How to witness to others if you don't have a testimony to witness about?

Cormack

“I bet you're a real hulk on the internet...”
Apr 21, 2020
1,469
1,407
London
✟94,797.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Single
I lack a solid conviction rooted in a personal encounter/experience.

Faith simply means trust, @TruthSeek3r. Christianity is about faith, it’s not about you and I having a fruity tooty supernatural story to surprise and amaze our friends with. Consider Jesus (John 20:29.)

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."​

There are many different ways for a believer to express their love for Jesus and their commitment to the Christian faith or lifestyle. Not every mode that our faith takes needs to privilege signs, wonders and a testimony of some kind.

If people are disappointed by this and reply “but I haven’t been touched by an angel yet!” well, that’s part of life too. Christians go through life everyday not receiving the miracles they crave, or the signs they desire.

Jesus explained “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign,” I’m not meaning to write you’re wicked or anything cruel, but rather I’m saying that you shouldn’t put all of your eggs into the “testimony” basket.

It’s not about us and our stories, however wonderful those stories can be, it’s about Jesus and His work.

If you only had dry intellectualism, that’s more learning than what many Christians have, and they still believe and hope on the love of God and the return of our messiah.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Eftsoon
Upvote 0

atpollard

Well-Known Member
Jun 18, 2017
1,792
857
62
Florida
✟116,285.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
But if you remove all the testimonies I've watched and leave me only with my own personal experience and testimony, there is no way I can justify a belief in Christianity. I just don't have a testimony.
Rather than talking to Christians about God, have you tried talking to directly God?
Have you read the words of Jesus and actually put them to the test? There are many places where God/Christ make very specific promises. Talk to Him about them. If He somehow conveys an answer, you have an answer. If God conveys no answer, then you still have your answer.

Either way, you need a REAL God and not a "theoretical" God. Don't you?
One piece of advice (from someone that has 'been there and done that') God is the one in charge, so you can expect Him to respond but you can't expect him to respond like a genie in a lamp. There is a line from "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis:

"Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”
 
Upvote 0

Eftsoon

Well-Known Member
Mar 26, 2021
769
491
33
London
✟55,992.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
There are numerous accounts of people being converted through logical argument. It does happen. The evangelical classic model is just one of many ways to win a soul. Ultimately God will use you in the way He sees fit. All that's required is obedience and willingness.
 
Upvote 0

RaymondG

Well-Known Member
Nov 15, 2016
8,545
3,816
USA
✟268,974.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I understand the concept of witnessing to others as sharing what God has done in your life. However, that assumes that you already have a testimony to begin with, i.e. a set of undeniable personal experiences with God that you can witness about to others. But what about people who don't have such testimonies to share? An extreme example: an atheist. An atheist has never had a personal experience with God, therefore you never see atheists witnessing about experiences they've never had. (Otherwise, had they had those experiences, they would've probably stopped being atheists and converted long ago.)

The point I'm trying to get across: How can you witness to people about God if you, personally, have never had an encounter or experience or anything to witness about? In other words, how to witness if you don't have a testimony? How should one proceed if one finds oneself in this situation?
I would encourage you to gain experience and wisdom, before trying to witness. After this, your life will speak and be a witness for you...
 
Upvote 0

TruthSeek3r

Well-Known Member
Jan 18, 2020
1,593
509
Capital
✟128,643.00
Country
Chile
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I may be totally way off here, but would I be right in thinking that you like to be in control or understand everything and also don't like authority - because you often see where they are going wrong?

Yes, I think you would be for the most part right. I always try to approach any claim with a rational mindset. When someone approaches me with a claim, I always try to understand their why, why that person came to that conclusion. Is that person using a deductive argument, an inductive argument, an abductive argument? Are they assuming implicit premises in their reasoning? Is there any compelling reason to accept them? Are there logical fallacies? How can I reconcile what this person is saying with my previous beliefs? Should I revise my previous beliefs? Etc. I like a lot the branch of philosophy called Epistemology, which is precisely concerned with how we humans develop and justify beliefs about reality.

And may I also ask, what was your experience of becoming a non-Christian to becoming a Christian? IF you don't mind sharing.

In a nutshell, I went through a period of depressive nihilism which motivated me to consider the possibility that maybe there is a spiritual realm out there and that life was more than the mere biological cycle we all know about.

