The Witness of God

Testimony and Witness A personal testimony: “I was once blind, but now I see,” emphasizing God’s intervention. Illustrates being “blind without God” and God’s act of coming to humanity. 1 John 5:6-13 Focus on the witness of Jesus Christ through water and blood. “This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood.” The Spirit as a bearer of truth. “It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” The Trinity as a unified witness in heaven: Father, Word, and Holy Ghost. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” Earthly witnesses: the Spirit, the water, and the blood, agreeing in one. “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” The importance of believing in the Son of God to have eternal life. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” The Importance of Witness The concept of witnesses pointing to God throughout life. The idea that these witnesses will stand against individuals on judgment day. Warning about the coming judgment and the need to prepare. The extraordinary nature of God’s care for humanity. In a court of law, the best witness determines the outcome. All are guilty before God if not born again. Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. “Thank God through the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed that day on that cruel cross for me, he made a way that my sins could be atoned for.” Those who believe in Christ are not condemned because condemnation is removed. Scripture concludes that all are under sin. “The scripture has already concluded that all are under sin.” A better judgment awaits the people of God who are born again. A judgment awaits the wicked, ungodly, and unbelieving. No reason will stand when one gets before God. “There ain’t gonna be a reason that’ll stand when you get before God.” Losing one’s soul is the ultimate loss, regardless of worldly gain. “What would it profit you to gain everything in this world and then stand before God one day undone?” The Witness of Grace The grace of God brings salvation and has appeared to all men. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” No one can claim ignorance or lack of opportunity on judgment day. Grace intervenes to awaken conscience to the truth of standing before the Creator. Grace is a witness to turn people from sin to God and salvation. The grace of God will stand as a witness, either for or against individuals. The choice is between receiving Christ and missing salvation. If humans were good, Jesus wouldn’t have had to suffer on the cross. The Witness of God’s Handiwork Romans 1:20: God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen through creation, leaving no excuse. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” Even the handiwork of God declares His existence. Worshipping creation instead of the Creator will be a witness against individuals. Creation points to God as the creator. The beauty of the world should lead to giving God the glory. Falling down and worshipping the Creator is essential. Creation is a witness, and there are countless unexplainable things that point to God. God’s creation is a marvel that inspires awe and excitement. The destruction of the earth is coming. “He said he’s going to melt it with a fire of heat. Every bit of it is going to dissolve and be gone.” The earth may serve as a witness on judgment day, reminding sinners of what they rejected. The Witness of God’s Goodness Romans 2:4: God’s goodness leads to repentance. “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” God’s goodness is a witness to the soul. God loves everyone, including sinners. God’s goodness is evident in everyday life, such as breathing and being able to attend church. The goodness of God will stand against those who shut their eyes to it. Witnesses are everywhere, even as people walk toward hell. The Great Cloud of Witnesses Hebrews 12:1: A great cloud of witnesses surrounds us. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Besides God’s handiwork, goodness, and grace, there are people who testify to knowing Jesus Christ. These witnesses encourage others to understand and follow Christ. Past and present witnesses testify to a better way and God’s deliverance. The actions and testimonies of believers serve as a witness to others. Those who reject these witnesses will remember every opportunity they had to turn to Christ. God’s goodness, grace, creation, and mercy bring the light of Christ into people’s lives. The church is a witness, and its members care for and pray for others. Church bells and lights serve as a witness to the community. The witnesses of God show His goodness, mercies, and love. Even children can be witnesses. God can use unexpected means, like bells, to bring people to Jesus. Witnesses are a reminder of God’s nearness and desire to save. Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa Paul’s testimony to King Agrippa and Festus. Festus accused Paul of madness due to much learning. Paul asserted his sanity and the king’s awareness of the events. The events were not done in a corner, indicating they were a public witness. Every opportunity and encounter serves as a witness. The Witness of the Holy Ghost and the Gospel The Holy Ghost is a witness and the Spirit of truth. The Holy Ghost knows everything about individuals. The gospel will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The Word of God is a witness, a light shining in a dark place. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation for those who believe. Preaching saves those who believe. The Witness of the Trinity 1 John 5:6: Jesus Christ came by water and blood. “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood.” John 19:34: John’s eyewitness account of blood and water flowing from Jesus’ side. “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” John’s testimony is true and meant for belief. The Spirit, water, and blood bear witness on earth. These three agree that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, sent for sin. Christ alone is the way to God. There is ample evidence for belief. No one will have an excuse on judgment day due to the overwhelming evidence of God. Christ is the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. Christ saw those who would believe from the place of suffering. All is a witness. Believe and accept Christ to avoid these witnesses being against you.