Come and see:
Allowing others to see what God has done in you is what the Bible calls preaching through testimony (Ps 66:16), where the Psalmist invites the readers to invite all to see what God has done. There is a great victory over the enemy when believers choose to testify about the occurrences of God in their lives that are like no other. Revelations tells us that Satan, the accuser of the brothers, waged war against them, but they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony (Rev 12:10-11). This testimony of what God has done and is doing in our lives is powerful. The Samaritan woman’s testimony of what Jesus did in her life caused her countrymen to come and see for themselves. Jesus set her free from the guilty thoughts that enslaved her when he told her about the adulterous life she was living, and caused her to testify (Jh 4:39). Jesus said that this gospel is going to be preached as a testimony throughout the ends of the earth (Mt 24:14).
Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they prayed him to tarry certain days.
Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman government, a devout man to God, was well known for his generosity and prayer life. His devotion to God and the people made its way to God, causing God to send an angel to appear to him. There was something still missing from Corneilus’ life that prevented the complete manifestation of God in his life. Jesus said that no one can come to the Father unless it is through him (Jh 14:6). Cornelius needed Christ to get to God, so God made the way for him; he sent the angel with the message to send for Peter. Now, Cornelius was praying, giving alms, and fasting because he loved God, but his sacrifices needed to be in Christ. So, he sent for Peter, who was on the roof of the inn he was lodging in, waiting for dinner. He became very hungry and went into a trance. The scriptures say that in the trance, he saw a sheet of cloth let down from heaven with many critters on both sides. He heard a voice instructing him to kill and eat three times.
When Peter came to Cornelius’ house, he received a holy welcome as if God were being welcomed. Cornelius dropped to his knees and worshipped. With Peter were six men who were of the circumcision that came to witness the ushering in of the Gentiles. Before Peter finished his summarized sermon of Christ the Son of God, the Holy Spirit came upon all who listened. Those who came with Peter and witnessed the outpouring of the Spirit had their hearts changed. That outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with the speaking in tongues, was a testimony to those who witnessed. Jesus said that is how we are going to be his witnesses when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives (Acts 1:8), through his power.
Psalms 66:16
16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
Revelation 12:10-11
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
John 4:39
39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
Matthew 24:14
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 1:8
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.