by Every day we are reminded that we live in a broken and hurting world. News headlines, social media posts, and cultural unrest reinforce the diagnosis of fallen humanity. We are so far from what God has intended for our relationship with him and with those around us to be.
As humanity’s story plays out, the church has an important role to play in bringing hope and healing to the world around us. We know the answer is Jesus and must be our primary message as we actively fulfill our mission.
Jesus called us to be witnesses and gave us a message to deliver to the world around us faithfully.  What is our primary message as believers? What is our responsibility for witnessing what God has done in our own lives?
A story:
A farmer, after having cataracts removed from his eyes, made his way from the Christian compound to the far interior of China. Only a few days elapsed, however, before the missionary doctor looked out his bamboo window and noticed the formerly blind man holding the front end of a long rope.
In a single file and holding to the rope behind him came several blind people whom the farmer had told about his operation. They all knew the farmer had been blind, but now he could see. He told them of the doctor who had cured him; naturally, all these other blind people wanted to meet the doctor who healed the blind man.
The cured man could not explain the physiology of the eye or the technique of the operation. He could tell others he had been blind, the doctor had operated on him, and now he could see. That was all the others needed to hear. They came to the doctor. (Gangel, K. O. (1998). Acts (Vol. 5, p. 7). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
We are witnesses of what Christ has taught and done
The primary role of Believers is to share the story of what God has done through Christ. The word of God has provided us with a clear picture of the plan that God has for humanity. Luke begins the book of Acts with the foundation of his previous writing concerning Jesus’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection. “
He says: “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach” Acts 1:1 (ESV). This was an important statement for Luke because it would be the basis for all he would write concerning the growth and impact of the New Testament church.
The Church must present the unchanging and unadulterated message of the Gospel of Jesus. The message that changes individual hearts and brings healing to the brokenness.
We are witnesses of what Christ has done in us
Every person who has committed to serve the Lord has experienced a release from the penalty of sin that they’ve carried in their life. In addition, they have experienced the Holy Spirit prompting them toward Christlikeness.
Luke stated that Jesus “had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.” Acts 1:2 (ESV)
While we don’t know the exact commands that Jesus gave the apostles that day, most likely, it would have revolved around the message that changed their lives. The message is that Jesus finished the work on the cross for our redemption, we are to walk in Christlike newness of life and to share this message to all of humanity.
The story of how God intervened in your life is a powerful witness to those with who you share the gospel. The church must recapture the story of salvation because it is the hope of all humanity!
We are witnesses of what Christ is doing through us
The world today is looking for something that is real and that they can believe in. For Believers, one of the best ways to do that is to live it out in our daily lives. Bearing the fruit of the spirit in relationships with others helps them see Jesus in us.
Additionally, as we build a foundation of faith and trust in God, the world can see us navigate the challenges of life with certainty.
We show the world who Jesus is through our lives. That is the heart of the Father for us…to see Jesus. Because when people come in contact with him, it transforms their lives!
Acts 1:3 (ESV) He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
We are witnesses of what Christ has promised to us
Jesus promised that he would never leave his children and would provide us the Holy Spirit to empower us to be a witness.
Acts 1:4-5 (ESV) And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:8 (ESV) — 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”
Allowing the Holy Spirit to do the work in our lives is permitting him to not only change us but to empower us to share the gospel. Our mandate as a church is to be actively telling people about Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation. He will be preparing the opportunities and the people we talk to about him. Let’s trust him with the results!
Conclusion
Jesus left us a great commandment and privilege. To work in the kingdom of God in tandem with the working of the Holy Spirit. As we walk in obedience to the command he promises that he will be with us. Let’s do all that we can to spread the Gospel and watch God do what only he can!
Blessings,
Chad
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