We Are All Witnesses

“We are all witnesses” is a slogan applied to the fans of Lebron James during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.   This slogan became so popular that a huge banner was hung in downtown Cleveland declaring Cleveland’s affinity with Lebron.  To many basketball fans, this slogan was a unique way of showcasing the talent of Lebron, the city of Cleveland and the Nike shoes that he was endorsing.

Although this slogan was unique in the world of sports and marketing, it has existed for millennium in the word of God.  For at least 2000 years, the phrase has been used to describe the followers of Jesus Christ.  Let’s take a look at the Biblical phrase “Witness” and what being a witness for Jesus Christ involves.



THE SCRIPTURES:

 Acts 5:29-32 (KJV) Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.  Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

THE STUDY:

29) Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

 In the context of our study, the subject at hand is the subject of obedience.  Peter and the other apostles were in agreement that they owed the Lord their uncompromising obedience.  They were to put their Lord’s desires ahead of the desires and pleasure of men.

They begin to explain why they have dedicated their lives to fulfilling their Lord’s desires…

 30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31) Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

 They clearly explain God’s work that He performed to bring salvation to His people:

1.  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – God was willing to deliver His Son into a wicked, sinful world.


2. whom ye slew and hanged on a tree – When Christ entered this world, He was abused, mistreated and eventually, murdered on a cross.  The Father knew beforehand that this would be the fate of His Son, but He still chose to send Him into this world.


3. Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour – Because Jesus was obedient to the will of His Father, coming to the earth, suffering mankind’s abuse and dying on the cross;  Christ was then exalted      to His rightful position as Lord and Deliverer of all.


4. for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. – Jesus, as Lord and Deliverer, turned Israel from their sin to the service of Christ; as well as, granting forgiveness, through His death on the cross for the sins of those who come to Him.

These reasons are why both Peter, and the other apostles, had dedicated their lives to the service of their God.  After all God has done for them, how could they do anything else for Him?

Also, please notice the basic principle of being a witness simply involves telling others what our Lord has done on our behalf.  That is all there is to it.  Simply, tell others about what He has done for you.

Tell them about your Lord and how He willingly gave His life on the cross to pay the price for your sins.

Give them examples of His workings in your personal life: how He has comforted you in times of distress; how He has granted you faith in the most trying of times; or perhaps, how you received peace in the midst of the storms of life.

For the Christian this is the essence of living a life of witness for the Lord.

32) And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Not only did Peter and the other apostles owe their obedience to Him, they also were called to be witnesses of His workings of salvation among men.

It is important to note that this word “witness” comes from the Greek word “martus” which carries with it the idea of being a “martyr”.  In other words, being a witness for Christ implies being willing to give our all, even to the point of death, for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So not only was Peter and the apostles called to obey their God but they knew their responsibility included a willingness to testify of His works, even to the point of death.  This is being a true “witness” for Him.

We can be living witnesses for Him through the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells all believers.  What we cannot do because of our sinful flesh, the Lord allows us to do through the empowering of the Holy Spirit within us.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

As Christians, the willingness to give our all in service to Him is the principle found in Roms 12:1-2…

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye 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.”

To be a living sacrifice revealing His works to others involves being willing to give our all for Him.  Just as these verses teach us… after all He has done for us… isn’t giving our all for Him simply a reasonable response on our behalf?

To those who have never received Christ as your Lord and Savior…

If you have any questions about salvation, I have a tab available on my blog that gives in depth information on what salvation is and what you must do to be saved.  Please click on his link for more information about salvation.

If you continue to have questions or concerns about your salvation, find a Bible-believing church in your area.  The Pastor would be glad to share Christ and the way of salvation with you.   If you feel more comfortable communicating through email, you are always welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.

May the Lord bless you as you seek His truth.

The Great Mission

As Christians, we are all given the responsibility to tell others about our Lord an all He has done for us. (see Mark 5:18-20; Psa 66:16)  However, the Lord has given His local assembly of believers added responsibilities as we minister for Him.  What are those responsibilities?  How important are they? 



In this lesson, we all be looking at the mission the Lord has given to His local assemblies on earth.

THE SCRIPTURES:

Matt 28:16-20 (KJV)

16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20) 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.

THE STUDY:

As we begin our study of the responsibilities given to the local assemblies of Christ, it is important to notice to whom the Lord is speaking…

Matt 28:16-20 (KJV)

16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Here, we find the eleven apostles (the twelve minus Judas) meeting with the Lord.  They were meeting with Him on the mount, separated from the great multitudes that had been following Him.  These apostles, were the very beginning foundation of the Lord’s local church with Jesus, Himself, being the cornerstone of that assembly. 

