If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, then you are a witness.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth. They had an incredible message to share with the world that only they could tell. They had been with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, His death, and His resurrection.
An Example of Faithful Witnesses
They were eyewitnesses to the truth that Jesus Christ was the risen Messiah through which man could be saved. In one sense they are the only people in the world who could claim to be a true witnesses because they saw with their own eyes what took place.
The Apostle John put it this way in his first epistle. He said,
That which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1-3)
It’s on the basis of their witness that we have come to a knowledge of Christ. The truth has been handed down from generation to generation by faithful witnesses and now it is our turn to be witnesses for our generation and those to follow.
If you are in Christ, then you are His witness. You have the very life of God in you to help share the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord.
You Witness By Living Your Life
There are three main ways that you’re a witness. The first is seen through your life. God says you are the light of the world. The light of Christ in you shines through your life, and others can see it.
You are a living billboard in which others can see the truth of the gospel. As you walk in ways of the Lord, people see it and know that there is something different about you. Every time you do something in His name, you are testifying to the truth of the gospel.
The Bible uses another word picture in describing you as the aroma of Christ. Using this metaphor, people smell the aroma of your life.
Some people smell the aroma of Christ in you and are drawn to God. Others take a whiff of your life and are repelled and seek to put you down and say that you are judging them. The apostle Paul said,
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. (2 Cor. 2:15-16)
It’s good to remember you are a witness in the midst of a spiritual battle for the souls of mankind. Your light and aroma are part of a greater light and aroma called the church. Never allow resistance to the gospel cause your light to dim or your aroma to fade.
You Witness by Sharing Your Story
The second aspect of your witness is that you have a testimony of what Christ has done in you. You have a unique, personal experience of Christ touching and changing your life that you can share with whoever will listen.
A simple way to share the gospel is to share what Christ has done for you and in you. You know this story in detail. You know how you felt and lived before coming to Christ. You know each step in the process of coming to Him. You know the incredible things He has done in your life since you’ve responded to His love.
Every good work that Jesus has done in your life is a potential testimony to share the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. You have a story that no one else in the world can share. It’s yours and yours alone.
There’s great power in your testimony that can open a door to share the truth of the gospel. I remember one time I was talking with a couple that had just lost their baby. The man was angry and was very antagonistic toward me, speaking about the Lord and the possibility that I might understand his situation.
“John” responded angrily, saying he was sick and tired of people telling him how he felt. Then I told him that I had a son who lived for only one day, whom I never got to see alive. His countenance immediately changed, and I was able to tell him my story and lead the couple into the comfort of the Lord.
When people hear your story, it gives opportunity for the Lord to work His wonders in their hearts. Every painful situation the Lord has walked you through is a potential story you can use as Christ’s witness. That’s why I used a short testimony of my own in this video.
You Witness by Sharing the Gospel
The third way you can witness is by telling the story of the Gospel. If you believe the gospel is true, then it needs to be shared. People can see your life and think you’re great, never thinking about God. They can listen to your testimonies and believe that is fine for you, but not for them. They must hear the gospel presented in a way in which they can know that God’s loves them and His salvation is available to them.
The purpose of the Gospel is to reconcile people with God. It’s all about helping people see the way to God is through Jesus Christ. People are looking for God in all the wrong places. He wants us to stand up and be willing to tell people that Jesus has made a way for them to come to God.
You don’t have to be a great theologian or a pastor to share your faith. If you believe in Jesus Christ, then tell people why. When I was first became a believer I sought to share Jesus with my friends.
One man had so many questions I couldn't answer. I didn’t know the Bible. I told him I didn’t know the answer, but I’d find out. I would go home and ask my friends who knew more than I did, and then go back and answer the question. Then he would ask another question, and the process started all over again.
Don’t be fearful to share your faith. Don’t forget that you’re not alone. Jesus promised to be with you every step of the way. His Spirit is in you. You are the light of the world. You are the aroma of Christ. You have a testimony. You have the truth of the gospel.
So let your light shine
Let your aroma increase
Share your stories
Share the Gospel