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In this episode, Tracy explores a powerful concept that can shape the way you view your marriage—for better or worse. She discusses Positive and Negative Sentiment Override , a mindset that influences whether you focus on the qualities you love and respect in your spouse or dwell on the things that frustrate or hurt you. Your perspective can either foster a thriving, joyful relationship or lead to a cycle of negativity and despair. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family . Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series . Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now --…

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How to Share Your Testimony (Acts 25-26) 26:37

7 weeks ago26:37

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Welcome back to the podcast! One of the most powerful tools we have as believers is our personal testimony—our story of encountering Jesus and experiencing His transforming power. In today's episode, we'll look at Paul's approach to this while he stood trial. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org . Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series . Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- The Apostle Paul provides a masterclass in sharing one’s testimony in Acts 25–26 when he stands trial before Governor Festus and King Agrippa. His defense is not just a legal argument but a compelling gospel presentation. Today we’ll talk about five steps to sharing your testimony effectively. But first, a couple of introductory comments to set this thing up… A. Look for Divine Encounters Everywhere Some people wait for the perfect opportunity to share their testimony, but it never comes. They expect a “divine encounter” to be obvious and heavenly, but usually it’s just another moment in an otherwise ordinary day. In fact, it could even be on your worst day that God drops an opportunity on your lap. That’s what seemed to happen with Paul: Acts 24:27 (NLT) 27 After two years went by in this way [Paul in prison after being falsely accused], Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison. Paul didn’t take a break from sharing his faith when he was imprisoned and on his way to Rome for trial. Every step of the way, wherever he found himself, he looked for opportunities to tell people his story - and more importantly the gospel story. Here’s how he said it to his understudy: 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT) 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not…. Swan - Possibly ref. Peter as well for those who believe they have screwed up too badly to credibly share the Gospel??? 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) …And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. When it comes to sharing your testimony, don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Be ready to share your story on the good days and the bad days. Any moment can be a divine encounter; you just have to be looking for it. Great conversation starters: “If you could have one miracle, what would it be?” “On a scale from 1 to 10, how close do you feel to God?” B. Put Yourself in a Seeker’s Shoes Paul was a genius when it came to communicating the gospel to different types of people. He started with his people, the Jews. Then he moved on to the Gentiles. In these chapters he’s… Acts 25:17-19 (NLT) 17 When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn’t delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. 18 But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. 19 Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT) 22 … Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 1. Start with Your Life Before Christ Paul begins by recounting his background, emphasizing his zeal as a Pharisee and his persecution of Christians (Acts 26:4-11). He highlights that he was once opposed to Jesus, making his transformation all the more striking. Acts 26:9-11 (NLT) 9 “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. 10 Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.” Application: When sharing your testimony, start with where you were before you met Christ. What was your mindset, your struggles, or your misconceptions? This helps others relate to your journey and see the power of change. 2. Describe Your Encounter with Christ Paul vividly recounts his dramatic meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 26:12-18). He details how Christ confronted him, revealed His identity, and called him to a new mission. Acts 26:12-15 (NLT) 12 “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’ 15 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.’ Application: Share how you came to know Christ personally. Whether your experience was dramatic or quiet, explain what led you to surrender your life to Jesus. Be specific about what changed in your heart and mind. 3. Explain How Your Life Changed Paul doesn’t stop at his conversion—he describes how his life radically changed. He became a bold preacher of the gospel, calling people to repentance (Acts 26:19-23). Acts 26:19-22 (NLT) 19 “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. 20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do. 21 Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. 22 But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. Application: Tell others how your life has been transformed. What changes have you experienced in your thoughts, actions, and purpose? How has your relationship with Christ shaped your daily life? 4. Point People to the Gospel Paul doesn’t just share his story—he ties it back to Jesus and the message of salvation. He tells Agrippa that Christ’s death and resurrection fulfill the Scriptures (Acts 26:22-23). Acts 26:17-18 (NLT) ‘Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ Application: Your testimony is not just about you—it’s ultimately about Jesus. Use your story as a bridge to explain the gospel, emphasizing that the same grace that saved you is available to everyone. 5. Be Bold and Trust God with the Results Paul’s testimony provokes strong reactions. Festus calls him crazy (Acts 26:24), and Agrippa seems moved but noncommittal (Acts 26:28). Yet, Paul remains bold, expressing his desire for everyone to come to faith in Christ (Acts 26:29). Acts 26:28-29 (NLT) 28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” 29 Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” Application: Expect mixed responses when sharing your testimony. Some may be intrigued, others may resist, but our job is to faithfully proclaim what Jesus has done in our lives and trust God with the results. Close Sharing your testimony is a powerful way to witness for Christ. By following Paul’s example in Acts 25–26, we can learn to share our story in a way that is relatable, Christ-centered, and bold. Remember, your testimony is unique and valuable—God can use it to impact lives and draw others to Himself. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) …And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.…

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