Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/79

Contributor - Frank J. Guinta Sr.

Title - The Witnessing Life

Topic - Meditation

"Witnessing both to small and great. . . (Acts 26; 22 KJV)

This portion of God's Word gives us the word "WITNESSING" which is the key-word in Acts. It has therefore a very special application to every Christian, for every child of God is to be an effective witness. Acts 1: 8 tells us this, read it from the "LIVING BIBLE". Yes, we Christians have power in Jesus Christ to testify with GREAT EFFECT. Let us look at Paul as he presents to us GOD'S PEOPLE - Acts 26: 22 - 23 (LB).

1. An effective WITNESS is one who speaks.

Notice the word 'tell' in verse 22, and compare Psalm 107: 2. The most effective and important testimony we can bear before the world is the testimony of a constant Christ-like life, but the testimony of the life must be expressed also with our lips. After all, we are very good talkers when it comes to speaking about our problems or our joys, and should we not speak about our dearest FRIEND, our loving SAVIOUR, the Lord Jesus? The High Priest in the Old Testament had pomegranates and bells hung alternately on the hem of his robe, a seed and a bell; that which was seen and that which was heard - life first, testimony afterward - look up Exodus 28: 33, 34. Are you a true witness, one who speaks for the Lord? Or, do you say "I cannot. . ."? - Look up Jeremiah 1: 6 - 9.

2.An effective witness is one who speaks to all and various people.

In verse 22 the Apostle tells us that he was constantly "telling these facts (witnessing) to everyone, both great and small". Wherever this man went he was on the job, telling others about his Lord, and it did not matter whether his audience consisted of one or many, of rich or poor, young or old, educated or illiterate, Jews or Gentiles, kings or beggars, soldiers or sailors. Always, and in every place, he was a true witness. See him at work in the synagogue (Church): Acts 13: 5; by the riverside (vacationing - moments of leisure): Acts 16:13; in prison (in times of trouble): Acts 16: 25 - 32); in the market place (in public): Acts 17: 17; and going from house to house (visitation): Acts 20: 20; at home (being hospitable): Acts 28:30,31. Everybody Paul met was a soul for whom Christ had died, and was therefore a potential Christian. Have we this vision? A true witness has a passion for souls, for ALL souls, ALL kinds of souls, and he (the witness) is willing to adapt himself that he might "find common ground with him (the needy soul) that he will let me -tell him about Christ and let Christ save him". I Corinthians 9:22.

3. An effective witness goes on witnessing in spite of setbacks, discouragements, and even misfortunes.

Years after his conversion, the Apostle says, in verse 22 " . . . I'm still alive today to tell these facts to everyone..." or as the (RV) renders it: "I STAND FIRM". Paul, this true witness, had the Grace of CONTINUANCE - he had stickability, and he had it in spite of tremendous trials, testings, persecutions and opposition. Look at verses 21 and 24. THANK GOD HE HAD THE GRACE OF CONTINUANCE.

4. An effective witness is completely loyal to the Word of God.

Verse 22: "... I teach nothing - EXCEPT - what the Prophets and Moses said..." Paul believed the testimony of Moses and the Prophets. He was quite sure about the absolute reliability of his Bible. He knew it was fully inspired - look up II Timothy 3: 16; and that the Holy Spirit was its Author - look up II Peter 1: 21; and he fully realized the solemn responsibility to accept it all - look up Revelation 22: 18, 19; and to proclaim it all - look up Acts 20: 27 - PRAISE GOD - from Whom all Blessings flow.

5. An effective witness has a working knowledge of the Scripture.

That Paul not only knew his Bible, but that he knew how to use it is implied in verses 22 and 23. Have we a working knowledge of the Scripture? Can we find our way about the Bible? Could we take our Bible and lead a soul to Christ? An effective witness should be able to do this.

6. An effective witness makes much of the Lord Jesus.

Read verse 23 again, and notice that it is full, NOT OF PAUL, but of the LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. We are not to witness to ourselves, to our Church, Denomination, movement, to our organization - BUT TO THE LORD HIMSELF - look up Acts 1: 8.

7. An effective witness has obtained special enabling.

Verse 22 tells us this. Here was Paul's secret, and here is ours! Nobody can be a true witness without this help. What is this "HELP OF GOD"? It is spiritual power, the enducement of the HOLY SPIRIT, the ANOINTING OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD. There is absolutely no substitute for this - look up Zechariah 4:6. When did Paul obtain this help? The answer is in Acts 9: 17, and of course, again and again! - Look up and compare Acts 2: 4 and 4: 3 1.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE.

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