03.23.25 A Cry in the City Ch.3 “Testify: It Is Now Time to Speak”

Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples. He was the one who boldly testified to the gospel before the Jews of his time. Do you remember the event in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost? 120 disciples were praying earnestly, waiting for the promised Counselor, the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Holy Spirit came upon the Upper Room powerfully. People began speaking in different tongues and praying fervently. Some Jews who witnessed the scene thought the people were drunk. It was then that Peter stood up and began to testify.

He explained that this was the fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” He testified that although the Jews killed Jesus, the Son of God, Jesus rose again. Hearing this, the Jews were cut to the heart and asked what they should do. Peter told them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins, and they would receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:40–42 (NIV)

“With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

In Acts 4, Peter and John continued to testify that Jesus is the Son of God and that He had risen. The religious leaders were furious and tried to silence them.

Acts 4:19–20 (NIV)

“But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’”

Wherever they went, the disciples testified boldly. People repented and believed in Jesus as they heard the gospel through their mouths.

There is power in our lips and in our words. God created the universe with His word. With our mouths, we have the power to give life or death. On a rap battle audition show called Show Me the Money, a rapper wearing a cross-shaped earring performed a violent and obscene rap with great skill. All the judges applauded—except for Tiger JK, a Christian rapper. He said, “You’re talented, but words can be more dangerous than guns. I hope you become an even better rapper.”

Proverbs 18:20–21 (NIV)

“From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

God gave us mouths—to kill or to save. It’s time to testify. So let me ask: When was the last time you spoke about Jesus? What holds you back from evangelism?

We often think evangelism means bringing people to church. That’s not wrong—but evangelism is simply delivering the truth. It connects hopeless people to the eternal, living God.

Does it feel too hard or far away? Don’t know where to start? Let’s go back to Peter’s story.

Peter denied Jesus three times. After Jesus’ death, the disciples scattered and returned to their old lives. Peter went back to fishing in the Sea of Tiberias, their old hangout. But the resurrected Jesus came back to find them. When Peter recognized Jesus, he jumped into the water and ran to Him.

John 21:15–19 (NIV)

[Full passage included above.]

Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter had denied Him three times. Peter’s regret, guilt, and shame had silenced him. But Jesus reopened his lips. Peter confessed, “Lord, you know I love you.”

This is where our testimony begins—with love.

Evangelism starts with the confession, “I love the Lord.” We testify first to God’s faithfulness and our love for Him.

One day, walking with my mom in Korea, I saw flattened reeds. “Why don’t they cut those dead plants?” I asked.

“They’ll rise again,” she said.

Days later, the same reeds stood tall, glowing gold in the sun.

Peter’s words—“You know I love you”—meant this:

“I am like a reed. I failed. My faith is weak. I feel ashamed to say I love you. But I believe you won’t give up on me. You’ll lift me when I fall.”

Jesus knew the road Peter would walk. Though he was weak, Peter would soon receive the power of the Spirit and become a bold witness.

Today, our first testimony must be this:

“Lord, I love you.”

Before sharing the gospel with others, testify to God first—with your love.

Some people say, “I can’t speak well. I’m afraid of rejection.” But evangelism doesn’t begin with confidence. It begins with believing that the Holy Spirit is in you.

John 15:26–27 (NIV)

“When the Advocate comes… he will testify about me. And you also must testify…”

John 14:26 (NIV)

“The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

The Holy Spirit needs a microphone—our mouths. He wants to partner with us. When rejection comes, remember:

1. Our job is to share, not to convince.

2. People aren’t rejecting us—they’re rejecting God.

3. If they reject it, it may not be their time yet.

Some say, “Evangelism is for pastors.” But you don’t need to know everything. You just need to share what you’ve experienced. You don’t need a miracle to have a testimony.

Like the Samaritan woman, you just need to meet Jesus.

John 4:28–30, 39–42 (NIV)

[Full passage included above.]

Even if you lack deep Bible knowledge, a dramatic miracle, or a mature character—you can still evangelize. You can invite people to church and say, “I love my church. Come with me.”

Let the church be your confidence.

Some say, “I don’t want to be hated or lose relationships.” But Jesus said:

Matthew 10:20–22 (NIV)

“For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you…”

Pray for those you love. Pray for those who’ve never heard. Pray for those who once believed but drifted. Serve them with love and share the gospel with them.

Bill Johnson said:

“The only thing you can’t do in heaven is worship God with pain.

We may ask, ‘Why doesn’t God work for me?’ But God is not my servant—I am His.”

Matthew 10:32 (NIV)

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven…”