Watch on YouTube: Part 1, Part 2
Psalms 122:1, Hebrews 10:25, Ephesians 4:1-6 & 5:19, 1Corinthians 12:1-31, Matthew 18:19, Psalms 22:3, Proverbs 3:6, Acts 2:42
Vocabulary:
Exhort- strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something
Acknowledge- accept or admit the existence or truth of. Recognize the fact or importance or quality of. Show that one has noticed or recognized, by making a gesture or greeting.
The number one responsibility that we will always have as a believer and follower of Christ is to bare witness to his Gospel.
What is the Gospel?
The Gospel is the record of Jesus’ life and teachings. The first 4 books of the New Testament . Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are different perspectives from four out of Jesus’ 12 close disciples.
However, gospel also refers to a set of principles and beliefs. As a follower, and servant of Christ we have instruction regarding our new lifestyle from the word of God.
In the bible 3 Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) quote Jesus giving what’s known as the Great Commission. Jesus instructs the disciples to go and spread the “good news”
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:15-18 KJV)
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved 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. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:46-49 KJV)
Each account is slightly different however what can we gather collectively?
1. Go teach/preach the gospel , repentance and remission of sin(s)- the key here is to not remain still. When we “go” we are traveling, one place to another.
2. Baptize in the name of the Father, Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit – baptizing being symbolic of newness in Christ
3. Everyone who believes and is baptized shall be saved (spirit restored unto God)
4. Jesus hasn’t left us alone. Not only is he with us always , he also sent help (by the Holy Spirit) and endowed us with power. Power over demonic spirits, to heal and to speak in other tongues.
These instructions and encouragement were given to the disciples after they walked, talked and experienced Jesus for themselves. They were to be witnesses.
A witness is someone who has knowledge from personal experience or observation, who can give or serve as evidence of something or someone else. Their account is called a testimony. As believers we have agreed to openly profess our faith in Christ. We have the same assignment once we too become disciples.
Take John the Baptist for example. The bible refers to John as a man sent from God to bare witness of the light. He was in the wilderness crying out for people to make way for the coming of Jesus Christ. In this instance John hadn’t yet met Jesus however his example can be used to highlight exactly the demeanor we should have in teaching and preaching regarding our hope; which is Jesus’ return.
A major part of our belief is resting on Jesus’ promise to come back. Jesus is the light and we are supposed to be a reflection of that light.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 KJV)
Think about the science behind the sun and the moon. The moon does not have it’s own light. During the daytime we can sometimes see the moon however it is the sun that lights the day. At night we know that the suns light is reflected off of the moon and it shines toward the earth. All this depends on the position of all 3. We are like the moon, we do not have any “shine” or glory without the light of the SON of God . We are supposed to be in the right (mind and heart) position to effectively reflect Jesus’ light to all the earth. And what happens when we don’t see the moon whole? It’s a result of the earth partially blocking the suns light. As believers we can unfortunately get stuck in positions where wordly behaviors have blocked part of the light. Jesus gives the example ; it doesn’t make sense to light a candle and cover it.
We have to be bold and unashamed for the world to know we are believers and jump to the chance to share our experiences with Christ. Letting his light shine and showing his love to all we come in contact with.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17 KJV)
Boldly profess our trust and confidence in Jesus!
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1 KJV)
As a lion! Lions don’t walk around with their heads hanging down.
Ask yourself have you been bold or a coward? When it comes to those of us who call ourselves “Christian” we must constantly examine ourselves. At times we are diluted, or partially lit and that can be consciously or unconsciously not walking righteous.
Sin has and always will separate us from God and conforming to the worlds standards is a sin. In Romans 12 verses 1 and 2 we are encouraged to… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
We aren’t supposed to be making a name for ourselves. We aren’t supposed to desire to be in the spotlight. Being a reflection people should see Jesus when they look at us ( speak to us, etc)
Lucifer- the light bearer has been deceiving the world over to seek fame, riches, success, and other desires that spring up from the sinful nature. All which revolve around self.
Noah’s sons fell for that deception long ago ; “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4 KJV) they sought to make a name for themselves.
But we know to truly follow Christ we must deny self
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26 KJV)
When we find ourselves being ashamed but still claiming to be disciples or living in sin whether open or secretly not only is it confusion but now we are false witnesses.
Proverbs chapter 12 verse 17 says He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. And again in chapter 14 verse 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
Let’s not live a lie! Let’s worship The Lord in spirit and in truth.
May The Lord bless
Feeding Body & Spirit 