A Testimony of God’s Family

What ways has someone else's testimony of God's faithfulness sparked faith and vision in your own life?

Guest Speaker: Terry Virgo
Date: April 12, 2026

Terry Virgo shares his testimony—how a simple encounter with Christ became a life shaped by the Holy Spirit, community, and purpose. If God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things, are we willing to be stretched so He can move in our generation? Don’t miss this message!

Here's a 5-day devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: The Call to Surrender

Reading: Revelation 3:20; Romans 12:1–2

Devotional: Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for our invitation. As Terry's story reminds us, becoming a Christian isn't just an intellectual agreement—it's opening the door of your heart completely. But true discipleship requires more than initial salvation; it demands total surrender. For four years, Terry lived divided between two worlds until God said, "I want your life. I want it now." That moment of holy fear became his turning point. God is patient, but He desires all of you—not compartments, not weekends, not leftovers. Today, ask yourself: What doors remain closed to Jesus? What friendships, habits, or ambitions compete for His lordship? The fear of losing God's voice should be greater than the fear of losing anything else. Surrender isn't loss; it's the beginning of true life.

Day 2: Hungry for More

Reading: Matthew 5:6; Philippians 3:7–14

Devotional: Spiritual hunger is a gift from God. Terry's transformation began when he encountered lives wholly given to God through biographies and testimonies. He read fifty books in one year, each one stoking the fire of holy ambition. The Christian life was never meant to be "me and Jesus" in isolation—it's meant to be a passionate pursuit of knowing Him more deeply and serving Him more fully. Are you satisfied with where you are spiritually, or do you hunger for more? Complacency is the enemy of spiritual growth. Feed your soul with stories of faith, immerse yourself in Scripture, and surround yourself with people further along the journey. God honors hunger. He fills those who recognize their emptiness. The baptism of the Spirit that transformed Terry's life is still available today—but only the hungry will seek it. What are you reading, watching, and listening to? Is it increasing or decreasing your appetite for God?

Day 3: The Power of Community

Reading: Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:42–47

Devotional: "Do not speak in the sanctuary" represented everything wrong with Terry's early church experience—religion without relationship, attendance without encounter, proximity without intimacy. The New Testament contains over forty "one another" commands because Christianity is fundamentally communal. We are called to encourage one another, confess to one another, pray for one another, and bear one another's burdens. The church isn't a lecture hall; it's a family. When Terry finally experienced authentic Spirit-filled community—people singing together, prophesying, knowing God's presence corporately—he discovered what he'd been missing. Church isn't about a building or a program; it's about the people of God gathering in the presence of God. Are you truly known in your church community? Do you have relationships where you can be vulnerable, pray together, and grow together? Don't settle for anonymous Christianity. Pursue authentic community.

Day 4: Apostolic Vision and Patience

Reading: Ephesians 4:11–16; 1 Corinthians 3:6–9

Devotional: God's work doesn't happen overnight. Terry's journey from one small church to a movement of thousands took fifty years of faithful obedience. It began with one couple, then another, then house meetings that grew into churches across nations. The apostolic calling isn't about status or titles—it's about planting, establishing, and nurturing communities where God's presence dwells. Notice the pattern: prayer, prophecy, obedience, and patience. Every Thursday, leaders gathered to pray for revival. They didn't manufacture growth; they cultivated soil where God could work. "There are no well-worn paths before you, but together you can make a road where there is no road." What vision has God planted in your heart? Don't despise small beginnings. Stay faithful in prayer. Gather with others who share the vision. Trust God's timing. The testimony of what God has done becomes prophecy for what He will do.

Day 5: Passing the Baton

Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1–2; Joshua 1:1–9

Devotional: True apostolic ministry isn't about building a personal kingdom—it's about raising up the next generation. Terry handed over leadership to fifteen younger leaders, empowering them to carry the vision forward into their own spheres of influence. This is God's design: faithful people teaching faithful people who will teach others also. David told Solomon, "God has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it." Every generation must hear this call afresh. The work isn't finished; it's multiplying. Whether you're young or old, God is calling you to invest in others. Parents, discipline your children. Leaders, empower emerging leaders. Believers, make disciples. The greatest legacy isn't what you accomplish personally—it's who you raise up to continue the mission. Who are you pouring into? Who are you preparing for their calling? The church advances not through individual superstars but through faithful generations building on what came before, pressing toward what lies ahead.