Witnessing

The word "witnessing" is used a lot in today's religious world. How we might use it differs some from the meaning that we see in the New Testament.

There are lots of references to witnesses in the Bible. In fact, our Lord knew that it would be important that true eyewitnesses be established in the time of Christ. We base our beliefs on these eyewitness accounts because we didn't see it happen; we need facts upon which to base our beliefs. Before Jesus left the earth He told His apostles, "..you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." ( Acts 1:8).

John, in 1 John 1:1-4, talks about the process of witnesses: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concering the Word of Life.......we declare to you." Here is an eyewitness telling us about it.

Luke was not an eyewitness, but he wrote the book of Luke having been given details by the eyewitnesses of Jesus. Luke 1 tells us: "Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account..."

The result of all this is to establish our faith. John 20:30,31 says, "and truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." We can be very thankful for those who were eyewitnesses and left us the detailed accounts for us to learn of Him and believe.

Thanks for reading. Have a great week!