Can I Get a Witness?
Pastor Ryan Hurd
Part of Witness—Come and see. Go and tell.
March 10, 2024

Our Co-Mission

Have you ever considered what the mission of the Church is?

We’re not trying to evangelize the world on our own; we’re merely trying to partner with God in what He’s already doing in our midst to rescue the world He loves.

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:18–20 CSB

Our responsibility is to be available to go where God needs us to go and to influence those He brings into our path.

The Great Commission is really quite simple: Walk with people as you walk with Jesus.

Then he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. —Mark 16:15–16 CSB

and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. —Luke 24:47–48 CSB

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” —John 20:21 CSB

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —Acts 1:8 CSB

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” —2 Corinthians 5:20 CSB

We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. —1 Thessalonians 2:8 CSB

All of the Call

Every Christian, in every vocation, at all times — is a participant in expanding God’s Kingdom.

If you don’t have a burden for the lost, you can’t have a vision for your church.
God’s vision is to reach out to those who don’t know Him and tell them about Him.

Here’s what I love about Jesus though… He knew we might be afraid. That we might get intimated. So He left us with a promise:

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:20b CSB

There is no way God is going to abandon you if you open your mouth to witness for Him.

He is infinitely more committed to the process than you or I will ever be.

Wherever God places you, your purpose is clear: to help at least one person take at least one step toward God and others.

Make Disciples

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. —Matthew 28:19–20a CSB

What is a disciple?

While shelves of books have been written on the topic and the best methods for discipleship — a disciple is simply a learner, a student.

A disciple is someone who would observe and imitate the practices a mentor would model.

That’s the core of the commission, and it’s the obligation of every Christ follower.

Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. —1 Corinthians 11:1 CSB

Though all of us are at different levels of maturity and at different parts of the path on our faith journey — all of us have someone who looks up to us.

We can each leverage those relationships to help someone discover more in Christ and walk a bit closer to Jesus.

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. —Acts 16:25 NLT

And as I was reading this, I felt the Lord telling me this: There are many “prisoners” — people who don’t know Jesus — who are listening/watching the way you live YOUR life.

If we want to be a WITNESS for Jesus, we can’t just proclaim Jesus, but our lives should be an EXAMPLE of Jesus.

Set An Example

Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. —1 Timothy 4:12 CSB

1) Speech

  • Luke 6:45 CSB
  • Colossians 4:6 CSB
  • Ephesians 4:15 CSB

We’re quick to speak “the truth”. It’s not often we strive to do it “in love”.
The right thing, said the wrong way, is the wrong thing.

2) Conduct

  • Ephesians 5:15–17 CSB
  • Matthew 5:16 CSB

3) Love

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a CSB
  • John 13:34–35 CSB

4) Faith

  • Hebrews 11:6 CSB

Dynamic Faith: Faith that inspires others to faith in Christ.

5) Purity

  • 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 CSB
  • Psalm 24:3–4a CSB