unsuccessful in witnessing? Because we don’t ask for God’s help.
by Rick Marin | Jul 15, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
When we encounter resistant prospects for salvation what should we do?
(Mark 8:22-26; 12:28-34; Luke 23:39-43; John 1:40-41; 4:3-34; 2 Cor. 5:14-21 ) Blog July 12-18, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: All believers in Jesus are to be his witnesses. They are to tell others about God’s saving love which motivates their testimony. When sinners are converted joy comes to them, to those who witnessed to them, to God, and to the angels in heaven, a multitude of sins are covered by the blood of Christ, and the believer grows more like his Savior. One good way to witness is by sharing your personal testimony about what God has done for you.
Our view of others (Matt. 21:30-34; Mark 1:40-42; 6:34; 8:2-3; Luke 7:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Heb. 5:1-2; )
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5 what made Paul see people differently than he had before? His understanding that Christ died for ALL men – the respectable & the unseemly.
2. How does Paul express this new view of humanity? As no longer seeing people according to their bodily appearance (& even Christ’s bodily presence was removed) but rather as a purchase of Jesus.
3. If we take Paul’s view of humanity how will we view others? We will view everyone (rich & poor, citizen & foreigner, white & black, strong & weak, etc.) as a purchase of Jesus’ death & therefore a prospective member of his kingdom who we will desire to bring to Jesus – for those “in Christ” all things are become new.
4. What does Paul go on to say in 2 Corinthians as to how those “in Christ” approach others? We beg them to be reconciled to God who has already reconciled them to himself in the sacrifice of Jesus.
5. Give examples of how Jesus viewed sinners as potential members and fellow laborers in his kingdom: He called boisterous Peter, hot-tempered John, dishonest Matthew, sarcastic Nathanael, & radical Simon Zelotes to be his disciples.
6. What quality required of every high priest characterized Jesus’ attitude toward others who were in need? Compassion, he had compassion on the widow of Nain, the two blind men in Jericho, the hungry multitude, the leper, & the scattered multitude.
7. Because Jesus viewed the unlikely, profligate Mary with supreme compassion what was the result? She found forgiveness of her sins, deliverance from seven evil spirits, a place in Christ’s kingdom, & was the first to see the risen Christ & to tell others (she represents Christ’s bride, the church).
Difficult and unlikely cases: (Matt. 7:6; 10:14-16, 23; Mark 5:7-8; Luke 23:42-43; John 4:7; Acts 9:4; Rom. 3:11)
8. When we encounter difficult prospects for salvation what should we do? All cases are difficult for the third chapter of Romans says “there is none that seeketh after God,” so all cases will require prayer, diligent effort, patience, & time.
9. When we encounter unlikely prospects for salvation what should we do? Unlikely prospects for salvation may take divine intervention like in the case of Saul of Tarsus but before that Stephen spoke clearly to him, gave his testimony before the Sanhedrin, and his life as a martyr.
10. When we encounter resistant prospects for salvation what should we do? Jesus taught in Matthew 10 that we should be wise as serpents & harmless as doves & that there will be times to leave off witnessing to resistant prospects or when persecution arises & move on to new prospects.
11. What should we learn from the fact that Stephen’s persecutor, Saul, became the carrier of Stephen’s message? That even your persecutor may become your successor & that you may accomplish more by your death than by your life.
12. Why did Jesus heal the Gadarene demoniac just after he asked Jesus to leave him alone? Because Jesus read his heart’s longing & overrode the demoniacs request.
13. How did Jesus catch the attention of the Samaritan woman at the well? He being a Jew asked a favor of her which was an unheard-of act for a Jew showing he had no prejudice but only acceptance of her as a person.
14. What story illustrates that Jesus even receives “death-bed” repentance? The story of the dying thief.
Divine direction (Matt. 28:19-20 Mark 2:1-3; 8:22; John 1:40-42; 6:8-9; 12:22; Acts 1:8; 8:26-38; 10:11-20)
15. What principle concerning where to begin sharing your faith was outlined by Jesus just before his ascension? That we should begin where we are & not seek some far away location to start with.
16. How was Philip directed to go far away to witness? An angel & the Holy Spirit spoke to him.
17. How was Peter directed to go to the home of Cornelius the gentile? By a triple vision & the voice of the Holy Spirit.
18. How are we directed to witness for Jesus? First of all we have the testimony of the Bible where Jesus tells us to do just that, then we have the desire to share the good news of the Gospel when it has meant so much to us, & we may receive impressions or words from God or others that point out specific individuals to whom we should witness.
