The First Missionary | Dr. Conrad Vine

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Study Guide: “The Freedom to Share Our Testimony”

Key Scripture Passages:

  1. Mark 4:35–5:20 – Jesus calms the storm and heals the demon-possessed man.

  2. Psalm 107:23–32 – God’s power over storms and deliverance.

  3. Matthew 20:1–16 – The parable of the 11th-hour workers (mentioned in the broader service).

I. Introduction: The Power of Testimony

Main Idea: Our personal stories of God’s intervention are powerful tools for evangelism.
Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is sharing a personal testimony often more effective than theological debates?

  2. How does the demoniac’s transformation (Mark 5:15–20) model the impact of testimony?

II. Breaking Barriers: Jesus’ Mission to Save

Key Points:

  • Jesus crossed cultural, religious, and spiritual barriers (Jewish vs. Gentile, clean vs. unclean) to save one man.

  • The storm (Mark 4:37–39) symbolized spiritual opposition; Jesus’ authority over nature revealed His divinity (Psalm 107:29).

Discussion Questions:

  1. What “barriers” might prevent us from sharing our faith today (e.g., fear, societal norms)?

  2. How does Jesus’ willingness to engage with the demon-possessed man challenge us to reach marginalized people?

III. The Value of a Soul

Key Points:

  • The loss of 2,000 pigs (Mark 5:13) showed God prioritizes people over material wealth.

  • The villagers’ rejection of Jesus (Mark 5:17) mirrors modern choices to prioritize comfort over discipleship.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can we avoid “choosing pigs over people” in our daily priorities (finances, time, etc.)?

  2. What does this story teach about God’s view of human worth?

IV. The Call to Witness

Key Points:

  • Jesus commanded the healed man to share his story locally (Mark 5:19), not with theological arguments but with personal experience.

  • The result: A harvest of 4,000 believers (implied in Mark 7:31–37).

Practical Application:

  1. Prepare Your Testimony:

    • Before Christ: What was your life like?

    • Meeting Christ: How did you encounter Him?

    • After Christ: How has He changed you?

  2. Pray for Opportunities: Ask God to bring someone across your path this week who needs to hear your story.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why might people respond better to personal stories than doctrinal explanations?

  2. What fears hold you back from sharing your testimony, and how can you overcome them?

V. Reflection and Action Steps

  1. Journal Prompt: Write out your testimony in 3–5 sentences.

  2. Group Activity: Role-play sharing your testimony with a partner.

  3. Challenge: Identify one person this week to share with and pray for divine timing.

Closing Thought:
“The demoniac’s story began with chains and ended with a mission. Your testimony—no matter how messy—can lead others to Christ.”

Prayer Focus:

  • Thank God for His deliverance in your life.

  • Ask for courage to share your story.

  • Pray for receptive hearts in your community.

Bonus Study (for Further Reflection):

  • Matthew 20:1–16 – How does the “11th-hour worker” parable relate to urgency in sharing our faith today?

  • Revelation 12:11 – Overcoming Satan “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of [our] testimony.”

“Go home and tell how much the Lord has done for you.” —Mark 5:19