My Witness...What Is It?
The Power of a Witness…Is In the Experience Itself!
Over the past few weeks, I have seen and heard many comments arguing for and against the validity of Christmas. I must say, it is important that we choose in our hearts to celebrate the season as well as the year in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. While many decry the origins of the holiday, citing pagan traditions a couple thousand years ago, I would like to point out that the holiday has been changed for the good. In fact, it serves as a reminder of Jesus’ birth…and by paradox, his death, burial, and resurrection!
How often would we be reminded of that night in Bethlehem were it not for this holiday season? Indeed, commercialism and Hollywood seek to upstage the Christ child, but Christmas is what we make of it. In your own home and family, let it be a witness rather than a point of contention!
As the new year dawns, I would ask you to be as consistent in your witness of Jesus as this holiday time has proven to be.
Witness or Deceiver?
You see, we are to be witnesses all year long. We hear a lot of sermons about being a witness for Christ. And, I’m certain, we all have our own ideas of what it means to be a witness.
But what does being a witness actually mean?Is it just speaking up or is it something more? Is it smiling all the time or is it being real? Is it preaching everywhere you go or showing hospitality to people despite their errant ways? Just what is it? While each saint is an individual and may witness in his own unique way, there is one thing that is absolutely essential to being a witness.
• Consider Israel as it was delivered from its enemies when it turned its face to God:
o Isaiah 43:12 “I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.”
o The people were saved from their enemies, making them witnesses of God. They could truthfully say they had experienced Him as the supreme deity and their deliverer.
• Consider King David, a man after God’s own heart, who was called to be his witness:
o Isaiah 55:3-5 “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 5Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.”
o How could David be a witness? Consider the many times God revealed His mercy in David’s life. Not only did God choose him—the lowliest and youngest son of Jesse—to be king, but He also delivered David out of Saul’s hand when Saul sought to kill David. God blessed him in battle and protected him when his own children turned against him. And when David committed adultery and murder, God was faithful and merciful to forgive him when he repented. David had experienced the mercies of God for himself; therefore, he could stand as a witness!
• Consider the disciples; they were called to be His witnesses likewise:
o Luke 24:47-79 “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”
o The disciples were called to be witnesses that God was going to reconcile the world to himself. Not only were they called as witnesses but in Ephesians, they are called the foundation of the church!
o 1 Corinthians 3:11 says “for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
o Ephesians 2:19-21 says “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord.”
o So, do 1 Corinthians 3:11 and Ephesians 2:19-21 contradict?
o How can Jesus be the only foundation…along with the apostles and prophets?
o Quite simple. The apostles were followers of Jesus. They heard His words and could accurately bear witness of His meaning
o They could expound upon Jesus’ teachings far better than any supposed scholar today. Don’t say, I only listen to the words in red! Jesus proclaimed these men who wrote of him and wrote the rest of the scriptures to be witnesses of Him!
o How could they likewise be the foundation? Because they were bearing witness of Jesus, the chief cornerstone!
o Furthermore, not only did they hear his teachings for themselves but they witnessed the resurrection of his earthly body…as well as their own resurrection through the power of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost!
o Acts 4:33 “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
Indeed, what have all of these witnesses had in common? An experience!
Consider the American legal system for example. What is a valid witness?
• A valid witness does not simply repeat something he or she has heard.
• A valid witness does not say, ‘Well, I think it happened this way…at least that’s what my parents said…or my pastor said.’
• That’s called hearsay and won’t stand up in a court of law.
• A valid witness actually experienced the event for themselves!!! They know the date, the time, the moment, and the details!
We are called to be His witnesses! That means you can only testify about what you have experienced!
People who are not quite certain when they were saved or have not experienced God’s Spirit actually infiltrating them have little to testify about!
But give me a man or woman who can tell you the details of when they began to speak in that heavenly language like the disciples did on the Day of Pentecost and there you have a witness!
Give me someone who cannot be confused by the theological rhetoric of the denominational church world because he has experienced the power of the Holy Ghost for himself…and there you have a real witness that will reach the world!
