The Power of Our Witness

Most of us think of this definition: of witness in terms of a verb
1. to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception: to witness an accident.
2. to be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator, bystander, etc.: She witnessed our wedding.
3. to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.
4. to attest by one's Signature: He witnessed her will.

When God calls us to be a witness He is calling us to be a noun not just a verb.
–noun
6. an individual who, being present, personally sees or perceives a thing; a beholder, spectator, or eyewitness.
7. a person or thing that affords evidence.
8. a person who gives testimony, as in a court of law.
9. a person who signs a document attesting the genuineness of its execution.
10. testimony or evidence: to bear witness to her suffering.

When you literally translate the Greek word for witness in the New Testament it means martyr.

- We need to have a shift in our thinking and realize we are called not only to go witnessing but to be a Witness.
- The book of Acts actual full title is the Acts of the Apostles, but some say a better name for it is the Acts of the Holy Spirit.
- This is the only New Testament history book that does not have an ending, and that is because it is not over. We are still called to be a witness and to allow the Holy Spirit to do actions through us

Why did the early church have power in their witness?

1.They had the Fire of God
(Heb 12:29) "For our God is a consuming fire."

Why did the early church have power in their witness?

2. They had Godly fellowship in Christ
(Acts 2:42) "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Why did the early church have power in their witness?

3. They had the Fear of the Lord

“Along with the love of God, the fear of the Lord is the most important foundational element of our Christian walk. It is a wonderful work produced by the Holy Spirit, empowering us to avoid evil, obey God’s commands, and live intimately with Him every day. It is not only the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, but also the key to God’s storehouses of blessings. Although its definition is far-reaching, it is basically a deep overriding awe and reverence for God, His Word, and His unsearchable ways. It is through the fear of the Lord that we are able to grow and mature in holiness.” (John Bevere)

“To fear God is to be awestruck with God’s character and Word. It is a stat of deep reverence that can cause us to tremble before Him because of His righteous judgments. The fear of the Lord is also joyful praise and worship of his glory, resulting in humble obedience to His will.”- Neil T. Anderson

Why did the early church have power in their witness?

4. They were faithful

Why did the early church have power in their witness?

5. They fought the good fight.
They early church new it was bigger than them. They made disciples not just converts. The passed the baton of faith to the next generation.

Will you be able to say this about yourself at the end of your days?

It’s time to gain back what the early church had and reclaim the power in our witness!