Maximum Testimony

Setup

Today, I want to share with you how you can “spread the word” about Christ, just like they did on Palm Sunday nearly 2000 years ago, in a way that causes growth.

Today, I want to share with you how you can “spread the word” about Christ, This Church and You in a way that causes growth.

“Elevator speeches” usually last no longer than 30 seconds and contain fewer than 130 words.

Jesus was the greatest at it - in 8 words He summarizes who he was and what he was all about to draw people...

Intro

John 12:12–19 NIV

12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

What is your testimony? What do you say to open people up to being part of a Christ community?

[Read Scripture]

Shark Tank features the elevator pitch = 30 second summary of how this product benefits you.

What is your testimony? What do you say to open people up to being part of a Christ community?

What is your pitch? What do you say to open people up to being part of a Christ community?

It was the congregation assembled at Lazarus’ resurrection that “told the story.”

A testimonial is social proof.

89% of businesses consider customer testimonials the most effective content marketing tactics.

Why are christians so-bad at social proofing? Churches are bad at keeping things simple!

It was the congregation assembled at Lazarus’ resurrection that “told the story.”

“Many people” came out to the next Jesus event, because they heard from people they knew.

Our church growing is vital for our mission to be achieved:

TO LEAD PEOPLE TO BECOME COMMITTED DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST.

A maximum testimony is social proof.

Create an emotional appeal for your branding and help convey your overall brand message.

Palm Sunday was amazing because people were confident in conveying a simple message - “come see”

LV Brand, Store, Salesperson. What would you say if it was on sale? Likewise Jesus (Brand) Store (Impact) and Sales (Pastor) and Evangelist (You and your experience)

Maximum Testimonies have 3 Social Proofs if we are to achieve the mission.

Why are christians so-bad at social proofing? Churches are bad at keeping things simple!

If we are to achieve the mission

Then we must provide maximum testimony.

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Maximum Testimony Is Social Proof of 3 Things:

Jesus brings good news into this bad news world (v18a).

Jesus offers freedom (v18b).

Jesus opens blind eyes (v18c).

Jesus proclaims favor not judgment (v19).

1. Power of The Gospel.

It’s the same word Jesus uses in John chapter 11, when he gives orders that Lazarus, called forth from the tomb, should be “unbound”—turned loose, set free. Fourth, Jesus pierces through darkness and opens blind eyes. Fifth, Jesus proclaims—not God’s unremitting, well-deserved judgment…but rather: God’s astonishing grace and favor. Jesus doesn’t represent the “God will get you for that” way of the law. Jesus speaks for the God whose power is shown chiefly in showing mercy. Sixth, Jesus does all these things NOW. His one-sentence commentary begins with “today.” Imagine that—the first time Jesus speaks as an adult in Luke’s gospel, he starts with the word “TODAY”--“Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jesus does all these things now “today” (v20).

Matthew 24:14 ESV

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Acts 24:14 NIV

However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,

Acts

Key = to all nations. [Our call to a Spiritual right movement]

Here it is:

1 Corinthians 15:3–8 ESV

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

2. The Heart of Our Church.

2 Thessalonians 1:10 ESV

when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

“Our testimony” = a collaborative

They were all saying the same thing - and people believed.

Today, we might call this a “tag-line”

How do we summarize what we are all about into one statement - the vision, mission, core values?

What is the testimony of this church?

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Funerals / Weddings / Layoffs / Education /Prayer /Worship / Counseling / Small Groups

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Point 1 - TELL THEM WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Here for you to

become a committed disciple (mission).

discover you redemptive purpose (vision).

Point 2 - SHOW THEM WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Ride or Die (core value)

3. The Change In Your Life.

2 Timothy 1:8 NCV

So do not be ashamed to tell people about our Lord Jesus, and do not be ashamed of me, in prison for the Lord. But suffer with me for the Good News. God, who gives us the strength to do that,

Close

There is no shame in my deliverance!

TELL THE GLORY AND THE GORY -

Tell them of Jesus /

Tell them of Jesus / who you connected to / and your story

John 12:13 NKJV

took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”

Fear not - people are dying for Good News…you are coming in the name of the Lord.

How has salvation changed you? How has Impact been there for you?

How has Impact been there for you?

go on facebook and update your status to say "Impact Church was here for me when______________" #EasterTogether18