In order to investigate whether the spiritual realm was real, I basically saw two options: 1) either I manage to have spiritual experiences myself somehow or 2) I leverage the fact that many people have already had these experiences and have shared their results via published testimonies. I went ahead with the easier alternative, which is option 2. I've read quite a few books about spiritual experiences, miracles, spiritual warfare, etc. I've easily watched over a thousand testimonies and analyzed most of them in great detail. I've noticed that there are patterns of experiences that repeat across multiple testimonies, for which there appear to be no known explanations from the viewpoint of Psychology and Neuroscience. Just to enumerate a few notable examples: paranormal activity, demon possessions, exorcisms, kundalini awakening, baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in unknown foreign languages, words of knowledge, supernatural encounters with Jesus (aka Christophanies), Muslims having dreams of Jesus, testimonies of miracles by missionaries on the mission field, revivals where people convert in mass and there are lots of reports of miraculous healings, testimonies of gold tooth restorations, testimonies of ex-satanists, ex-witches, ex-warlocks, etc.

This has given me the hope that there might be in fact a spiritual/supernatural dimension to reality, that God might be real and that life might be more than a biological cycle. I think there is compelling testimonial evidence to believe in this possibility. But again, it's all theoretical from my viewpoint. Of course, it's experiential for the people with the testimonies, but I don't have a testimony, so from my viewpoint it remains theoretical.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: TzephanYahu
Upvote 0

Cormack

“I bet you're a real hulk on the internet...”
Apr 21, 2020
1,469
1,407
London
✟94,797.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Single
You know who had a great testimony story, Ravi Zacharias. You know who the Christian community is now condemning to hell, Ravi Zacharias. :tearsofjoy:

We could root our trust in testimonies of the fantastic....

Or we could root our trust in the faith handed down, in reason and evidence, in Gods handiwork visible in nature, or in history that testifies to the work of Jesus on the cross.

You don’t have to covet these testimony stories to have a vibrant living faith.
 
Upvote 0

TruthSeek3r

Well-Known Member
Jan 18, 2020
1,593
509
Capital
✟128,643.00
Country
Chile
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Faith simply means trust, @TruthSeek3r. Christianity is about faith, it’s not about you and I having a fruity tooty supernatural story to surprise and amaze our friends with. Consider Jesus (John 20:29.)

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."​

There are many different ways for a believer to express their love for Jesus and their commitment to the Christian faith or lifestyle. Not every mode that our faith takes needs to privilege signs, wonders and a testimony of some kind.

If people are disappointed by this and reply “but I haven’t been touched by an angel yet!” well, that’s part of life too. Christians go through life everyday not receiving the miracles they crave, or the signs they desire.

Jesus explained “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign,” I’m not meaning to write you’re wicked or anything cruel, but rather I’m saying that you shouldn’t put all of your eggs into the “testimony” basket.

It’s not about us and our stories, however wonderful those stories can be, it’s about Jesus and His work.

If you only had dry intellectualism, that’s more learning than what many Christians have, and they still believe and hope on the love of God and the return of our messiah.

Can you very succinctly explain the reasons why you are a Christian? Why not agnostic, atheist, Muslim, Buddhist, Hinduist, New Ager, etc.? Why are you a Christian?
 
Upvote 0

TruthSeek3r

Well-Known Member
Jan 18, 2020
1,593
509
Capital
✟128,643.00
Country
Chile
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Rather than talking to Christians about God, have you tried talking to directly God?
Have you read the words of Jesus and actually put them to the test? There are many places where God/Christ make very specific promises. Talk to Him about them. If He somehow conveys an answer, you have an answer. If God conveys no answer, then you still have your answer.

Either way, you need a REAL God and not a "theoretical" God. Don't you?
One piece of advice (from someone that has 'been there and done that') God is the one in charge, so you can expect Him to respond but you can't expect him to respond like a genie in a lamp. There is a line from "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis:

"Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

Would you mind giving a few concrete examples of promises that I could try to put to the test to see how God responds?
 
Upvote 0

RDKirk

Alien, Pilgrim, and Sojourner
Supporter
Mar 3, 2013
39,119
20,158
US
✟1,440,434.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Not everyone is an evangelist. The model we see in scripture is that an evangelist is:

Called by Christ to be an evangelist
Gifted by the Holy Spirit to be an evangelist
Fully trained by teachers of the Church in the correct gospel of Christ
Commissioned by a congregation of the Church for a particular evangelistic mission
Held accountable by that congregation of the Church on the actions and results of that mission.

