A witness for Jesus

WITNESS [wit-nis] -verb (used with object)

1.to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception:

to witness an accident.

2.to be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator,bystander, etc.:

She witnessed our wedding.

3.to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.

As soldiers of light, we are expected to always carry a light within us and As followers of Christ, we are called to witness what Jesus has done in us and for us. As we are being transformed, we are expected to point people in this hurting world, to the redeeming power of the cross. But how do we really effectively share the truth that we have encountered?

1. SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY.

Luke 8:35-39

Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Go back to the Joy. The thrill of answered prayers. The satisfaction that filled your heart when you experienced God's presence, go back to the moment where you first experienced God's hand. It might be a concrete joy, peace or even the pain that you experienced. Whatever story you have, just share that. Your personal story is that most effective tool in advancing the kingdom of God and the best way to introduce Christ to others. Your God is a creative writer, a great author. Your story of a transformed life validates God's existence and power. You always have a story to share. For even in movies , people are more interested if what's presented is based on a true story.

2. ALWAYS OPERATE WITH A HEART OF CHRIST.

Matthew 9:36

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

I have once read that "if you think you're growing in the Lord, yet your compassion for the lost is diminishing, then you are fooling your self. " From this, I have learned that our desire in sharing the gospel should always be driven by love and compassion. You are created in the image and "likeness" of God. Do not seek only for your good, but for the good of others. And keep this in mind, you can always operate with a heart just like Jesus.

You are not selfish but giving

You are not rude but kind

You are not impatient but patient

You are not unable to love but the most capable in loving.

There are too many lost people in this world. NEVER WASTE A DAY. Always ask yourself, "How do I share Christ to this person?" It doesn't necessarily mean sharing God is to preach. Sometimes sharing Christ to others means being extra patient, extra loving, extra forgiving, and extra loving towards others.

As what a Christian Adage says..

"Always share the gospel. If necessary, use words.."

3. ALWAYS PUT GOD'S CHARACTER ON DISPLAY.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

As ambassardors of Christ, our job is to reflect who God is, and the fruit of the holy spirit should be evident in our lives. As Christians, our faith should be backed up by our deeds, because the validity of our testimony is shown on how we live our lives.

Luke 6:43-45

“For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. “For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the eviltreasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

In my early days of knowing Christ, I have learned the "Aquarium theory" one that which perfectly parallels my life as a Christian.

This aquarium has four sides and it is transparent on each side. It could be seen through. That's how our Christian life is. People will see through our lives because our claims are so different from the world, people will try to look through every side. They will validate if our claims relates to our deeds and when they do, it could either point them to Jesus or pull them away. So as believers, our FRUIT should be seen even in the smallest detail, smallest decision, smallest actions that we do.

This is how apostle Paul sees it..

2 Corinthians 3:3

And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but ontablets of human hearts.

4. LET NOT YOUR WEAKNESSES HINDER YOU IN SHARING JESUS.

I guess we all have our fair share of weaknesses. But despite that fact, God chose you.

Moses was a stuterer, David had an affair, Jonah was disobedient, Paul was a murderer, Thomas was a doubter, Sarah was impatient, and even Lazarus was dead. Yet, these people of the bible made a difference. They did not let their weaknesses hinder them from following nor sharing the good news to others. If they were able to do it, then so can you.

"For God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. "

Always see the glass as HALF-FULL instead of HALF-EMPTY. Meaning, if you have weakneses, then you also have strengths. Ask God to help you magnify your strengths instead of your weaknesses, your spiritual gifts, instead of your spiritual setbacks. And always, always, always remember this, that as you share the gospel...

Matthew 10:20

"It will not be you speaking. The Spirit of your Father will be speaking through you."

5. READ GOD'S WORD. ALWAYS.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, anddiscerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

To be an effective witness of Christ, you must know your tools. And His word, is the best tool that you can use. I've never seen a person so effective in ministy yet, does not take adequate time in reading the bible. We must be familiar enough with the scripture to accurately present the Gospel to others.

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..

God's word is the basis of our faith. The FINAL STANDARD OF TRUTH in our lives. The word of God is so rich, that it changes us inside out. It deposits enough light in us, in which people are lead into that light.

PRAYER:

Father in Heaven,

Thank you for your grace and love. Father I pray that as I seek you, let the compassion in my heart grow all the more. May I always have the kingdom mindset, that I will be so compelled to share what Jesus has done for me on the cross.

Lord, magnify the strengths that I have and use it to advance your kingdom in a great measure. Thank you Father for despite my many lack, it is your grace that covers my spiritual setbacks. Father I ask that wherever you put me, I'll be a light and salt in that place, let your light shine through me and may your word change me everyday. Give me a faith that is so contagious and let your truth constantly transform me, that it will lead people to Jesus.

Lord I ask that as I wake up each morning, my heart shall be ready to conquer the world and point a hurting person to Jesus. Constantly remind me O God, that these people are important to you, may I give them great importance as well. Remind me also Lord that my tongue is a ready pen of a skilled writer, and as I share your word, it will not be me speaking, but your spirit speaking through me. Here I am, ready to witness for you Lord, use me for your glory.

I seal this prayer, in Jesus' mighty name.

Amen.

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