Saturday 4 November 2017

Witness

Witnesses
The apostle Luke writing in his second book, the book of Acts gives this account about Jesus appearing to his followers,
“After his (Jesus) suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.  
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts 1: 3-9.
Here Jesus appears to his disciples. They had asked Jesus when He would restore the Kingdom of Israel but he told them it was not for them to know the time and date. But instead to be witnesses to the whole world.
He makes it clear what their job is on this earth. He states,
“... you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This is the purpose of the Church even today. In Matthew’s gospel we read,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
This is a job we as believers in Christ cannot ignore. It is estimated that between 1.7 and two billion people on the earth today have not heard about Jesus Christ. It is our job as believers in Christ to do what we can to reach them with the love of Christ.
Please if you consider yourself a Christian think about it. 

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