Give me someone whose child was dying but when she cast her hair across that child, he was healed…and there you have a real witness!
The power of a witness is always contingent upon the depth of the experience!
This is why, before God ever called men and women to be witnesses, He called them to be baptized and to receive His Spirit! Acts 1:8 says that “ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
How did the Holy Ghost fall on them?
• Acts 2:1-4 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
• Do we all need the Holy Ghost? And do we receive it in the same manner?
• Acts 2:38-39 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.”
Being in sales, I am well-aware that selling something you truly believe in and have experienced is much simpler than selling something you are simply admonished to push!
Furthermore, a non-spiritual being, a person without the Holy Ghost, cannot understand nor explain things of a spiritual nature. Perhaps that is why Proverbs 14:5 says, “a faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” If you have never experienced the changing power of God in your life, your understanding and representation of that power will be skewed. It's not that people mean any harm...they simply are going on hearsay. It's just time that everyone experience the beautiful nature of God for themselves!
That’s why 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned .“
Furthermore, we are charged to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” By this, we note that we must have Christ living inside for that gift to be 'in' us!
Proverbs 14:25 says, “A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” Why would the scripture be so harsh? Because you cannot be a witness to something you have not experienced. Without experience, your witness is hearsay and will likely misrepresent the facts!
This is why we do not listen to preachers or teachers who lack the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Although their intentions may be good, they cannot lead you spiritually if they are not spiritually in tune with God! What can you learn from a teacher who has not experienced the subject of study for himself?
A popular—though annoying—saying I used to despise as a teacher was, ‘Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.’ I disliked the saying due to the fact that I taught English. Many thought I taught because I couldn’t make it as a writer. However, I had published several works and have even gained experience as an editor and proofreader.
Let us rewrite this saying: ‘Those who have succeeded, should teach; those who have not accomplished, should not teach lest they misguide others.’
At least such a sentiment fits where the Word of God is concerned.
You see, being a witness is more than simply speaking words. In fact, even when you have a genuine experience with God, your testimony is much more than words!
A Witness: More Than Words
2 Corinthians 3:2 says that we are epistles known and read of all men. Sometimes, you may be the only Word people will ever read! According to your version, what do these people see of God?
Furthermore, our lives are to be witnesses to God’s mercy, God’s goodness, and God’s holiness. Our lives shouldn’t be testimonies unto ourselves.
In fact, even the flesh which robed the Almighty God in the body of Christ Jesus said, ”If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true” (John 5:31). If our lives bear witness of our own desires, our own goodness, and our own pride, then we have become false witnesses…no matter the experience we claim!
But if we will be true and faithful witnesses of His goodness…He will bear witness of us in return!
When God Bears Witness of You!
There are several ways in which God bears witness of mankind. In essence, He shows His divine favor upon your life.
• First, God bears witness of the condition of your heart. If your heart is truly submitted to Him, He will fill you with the Holy Ghost.
• Consider Acts 15:8: “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us [the disciples].”
• Romans 8:16 reinforces this, saying “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
• How? By infilling us with His Spirit and making us more like Him!
• Second, God bears witness of your ministry. Only God knows when you are truly fasting and praying, being submitted to his will. He will bear witness of your relationship with Him.
• Hebrews 2:4 says “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.”
• If you will make the focus of your ministry about building His kingdom rather than your own, He will back it up with signs and wonders.
• Noah endured the taunts of his neighbors but his determination to build the ark saved his family from destruction! (Hebrews 11:7)
• Abraham was forced to leave the familiar and step into the unknown but God made him the father of many nations and gave him all his feet traveled! (Hebrews 11:8)
• Sarah had a child when she was considered too old to have one. I’m sure it presented a number of challenges as she mothered the rambunctious little boy. She also faced the intrusion of another woman into her life, thanks to Hagar. And, ladies, Hagar was apparently younger since she was sought to bear a child for Abraham due to Sarah’s old age. Have you ever had a promise from God that others thought you couldn’t receive due to some ‘defect’ in their eyes? Or have you ever been replaced by the younger, newer, and supposedly better? Sarah faced just such a challenge but after being admonished by the angels, she endured the test of time and bore a son! (Hebrews 11:11)
• Abraham offered up his only son on the altar to God, not understanding the need for such a sacrifice. Because he trusted God, however, Isaac continued the lineage! (Hebrews 11:17).
