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Prepare: Many of us find it hard to witness to our faith. Ask God to help you shine like a star today (Philippians 2:14–16).
Model witness
Peter gives us a great model for witnessing. Watch his progress. He begins by listening carefully to Cornelius’ story (vs 29–33). He shares how this fits in with what God has recently been saying to him (v 34). He goes on to build on what Cornelius already knows of God as a Gentile (vs 36–38).
Then he tells the story of Jesus, nice and simply, adding in his own bit of the tale (vs 39a,41). Peter then moves more fully into the difference Jesus has made to his own life (v 42). All in a couple of minutes!
Opening the way
Peter makes it very clear that he is a witness, one who testifies. That is our job: to witness to what has happened to us. It is the Holy Spirit who brings people to faith, not us (v 44). But our witnessing opens the way for him to start to work. The believers from Joppa were astonished at what they saw, as the Holy Spirit came upon these non-Jewish people (v 45)!
We won’t always see the effect of our witnessing. Sometimes we will see somebody coming to faith dramatically; often we may not see any sign of fruit from our efforts. But be ready to stick around with people who respond, if they invite you (v 48b).
Respond: Spend some time rehearsing a two-minute testimony of God’s work in you. Then be ready to use it!
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-12-11
Model witness
Peter gives us a great model for witnessing. Watch his progress. He begins by listening carefully to Cornelius’ story (vs 29–33). He shares how this fits in with what God has recently been saying to him (v 34). He goes on to build on what Cornelius already knows of God as a Gentile (vs 36–38).
Then he tells the story of Jesus, nice and simply, adding in his own bit of the tale (vs 39a,41). Peter then moves more fully into the difference Jesus has made to his own life (v 42). All in a couple of minutes!
Opening the way
Peter makes it very clear that he is a witness, one who testifies. That is our job: to witness to what has happened to us. It is the Holy Spirit who brings people to faith, not us (v 44). But our witnessing opens the way for him to start to work. The believers from Joppa were astonished at what they saw, as the Holy Spirit came upon these non-Jewish people (v 45)!
We won’t always see the effect of our witnessing. Sometimes we will see somebody coming to faith dramatically; often we may not see any sign of fruit from our efforts. But be ready to stick around with people who respond, if they invite you (v 48b).
Respond: Spend some time rehearsing a two-minute testimony of God’s work in you. Then be ready to use it!
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-12-11
Scripture
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WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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