Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: witness

Salt And Light

Faith

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:13-14

Are you the salt and light Jesus has called you to be? Do people see Jesus in you?

It is time that Christians make a difference in our world. We need to step out in faith and show the world we love them enough to be uncomfortable. If we don’t love them then who will?

Tragically, we are tempted with the notion that we may offend someone by sharing our faith in Jesus. But more importantly we should be aware that it offends Jesus when we miss an opportunity to speak outwardly about our faith.

Not everyone can just walk up to someone and boldly begin speaking and asking questions. But everyone has a unique way that they can witness.

Some may share their faith in a way of serving people. Some may write a letter or a note. Others use their testimony of how God brought them out from a life of sin and rebellion. Still others have an encouraging charm about them that attracts people to listen.

We all have the responsibility to share the message of Jesus however the Holy Spirit sees fit to do so. We must be the salt and light in the world for others to notice. Today there may be a person you come in contact with that needs eternal life. Will you share your faith with them?

Pray

Lord, I want to be a witness of your love and grace. I want people to see You in me. Give me an opportunity to share my faith with someone who is lost.

Representing Christ

Encouragement, Faith

‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20

There is so much to the idea of being an ambassador for Christ. An ambassador does not speak on his own authority; his own opinions mean nothing. He represents the King who sent him. He is more than a messenger; he is a representative.

God has entrusted to us His message of reconciliation. God is making His appeal through us. This is why it is important for us to know His desires, values and priorities.

One might say that eliminating pain, poverty, and suffering would bring people true contentment. However, addressing the external needs won’t satisfy our spiritual needs. Even without pain, poverty, and suffering, you can still feel empty deep inside.

If we don’t address the deepest need of the human soul which is to know God, we’ve just given people a version of empty consumerism. Jesus always addressed the external and the internal needs of mankind. Meeting the external needs first gives us the opportunity to address the most important spiritual needs of people’s lives.

As an ambassador of Christ we should be the representative that shows others the love of God. Simply telling others that God loves them is not enough. We must prove it.

Pray

Lord, there are people all around me that need to know Your love and grace. Help me to represent You in such a way that people cannot resist the need of knowing You personally through Jesus Christ.

Are You Witnessing To Others?

Faith, Salvation, Trust

“”You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:10‬

In the Bible, God’s children experienced miracles beyond imagination. They had prophets that preached warning and prophecy straight from God. What more did they need to be able to tell others how good God was to them? Other nations were jealous because God favored Israel so much.

There are countless passages of Scripture that prove God takes care of His chosen people. They are protected against their enemies and they are given gifts and blessings beyond comprehension.

Israel was God’s chosen people, a nation called to be His witnesses. They were told to proclaim the good news of God to pagan nations and to show them the need for salvation. They were to be a light to the Gentiles.

They were commanded to teach others about God and warn them that false gods and idols were useless and powerless. God established a promise and a blessing for His chosen people so others would notice how God was protecting and providing for them.

As Christians we are called to be witnesses for God. We need to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. We need to openly speak about how good God is.

We are to shine the light of Jesus into our dark, sinful world. Unbelievers need to witness what we truly have in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Is your life a witness to others? It’s not so much in what you say but in what you do. Your faith in God is proven through the choices you make everyday.

You may be faced with difficult choices today and your faith may be the deciding factor. Your faith in God will declare to others how and what you believe to be true about God. Others are watching you to see if what you believe is true.

Show the wonders of God by witnessing to others the wonderful love and grace of our amazing Father.

Pray

Lord, I need you today. Show me Your glory. Help me to be a living testimony to others. I want others to see You in me.