• Joseph died in the land of Egypt, not able to see his homeland again. His roots, his memories, and his childhood home were out of his reach; however, he had faith that God would restore him even after death. In faith, he commanded his children to take his body back when they left Egypt. Four hundred years later, they didn’t forget! (Hebrews 11:22)
• Moses’ parents had to hide their son and worked to instill the Word of God in him before the courts of Pharaoh got ahold of his mind. Our children daily face worldly school systems and media that seeks to poison them against truth. Despite the circumstance, however, Moses’ parents determined that he should know God despite the fact that he would be raised by Pharaoh’s daughter and God made him into the deliverer of Israel! Give God the little you have and God will bless it in a great way! (Hebrews 11:23)
• The children of Israel faced insurmountable walls and defenses when they reached the fortified city of Jericho on their way to their promise. Faithfulness to God’s plan, however strange it may have seemed, lead them to victory and one step closer to the fulfillment of their promise! (Hebrews 11:30)
• Rahab was a fallen woman and she knew she was the least worthy of salvation. However, she blessed the ministry placed in her life and is now found in the lineage of the Christ child for her act of faith! (Hebrews 11:31)
As Paul wrote, “time would fail me to tell” of all the witnesses “who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions; quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens…were tortured, not accepting deliverance; [having] trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment…were stoned…were sawn asunder…were tempted, were slain with the sword…[who] wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy)…wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”
They were faced with every obstacle, disease, and trial known to man…yet they lived for God! They will be the witnesses who stand as memorials, proving that anyone can make it!
On judgment day, rest assured that even more witnesses will be lined up—witnesses of our day, our time, our culture.
• For every person who says they can’t live for God because a hypocrite hurt them, another person who endured the same hardship will stand to confess that she kept living for God in spite of those who had hurt her.
• For every person who has lost a loved one and turned his back on God because he couldn’t forgive God for taking that person, another saint will stand to testify how he lost his wife and children in a tragic accident…yet continued to keep the faith.
• For every person who says that work and the economy caused him to forsake church attendance, another will stand to testify how he settled for a lower paying job so he could be in the house of God.
• For every person who gave up on God because of illness, another person will stand up to testify how that, despite the trials of infirmity, God gave her grace and a smile.
You see, whatever you face, Ecclesiastes 1:9 says that “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”
In essence, whatever you face, it has been faced before!
Can you handle it and still live for God? Yes, you can!
In Mark 10:27, Jesus said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”
Therefore, we understand that all things are surmountable!
That’s why James 1:14 says that “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” because there is nothing strong enough to take us from God. No illness, no bitterness, no ill treatment, no hardship, no economic situation, no family breakdown, no fear, no … well, why don’t we simply use the Word.
Romans 8:37-39 tells us “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Only we, and we alone, can choose that separation. That’s why no excuse will stand in the last days. There will be witnesses who have experienced the same things you experience…yet they lived for God. Wouldn’t you rather be one of the ones for whom God bears witness?
How can you do it? Simple. Be His witness…and He’ll be yours!
Over the past few weeks, I have seen and heard many comments arguing for and against the validity of Christmas. I must say, it is important that we choose in our hearts to celebrate the season as well as the year in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. While many decry the origins of the holiday, citing pagan traditions a couple thousand years ago, I would like to point out that the holiday has been changed for the good. In fact, it serves as a reminder of Jesus’ birth…and by paradox, his death, burial, and resurrection!
How often would we be reminded of that night in Bethlehem were it not for this holiday season? Indeed, commercialism and Hollywood seek to upstage the Christ child, but Christmas is what we make of it. In your own home and family, let it be a witness rather than a point of contention!
As the new year dawns, I would ask you to be as consistent in your witness of Jesus as this holiday time has proven to be.
Witness or Deceiver?
