A witness testifies to what he has seen for himself. A witness testifies to what he has experienced. A witness is someone who has had a personal interaction with a person or event and is able to explain to others what happened. In court, a witness can only speak about his personal experiences. Everything else is hearsay. We are called to be witnesses to Jesus Christ.
“Then he (Jesus) opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” ” (Luke 24:45–49, NIV84) Again Jesus told His disciples, “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.” ” (Acts 1:8, NIV84)
There is a command from God to testify to the reality of Jesus. That testimony though must become transformed into life by the power of the Holy Spirit. The witness and the testimony needed to wait until power was received. The power is dunamis. It is the power for miracles (Mark 5:30). It is the power of armies and angelic hosts (Mark 13:25, Mark 14:62). It is the power for the inward transformation of the soul. It is the power to heal (Luke 5:17). It is the power over demons (Luke 9:1).
Stephan walked in this power and was a witness. “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. ” (Acts 6:8, NIV84) Paul walked in this power. “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, ” (Acts 19:11, NIV84) We are called to walk in the same power of God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ” (Romans 15:13, NIV84)
The message of the cross, the message of Jesus, is the power of God. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ” (1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV84) As we allow God’s Word to transform our lives, we demonstrate to a lost and dying world the power and the grace of God.
We are to witness and to testify to the world that God loves them. We must do so with power. “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, ” (1 Corinthians 2:4, NIV84) It is the power of God that transforms lives. “because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5, NIV84)
Words without power do not carry life. They are merely untested ideas. Words without power try to persuade others based of the charisma and the eloquence of the speaker.
Words with power heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead and cleanse the leper. Words with power bring transformation to cities and regions. Words with power demonstrate the tangible reality of the kingdom of God here on the earth. Words with power can be embraced or rejected, but they can never be ignored.
I want to preach about the reality of God that I have personally experienced. I do not want to talk about the ideas of God. I want to share the reality of God’s presence. I want my words to speak of the power of God that I have experienced. What I have experienced and what I have received I become empowered to give away.
I have received Jesus Christ as my savior. I testify to the power of forgiveness.
I know Jesus is my Lord. I testify to the power of serving God.
I have been healed by Jesus. I testify that Jesus still heals today.
I have had my broken heart restored to Joy. I testify that Jesus still restores.
I have been delivered from fear. I testify that Jesus casts out demons.
I have been financially restored. I testify that Jesus is my provider.
If your words and testimony lack power and authority, then seek God for power. Wait and tarry in the presence of God until He fills you, empowers you and sends you. As God transforms you, you will become an agent of transformation in your city.
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