How does Acts 1:22 guide us in sharing the Gospel effectively? Opening the Text Acts 1:22: “beginning with the baptism of John until the day Jesus was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” What the Verse Shows Us • The story of Jesus is anchored in history: from John’s baptism through His ascension. • The indispensable message: Christ has risen. • God chooses people who have personally walked with Jesus to testify. • Evangelism is not merely passing along information; it is bearing witness. Core Principles for Effective Gospel Sharing • Historical Integrity – Speak of real events. Luke anchors the Gospel in time and place (Luke 1:1-4). – Mention key moments: repentance (Luke 3:3), Jesus’ earthly ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension (Acts 2:22-24, 33). • Centrality of the Resurrection – The Good News pivots on “He is risen” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Early believers “proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection of the dead” (Acts 4:2). – Keep this front and center; without it, hope is empty (1 Corinthians 15:17). • Personal Witness – “A witness with us” implies first-hand experience. – While we are not physical eyewitnesses, we testify to the risen Christ’s work in our lives (John 9:25; 1 John 1:1-3). – Authentic stories silence skepticism (Acts 4:13). • Comprehensive Storyline – Start where repentance begins (John’s baptism) and lead people to the ascended, reigning Lord (Acts 2:36). – Give the full counsel, not selective snippets (Acts 20:27). • Spirit-Empowered Boldness – Acts 1:8 ties witness to the Spirit’s power. – Dependence on Him turns information into transformation (1 Thessalonians 1:5). • Qualified Messengers – Character matters; Judas’s replacement had to be faithful and present throughout. – God still seeks vessels whose lives align with their lips (2 Timothy 2:21). Putting It Into Practice • When sharing, trace the timeline: 1. Prepare hearts with repentance. 2. Present Jesus’ sinless life and teachings. 3. Declare His atoning death. 4. Celebrate His bodily resurrection. 5. Affirm His ascension and current reign. 6. Call for faith and ongoing discipleship. • Use personal language: “What I have seen Him do in me…” • Rely on Scripture and the Spirit, not cleverness (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). • Maintain integrity; your life reinforces your words (Philippians 2:15-16). Courageous Testimony Today – Share with confidence: the Gospel rests on verifiable events. – Keep the resurrection central; it distinguishes Christianity. – Speak from personal experience; authenticity attracts. – Present the whole story; partial truth breeds confusion. – Pray for and depend on the Spirit’s power for boldness and clarity. Supporting Scriptures Acts 1:8; Acts 2:22-36; Acts 4:33; 2 Peter 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:5 |
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