The Promises of Jesus

WE WILL BE HIS WITNESSES            

Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

John 20:21 Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. 

Acts 1:8 You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples in these verses. The first one is prior to his death and resurrection. The other two are after his death and resurrection. A witness is one who tells what he knows to be the truth as in a courtroom. We witness to something that we have experienced; that we know and believe. We are made in the image of God and we are to bear witness to God by reflecting Christ’s image in all we do and say. We need the power of the Holy Spirit in order to do this. And it is a great privilege that he calls us to. He doesn’t need us but he chooses to use us.

John MacArthur on Matt 24:14 says: “Despite all the tribulations that would come – the deception of false teachers, the wars, persecutions, natural disasters, defections from Christ, and all the obstacles to the spread of the gospel – the message ultimately penetrates every part of the globe. God is never without a witness, and he will proclaim the gospel from heaven itself if necessary.

On Acts 2:8 MacArthur says: “The apostles’ mission of spreading the gospel was the major reason the Holy Spirit empowered them. This event dramatically altered world history, and the gospel message eventually reached all parts of the earth. The apostles had already experienced the Holy Spirit’s saving, guiding, teaching and miracle working power. Soon they would receive his indwelling presence and a new dimension of power for witness.”

Dear Father,

Thank you for the promise that you will use us as witnesses to spread the good news. We read of the apostles Holy Spirit empowered lives. They were fully surrendered to You. They were in the grip of your glorious will for them. Help us be as radical in our surrender to you. Forgive our failures to abide in you and our failures to risk all for you. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. We want to be your witnesses in our world. We want to do your will. Help us be bold yet graceful witnesses to You – to your glory.

In Jesus Mighty Name we pray, Amen.