Our Lord clearly taught this principle in the writings of Paul to the local church at Ephesus…

Eph 2:19-22 – “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 groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.     

(see also Matt 21:42-45; Roms 9:33; 1 Pet 2:7-8)

18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

As the Lord begins to address the very beginnings of His local assembly on earth, He reminds us that He is the one that possesses the power (authority) of God Himself.  The word for “power” does not speak of physical strength… it speaks of authority.  Jesus possesses all authority over both the physical and spiritual creation of God. (1 Peter 3:21-22)

Our Lord Jesus has the right to tell us what He would have us to do for Him.  He is our Creator (John 1:1-4), He is our Redeemer (1 Pet 1:18-21) and, therefore, He is our Master (Rom 9:20-21, 1 Cor 6:19-20).    

The Lord now turns our attention to the three great responsibilities He has given to His local assemblies….

19) Go ye therefore,

Here, we are told to “go”.  This sums up the local church’s responsibility.   We should not expect the lost world to come to us and join us in the cause of Christ.  We are to go forth into the lost, and spiritually dead, world fulfilling the great responsibility we have been given.  (Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-48)

As we go into the world we should be going with the authority, power and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ… our warfare is to be by Him, and for Him, not through the carnal means of a sinful world (2 Cor 10:3-5)

As the local church ministers among the lost world their goal should be three-fold:

and teach all nations,

The word for “teach” here is a Greek word that means “to evangelize”, in other words to take the gospel message to those who are unsaved. 

The first goal of the local assemblies is to take the gospel to the lost (through our words and actions), (Rom 10:13-17; Rom 16:25-26; Acts 26:16-18) and then pray for them, that Christ might bring them to Himself. (Psa 68:20, 2 Tim 2:24-26). 

baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Following their receipt of salvation, we are to immerse in water those who have believed.  This is the public declaration of what the Lord has done for them. It pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  It also pictures the believer’s death to sin and new life in Christ. (Rom 6:3-5, Col 2:12-15)

Once baptized, the believer is eligible to become the member of the local assembly.  

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

The word for “teach” in this verse is a word that means “to indoctrinate”, or “to teach”.  This local church responsibility involves instructing those who are members of the church. 

We are to teach church members the practical and doctrinal truths of God’s Word.  This involves teaching the Word in its entirety.  (2 Tim 4:1-5, 2 Tim 3:16-17)

Note this instruction involves the practical application of His Word to member’s life (“teaching them to observe…”)

and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

The Lord is promising to accompany the local church as its ministers for Him on earth.  (Matt 18:20, Rev 1:11-13)  It is only through His enabling and intervention that the church can fulfill its mission for Him. (Matt 10:16-20, 1 Pet 1:12, 1 Cor 1:18-24, Rom 1:16)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

For those who have trusted in Christ.

As believers, our Lord would desire for us to be scripturally baptized and then to join a Bible believing church.  During our time of church membership, we are to be instructed from His Word, and then to live out these truths as faithful servants of Christ.

For those who have never trusted in Christ.

If you have never trusted in Christ as your Savior… the first priority of your life should be to search the Scriptures, recognize your sin and the True Savior, Jesus Christ.  Turn from your sin, trust in Christ and His work as the basis of your salvation and accept Him as Lord of your life.  It is only after you have trusted Christ that you can follow Him in baptism, church membership and faithful service to Him.

If you have any questions concerning the way of salvation please feel free to visit or call a Bible teaching church in your area.  They will be happy to speak to you about the Lord Jesus and the salvation He graciously gives.

Or, if you would rather, feel welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.  I’ll be more than happy to answer any question you may have. 

Also, if you look at my blog page “How To Have A Relationship With God”.  On this page, you will find several blog entries explaining the way of salvation.

Please visit the “Settled In Heaven Ministries” homepage – http://www.settledinheaven.org

My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com

The following are other places you can find “Settled In Heaven” blog (updated once per month):

www.settledinheavenbibleblog.posterous.com

www.settledinheavenblog.blogspot.com

To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at  http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.    I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com

Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace

 May the Lord bless your study of His Word.  Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.” 

The Great Mission

As Christians, we are all given the responsibility to tell others about our Lord an all He has done for us. (see Mark 5:18-20; Psa 66:16)  However, the Lord has given His local assembly of believers added responsibilities as we minister for Him.  What are those responsibilities?  How important are they? 



In this lesson, we all be looking at the mission the Lord has given to His local assemblies on earth.

THE SCRIPTURES:

Matt 28:16-20 (KJV)

16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20) 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.

