Saturday, October 12, 2013

October 13, 2013

"But you will 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 

A Christian is one who is living between "Forgiven" and "Forever". 

Being forgiven by the grace of God is a wonderful blessing. And having the assurance of eternal life in Heaven is a source of tremendous hope!

But the big issue of being a Christian is what should happen between "Forgiven" and "Forever". 

In His final words on earth before He ascended to Heaven, Jesus said He expects His followers to be on a mission to be His witnesses. I have been sharing some insights on how to do that.

Develop redemptive friendships.

Discover stories.

And, discern next steps.

While you do your part in witnessing, depend on the Holy Spirit to prompt you what to say and what to do next.

Being a witness is not a natural or a comfortable thing for you to do. That is why you must rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you and direct you. And it is also why being on mission with God is exciting and fulfilling!

Someone has described witnessing as, "Sharing the Good News in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God."

Every witnessing situation is different because every person is different. So, a "one size fits all" or "prescribed plan" doesn't work. Being lead and directed by the Holy Spirit does!

Are you tuned to the Holy Spirit so you can hear Him when He speaks.

What is your mission in friendship? Is it to be liked, or to be more popular, or to gain some other benefit for yourself?

God has a much better mission for your friendships than merely benefiting yourself.

Would you submit to His mission and surrender yours?

Would you be on mission for Him - and for your friends who need to know Him?