Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Being A Witness For Christ

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Chapters: Acts 1-3
Message Title: Being A Witness For Christ

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament, forty-fourth book of the Bible, and contains twenty-eight chapters. The author of the book is Luke and it was written to all believers, addressed specifically to Theophilus, which means, lover of God. The timeline for these events took place approximately between 34AD and 65AD. The purpose of the book was to explain what Jesus continued to do after His ascension into heaven in the form of the Holy Spirit. What we are to learn from the book is that true evidence of the Holy Spirit is directed by the power of God, in all believers, it is He who gives them the power to become witnesses for Christ. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” - Acts 1:8.

The Book of Acts is basically summed up in one subject, soul winning or preaching the Gospel of Christ to the lost. When Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep, He instructed him to teach the Gospel to others so generation after generation can continue the work. As Jesus speaks with His disciples one last time before ascending up to heaven, He reminds them He will always be with them through the Holy Spirit, and that they are to be witnesses to the lost until He returns. They asked Him when He will return and restore Israel and He gave this response.

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:7-11.

why stand ye gazing up into heaven?” Many of us wait for the day Jesus returns, and there are so many signs of His soon return, but we can't just stand there waiting, we have work to do. There is a saying, “Live as though today will be your last day, but always plan for tomorrow.” We who are saved and living our lives with the power of the Holy Spirit in us are witnesses of the amazing life that only Jesus can give, and believe it or not, we have the power to save a soul. No, we cannot literally touch and save someone, only Jesus saves, but the way we live with Christ in us can lead some lost people to Him. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” - James 5:19,20.

Jews from all over the world and every language gathered to hear Peter and the other Apostles preach during the day of Pentecost, it was amazing, just as Jesus promised they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Their first miracle was speaking in tongues, now, this was not some mumbo jumbo that you hear people saying that claim they speak in tongues, they were speaking the Gospel in their own native language, but the people heard every work in their own.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” - Acts 2:37-41,46,47.

Repent, and be baptized every one of you” Many people take this verse out of context, they are led to believe that in order to be saved they need to receive Christ and be baptized. He wasn't referring to water baptism here, but being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Remember, John baptized with water, Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. To repent means to turn away from thinking that our own works can save us, and turn to Christ. Water baptism is a public profession that we have repented and are only trusting in Christ. And while baptism has nothing to do with our salvation, to fully understand the power of the Holy Spirit in us it is important that we also get baptized with water. Water baptism illustrates what Jesus did when He got baptized, He certainly didn't need remission for His sins we He got baptized, but when He came up out of the water He received the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Him (remember the Spirit came upon Him like a dove coming from heaven).

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” - Romans 6:3-5.

Three thousand people were saved and got baptized that day, the Apostles continued preaching the Gospel to everyone and everywhere they met. As Peter and John were going into the temple, they were led by the Holy Spirit to speak to a blind beggar sitting at the gate. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:” - Acts 3:4-9.

Silver and gold have I none” So many people think they are doing homeless beggars a favor when they give them money, while we are certainly not to ignore the poor, what they really need is Jesus. Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit, He will enable all who allow Him to work in their lives the power to do anything, even come out of poverty. While the Holy Spirit does give us the power to do and get through anything, He will only do it if it will glorify God. We are not miracle workers, but we can be the miracle someone needs. God does give us the power to heal people in many ways through His power, but only He can save a life that truly wants to be saved. “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:4,15,24.

Today's Prayer: God, No other power in the world can compare to Your Power, only You can give me the power to overcome my afflictions, trials, and difficulties and in the midst of them, be a testimony to others. I try and try to handle things on my own, but it never works, You are my hope, my peace, my comfort, and my sanity. Lord, I need Your power, give me Your power and work in me so much that others see You through me and receive You too. Thank You for loving me and not giving up on me and for always being there when I need You, even when I try to do things on my own. I love You, Lord and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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