Acts 22:14-15

Acts 22:14-15 - “Then Ananias said, “The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from His mouth. You will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.”

As you read the Bible and see some of the stories of men such as Paul you may think they were special. That they were God’s ‘chosen’ and you could never do the things that they did. It is so easy to get stuck in that mindset. And to be sure, they are special and they are God’s chosen, but so are you.
God has called you just like He called Paul. He wants to use you, just like He used Paul. Those ‘great’ men of the Bible are no different than you and me. They are not extraordinary on their own, rather it is God in them who is extraordinary. And you have God in you as well.
God has called you to be His witness to the people in your life. It doesn't mean you have to be a great preacher or evangelist. In fact, people don’t get discipled by preaching or evangelism anyway, they get discipled by relationship. It is through Loving them everyday and letting your lifestyle show the goodness of God.
Do this, then, when the opportunity presents itself: share your story. Tell people what God has done for you. A witness is only responsible to tell what they have seen or heard. That is all God requests of you. Be His witness, tell others what you have seen and heard.
So remember, you are chosen by God. Be His witness and let others come to know Him through you.

Acts 20:24

Acts 20:24 - However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Your mission, if you choose to accept it: testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. We’ve all experienced it. God’s grace is evident in each of our lives. From the moment we realize we are sinners and deserve death we see God’s grace at work for us. It is what brings forgiveness of sins and allows us to walk with God as righteous and holy.

Now that we have it, God wants us to tell others about it as well. That is the task we have been given. Really, if you think about it, God is not asking that much. All He wants is for you to tell others what He has done for you. Just tell your story and share your hope.

Paul committed his life to the point of saying, “my life is worth nothing to me” compared to sharing God’s grace in his life with others.

We need to take a look at our own lives and put things in perspective. There is so much ‘stuff’ that we fill our days with: work, TV, video games and the list goes on. Most of these things have no eternal significance. I’m not saying these are all bad, but if it is all we are doing we need to change.

People’s lives are what really matter. Sharing Jesus with people and bringing them into the kingdom of God is eternal. Most people are won over by relationships. It is said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. If you want to make an eternal difference in life start Loving people.

It is time for us to refocus our priorities. Don’t let meaningless ‘stuff’ fill all your time. Put your primary focus on God and Loving people as number two. It is fulfilling and you will not regret it.

Acts 4:19-20

Acts 4:19-20 – But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Who should we obey? Peter and John had it right. They had committed their lives to God and they were going to tell the world about all He had done in their lives. In fact, they couldn't help it. God had made such a change in their hearts and lives that all they could was talk about it.

Think about your life. If you won a million dollars you would have trouble keeping it quiet, wouldn't you? People would be able to read it on your face and your actions would reflect it. You would be spending money. That’s just the way it is; you wouldn't be able to help talking about it.

Now what about what God has done for you? He has taken you from death to life; He has set you free from the sin that once bound you, not to mention forgiving you for all of it. Your life is not the same and now you will live with Him for eternity. It is so amazing, yet we keep quiet. Why is that?

The reason we keep quiet is because we don’t truly understand all that God has done for us. It’s not real to us. Pray that God opens your eyes to all that He has done for you. Then you will be like Peter and John, you won’t be able to stay quiet. You will not be able to help speaking about all that you have seen and heard.

Acts 1:8

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.

You are a witness. In your life you have seen and experienced something that God has done. If you have received Christ in your life you have undergone a change. That’s what God wants you to talk about. Tell people about your experiences with God. Make it personal because that is what will touch people.
I know that it sounds scary sometimes, but that is why God has given us the Holy Spirit. He is our helper and our strength in weakness. Let Him flow through you and guide you in all you do and say. And make sure you are a witness everywhere you go.
Notice as Jesus gave these instructions to His disciples He began with Jerusalem and then worked His way out to ‘the ends of the earth.’ Jerusalem was where they were currently at. Jesus was telling them to start where they were, at home, and then broaden their circle of influence.
If you are not being a witness to those in your home and community you have no business going to other places and ministering. You must start with those closest to you. Let your life reflect what God has done in your heart.
The bible says that people are saved by the blood of the lamb and the word of your testimony. Your testimony will lead others to Jesus. Make sure you are using it.