Testimony is a powerful part of witnessing
We have heard how two people can witness a car accident, where both are then questioned by authorities, and then hear how it is possible that both witnesses might give opposing testimonies. How can this be? How can two individuals SEE the same event but RECALL differing opinions? Could one witness be refusing to tell the truth, to see the truth?—OR—Could one witness simply be REFUSING to NOT SEE the truth?
Testimony is a powerful part of witnessing. The Bible tells us—
“men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place,
(The 2nd Letter of Paul to Timothy 2: 18-19 NASB)
and they upset the faith of some.
Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands,
having this seal,
“The Lord knows those who are His,”
and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”
The Truth is the Truth. Children of God cannot be caught napping, not paying attention, for we are surrounded by the deception and snare of the devil. In fact, our own sinfulness might even ensnare us now. We may not even be alerted to the falseness that has infiltrated, but we must, for false teachers hurt the church. However, no amount of “untruth” can change who Jesus Christ is, that He is the Son of God.
Four times, within each of the four Gospels, the Bible tells us so. That’s right, each gospel writer: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each record this inherent fact. John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing about the coming Messiah in the land of Judea, near the Jordan River. As he was doing so, many were being baptized by John.
“Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John,
(The Gospel According to Matthew 3: 13-17 NASB)
to be baptized by him.
But John tried to prevent Him, saying,
“I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
But Jesus answering said to him,
“Permit it at this time;
for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then he permitted Him.
[Meaning that many saw John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River]
After being baptized,
Jesus came up immediately from the water;
and behold,
the heavens were opened,
and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him,
and behold,
a voice out of the heavens said,
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
Truly, the Bible tells us—Testimony is a powerful part of witnessing.
- As people of God, we are called to stay alert & commanded to testify.
- Those who are saved, who have experienced God’s faithfulness, and who believe in Jesus Christ, are commanded to go and tell.
It is not an option to say, “No, Lord.” In fact, that is a terrific oxymoron, for how can believers say: “Lord, Lord,” and “No” within the same breath? They cannot, for a fireman who sees a building on fire does not just stand and watch as the building burns to the ground. That would be a travesty! Instead, the prepared fireman runs into the burning building, knowing the clear path available to escape the burning building, and carries those in danger—away from the fire.
Consider:
- The first testimony was when God said: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
- The second testimony was the truth of His Word. &
- The third testimony is the presence of His Holy Spirit alive within each believer.
“Who is the one who overcomes the world,
(The 1st Letter of John 5: 5-12 NASB)
but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the One who came by water and blood,
Jesus Christ;
not with the water only,
but with the water and with the blood.
It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
For there are three that testify:
the Spirit and the water and the blood;
and the three are in agreement.
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater;
for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son.
The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself;
the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar,
because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son.
And the testimony is this,
that God has given us eternal life,
and this life is in His Son.
He who has the Son has the life;
he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”
- Eternal Life—a gift from God to all who believe in His Son.
- Eternal Life—a gift from the Father that is far-too-great to keep to ourselves.
Testimony is a powerful part of witnessing!