Witnessing
But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
Romans 19:14-17
Homily
The Chartered Market Technician Newsletter in 2010 did a survey and found the number one fear of Americans is public speaking. This surpassed what we would think people would normally rank first, such as the fear of getting cancer or being in an automobile accident. This only underscores how difficult it is for us to muster the courage to share the message of Jesus Christ. This presentation would be either in front of an audience or in a quiet place where we are speaking one-to-one with a friend.
I am sure that this is not a recent discovery, but a fear that has plagued men and women for eons. This is underscored by how many times the scriptures record that when we are to share our testimony, we should not be afraid for the Holy Spirit will speak through us. This point is accentuated by Paul when he wrote these words to the parishioners at the church in Corinth, “For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore, you do not lack any spiritual gift…”
Public speaking is a difficult calling. I was so nervous before I delivered my first sermon, that I got a hemorrhoid from multiple trips to the bathroom.
It is as difficult today to witness for Jesus as it was in the days of Paul. Though, for Christians of every generation and every century one fact remains constant: we are prepared to speak because we are blest by the Holy Spirit. If we have the courage to allow faith to guide us the Holy Spirit will speak through us.
The Christian church has sustained itself from the moment of Mary’s testimony to the disillusioned disciples in the Upper Room, to pulpits in Florence this day. Individuals have come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah from the testimony of Barnabas to the two dozen evangelists attending my Tuesday morning Bible study.
And having dutifully attended this group, I have had an epiphany – a new understanding – of two types of evangelical witness. It is a witness from, and a witness to.
As I wrote last week of my style of witnessing, I would label myself as one who witnesses to. I do not dwell on sin, but on the need to have an authentic God in one’s life. A significant reason that I have chosen this approach is my inability to deal with confrontation and conflict.
Equally important and necessary is a witness from. This witness focuses on sin and judgment. It is a necessary because most people, even if they deny it, are fearful of hell. To be saved in the name of Jesus will liberate an individual from this soul wrenching fear. Most people, even if they are unwilling to admit it, are troubled by sin. To know that Jesus has forgiven an individual’s sin will remove this burden of guilt and remorse that sin places upon an individual’s soul. Most importantly, a person needs the assurance of his or her salvation.
“But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard?”