You see, we are to be witnesses all year long. We hear a lot of sermons about being a witness for Christ. And, I’m certain, we all have our own ideas of what it means to be a witness.
But what does being a witness actually mean?Is it just speaking up or is it something more? Is it smiling all the time or is it being real? Is it preaching everywhere you go or showing hospitality to people despite their errant ways? Just what is it? While each saint is an individual and may witness in his own unique way, there is one thing that is absolutely essential to being a witness.
• Consider Israel as it was delivered from its enemies when it turned its face to God:
o Isaiah 43:12 “I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.”
o The people were saved from their enemies, making them witnesses of God. They could truthfully say they had experienced Him as the supreme deity and their deliverer.
• Consider King David, a man after God’s own heart, who was called to be his witness:
o Isaiah 55:3-5 “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 5Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.”
o How could David be a witness? Consider the many times God revealed His mercy in David’s life. Not only did God choose him—the lowliest and youngest son of Jesse—to be king, but He also delivered David out of Saul’s hand when Saul sought to kill David. God blessed him in battle and protected him when his own children turned against him. And when David committed adultery and murder, God was faithful and merciful to forgive him when he repented. David had experienced the mercies of God for himself; therefore, he could stand as a witness!
• Consider the disciples; they were called to be His witnesses likewise:
o Luke 24:47-79 “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”
o The disciples were called to be witnesses that God was going to reconcile the world to himself. Not only were they called as witnesses but in Ephesians, they are called the foundation of the church!
o 1 Corinthians 3:11 says “for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
o Ephesians 2:19-21 says “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord.”
o So, do 1 Corinthians 3:11 and Ephesians 2:19-21 contradict?
o How can Jesus be the only foundation…along with the apostles and prophets?
o Quite simple. The apostles were followers of Jesus. They heard His words and could accurately bear witness of His meaning
o They could expound upon Jesus’ teachings far better than any supposed scholar today. Don’t say, I only listen to the words in red! Jesus proclaimed these men who wrote of him and wrote the rest of the scriptures to be witnesses of Him!
o How could they likewise be the foundation? Because they were bearing witness of Jesus, the chief cornerstone!
o Furthermore, not only did they hear his teachings for themselves but they witnessed the resurrection of his earthly body…as well as their own resurrection through the power of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost!
o Acts 4:33 “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
Indeed, what have all of these witnesses had in common? An experience!
Consider the American legal system for example. What is a valid witness?
• A valid witness does not simply repeat something he or she has heard.
• A valid witness does not say, ‘Well, I think it happened this way…at least that’s what my parents said…or my pastor said.’
• That’s called hearsay and won’t stand up in a court of law.
• A valid witness actually experienced the event for themselves!!! They know the date, the time, the moment, and the details!
We are called to be His witnesses! That means you can only testify about what you have experienced!
People who are not quite certain when they were saved or have not experienced God’s Spirit actually infiltrating them have little to testify about!
But give me a man or woman who can tell you the details of when they began to speak in that heavenly language like the disciples did on the Day of Pentecost and there you have a witness!
Give me someone who cannot be confused by the theological rhetoric of the denominational church world because he has experienced the power of the Holy Ghost for himself…and there you have a real witness that will reach the world!
Give me someone whose child was dying but when she cast her hair across that child, he was healed…and there you have a real witness!
The power of a witness is always contingent upon the depth of the experience!
This is why, before God ever called men and women to be witnesses, He called them to be baptized and to receive His Spirit! Acts 1:8 says that “ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
How did the Holy Ghost fall on them?
• Acts 2:1-4 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
• Do we all need the Holy Ghost? And do we receive it in the same manner?
• Acts 2:38-39 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.”
Being in sales, I am well-aware that selling something you truly believe in and have experienced is much simpler than selling something you are simply admonished to push!
Furthermore, a non-spiritual being, a person without the Holy Ghost, cannot understand nor explain things of a spiritual nature. Perhaps that is why Proverbs 14:5 says, “a faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” If you have never experienced the changing power of God in your life, your understanding and representation of that power will be skewed. It's not that people mean any harm...they simply are going on hearsay. It's just time that everyone experience the beautiful nature of God for themselves!
