(This post is Part 2 of a two-part series on Luke 1:1–4. In Part 1, we looked at copying and/or paraphrasing Scripture. In this post, we’ll focus on how writing your testimony of faith–recording God’s work in your life–can deepen your faith and encourage others.)

Scripture Focus:
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us… so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
—Luke 1:1,4 (NIV)

Luke’s Gospel and Acts: Writing an Orderly Account Jesus’ Current Work

Luke actually wrote two books to Theophilus. The first, the Gospel of Luke, he references in Acts 1:1–2 (NIV):
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.”

This would be equivalent to us copying or paraphrasing the entire Bible, because everything, according to Jesus Himself, points to Him (Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39). The Old Testament testifies of Him, and the New Testament records His life and teaching, fulfilling the prophecies given beforehand.

But Luke didn’t stop with giving an orderly account of Jesus’ life on earth. The book of Acts is the record of Jesus continuing His work through the Holy Spirit in the lives of Luke and his contemporaries.

When was the last time you stopped to write your testimony—your own account of what Jesus has done in your life?

When we write down the story of God’s work in our lives, it becomes more real. More concrete. It solidifies in our minds the truth that God didn’t just act in Bible times but that He is a living, active part of our lives in the 21st century.

Biblical Inspiration for Recording Your Testimony

Throughout Scripture, God often called His people to remember His works and to record them in tangible ways. Testimony writing is not a modern invention—it is a biblical practice of bearing witness to God’s faithfulness.

In the Old Testament, we see this in the Passover celebration that God commanded the Israelites to observe every year on the anniversary of their exodus from Egypt. Why? It was to keep fresh in their memories—and in their children’s memories—the amazing way God rescued them from slavery (Exodus 12:14–27).

We also see it in the “stones of remembrance” Joshua set up after Israel crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 4:1–7). When future generations asked, “What do these stones mean?” the people could tell the story of God’s power and deliverance. Many psalms also function as written testimonies—David and others poured out their struggles, victories, and encounters with God in songs and poetry that continue to encourage us today.

In the New Testament, Luke himself is our model. The book of Acts is the orderly account of how Jesus was working through the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Luke, the disciples and especially Paul in their current day. Paul’s letters serve the same purpose: personal accounts of God’s faithfulness—written records of His activity in the early church, meant to encourage, correct, and strengthen faith.

God’s people wrote down what He had done so His faithfulness would not be forgotten. When you and I record our testimony of God’s work—whether in a journal, a letter, or even a few sentences—we are following in the footsteps of Joshua, David, Luke, and Paul. Our words become reminders of His work in our own lives and legacies of faith for others.

How to Write Your Own Testimony of God’s Work in Your Life

To write your testimony of faith, set aside time each week—perhaps on Sabbath—to reflect on where God has met you, guided you, convicted you, or healed you. When you record these moments, you’re not just journaling—you’re bearing witness.

This act of remembering and journaling for spiritual growth builds spiritual clarity. It helps you see God’s hand more clearly and prepares you to share your testimony when someone else needs encouragement.

Writing your own account doesn’t have to be formal. It can be:

• A prayer journal
• A bullet list of answered prayers
• A letter to your future self
• A reflection on pivotal passages of Scripture—ones that significantly impacted your spiritual growth
• A testimony of your journey from doubt to faith

Whatever form it takes, the goal is the same: to know with certainty the ways God has been active in your life. To become convinced that He is alive and working today—not just 2,000 years ago. To become certain that you serve a risen Savior.

Here’s a simple way to begin:

1. Read Luke 1:1–4 slowly. Notice Luke’s intentionality—he investigated carefully and wrote thoughtfully.
2. Ask yourself: Where have I seen Jesus at work in my life?
3. Write one paragraph today—just one—about a moment when God felt real to you.
4. Return to it later. Let it grow. Let it become your own “orderly account.”

This doesn’t have to be shared publicly. In fact, some of the deepest spiritual growth often happens in private spaces—when it’s just you and the Lord.

But over time, what you write may become a source of strength, a testimony to share, or even a legacy of faith for your children and grandchildren. Imagine handing your story of God’s work to the next generation—not polished, but honest. Not perfect, but deeply personal.

Why Is Bible Study and Our Testimony Necessary for Spiritual Growth?

We live in a time of quick access to spiritual content. And while that can be a blessing, it can also be a trap. We can easily fall into the habit of leaning on someone else’s fire instead of tending our own.

Remember the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13)? The five wise virgins who had extra oil for their lamps could not share that oil with those who did not. Hide the Word of God in your heart today, be intentional about writing your testimony and recording God’s work in your life, so that you have extra oil when it is needed.

Luke didn’t settle for secondhand stories. He investigated for himself and wrote so that others could find certainty. And he also took time to record how Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, was active in his life and in the lives of those around him.

We can do the same.

Let your walk with God be more than passive consumption. Let it be a pursuit—a careful, intentional, humble investigation. As you hide His Word in your heart through copying or paraphrasing Scripture, may you learn to recognize His voice and desire to obey Him in all things.

And as you write your testimony of faith—an orderly account of how He has worked in your life—may your faith and your relationship with Him grow deeper with every word. May it anchor your heart in the truth of Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) where God said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Enter into the joy of your Lord.

Prayer

Lord, help me to pay more attention to all the little and big ways you are involved in my life each and every day. Bring to my memory all the times You’ve been present and active in my life. Give me the courage and discipline to record my testimony—not because it’s perfect, but because it reminds me that You are always with me. Thank You for the certainty we can find in Your Word and in our walk with You. Amen.

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Reflection Questions for Writing Your Testimony

1. Luke investigated carefully and wrote an orderly account so that others could know the truth with certainty. In what ways do you personally seek certainty in your faith?
2. Think about the last time God felt especially real to you. How might writing your testimony of that moment strengthen your faith and help you remember it in the future?
3. What form of testimony writing feels most natural to you—journal, prayer list, or story?
4. If you wrote your testimony today, what legacy of faith would you most want your children, grandchildren, or a close friend to see?

(This concludes Part 2 of the series on Luke 1:1–4. If you missed Part 1, you can read it here.)