Gospel in a Minute
Paul continued his testimony by telling his listeners that he previously was an enemy of the gospel.
And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished. Acts 22:4-5 (NLT)
Principle: Share Your “Back Story”
If people are meeting us for the first time, they have no context for understanding how Christ has impacted our lives. After establishing solidarity, It is important for us to relate what we were like before we became followers of Christ. People need to know that we were not always as we are today. We had a life before Christ of which they know nothing.
Sharing our “back story” is another way for us to establish common ground with our listeners and sets the stage for relating how Christ gives purpose to our lives and transforms us.
People may argue with our doctrine and conclusions, but they cannot deny our personal story. Related properly a testimony can be a powerful corroboration of the gospel.