THE STUDY:

As we begin our study of the responsibilities given to the local assemblies of Christ, it is important to notice to whom the Lord is speaking…

Matt 28:16-20 (KJV)

16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Here, we find the eleven apostles (the twelve minus Judas) meeting with the Lord.  They were meeting with Him on the mount, separated from the great multitudes that had been following Him.  These apostles, were the very beginning foundation of the Lord’s local church with Jesus, Himself, being the cornerstone of that assembly. 

Our Lord clearly taught this principle in the writings of Paul to the local church at Ephesus…

Eph 2:19-22 – “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 groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.     

(see also Matt 21:42-45; Roms 9:33; 1 Pet 2:7-8)

18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

As the Lord begins to address the very beginnings of His local assembly on earth, He reminds us that He is the one that possesses the power (authority) of God Himself.  The word for “power” does not speak of physical strength… it speaks of authority.  Jesus possesses all authority over both the physical and spiritual creation of God. (1 Peter 3:21-22)

Our Lord Jesus has the right to tell us what He would have us to do for Him.  He is our Creator (John 1:1-4), He is our Redeemer (1 Pet 1:18-21) and, therefore, He is our Master (Rom 9:20-21, 1 Cor 6:19-20).    

The Lord now turns our attention to the three great responsibilities He has given to His local assemblies….

19) Go ye therefore,

Here, we are told to “go”.  This sums up the local church’s responsibility.   We should not expect the lost world to come to us and join us in the cause of Christ.  We are to go forth into the lost, and spiritually dead, world fulfilling the great responsibility we have been given.  (Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-48)

As we go into the world we should be going with the authority, power and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ… our warfare is to be by Him, and for Him, not through the carnal means of a sinful world (2 Cor 10:3-5)

As the local church ministers among the lost world their goal should be three-fold:

and teach all nations,

The word for “teach” here is a Greek word that means “to evangelize”, in other words to take the gospel message to those who are unsaved. 

The first goal of the local assemblies is to take the gospel to the lost (through our words and actions), (Rom 10:13-17; Rom 16:25-26; Acts 26:16-18) and then pray for them, that Christ might bring them to Himself. (Psa 68:20, 2 Tim 2:24-26). 

baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Following their receipt of salvation, we are to immerse in water those who have believed.  This is the public declaration of what the Lord has done for them. It pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  It also pictures the believer’s death to sin and new life in Christ. (Rom 6:3-5, Col 2:12-15)

Once baptized, the believer is eligible to become the member of the local assembly.  

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

The word for “teach” in this verse is a word that means “to indoctrinate”, or “to teach”.  This local church responsibility involves instructing those who are members of the church. 

We are to teach church members the practical and doctrinal truths of God’s Word.  This involves teaching the Word in its entirety.  (2 Tim 4:1-5, 2 Tim 3:16-17)

Note this instruction involves the practical application of His Word to member’s life (“teaching them to observe…”)

and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

The Lord is promising to accompany the local church as its ministers for Him on earth.  (Matt 18:20, Rev 1:11-13)  It is only through His enabling and intervention that the church can fulfill its mission for Him. (Matt 10:16-20, 1 Pet 1:12, 1 Cor 1:18-24, Rom 1:16)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

For those who have trusted in Christ.

As believers, our Lord would desire for us to be scripturally baptized and then to join a Bible believing church.  During our time of church membership, we are to be instructed from His Word, and then to live out these truths as faithful servants of Christ.

For those who have never trusted in Christ.

If you have never trusted in Christ as your Savior… the first priority of your life should be to search the Scriptures, recognize your sin and the True Savior, Jesus Christ.  Turn from your sin, trust in Christ and His work as the basis of your salvation and accept Him as Lord of your life.  It is only after you have trusted Christ that you can follow Him in baptism, church membership and faithful service to Him.

If you have any questions concerning the way of salvation please feel free to visit or call a Bible teaching church in your area.  They will be happy to speak to you about the Lord Jesus and the salvation He graciously gives.

Or, if you would rather, feel welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.  I’ll be more than happy to answer any question you may have. 

Also, if you look at my blog page “How To Have A Relationship With God”.  On this page, you will find several blog entries explaining the way of salvation.

Please visit the “Settled In Heaven Ministries” homepage – http://www.settledinheaven.org

My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com

The following are other places you can find “Settled In Heaven” blog (updated once per month):

www.settledinheavenbibleblog.posterous.com

www.settledinheavenblog.blogspot.com

To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at  http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com.    I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com

Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace

 May the Lord bless your study of His Word.  Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”