Devo Week 49

Witnesses for Christ -- The Simplicity of the Gospel

Life is better viewed as a war, not a game. In this spiritual war it is possible to win a battle and yet lose your testimony. Our calling is first to 'be a witness' for Christ. It is our testimony that matters most. (Rev. 12:11) The winning or losing is left in God's hands, as the battle is the Lord's. (I Sam. 17:47)

Key Concept: Testimony Triumphs

Before the foundation of the world a spiritual battle raged. Adam and Eve's fall in Eden continues to effect humanity and will until the end of this age. However, Jesus as the Second Adam entered into this spiritual war, laying aside His godly rights and privileges as the Son of Man, and overcame the world, the flesh and the devil. From the Cross, He proclaimed, "It is finished!" The Resurrected Christ had defeated satan, completing the work as Messiah for all nations! (Phil. 2:5-11)

Our victory is in being witnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Christ, even if it costs our life. As followers, we can expect to share in Christ's sufferings. We testify to His life as believers (II Cor. 13:5), to His death on behalf of all humanity as our Savior and as a substitute for our sins (II Cor. 5:21), and to His resurrection not only as a historical fact but as the very life who lives in us. (I John 5:11-13)

As each nation has witnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Christ, the testimony of Jesus will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea. (Hab. 2:14) And each witness will reflect Christ uniquely as he or she testifies. (Rev. 21:26) This is the simple Gospel that will release the glory of God among all nations.

Key Word Definition: witness (or the Greek word 'martyr')

-- (noun) "one who bears testimony to faith," especially "one who willingly suffers death rather than surrender his or her religious faith," specifically "one of the Christians who in former times were put to death because they would not renounce their beliefs.

(source: https://www.etymonline.com/word/martyr)

-- (verb) The word μαρτυρέω (mar-tee-REH-oh) in Greek does not itself denote death for a cause but rather means to bear witness, to give evidence, to testify.

(source: https://www.ocf.net/modern-martyrs-witnesses-of-the-word/)

Excerpt from Devotional 49 with highlighted word:

"Indeed, we had not come to witness to a ‘foreign Jesus’ or foreign ideas or metaphors about Him."

Scripture: Acts 1:8

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”