Monday: To Be Witnesses
Jesus’ first encounter with the disciples after His resurrection was very important. They were fearful, distressed, discouraged, and perplexed. They had locked the doors of the room out of fear, but Jesus came and stood in their midst. With a clear and warm voice He said to them: Peace to you.
Startled and terrified as they were, it was difficult for them to believe their eyes and ears. Lovingly, the Lord showed them His hands and His feet and explained to them everything the Scriptures said about Him. That night, His presence and His words transformed them dramatically, dispelling their anxiety and unbelief and filling them with the peace and joy that come from the certainty of His resurrection.
Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com
Then Christ began to expound their mission, gradually helping them to grasp the significance of their responsibility as witnesses of His death, His resurrection, and His power to forgive sins and to transform lives (Luke 24:46-48). They had surely seen Him die, but they had also seen Him alive again. So they could testify for Him, that He was the Savior of the world.
A witness is someone who has seen an event happen. Anyone can be a witness, provided that he or she has personally watched something. There is no such thing as a secondhand witness. We can testify based only on our own experiences, not someone else’s. As rescued sinners, we have the privilege of telling others what Jesus has done for us.
What is the relationship between receiving the Holy Spirit and witnessing for Christ? See Luke 24:48-49; Acts 1:8. See also Isa. 43:10, Isa 43:12; Isa. 44:8.
The book of Acts shows that the believers’ testimony could have convincing power only through the presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in their hearts. After receiving the Spirit, with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus
(Acts 4:33, NKJV). That is, they were able to speak, openly and with great power, about what they themselves had witnessed and experienced. In a very real sense, our witness about Christ must always include our own experience with Him.
What has been your own personal experience with the Lord? What has God done in your life that you can witness about firsthand to others? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.
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Given that all opinions are equal in the world, and people place a high premium on their own opinions, and would rather not be challenged, the witnesses of salvation have a task which is not easy. Witnesses of Christ have to take a message to the world which is very different from the ideas of the world.
One thing believers should bear in mind is they are not required to convince others with their opinion, but to share the Word of God, which is above human opinion. While all are free to reject it, none should be led to believe the Word of God is of equal value to their personal opinion. The prophets of all ages understood this and published the Gospel without fear.
In these days it is popular to preach a smooth sermon, deliver something exciting, and make the congregation feel good; in effect a package which with little modification may be obtained in some secular motivational forums. However true witnesses are constrained by duty to communicate the truth; and this causes discomfort at times.
While Jesus made it very clear His message was good news which brings freedom (John 8:31, 32), He also made it clear there were elements of the package which would necessarily challenge the seeker after righteousness (Luke 14:25–27). There were some who turned away (John 6:66, 67). Yet there were those who left all to follow Him (Matthew 19:27, 28).
Let us be faithful witnesses; for the people of the world should be introduced to Christ; and surely some will repent and turn to God (Acts 3:19).
Hugh, I couldn't have said it better, thank you.
Because the Jews did not believe on Jesus the apostles (witnesses) message to the people was believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be save , but we who down the ages that have already believe on Jesus .and as witnesses of Jesus today , are to say to the unbelievers of Jesus , “ fear god and give glory to him for the hour of his judgment is , The present day social gospel preachers in the church are false witnesses, It was Jesus that testified to John the revelation of himself to disregard revelation 14:6-12 is a type of contempt of the heavenly court that is in cession at this time.
Lennox, please consider that the Three Angels' messages are based on the foundation of the gospel. Note that the angel has the "everlasting gospel" to preach to every nation, tribe and people. The Gospel still is the Good News about God. It is to be preached with more urgency today, because we are in the time of the judgment.
And when we preach the Gospel, we will meet with success only if we use the methods of Jesus - of mingling with people as those who desire their good, making friends with them, ministering to their needs and, in the process, introducing them to our best friend, Jesus. Of course that means we have to walk with Jesus ourselves.
Preaching judgment without the foundation of the Gospel is useless and even hurtful. It will save no one.
Inge Anderson,You are absolutely right its still a good news. we need to mingle with people at every stage,we may not preach but through our conduct based on the foundation of the gospel will lead or point many to Christ
Many people want to ''see a sermon'' that is a real Christian who is a living witness to the power of the word of God and the Holy Spirit. So how do we reach that position? We have to have a connection and go and evangelize for Jesus, witness to those around, distribute tracts, preach the word, only to name a few. So many Christians have been persecuted and are being persecuted for their belief, let us pray for them, as they are 'living witnesses' who wants those captors to know Jesus
I thank the Lord for allowing me the ability to have a bible and read His Word for myself. From life experiences I realize what is written in the bible is true. Every day is new. Learning where to put my trust and knowing where my Hope is Its is in the Lord. Jesus Christ. I like what Joshua said( but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord )Joshua24: 15.
In order to be a true witness for Christ we must surrender ourself to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to use us. As Christian today we are so taken up with the world so much that the world can't see the differences between us and them. Many of us are distracted with our owe personal problems so we are unable to share the light/truth.
