When we read the Bible it seems that Jesus and His Disciples certainly understood witnessing as a way of life. Remember what Jesus said during dinner at Zacchaeus’ home? “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10, NIV). In fact, on His resurrection night, He would say to them, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21, NIV). His “way of life” was now in their hands and hearts. We know from the Book of Acts, the Epistles and history that they did the job well. So much so that thousands came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
But the job is not finished. The task of witnessing begun by Jesus and carried on by His disciples is now in our hands. In fact, the Apostle Paul suggests that this task is a part of our spiritual DNA. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18, NIV). We have been reconciled to God, and in that new life we now call others to be reconciled to God. Thus we stand in a grand and long tradition that began with the Son of God Himself.
But if you are like me, the theology of witnessing is easier to grasp than to practice. To help make witnessing a way of life, we must have the heart of Christ. Jesus forgave the very people who crucified him; Jesus said “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:24”; even on the cross he wanted people to have life eternal and their sins forgiven that is his heart. We obviously need to look at people with the same passion. With the right equipment, training and knowledge you can lead your family; your best friend; or even a perfect stranger to find a relationship with God, have the confidence to share your faith that will have you witnessing every day.
But the job is not finished. The task of witnessing begun by Jesus and carried on by His disciples is now in our hands. In fact, the Apostle Paul suggests that this task is a part of our spiritual DNA. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18, NIV). We have been reconciled to God, and in that new life we now call others to be reconciled to God. Thus we stand in a grand and long tradition that began with the Son of God Himself.
But if you are like me, the theology of witnessing is easier to grasp than to practice. To help make witnessing a way of life, we must have the heart of Christ. Jesus forgave the very people who crucified him; Jesus said “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:24”; even on the cross he wanted people to have life eternal and their sins forgiven that is his heart. We obviously need to look at people with the same passion. With the right equipment, training and knowledge you can lead your family; your best friend; or even a perfect stranger to find a relationship with God, have the confidence to share your faith that will have you witnessing every day.