That doesn't apply to everyone. But scripture does tell each of us:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. -- 1 Peter 3

"The reason for the hope that you have" is not specifically the gospel. It's what the gospel has come to mean to you personally, how it has changed your perspective on your own life. It may or may not include a "testimony" of some dramatic event.

The reason for your own hope may not be the reason anyone else's hope. It may not be what ultimately becomes the reason for the hope of the person you're speaking to.
 
Upvote 0

Cormack

“I bet you're a real hulk on the internet...”
Apr 21, 2020
1,469
1,407
London
✟94,797.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Single
Can you very succinctly explain the reasons why you are a Christian? Why not agnostic, atheist, Muslim, Buddhist, Hinduist, New Ager, etc.? Why are you a Christian?

I could. I believe that the Christian story is true, and that Christ died on the cross and rose again for our sins (as predicted in the Old Testament.)

Christ was a real historic figure (unlike 99% of other gods) and the material about Him when studied by historians emerges as being the absolute best quality in the ancient world.

If you’d like me to elaborate on anything feel free to ask.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Pavel Mosko

Arch-Dude of the Apostolic
Supporter
Oct 4, 2016
7,236
7,312
56
Boyertown, PA.
✟768,575.00
Country
United States
Faith
Oriental Orthodox
Marital Status
Single
The point I'm trying to get across: How can you witness to people about God if you, personally, have never had an encounter or experience or anything to witness about? In other words, how to witness if you don't have a testimony? How should one proceed if one finds oneself in this situation?

That's the thing, you always have a testimony no matter where you are at. You simply testify how your Faith has helped you in life, the things you are grateful for etc.

Basically I see life kind of like this TED talk, except it is not just about some generic form of "authenticity" but the realization of Christ, the truth of the Bible that hopefully impacts your life.

 
Upvote 0

Dave L

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jun 28, 2018
15,549
5,875
USA
✟580,110.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I understand the concept of witnessing to others as sharing what God has done in your life. However, that assumes that you already have a testimony to begin with, i.e. a set of undeniable personal experiences with God that you can witness about to others. But what about people who don't have such testimonies to share? An extreme example: an atheist. An atheist has never had a personal experience with God, therefore you never see atheists witnessing about experiences they've never had. (Otherwise, had they had those experiences, they would've probably stopped being atheists and converted long ago.)

The point I'm trying to get across: How can you witness to people about God if you, personally, have never had an encounter or experience or anything to witness about? In other words, how to witness if you don't have a testimony? How should one proceed if one finds oneself in this situation?
Everything you ever experience is God's plan for you. You can see lots if you know what to look for.
 
Upvote 0

TzephanYahu

Active Member
Sep 9, 2018
305
283
Dorset
✟95,299.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I always try to approach any claim with a rational mindset. When someone approaches me with a claim, I always try to understand their why, why that person came to that conclusion. Is that person using a deductive argument, an inductive argument, an abductive argument? Are they assuming implicit premises in their reasoning? Is there any compelling reason to accept them? Are there logical fallacies?

This is a good and understandable approach and it will serve you well when sifting through the many many theological stances in Christianity today! However, when approaching Yahweh (the Creator) and His Word, we need to change from this analytical mindset if we hope to make a "breakthrough".

Some issues we need to understand in the heart rather than in the mind. I hope that doesn't sound too flowery to you.

For example, imagine you tell me you love your spouse I doubt your claim. I doubt your conclusion, your reasoning and your premise - having not experienced love myself. As much as you might try and convince me of the validity of your love, I simply have no evidence for it, your argument sounds illogical and I have no experience with which to match with your claim. However, within the very same day that I fall in love, immediately I'll get it and I'll understand and believe your claim.

All this to say that some truths need to be "submitted to" not calculated. Some truths cannot be understood without experience, even by the shrewdest mind. Rather they need to be submitted to and experienced. Just like how a description of a sunrise using science, physics and mathematics alone will never become beautiful. Knowledge needs to be left aside and you simply need to experience it "naked of human reasoning" - if that makes any sense.

"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6.

From what you have written, it seems you have hit a ceiling. You have come very far with your intellect but now you are finding a lack of "reality". You understand the sunset in concept, but you haven't seen it yourself, as it were.