19. How did the blind man in Mark 8 and the paralytic in Mark 2 come to Jesus? They were brought by friends – this shows the importance of bringing to Jesus those who are unable of themselves to go to him.20. What example of good witnessing does the disciple Andrew give us? Rather than making long speeches he just invited people to come to Jesus & then led the way.
by Rick Marin | Jul 8, 2020 | Sharing Your Faith
Is telling your personal experience the same as proclaiming the Gospel?
(Mark 5:15-20; 16:1-11; Acts 4:1-20; 24:24-26; 26:1-32; 1 John 1:1-3) Blog July 5-11, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: All believers in Jesus are to be his witnesses. They are to tell others about God’s saving love which motivates their testimony. When sinners are converted joy comes to them, to those who witnessed to them, to God, and to the angels in heaven, a multitude of sins are covered by the blood of Christ, and the believer grows more like his Savior.
Content (Matt. 9:9-10; Mark 5:15-20; 16:9-11; Luke 24:25-31; John 1:45; 4:28-30; Acts 4:19-23; 24:22-26; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
1. What relationship to Jesus is testified in First John 1? That of one of his faithful disciples, who was to bear witness to the events of Jesus life, suffering, & death: that is the Gospel.
2. To whom did Mary Magdalene tell the news of Jesus’ resurrection? And to whom did Peter and John relate their experience before the Sanhedrin? To his disciples (the church, not to unbelievers) = for their encouragement.
3. What did Jesus tell the healed demoniac to do as a witness? “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
4. How did Philip share his personal testimony about Jesus? By telling Nathaniel: “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
5. How did Matthew share his personal testimony about Jesus? By throwing a big party & inviting all his former friends to dine together with Jesus.
6. How did the Samaritan woman at the well share her personal testimony about Jesus? By telling the men of her city to “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”
7. What should we learn from the personal testimonies listed above. That the center of their testimony was about Jesus (not about themselves), that it was brief, & that it always included an invitation.
8. What are the only recorded instances when Paul told his conversion story? Only when brought to trial before councils, magistrates, or kings.
9. When, after his trial, Paul was given an opportunity to tell Felix about the faith in Christ, what did he present rather than his conversion experience? He reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, emphasizing the exalted claims of the Law of God.
10. Rather than reveal himself and testify of his resurrection from the dead what did Jesus view as more important than his personal testimony for Cleopas and his companion as they walked toward Emmaus? That their faith be first established on the sure word of Scripture rather than upon his personal testimony.
11. When Peter tells what he saw and heard during his mount of transfiguration experience what caution does he add? That his personal experience is not as trustworthy or important as the testimony of Scripture that proves Jesus is the Messiah.
12. Is telling your personal experience the same as proclaiming the Gospel? No, the Gospel is the story (‘word”) of Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, resurrection, & ascension to heaven – your personal testimony speaks of events that took place long after the Gospel was finished. The Gospel is what saves us, NOT our personal experience!
Effect (Matt. 9:9-10; Mark 5:15-20; 16:9-11; John 1:45; 4:28-30; Acts 4:19-23; 24:24-25; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
13. When Mary told the disciples that Jesus had risen, what was their response? They didn’t believe her.
14. When Philip told Nathanael that he had found the Messiah what was Nathanael’s response? A sarcastic reply: “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
15. When the Samaritan woman gave her testimony to the men of her city, what was their response? They went to see Jesus for themselves.
16. When Matthew gave his personal testimony at a party what happened? The Pharisees saw what was going on & reproved Christ’s disciples for participating in that kind of testimony (& were reproved by Jesus).
17. When Felix heard Paul tell of the faith in Christ what was his response? He trembled and answered, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
18. What can we learn from the above-mentioned responses to personal testimony? That while it is a great witnessing tool it can be rejected or a proper response be delayed.
Necessity (Mark 5:19-20; Acts 4:11-12, 20; 1 Pet. 3:1-2)
19. According to Peter and John how urgent was it for them to tell others about what they had seen and heard? So urgent that they would endure beatings, imprisonment, & death rather than cease to tell the story of Jesus.
20. What does Peter say that a wife can do for her unbelieving husband without saying a word? She can win him to the faith by her godly conduct & submission to him, showing that personal behavior is more powerful than personal testimony (which was also the case with Peter & John before the council – for the Sanhedrin noted their “boldness”) .
21. What other options are there for receiving eternal life apart from Jesus? None, Peter makes clear before the council that there is no salvation for Jews who believe in God & reject Jesus nor for Muslims who believe in God & reject Jesus.
22. What can we learn from the fact that Jesus felt it more important for the healed demoniac to return and tell his family what God had done for him than to stay with Jesus? That in order to continue receiving God’s blessings we need to tell others what he has done for us rather than just enjoying these blessing where the Christian life is comfortable – in that way we fulfill Christ’s commission, have increased joy, & grow in our Christian experience (If we don’t share what we have received we will not have room to receive more)