That’s why 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned .“
Furthermore, we are charged to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” By this, we note that we must have Christ living inside for that gift to be 'in' us!
Proverbs 14:25 says, “A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” Why would the scripture be so harsh? Because you cannot be a witness to something you have not experienced. Without experience, your witness is hearsay and will likely misrepresent the facts!
This is why we do not listen to preachers or teachers who lack the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Although their intentions may be good, they cannot lead you spiritually if they are not spiritually in tune with God! What can you learn from a teacher who has not experienced the subject of study for himself?
A popular—though annoying—saying I used to despise as a teacher was, ‘Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.’ I disliked the saying due to the fact that I taught English. Many thought I taught because I couldn’t make it as a writer. However, I had published several works and have even gained experience as an editor and proofreader.
Let us rewrite this saying: ‘Those who have succeeded, should teach; those who have not accomplished, should not teach lest they misguide others.’
At least such a sentiment fits where the Word of God is concerned.
You see, being a witness is more than simply speaking words. In fact, even when you have a genuine experience with God, your testimony is much more than words!
A Witness: More Than Words
2 Corinthians 3:2 says that we are epistles known and read of all men. Sometimes, you may be the only Word people will ever read! According to your version, what do these people see of God?
Furthermore, our lives are to be witnesses to God’s mercy, God’s goodness, and God’s holiness. Our lives shouldn’t be testimonies unto ourselves.
In fact, even the flesh which robed the Almighty God in the body of Christ Jesus said, ”If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true” (John 5:31). If our lives bear witness of our own desires, our own goodness, and our own pride, then we have become false witnesses…no matter the experience we claim!
But if we will be true and faithful witnesses of His goodness…He will bear witness of us in return!
When God Bears Witness of You!
There are several ways in which God bears witness of mankind. In essence, He shows His divine favor upon your life.
• First, God bears witness of the condition of your heart. If your heart is truly submitted to Him, He will fill you with the Holy Ghost.
• Consider Acts 15:8: “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us [the disciples].”
• Romans 8:16 reinforces this, saying “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
• How? By infilling us with His Spirit and making us more like Him!
• Second, God bears witness of your ministry. Only God knows when you are truly fasting and praying, being submitted to his will. He will bear witness of your relationship with Him.
• Hebrews 2:4 says “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.”
• If you will make the focus of your ministry about building His kingdom rather than your own, He will back it up with signs and wonders.
A Witness Unblemished by Life’s Ups and Downs
A final way in which we become witnesses for Christ is by consistency and determination to live for God.
Often, we have so many excuses why we cannot live for God, why we can’t attend church, why we just can’t pray, fast, walk uprightly, forgive, minister….but consider Hebrews 12.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.“
The passage goes on to expound upon people who faced life’s trials and succeeded in living for God anyway.
A final way in which we become witnesses for Christ is by consistency and determination to live for God.
Often, we have so many excuses why we cannot live for God, why we can’t attend church, why we just can’t pray, fast, walk uprightly, forgive, minister….but consider Hebrews 12.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.“
The passage goes on to expound upon people who faced life’s trials and succeeded in living for God anyway.
Abel was murdered but his righteousness stands as a witness! Not only did he offer a more excellent sacrifice by offering a lamb but he ultimately sacrificed his own life for his righteousness. (Hebrews 11:4)
• Noah endured the taunts of his neighbors but his determination to build the ark saved his family from destruction! (Hebrews 11:7)
• Abraham was forced to leave the familiar and step into the unknown but God made him the father of many nations and gave him all his feet traveled! (Hebrews 11:8)
• Sarah had a child when she was considered too old to have one. I’m sure it presented a number of challenges as she mothered the rambunctious little boy. She also faced the intrusion of another woman into her life, thanks to Hagar. And, ladies, Hagar was apparently younger since she was sought to bear a child for Abraham due to Sarah’s old age. Have you ever had a promise from God that others thought you couldn’t receive due to some ‘defect’ in their eyes? Or have you ever been replaced by the younger, newer, and supposedly better? Sarah faced just such a challenge but after being admonished by the angels, she endured the test of time and bore a son! (Hebrews 11:11)
• Abraham offered up his only son on the altar to God, not understanding the need for such a sacrifice. Because he trusted God, however, Isaac continued the lineage! (Hebrews 11:17).
