As I reflect on the message Pastor David presented, the phrase I think of is “Our Witness”.
We all present a witness every day to our family, friends, co-workers and strangers. We as Christians might consider the challenge question, “Is my witness a reflection of Christ our Lord?”
Pastor David shared God’s word from 1 Peter 3:15-16 which provides guidance to apply this truth to our everyday life.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.“
Pastor David taught us that from this scripture we (the church, Christians) are being instructed and comforted in our hope for the future and during suffering. As we have accepted Christ as our savior He becomes our Lord. God has control over everything, however our daily walk with or without him is a CHOICE. God’s word in Romans 12:1 reads “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” With this scripture we might ask ourselves, “How do we worship Him?”
Each day one or more of us will experience challenges as we proceed through life. Even though we may not be called to be a formal evangelist, we are called to share the truth of God’s word. See, others are watching us whether we know it or not. Should we face these challenges with signs of faith, hope and confidence we may be presented with an opportunity to explain from just where that faith, hope and confidence comes. This is when we follow God’s purpose for our walk to share our faith and belief in God. God will do the rest! It’s really that simple. Just remember as verse 1 Peter 3:16 states, we are instructed to share this truth in love. Another supporting scripture Pastor David shared is from John 3:17 which states “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
In summary, we must remember to live our witness in faith, hope, and love with the confidence provided by our salvation and be prepared to explain it in love and let God speak to the heart of the receiver.
Jane Bartholomew