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.