JESUS, THE FOCUS OF PREACHING AND WITNESSING
Read Acts 10:1-48
Acts 10:39-43, "...we are witnesses of all things which he (Jesus) did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."
Jesus is the exalted Son of God who died and rose again as the One who can redeem us from our sins. There is nothing more important to a person than to know his sins have been forgiven by God. God powerfully showed the events of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection to those who "...did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead" (vs. 41). He then commanded them (He didn't suggest) "...to preach unto the people and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead" (vs. 42). The message of the Gospel is a testimony of all that Jesus is. He is the judge who presides and governs over the lives of those who are alive and those who are dead. The eternal destiny of all humans will be decided by how they respond to Jesus, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."
May we make Jesus the focus of our witnessing and our preaching. If He is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself.
Thank God for His love which is realized through His Son's death on the cross. Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Explain why you are completely convinced that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
2. What is involved in the fact that Jesus Christ is the Judge of those living and those who have died?
3. Jesus Christ commanded believers to give testimony of His exalted position. How does this truth tie into the fact that Jesus is the Savior of mankind?
4. Are you obedient to the command to witness? Why or why not? What’s next for you?