Consider how the Messiah said "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." It's wise to be humble towards to Word of God and Yahweh. If you would find Him, you need faith, not logic. And by handing full authority and control of your life (the "reigns" if you will) over to Him in faith is the last great step you must take. You don't have to understand everything up front and indeed who could? Rather you need that same trust a young child implicitly has in his father.

What then, should a disciple be dumb, illogical and unreasonable? No, not at all. But when it comes to meta subjects like reality and the intricacies of God and His Kingdom, even the smartest of saints is still less than amateur. In this way wisdom should be prized over knowledge. Wisdom leads to God, knowledge will always be limited - by definition.

've noticed that there are patterns of experiences that repeat across multiple testimonies, for which there appear to be no known explanations from the viewpoint of Psychology and Neuroscience.

I agree entirely, having training in these areas also.

This has given me the hope that there might be in fact a spiritual/supernatural dimension to reality, that God might be real and that life might be more than a biological cycle.

The Church would really benefit from people like you who are smart and logical. It seems to be a natural gift which, if applied correctly, could go on to serve Yahweh in tremendous ways. So I'm very hopeful for your future.

But again, it's all theoretical from my viewpoint. Of course, it's experiential for the people with the testimonies, but I don't have a testimony, so from my viewpoint it remains theoretical.

For now it's theoretical my friend, for now. I was there too for a long time. But if you keep showing this much interest, the Spirit of Yahweh will find you and open your eyes to the reality of it all - giving you that testimony. Even now, I feel that you are right on the edge of a breakthrough.

You just need to learn to let go of your mind and seek with your heart instead. Don't try to dissect this too much, as it will be an endless task. And don't weigh your own journey with that of others, as there will always be more miraculous testimonies to discover. Instead seek Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you in a way that you will not be able to deny. Seek Him with your heart (the very core of your emotive being) as your deductive mind has reached its understandable limits.

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13

I highly recommend you watch the biographical film called "The Case for Christ" 2017. I'm not sure where you can get a hold of it. You might find it streaming on one of your available services. But I think it will speak to you as the guy in the film will be identifiable in some ways.

Peace.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TruthSeek3r
Upvote 0

TruthSeek3r

Well-Known Member
Jan 18, 2020
1,593
509
Capital
✟128,643.00
Country
Chile
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I could. I believe that the Christian story is true, and that Christ died on the cross and rose again for our sins (as predicted in the Old Testament.)

Christ was a real historic figure (unlike 99% of other gods) and the material about Him when studied by historians emerges as being the absolute best quality in the ancient world.

If you’d like me to elaborate on anything feel free to ask.

So basically you believe Christianity is true because of historical and prophetical arguments regarding the person of Jesus, correct? Can you share a couple of links to books, websites or any other sources that best present these arguments in your opinion?
 
  • Friendly
Reactions: Cormack
Upvote 0

Cormack

“I bet you're a real hulk on the internet...”
Apr 21, 2020
1,469
1,407
London
✟94,797.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Single
So basically you believe Christianity is true because of historical and prophetical arguments regarding the person of Jesus, correct?

That’s part of it, sure. Although I was doing my best to share my reasons succinctly. There are lots of good reasons to believe in Jesus that don’t translate well to other faiths.

Can you share a couple of links to books, websites or any other sources that best present these arguments in your opinion?

If you haven’t studied much apologetics, I’d recommend watching a debate. Christopher Hitchens vs. William Lane Craig is an amazing video and represented both atheism and Christianity.

Dr. Craig runs a website called Reasonable faith, it’s got a lot of valuable material.

If you’d like to continue the historic conversation you can join me and some of the guys in this topic...

Easter apologetics

I opened up the topic with another argument from good history, and the other posters are making great points too.

Jump right in if you’re interested. :thumbsup:
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

FutureAndAHope

Just me
Supporter
Aug 30, 2008
6,362
2,910
Australia
Visit site
✟732,859.00
Country
Australia
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I understand the concept of witnessing to others as sharing what God has done in your life. However, that assumes that you already have a testimony to begin with, i.e. a set of undeniable personal experiences with God that you can witness about to others. But what about people who don't have such testimonies to share? An extreme example: an atheist. An atheist has never had a personal experience with God, therefore you never see atheists witnessing about experiences they've never had. (Otherwise, had they had those experiences, they would've probably stopped being atheists and converted long ago.)

