Scripture: Acts 1:8

C.I.: A Witness for God

Today we begin a new series. – Let me begin by asking you a couple of questions…

I. The Blessings of Being a Witness

A. God has Always Left a Witness for Himself

1. There has never been a time that people have been without evidence for the existence/presence of God
a. This is certainly true in the natural realm - (Rom. 1:20), “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that people are without an excuse.”
1) (Psa. 19:1), “The heavens are declaring the glory of God; - and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”
2) (Psa. 139:13-14), “You did weave me in my mother’s womb. - I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

b. In the “religious sense” also – God has left a witness of His presence
1) (Gen. 3:8), “…they heard the sound of God walking in the Garden in the cool of the day.”
2) From Exodus forward - the presence of God was seen - in the ark of the ark covenant.
3) (Ex. 25:21-22), “And they shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark…, there I will meet with you…, - I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Isr.”
4) In the Gospels, we read of the very real presence of God – (Matt. 1:23), “Behold, a virgin….”

2. Let me ask an even more basic question – “Why did God create mankind?”
a. It certainly isn’t because God needs us for any physical thing – (Acts 17:24-25), “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; neither is He served by hands as though He needed anything.”

b. Nor was it because His ego required our worship & service – (Isa. 55:8-9), “My ways….”

c. God created us – so that He could bestow His love & blessings on someone other than Himself.
1) So God didn’t create us – because of what we could do for Him … God created us because of what He could do for us!
2) (I Jn. 4:8), “God is LOVE.”
3) Even when we turn from Him in sin – God still loves – (Rom. 5:8; I Jn. 4:10).
4) But what about today – what witness has God left for Himself – TODAY?!

B. God’s Witness for Today

1. We still have the “general revelation” of God (i.e., the heavens still declare the glory of God, etc.). Mankind can know that God exists (and is powerful, orderly and beautiful). But what witness has God left for His “specific revelation”?

2. Today, the witness of God on earth – is seen through His people.
a. Today, God’s people are called His “church” - (Matt. 16:18), “…I will build My church….”
1) The church is not the building – (I Pt. 2:5; I Cor. 3:16), “You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God thru Jesus Christ.” – “Do you not know that you are the temple of God?”

b. The church is more than just a building – its the literal manifestation of the “body” of Christ!
1) (Eph. 1:22-23), “He put all things into subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
2) (Col. 1:18), “He [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church.”

c. Thus, since we are now the visible manifestation of the invisible Lord Jesus – God has called us to be His witness before the world – (Acts 1:8; I Cor. 11:1), “And you shall be My witnesses….”
1) In Word – (I Pt. 4:11a; Rom. 10:13-17), “Whoever speaks…” “Whoever calls upon the….”
(i) Thus: No more lies, profanity, harsh criticism – but now truth, compassion, the gospel!!
2) In Deed – (I Pt. 4:11b – Thus, in ALL areas, Col. 3:17), “Whoever serves…” “Whatever…”
3) ILLUST.: Sacred verses Secular – (Col. 3:23; Matt. 6:33)

3. So in the physical realm God demonstrates His love for all mankind in physical ways
a. (Matt. 5:45), “…God causes His sun to rise on the e. & g., and sends His rain on the R.….”

4. But in the spiritual realm - God bestows His spiritual blessings only for those who are in Christ
a. (Eph. 1:3), “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, who has….”
b. 5 Blessings which are only found for those who are “in Christ”:
1) Chosen - (Eph. 1:4), “…He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy & blameless before Him.”
2) Redemption/Forgiveness – (Eph. 1:7), “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.”
3) Inheritance (heaven) – (Eph. 1:11), “In Him we have obtained an inheritance.”
4) Holy Spirit – (Eph. 1:13-14), “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. ”
c. Since these are found only “in Christ” – then their opposites are for those outside of Christ:
1) Rejected – Unforgiven – Hell – Satan! – So we need to get “into Him” (verses)!

CONCLUSIONS:

1. God has always left a visible witness of Himself before the world – today, the church is that witness.

2. God people (church) have therefore been called to live as Jesus lived.

3. God blesses those who are His people with every spiritual blessing – but there are none outside of
Him… Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27.