The relationship between the Holy Spirit and witnessing goes together hand in hand. The Holy Spirit abide in us. It guides our actions. In order to serve Him aright we need the Holy Spirit of God daily. Furthermore, Once you have the Holy Spirit in your life you want the world to know the God you have encounter.
As Seventh-day Adventist Christians living in a crucial time as now we need to ask The Lord to purge us of self. Our cry and prayer should be for the out pouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Souls are dying around us minutely and we are just living. Yet and still we can't wait for the coming of our soon coming King!
Thank you for your thought sister. However, we have to remember that the Holy Spirit is not "it" but "He". He is God. All three Father, Son and Holy Spirit, coexist eternally. Most of us have grown up believing the Holy Spirit to be a force that even though we now know better, (myself included) we still are in the habit of calling Him it. We need to be intentional in addressing Him as He deserves.
Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven’s chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls.{DA 347.3}
God has done many works in my life, he has shown me to give is to receive. Many times I have ask God for help and he was always there, even at times I didn't call on him, he was there teaching me.
Sunny, your testimony of His faithfulness is your most effective witness to your friends. And, in the process you can share what He has shown you.
May the Lord continue to bless you!
I have been going through some hardships these days,but all the same have realized the Lord i serve is a living God and He is ever ready to rescue me.I will not let this prevent me from serving Him,glory and adoration be onto His Holy name,am glad the Lord has been there for me.I will be grateful if everyday Sabbath School will be sent to my mail.thank you and God bless us all.
In a court of law, a witness provides very crucial evidence on in a case. It shows that our work as witnesses must not be taken lightly , we really need to step up to the task as Christians .
I can remember the past was much challenges,nothing moves smoothly because I choose an think its something I can do on my own.but now I proclaim that thinks moves according to the will of GOD; with these I pray to him for protection so that I wil keep to praise him ooo Amen.
Unless the word of God is firmly planted in our hearts, none of us can be a true witness. Let's all pray to God to help us understand His word as we read it prayerfully. Let us all humble ourselves before His feet so that can lift us up and give us knowledge and understanding on how be His true witnesses.
All because of His love, we are able to love. His goodness is too bright to be hidden under our garments. lets go out and shine for Christ bearing a witness that can change this world. one of the characteristics of the true church of Christ is " it has the testimony of Jesus" and we believe we are that church so we have bear witness of Christ .
The texts from Isaiah given in today's lesson (Isaiah 43:10, 12 and Isaiah 44:8) point to a wonderful portrayal of the people of Israel as witnesses. Israel was chosen and specially prepared to testify to the whole world (Exodus 19:6).
In the Isaiah 43 passage JHVH identifies Israel as His servant, chosen so that they may be witnesses who believe and understand that He is “It”: There was no other God before Him and will be no others after Him (Isaiah 43:10). He goes on to identify himself as JHVH, and that nobody is going to save them accept Him (Isaiah 43:11). He points out that He instructed them, protected them and listened to them when nothing else was there for them. They are, therefore, His witnesses that He, JHVH is God (Isaiah 43:12).
The content of Isaiah 44:8 relates to the passage in Isaiah 43:10-12. The speaker identifies Hmself earlier in the chapter as JHVH the “King of Israel”, Israel's redeemer “JHVH of hosts”. He repeats what He said before in Isaiah 43:10 when He says that He is the first and the last, and that He alone is God (Isaiah 44:6). In Isaiah 44:8 JHVH tells them not to worry or be afraid. He points out that He had already told them that they have seen what He can do. He asks them if there is another that can do what He can do? This is just a rhetorical question as He goes on to answers it himself in the negative. (Isaiah 44:8).
It is important to note that the passages in Isaiah given in today's lesson (Isaiah 43:10,12; Isaiah 44:8) relate to the father, JHVH and not to Jesus as I believe is suggested in the lesson; the same Father from whom Jesus came (John 13:3, John 16:28), with whom he mediates on our behalf (1 Timothy 2:5), from whom he is careful to distinguish himself (Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42) and whom he identifies as his God and our God (John 20:17).
The people of Israel were chosen to bring salvation to the world (John 4:22; Exodus 19:6). They were separated and put into a position where they had no option but to rely on JHVH. Once they did He protected and cared for them. They lived through this and were thus vital witnesses for JHVH. However, He had not finished there. They were only setting the scene for the ultimate expression of His love: sending His son, Jesus to set us an example and to die as full payment for our sins (John 3:16; John 1:29; Matthew 16:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3).
To be a witness, we have to see and/or experience something....bible study is a part of that, but only if that study has changed us and made us different, and caused us to do different as a result of being different, and from our testimony of what God does and has done for us, we can witness of God's goodness in our lives. The added bonus for us is that we also have a basis to trust God with our future based on what He did for us in the past and does in the present, and trust is also a powerful witness that can grow the faith of others around us