Tag: witness
Witness to His resurrection
Scripture reading for May 6: Acts 1
“”. . .So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when He was taken up from us–one of these men must become with us a witness to His resurrection.” And they put forth two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, Who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place. And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:21-26
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the remaining eleven disciples, now called ‘apostles’, decided to pick a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and took his own life. They set the qualification that the person must be a man who had accompanied them from Jesus’ baptism by John (Luke 3:21-22) until his ascension to heaven in the clouds. (Acts 1:9) This person was to be a witness of Christ’s resurrection. They put forth two possible candidates and then prayed over them, asking God to reveal His choice. They cast lots believing that God would answer. (Proverbs 16:33) The lot fell to Matthias, who was then added to their number.
The world would look upon this process of casting lots as having to do with luck. There would be an equal chance that either person could be selected. But in God’s economy, He controls each person being placed in authority. As these apostles prayed, God alone knows the hearts of all men. His purposes and plans will be accomplished. He determined that Matthias would replace Judas, just as Jesus had chosen Judas, knowing that he would betray Him.
Have you learned to seek God when a change of jobs, relationships, or direction confronts you? How do you view the selection of leadership in our culture today? Has God selected you to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for placing each person exactly where You want them in leadership in Your church. Help me to act in faith and seek You when leadership changes come into my life and church family. Thank You for selecting me to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection and sending me out. Amen.
Following orders!
Scripture reading for May 11th: Acts 26
Key
0000 Scriptures: Acts 26:15-18 “And I said, ‘Who are You Lord?‘ And the Lord Said, ‘I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen Me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles–to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”
Paul shared his testimony again. This time before King Agrippa and Festus the governor. Paul told of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He quoted to them the appointment he received from the risen Jesus to appear before Gentiles. His assignment was to open their eyes that were in darkness and to bring them light. He was to deliver them from the power of Satan and return them to the power of God. By repentance and faith they would receive forgiveness of sins and righteousness before God. In the testimony of his encounter with Jesus, he effectively preached the Gospel and then specifically called them to repentance and faith. Like Paul, we should waste no opportunity to share our testimony and the Gospel!
Acts 26:27-29 “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am–except for these chains.””
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the clear appointment and mission You gave to Paul and all who follow You. Give me open doors to share my testimony and the Gospel today as I seek Your will.
Acts 16:30-31 “Then he brought them (Paul and Silas) out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Appointed as servant and witness!
Scripture reading for June 10: Acts 26, Psalm 115, Proverbs 22
Key Scriptures: Acts 26:15-18 “And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen Me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles–to who I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'”
Paul was sharing with King Agrippa the testimony and witness of his encounter with Jesus Christ on the Damascus road. He told of Jesus appearing to him and appointing him to be His witness and servant. Jesus would enable him through the Gospel to turn people from darkness to light and deliver them from Satan’s power to restoration of a relationship with God by forgiveness of sins. This was available for all who would receive and repent!
Faith Confession: Thank You Lord Jesus for opening my eyes and appointing me to be your skillful servant and witness. (Faith action: Share the Good News of Jesus with someone God places in your path today.)
Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
The truthful witness saves lives!
Scripture reading for May 29th: Acts 18, Psalm 107, Proverbs 14
Key Scriptures: Acts 18:5-8 “When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the Word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of god. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household.”
The disciples of Jesus were not always well-received. They were often opposed and reviled and even beaten and imprisoned for sharing the Gospel. Here, Paul shared the Word of God concerning Jesus with the Jews, his brothers. They rejected it and Paul made a faith declaration: “Your blood be on your own heads.” Choices have consequences but rejecting Jesus has eternal loss and punishment as a result.
Faith Confession: My calling as a disciple of Jesus is to declare God’s Word concerning Jesus as the Christ. If I faithfully declare, I am not responsible for the people’s choice to believe or reject.
Proverbs 14:25, 27 “A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.” . . . “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”
Thankful for Persuasive Witnesses!
Scripture reading for November 16th: Acts 24-28
Key Scriptures: Acts 26:28-29 “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long,–I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Paul was kept in prison for his faith for over two years while political wrangling was going on. Officials were hoping for bribes and kept Paul in prison for a favor to the ruling Jews. But Paul was a persistent and persuasive witness who always viewed his plight from God’s perspective! He was there to witness to the officials and the whole prison guard. God always has those who are sold out to Him who will witness and pray, no matter what, confronting sinners with their need for Jesus Christ! Thank the Lord Jesus!
A bold Old Testament witness: “So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets (of Baal) on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.” 1st Kings 18:20-21
Shake off the dust!
Scripture reading for January 12th: Matthew 10:1-23, Psalms 9:1-10, Proverbs 3:1-2
Jesus first taught His disciples to go out and preach to those who were lost in Israel. “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:7-8) They were empowered with authority to take the message of repentance to the Jewish people and to demonstrate God’s willingness and ability to heal and deliver. They had not bought these gifts, but had freely received the power from Jesus and must freely give to all who would receive. They were also to travel light and live off the gifts and hospitality of those that they would preach to. Each worker was worthy of his keep!
Jesus knew that not everyone would receive them with hospitality. Some would reject the message and maybe even mistreat these disciples. He told them up front so they would not become discouraged or surprised by the treatment. In fact, Jesus gave them some practical advice for dealing with those who would not receive: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:14-16)
When we share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people, we are doing more than we may realize. Every time we share, God is offering eternal life to those that hear. They will be held accountable for their actions. If they refuse the messengers, they are rejecting God and bring eternal judgment of God’s wrath on themselves. If they hear and accept, they bring God’s favor and and eternal life into their soul. Jesus told the disciples that they were to shake the dust off their feet upon leaving the homes or town where they were not welcomed. That dust would be a witness against those who rejected the Lord’s messengers. They were not to waste time trying to argue or debate because they must go to others who would receive. We are sent as messengers, not as lawyers! This takes the burden off us as we freely offer God’s Gospel!