WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Many of us find it hard to witness to our faith. Ask God to help you shine like a star today (Philippians 2:14–16). Model witness Peter gives us a great model for witnessing. Watch his progress. He begins by listening carefully to Cornelius’ story (vs 29–33). He shares how this fits in with what God has recently been saying to him (v 34). He goes on to build on what Cornelius already knows of God as a Gentile (vs 36–38). Then he tells the story of Jesus, nice and simply, adding in his own bit of the tale (vs 39a,41). Peter then moves more fully into the difference Jesus has made to his own life (v 42). All in a couple of minutes! Opening the way Peter makes it very clear that he is a witness, one who testifies. That is our job: to witness to what has happened to us. It is the Holy Spirit who brings people to faith, not us (v 44). But our witnessing opens the way for him to start to work. The believers from Joppa were astonished at what they saw, as the Holy Spirit came upon these non-Jewish people (v 45)! We won’t always see the effect of our witnessing. Sometimes we will see somebody coming to faith dramatically; often we may not see any sign of fruit from our efforts. But be ready to stick around with people who respond, if they invite you (v 48b). Respond: Spend some time rehearsing a two-minute testimony of God’s work in you. Then be ready to use it! http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-12-11