Page 15 - September 2023 - Truth & Tidings

God” will be an “exhortation” (1Th 2:2-3). noting – “both small and great.” He saw
Whether in public preaching or personal the world as his parish and individuals
witnessing, then, let us be marked by the from every walk of life as candidates
credentials of a true ambassador – dignity, for salvation. He really believed what
maturity, bravery and sincerity. he wrote, that it is God’s will that all

Witnesses men should be saved (1Ti 2:4), and so he
witnessed to all. “Small and great” are
While the word “ambassador” is used condemned by the law (2Ki 23:2). “Small
sparingly in the New Testament, the same and great” are destined for the grave (Job
cannot be said for the word “witness.” 3:19). “Small and great” will stand at the
Interestingly, the term is applied mainly to great white throne (Rev 20:12). Hence,
the apostles, but doubtless the principles “small and great” need someone to wit-
connected with its usage apply to our ness to them.
own obligations as those who now bear The Basis for his Witnessing was the Bible
the responsibility of testifying for Christ. – “the prophets and Moses.” Apologetics
One passage will supply us with some may have their place. Contemporary il-
guidelines to encourage us all to be wit- lustrations can be helpful, but in reality,
nesses. Ananias said to Paul, “Thou shalt there is no substitute for the presentation
be his witness unto all men” (Act 22:15),
and in his address to King Agrippa, Paul of Bible truth and the ability to quote Bible
said, “Having therefore obtained help of verses, whether in public preaching or
God, I continue unto this day, witnessing personal witnessing. “The entrance of thy
both to small and great, saying none other words giveth light” (Psa 119:130).
things than those which the prophets and The Content of his Witnessing was
Moses did say should come: that Christ Christ – His sufferings and triumphant
should suffer, and that he should be resurrection. As quoted already, “Ye
the first that should rise from the dead” shall be witnesses unto me” (Act 1:8). We
(26:22-23). present Him as the only remedy for hu-
Notice first the Strength for Witnessing – man need. “Behold the Lamb of God.”
help from God. There is no doubt that time “We have found the Messiah.” “We have
and energy have to be devoted to exten- found him.” “Come, see a man … ” (Joh
sive effective witnessing, but the spiritual 1:29,41,45; 4:29). These early witnesses
power that is needed is sourced in God. focused on Christ!
Dependence on the Spirit’s power is vital The challenge to us all is our availability
if gospel witness is to produce results (1Co as witnesses and our readiness to testify.
2:4; 1Th 1:5). Exhausting activity in itself “Be ready always to give an answer to
will never accomplish the task. every man that asketh you a reason of the
Next, observe his Consistency in Witness- hope that is in you” (1Pe 3:15).
ing – “I continue unto this day.” His com- Must I go, and empty-handed?
mitment to the work of evangelism was Must I meet my Savior so?
not spasmodic. His involvement in service
was not jerky, interrupted by lapses and Not one soul with which to greet Him:
distractions; Paul was focused. Must I empty-handed go? 2
The Objects of his Witnessing are worth ² Charles C. Luther (1847–1924)

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