Welcome to Saturday, August 7th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Rules For Growth: Witnessing

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Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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Rules For Growth: Witnessing

If we poll a group of Christians, most will say that witnessing is the aspect of Christianity they do not like or fear.

Why is that? Many of us have the nagging thought of "Who are we to be telling someone they must get saved." Culture and society push the view that everyone is free to believe what they want. Perhaps you have tried to witness and were met with the retort of, "I have my beliefs, and you have your beliefs."

How should we define witnessing? Witnessing is professing and proclaiming  Christ. We accomplish its essence by publicly living our lives for Jesus Christ and taking every opportunity to tell others how to find the same peace, purpose, and meaning in life.

Why should we witness? As with many other aspects of our Christian life, it is the command of Christ.

Matthew 28:18-20 NAS95

And Jesus came up 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 the Son and the Holy Spirit,  [20]  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

These verses are known as the Great Commission. The early New Testament church took these verses to heart along with:

Acts 1:8 NAS95

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

By the end of the first century, the Gospel had spread across Central Europe, throughout the coastal countries of Africa and the Middle East.

We should also witness because we are the custodians of the ministry. When Jesus ascended, He turned this aspect of the church over to believers. God's Holy Spirit works through us as we tell others the Good News. People will not be saved unless someone witnesses to them.

Romans 10:14 NAS95

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

The Holy Spirit is actively working in the hearts of men and women, preparing them for the day you tell them about Jesus. This would suggest that if we say no to an opportunity to witness, we could be condemning that person to an eternity without Christ.

John 4:35 NAS95

"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.

Let's address the fear aspect for a moment. I am also a little scared when witnessing opportunities come my way.

• What if I say the wrong thing?
• What if they get angry with me?

We are not in this alone. Jesus declares at the end of the Great Commission that He is always with us as we seek to share Him with the world. The Holy Spirit also guides our thoughts and words as we testify.

The boldest and perhaps the scariest prayer of all is to ask God to create opportunities for witnessing as you go throughout your day.

We possess the most important news that ever entered into this world. Besides, someone told us where to find the living water. Perhaps they were scared as well, but they did it anyway.

I encourage you all to intentionally and prayerfully prepare to be faithful witnesses in the world.

1 Peter 3:15 NAS95

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

May we all step out in obedience and faith!

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Help us not to be frightened over the prospect of sharing our faith.

May we remember that someone told us where to find the Living Water.

Help us understand that You will be there with us as we tell others of the Good News.

May we faithfully prepare so that we are ready when opportunities come our way.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!