Sermons

OUR WITNESS

The witness of Christ followers has important reoccurring characteristics.

(Acts 5:33-42) When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re going to do to these men. Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered. And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him. After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name. Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Messiah is Jesus.

1. Our Witness Provokes

(Acts 5:33) When they heard this they were enraged and wanted to kill them.

(John 3:19-20) “This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed.”

A. Sinful culture gets angry when we point to the necessity of Jesus.

B. Pointing to the necessity of Jesus condemns those outside of Jesus.

(Acts 6:7) A large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

C. Many of those outside of Christ find their way to faith in Jesus.

2. Our Witness Prevails

A. Have the struggles of life silenced us?

B. Or has our witness prevailed?

3. Our Witness Persists

A. Persistence speaks of determination.

(Acts 5:41-42) Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name. Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Messiah is Jesus.

B. They kept on keeping on talking about Jesus.