The Witness

You know many times we as Christians forget our role in the world and then we begin to profess to be something we are not. In fact we begin to think we are more than God created us to be. Lucifer had those same thoughts before he was cast out of Heaven.

So what is our responsibility or calling? There is a radio spot I hear from time to time that goes into the fact that Jesus calls for us to follow Him; not all the others who profess His name. We read in John 1:6:8, “

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.” (ESV)

 I believe that is where we as a church; we really are making a mistake; we have the opinion that our way and understanding of God is the only right way. Let me make this very clear a belief and relationship in Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation. The problem lies in the struggle of theology and denominations. In many cases we base what we believe on the interruption of scripture by men and women.  They may have the best of intentions but many divisions within the church have come from those interruptions of what was recorded in scripture. It has amazed me as I have completed a study of the New Testament for school to realize that for the most part the Bible was unchallenged in authenticity until the 19^th century. Yes there were discrepancies and about what was to be included in the bible; but there was no doubt the majority of people believed that it was the inspired word of God. Somewhere along the way something changed; it was not the Word but our witness too it that has changed. The issue is so called Christians began to read scripture and turn or twist it to meet their personal needs; allowing them to live as they pleased, instead of being obedient to what the teachings and instructions of God are that we find in His Word. God sent John the Baptist to be a witness to the coming Messiah. Jesus sent His disciples out to be a witness to the glory of His Father and to be a witness to the truth of His sacrifice. Scripture is recorded to help those who confess Jesus as Lord better understand the calling on their lives. Somewhere along the way we began to debate what parts of scripture apply to our lives and in so we have reduced our witness to the truth of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. We as believers are first and foremost to be a witness to the life changing power found in Jesus Christ. We must always remember; we are first called to serve as a witness to Jesus Christ and the Glory of God as we walk in the light of His Word. Have a truly Blessed Day!