In the Gospels, Jesus sent out his disciples and followers to preach the gospel and spread the news that the Kingdom was at hand (Mark 6:7-13, Luke 10:1-11). How does this translate into our time and dispensation today? Are we expected to go out into public spaces and preach the gospel? Are we expected to evangelize? What instructions does the Bible give to us today about being a 'witness' for Christ? Must we take the example of preaching the gospel from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John?
An important thing to remember is that the grace dispensation is different in MANY respects from the law dispensation over Israel and throughout Jesus' earthly ministry. We should recognize that not only has our gospel message changed, but the format of delivery has also. Let me clarify the format of delivery using the following simply argument.
I'm not claiming to be dogmatic here, but I am going to state a thought that sounds reasonable! What does witnessing even mean? Are we really witnesses? Without diving into the deep definition of the word, "witness", where one could probably extrapolate more meaning than what I intend, my simplistic understanding is that to be a 'witness' for Christ requires that one had to actually witness Christ! Right? One had to see Him doing miracles. One had to be there at His crucifixion and witness Him after His resurrection. So, strictly speaking, we are not witnesses today. We cannot witness for Christ! The format has changed from being witnesses to being reconcilers. What we can do is reconcile others to Christ, by our faith, our lifestyle, our speech and our actions, but not from what we've seen.
Just like the disciples in Jesus day, we do have a responsibility to share the truth. How else will the truth advance then?
Rom.10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
However, unlike the disciples that were sent out by command, and with specific instructions, today, there is no pressure or compulsion that you must testify or teach the word to every person your encounter. I recall this passage from Paul,
2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Reconciliation must be a natural way of life. Your whole character is a testimony of God's grace and goodness. How we present ourselves, our speech, our reactions, or care and faithfulness, —these should clearly reflect God's love and salvation to a world where people are fearful and without hope. They should recognize that what you have is what they want, and all this without you even doing any effort to 'witness', (as they call it!) Note that in order to achieve this, it does mean that you must commit to a standard of life that is different from the world, and that does not compromise when the going gets tough. (Romans 12:1-2)
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Here is some more encouragement from the Bible that indicates the natural and effortless process of reconciliation. Being a testimony for Jesus Christ is not something you have to do; it's something you become. You become the epistle of Paul's own handwriting. You become the truth that people see.
Philippians 2:13 KJV For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Colossians 2:6-7 KJV As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; ...
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: ... As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Comments
Post a Comment