This post is a follow-up message from last week's Missions Sunday sermon entitled "The Heart of the Disciple". [Watch video]

“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” Revelation 12:11

This past Sunday we heard the testimonies of three Native American students from Indian Bible College. Their stories were compelling and inspiring. Yet as I talked with each of them afterward, it was clear that none of them thought they were anything special. In fact, they were quite uncomfortable with being “celebrities” at Valley Bible Church because of their stories.

How is it that ordinary people can have such an impact on others, just by telling what God has done for them? Their story, your story, each of our stories, are simple and yet powerful. Not because of the incredible things that have happened to us. But because of the incredible God who saved us.

What’s at play when we are moved by someone’s salvation story is the power of testimony. The tribulation martyrs of Revelation 12 have a part in defeating Satan, “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony.” We would expect Christ’s death to be the key event of defeating Satan once and for all. His death and resurrection were the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15, the first preaching of the Gospel which predicted the seed of the woman (Messiah) would crush the head of the serpent (Satan). The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which we celebrate on Easter Sunday announce the end of sin, death, and Satan.

But it is also the testimony of believers that brings down that great dragon. Those who gave testimony to their faith in Revelation 12 did so unto death. Nothing, not even death itself, would keep them from declaring to others that Jesus Christ was their Savior and Lord.

Why such power in testimony? The power of testimony is the power of the Gospel, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Whenever we tell others of our faith, the power of the Gospel is at work. Our testimonies are simply statements of the power of the Gospel in our lives. We are different, changed, saved, forgiven, because of Jesus.

When you pray for people to believe in Christ; when you pray to invite them to Easter; when you do finally invite them, the power of testimony is at work. Remember, His power, not yours. 

I hope you are emboldened by the testimonies of the students from Indian Bible College to trust in the power of the Gospel as we reach out to our community this Easter. If they can do it, so can all of us.