In what ways can we prepare to fulfill our role as Christ's witnesses? Anchored in the Resurrection Reality Luke 24:48 – “You are witnesses of these things.” • “These things” are the literal death, burial, and bodily resurrection of Jesus (vv. 46-47). • A true witness first knows what happened. Spend unhurried time in the Gospel accounts until the resurrection moves from a fact you affirm to a fact that fires your heart (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Equipped by the Scriptures • Scripture tells us what to share and how to live (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Regular reading, memorizing, and meditating stock the mind with truth the Spirit can draw upon (Psalm 119:11). • Use a simple pattern: Observe, Interpret, Apply. Let the Word correct any gap between your life and your message. Empowered by the Spirit • Jesus immediately follows Luke 24:48 with the promise of power (v. 49). Acts 1:8 echoes it: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” • Daily yield: confess sin, ask to be filled (Ephesians 5:18), trust Him for boldness (Acts 4:31). Shaped by Prayerful Dependence • Early witnesses “all joined together constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14). • Pray for: – Open doors (Colossians 4:3) – Clarity of speech (Ephesians 6:19-20) – Soft hearts in listeners (Acts 16:14) Rooted in Obedient Living • A credible witness lives what he proclaims (Philippians 2:15-16). • Examine habits, speech, entertainment, and relationships. Consistency adorns the gospel (Titus 2:10). Trained to Give an Answer • “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). • Practical steps: – Craft a three-minute testimony: life before Christ, how you met Him, life now. – Learn a clear gospel outline (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9). – Practice with a friend until it flows naturally. Engaged in Loving Relationships • Witnesses are sent “as the Father has sent Me” (John 20:21) – incarnationally, entering others’ worlds. • Listen well, serve tangible needs, build trust. Good works open doors for good news (Matthew 5:16). Partnered with the Church • The task is corporate; Jesus sent them out together (Luke 10:1). • Join ministries that model evangelism, attend training, share stories to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). Persevering with Eternal Perspective • Some will scoff (2 Peter 3:3-4), yet our labor “in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Keep your eyes on the coming Kingdom where every witness will see the harvest gathered (Revelation 7:9-10). |
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