Commit to the Commission:
Witnessing – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Acts 1:1-11

Key Verse: Acts 1:8

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

It seems that almost nothing strikes fear in a believer’s heart more than witnessing.  The first reason for this fear is that we want to please the God we serve.  We want to be obedient to His commands.  We know that He has asked us to be His witnesses and we have this huge “ought to” in our hearts!

The second reason for our fear is that most of us do not feel adequate in our knowledge and ability to do a good job at witnessing.  Over the years, the church, at times, has turned it into a huge production.  There are materials to purchase, study, and even memorize.  We have been given tips on witnessing, from breath mints to proper speech and dress for the “presentation” of the Gospel to an unbeliever.

Between these two issues, too much anxiety has been created in sincere believers over the issue of witnessing.  Most of us can walk around with a ton of guilt rather than the joy of the Lord.  The problem is it is the joy of the Lord that our world needs to see.  We need to witness to the fact that Jesus gives us life and life more abundant.

The church has argued over whether we should witness in our lifestyles or witness with our words.  In the next few days, I will propose the answer is found in the middle!

Father, I want to represent you well.  Fill me with your Spirit and may your joy and peace flow out of me and spill on others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.