We are Witnesses

Acts 5:27-32; John 20:19-31

“You will be my Witnesses” Acts 1:8             . “We are all witnesses” Acts 5:32

Are you frustrated with the state of the world and interested in making a positive change? If so, I encourage you to pay attention to our text today, where the disciples boldly proclaimed their commitment to obey God rather than human authority. The event we celebrated last Sunday isn't just something to remember; it calls us to action! We must bear witness and proclaim the story of human salvation to everyone!

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his disciples what their mission would be after his departure. In Acts 1:8, he said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus told them that instead of worrying about the timing of his Second Coming, they should focus their attention on the job at hand. First, they would be filled with the Holy Spirit, and then they would be witnesses for Christ. This was and is God’s plan for his people. It is not too much to say that this is God’s job description for all his children.

What did Jesus mean by being a witness? Basically, witness means to declare the truth to another person. A witness: (a) tells what s/he knows, (b) shares what he has experienced, and (c) remains loyal to the end.

A witness is an individual who has observed or heard something and provides evidence regarding the matter. This person is committed to conveying accurate information without any embellishment or omission. Therefore, a witness shares only the information they are certain of. This definition can be seen in Luke's usage of the term "witness" in the book of Acts, where he describes the disciples’ activities as they testify about Jesus Christ. The disciples emphasized the resurrection among other truths in which they were confident. It is not necessary to be a theologian to be a witness for Christ. Attending Bible school, seminary, having a college degree, or having a missionary background is not required. Witnessing simply involves sharing truthful information about Jesus with those willing to listen.

A witness shares his experiences, reflecting on 1 John 1:1: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” John states, “I saw him, I heard him, I walked with him, I touched him.” In verse 2, it is written: “The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.” This passage outlines three stages: 1) Christ appeared on earth, 2) Personal experience with him, and 3) Declaration of him.

A witness is like salespersons, who sell their products passionately because they believe in them. Experiencing the subject matter personally enhances the effectiveness of sharing about it. Without genuine experience, attempts may seem insincere. Sharing from a personal perspective involves discussing transformations, guidance, strength in times of difficulty, overcoming fears, and significant changes experienced.

Please know that you don’t have to convince your friends that they need Christ—that’s the work of the Holy Spirit, you are just to tell them the story of redemption and salvation! There is a crucial difference between telling and selling. The Holy Spirit can handle the convincing if you focus on telling (witnessing). Remember the First Law of the Spiritual Life: He’s God, and we’re not. So, share the truth about Jesus, explain how he has changed your life, and then pray fervently for God to instill a hunger for Jesus in your friends.

A true witness is loyal until the end. The term "martyr" derives from the Greek word for witnesses, signifying loyalty to Jesus despite opposition. Are you prepared to stand up for Jesus at any cost? While not advocating fanaticism, I encourage loyalty to Jesus Christ, avoiding worldly distractions or negative relationships that might deter you from fellowship. We should be ready to obey God, like the apostles, over humans in any situation.

Jesus left us on earth to be His witnesses. In heaven, there will be no need for witnesses. We are His light on earth, telling others to believe in Him. If we don't fulfill this role, God has no other plan.

Being a witness for Jesus may make you unpopular. Early church believers chose death over denying our Lord. Are you willing to die for Christ? More importantly, are you willing to live for Him? Many excuses are offered for not being a witness, such as being too shy, not knowing the Bible deeply, being afraid of speaking to people, or it may not work. If it worked for you, it can work with someone else. Don’t ever give up on the gospel because you think it won’t work. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would work through your testimony.

Let me leave you with this personal definition of a witness: A witness is anyone who cooperates with the Holy Spirit in telling others about Jesus. All God needs is a little cooperation from His people. When he gets it, we can change the world. God invites us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in sharing the message of Jesus. This is God’s job description for every Christian. If we do our part, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit will do the rest for us.

Now, what are you going to do about it?

1. Pray that God would give you a chance to witness for Christ this week.

2. Commit to speaking up when God gives you the opportunity you prayed for.

3. Forget your fears, let go of past failures in this area, trust God to use you, and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you.

Will you join me in praying for a chance to share Christ this week? Will you commit to speaking up when God answers that prayer? Remember, if we do our part, God will certainly do his. All he needs is a little cooperation from his people. “We are all witnesses,” Acts 5:32