The point I'm trying to get across: How can you witness to people about God if you, personally, have never had an encounter or experience or anything to witness about? In other words, how to witness if you don't have a testimony? How should one proceed if one finds oneself in this situation?

The bible says:

Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.

The bible is full of promises that we can seek after, to see miracles, so I am not discrediting miracles. But Jesus also said the above, He said "a big miracle like one rising from the dead, will be no more convincing to an unbeliever than the spoken word, the bible".

If we don't have any miracles, we should just share the word of God. Speak about Jesus death and resurrection and how it forgives us of sin. I remember once a a teen just hearing a tape talking about Jesus death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit touched me powerfully. I was not saved, but God's power was on it. The word is as powerful.

However miracles are preserving, Elijah performed a miracle to turn people's hearts back to God. Miracles can speed God's work among those who choose to believe and come to salvation.

Mat 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here.

Jesus was greater, due to who He was, and the signs he performed.

Joh 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TruthSeek3r
Upvote 0

atpollard

Well-Known Member
Jun 18, 2017
1,792
857
62
Florida
✟116,285.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Would you mind giving a few concrete examples of promises that I could try to put to the test to see how God responds?
I could, but I won't.

Every time that I read the bible, the words speak to me differently. I "see" something new in a paragraph that I have read over and over. It has always been so. I believe that the Holy Spirit guides us into seeing what we need to see AT THAT MOMENT.

Who the heck am I to have a clue at what Almighty God thinks that YOU need to see in HIS love letter right at this moment in your life? I trust God to do what needs doing. If you have questions about any specific verses that catch your eye ... I am always happy to share a few thoughts. I envy you the excitement of your adventure ... those first steps.

... but only YOU can take the first step: talk to God and read His Letter.
 
  • Like
Reactions: St_Worm2
Upvote 0

TruthSeek3r

Well-Known Member
Jan 18, 2020
1,593
509
Capital
✟128,643.00
Country
Chile
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I could, but I won't.

Every time that I read the bible, the words speak to me differently. I "see" something new in a paragraph that I have read over and over. It has always been so. I believe that the Holy Spirit guides us into seeing what we need to see AT THAT MOMENT.

Who the heck am I to have a clue at what Almighty God thinks that YOU need to see in HIS love letter right at this moment in your life? I trust God to do what needs doing. If you have questions about any specific verses that catch your eye ... I am always happy to share a few thoughts. I envy you the excitement of your adventure ... those first steps.

... but only YOU can take the first step: talk to God and read His Letter.

But you previously said:

"Have you read the words of Jesus and actually put them to the test? There are many places where God/Christ make very specific promises. Talk to Him about them. If He somehow conveys an answer, you have an answer. If God conveys no answer, then you still have your answer."
So I was thinking that it would be great if you shared a couple of popular promises, just to get started. What is the most popular promise in your opinion?

But anyways, I fully agree that constant prayer and reading of the scriptures are keystone habits. No doubt about that at least.
 
Upvote 0

Hazelelponi

I'm back
Supporter
Jun 25, 2018
9,210
8,688
55
USA
✟676,606.00
Country
United States
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
I understand the concept of witnessing to others as sharing what God has done in your life. However, that assumes that you already have a testimony to begin with, i.e. a set of undeniable personal experiences with God that you can witness about to others. But what about people who don't have such testimonies to share? An extreme example: an atheist. An atheist has never had a personal experience with God, therefore you never see atheists witnessing about experiences they've never had. (Otherwise, had they had those experiences, they would've probably stopped being atheists and converted long ago.)

The point I'm trying to get across: How can you witness to people about God if you, personally, have never had an encounter or experience or anything to witness about? In other words, how to witness if you don't have a testimony? How should one proceed if one finds oneself in this situation?

Absolutely no one on earth has a witness without first coming to a saving faith in Christ. It is after that (saving faith) that you gain a testimony to share...

The only thing a non Christian should do, is seek the truth of God and Jesus. Once a non believer figures that out, the rest falls into place very naturally.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Maria Billingsley

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Oct 7, 2018
9,573
7,772
63
Martinez
✟893,850.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I understand the concept of witnessing to others as sharing what God has done in your life
Your concept is self realized. Spreading the Good News is for all. It is just that...Good News. It is as easy and natural as spreading any form of good news. Be blessed.
 
Upvote 0