As a disciple I am a Witness for Jesus Christ!

John 1:6-9,  6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

Acts 1:8  But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Luke 24:46-48, 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things.

As a disciple you are a witness to Jesus Christ. What does it mean to be a witness of Jesus Christ? Think of a courtroom; you have a judge, jury, lawyers and witnesses.

WHAT IS THE JOB OF THE WITNESSES?

IN WHAT WAYS CAN YOU BE A WITNESS FOR JESUS CHRIST?

(Acts 10: 34-43, Matt 5:14-16, John 15:26-27) Use these scriptures and here are a couple examples to get you started: (1) walk in the light (Eph. 5:8), (2) share your testimony….Now try to come up with some of your own ways with or without scriptures!!

1. Do not bear false witness ( Ex. 20:16, Deut. 19:15-21)
2. Beware of false witnesses  ( 2 John 1:7; Matt 24:4-5; Acts 20:25-31) 2 John 1:7,  For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
3. Don’t cast your pearls before swine –  Matthew 7:6, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Do you ever feel that sometimes sharing the gospel or your Christian beliefs can be like hitting your head against the wall? You just feel like you’re not getting through to someone. Jesus told us we would run into people like that and how to deal with them. (Mark 6:10-11) 

Acts 10:34-43, 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins

AS A DISCIPLE I AM TOO:

This could be an incredibly long list so we will only couple a few topics here. If you have any thoughts or suggestions of your own please share them. Jesus gave us many commands while He was here; Love your neighbor as yourself; do not worry; ask, seek and knock, and many more. Jesus mentioned in John 9:5  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”. Who’s the light of the world now that Jesus is gone?

Jesus gave a command to us in Matt 28:18-20, 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. 

This scripture is also referred to as the “ Great Commision”. It’s what we are to do as  followers of Jesus Christ. Remember our definition of disciple from our first week? Disciple= a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. Not just a follower but one who applies what he has learned.

In His great commission Jesus Said to “ teach them to observe all things I have commanded you”

Can you recall some things that Jesus commanded?

The Apostle Paul told us in 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Definition of ambassador: a high ranking official who travels to another country  in order to provide representation. An informal representative; “an ambassador of good will” spokesperson , representative , interpreter , voice – an advocate who represents someone else’s policy or purpose.

As a disciple you are an ambassador for Christ. Paul confessed this in Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. And as an ambassador for Christ you are His voice here on earth!

How can you use your voice of Christ and speak boldly for others?

Is there someone you know who could become a disciple as Jesus commanded?

NEXT WEEK:

1. TO SERVE AS A DISCIPLE
2. TO BE SERVED (TO RECEIVE)