We Are Witnesses

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Scripture:

Acts 10:39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree;
Acts 10:40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear,
Acts 10:41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
Acts 10:42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead.
Acts 10:43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Observation:

Peter was sharing his testimony with the family of Cornelius.  He laid out very simply what it was that he had seen and experienced with Jesus.  This was his testimony and the people of Cornelius’ house were ready to hear this truth, accept it and be baptized.

Application:

I have had many a conversation with a Christian who has said that they don’t know how to share their faith with someone else.  They are concerned that they have never memorized some kind of method or “plan of salvation” to be able to share.  The result is that very few followers of Jesus Christ feel comfortable telling others about Christ. 

The early disciples shared their own, very personal experience they had with Jesus to anyone who would listen!  They didn’t worry about special training to be able to share the gospel.  The “gospel” simply means Jesus.  To evangelize means that we are sharing the “good news” of the gospel.  In other words, we are sharing the good news of Jesus Christ  — and this has traditionally been a personal experience. 

Everyone has their own personal story when it comes to their relationship with Christ.  Our testimony won’t be the same as Peter’s who witnessed living with Christ first-hand.  His story was significant and had an impact on the people of his day. 

Our story today will have an impact on those around us.  As followers of Jesus Christ we have experienced Jesus in our lives.  We are to simply have an openness to sharing our own personal experience when the opportunity permits itself.  Peter had been invited into Cornelius’ home for the express purpose of sharing his story.  If we listen closely, there are times when people around us are inviting us to share our stories as well — but we shy away because we think “they” may be uncomfortable, when in reality it is we who are uncomfortable because we have convinced ourselves that this has to be hard.

We are witnesses to the work of God in our own personal lives.  Jesus has made a difference in our lives and is transforming us.  That is good news.  Share it! 

Listen for the opportunities to simply tell your story.  Don’t make it too hard.  Just let the good news flow and you will be a witness that God will use to speak to the lives of those around you.

Prayer:

Lord, may I be a witness for you today.  Amen.





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