We Know Why We’re Here, Don’t We?

 

Sharing the Gospel

Pastor Jerry read from Acts 1: 6-14 and gave an illustration.  We hear a screech of brakes and a crash – metal on metal (or plastic on plastic) and the police ask, “Are you willing to be a witness?  Just say what you heard and what you saw.”

The apostles were being asked by Jesus to be witnesses of what they had experienced.  Today we are also called to be witnesses, first in our home town and then to regions beyond.

Acts 1:8-11  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.  Suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 

Some have a problem in being a witness.  Perhaps they have observed heavy handed earnest believers pressing for committal upon unwilling listeners.

We are very safe here, but in places such as Sudan a Christian woman is due to be executed because she refuses to convert to Islam.

Often new employees are handed a “mission statement” and are required to sign that they understand and will abide by the companies goals.  Business, schools, Government agencies and even Churches also have “Mission Statements.” 

Core values are listed and the road to success is outlined.  There is a vision and purpose of our church to “Make Christ Known and to direct members to follow Jesus according to our mandate, the Bible.

Problems develop if we are vague in purpose, and if members progress in different directions.  We must be in tune and harmony with one another and move in concert.

Prayerfully decide what is unique about our group and our ministry to those around us.



The Holy Spirit brings Confidence, Boldness and Anointing - -
 

One statement is common and that is to be a Witness.  Jesus promised that we would be endued with power after that the Holy Ghost comes upon us and we shall be witnesses.

Jesus prayed that we be “One.”  We are to love our neighbor, visit the sick, and care for one another.

People are watching our behavior and the question is, “Do they see Jesus living in us?”

You may ask, “How can I be a witness?  I am shy.”  God will give us the confidence we need, and we can discover new ways to witness.  Yes there is always visitation, the telephone, texting, e-mail, on twitter and FaceBook on the computer.

While a business is seeking a profit financially, our profit is in bringing others to know Christ.

Pastor ended his sermon with the question:  “Are you willing to become a witness?”