• Joseph died in the land of Egypt, not able to see his homeland again. His roots, his memories, and his childhood home were out of his reach; however, he had faith that God would restore him even after death. In faith, he commanded his children to take his body back when they left Egypt. Four hundred years later, they didn’t forget! (Hebrews 11:22)
• Moses’ parents had to hide their son and worked to instill the Word of God in him before the courts of Pharaoh got ahold of his mind. Our children daily face worldly school systems and media that seeks to poison them against truth. Despite the circumstance, however, Moses’ parents determined that he should know God despite the fact that he would be raised by Pharaoh’s daughter and God made him into the deliverer of Israel! Give God the little you have and God will bless it in a great way! (Hebrews 11:23)
Moses, as he entered into adulthood, refused to be like the world around him. He chose to suffer the persecutions of the righteous and the separation we likewise face today for holiness’ sake. Indeed, God found a man whom he could entrust with great ministry! (Hebrews 11:24-29).
• The children of Israel faced insurmountable walls and defenses when they reached the fortified city of Jericho on their way to their promise. Faithfulness to God’s plan, however strange it may have seemed, lead them to victory and one step closer to the fulfillment of their promise! (Hebrews 11:30)
• Rahab was a fallen woman and she knew she was the least worthy of salvation. However, she blessed the ministry placed in her life and is now found in the lineage of the Christ child for her act of faith! (Hebrews 11:31)
• Samson, through his own pride and lust, ended up blinded and in captivity. In his final moments, however, he remembered his calling. He repented and vowed to give his life to destroying the enemy. His vow became his last act as the walls of the enemy’s temple came tumbling down. His life may have ended but he had finally pleased God! (Hebrews 11:32)• David was a man despised by his own father and brothers; a man whom the king sought to murder; a man whose own children tried to destroy him; and yes, a man who failed and committed both adultery and murder. Yet God proved faithful and established his kingdom and his soul! (Hebrews 11:32)
The scriptures are clear in their estimation of these great men and women:As Paul wrote, “time would fail me to tell” of all the witnesses “who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions; quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens…were tortured, not accepting deliverance; [having] trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment…were stoned…were sawn asunder…were tempted, were slain with the sword…[who] wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy)…wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”
They were faced with every obstacle, disease, and trial known to man…yet they lived for God! They will be the witnesses who stand as memorials, proving that anyone can make it!
On judgment day, rest assured that even more witnesses will be lined up—witnesses of our day, our time, our culture.
• For every person who says they can’t live for God because a hypocrite hurt them, another person who endured the same hardship will stand to confess that she kept living for God in spite of those who had hurt her.
• For every person who has lost a loved one and turned his back on God because he couldn’t forgive God for taking that person, another saint will stand to testify how he lost his wife and children in a tragic accident…yet continued to keep the faith.
• For every person who says that work and the economy caused him to forsake church attendance, another will stand to testify how he settled for a lower paying job so he could be in the house of God.
• For every person who gave up on God because of illness, another person will stand up to testify how that, despite the trials of infirmity, God gave her grace and a smile.
You see, whatever you face, Ecclesiastes 1:9 says that “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”
In essence, whatever you face, it has been faced before!
Can you handle it and still live for God? Yes, you can!
In Mark 10:27, Jesus said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”
Therefore, we understand that all things are surmountable!
That’s why James 1:14 says that “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” because there is nothing strong enough to take us from God. No illness, no bitterness, no ill treatment, no hardship, no economic situation, no family breakdown, no fear, no … well, why don’t we simply use the Word.
Romans 8:37-39 tells us “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Only we, and we alone, can choose that separation. That’s why no excuse will stand in the last days. There will be witnesses who have experienced the same things you experience…yet they lived for God. Wouldn’t you rather be one of the ones for whom God bears witness?
How can you do it? Simple. Be His witness…and He’ll be yours!
