Leading The Way - Week of April 9

Sharing the Excitement

When the Samaritan woman accepted Jesus as the long awaited Messiah, she was instantly transformed into a new being. When something new and exciting happens in your life, what do you do? Share it with your friends and neighbors. The woman at the well was so thrilled she left her water jug behind in her eagerness to tell everyone what Christ had done for her!

She went back to the streets where she had previously walked in shame with her eyes downcast as people whispered unkindly about her. She had given her sin and guilt to Jesus and now could boldly engage each and every person she met in earnest conversation about her amazing experience. In short, she became a witness. John 4:27-42 tells the story.

Many Christians talk about witnessing but most don’t have a truly accurate view of what being a witness means. To better understand the term, just look at what a witness in a court trial does. His duty is simple: to tell the truth about what he experienced. He is not responsible for fully understanding the law or the process; he is only obligated to tell what he saw and heard. Telling others what we experienced when we met Jesus is our duty as witnesses for Christ, and it should be our joy to do so.  How can we keep the gift of salvation quiet and not share it with others?

The Samaritan woman was not a Bible scholar and did not fully understand all that had just happened to her, yet she could not contain her excitement. Her simple testimony was to tell everyone she met, “Come and see.” That sums up our role as witnesses: we are to invite others to come and see what Jesus has to offer them. We are messengers, bearers of the most valuable invitation people will ever receive.

Christians are often relieved to learn they are not responsible for saving souls; that role is divine and not ours. Just as a witness is not responsible for the verdict, we are not held accountable for whether the people we invite to know Jesus ever accept that invitation. A witness only tells his experience and then leaves the outcome up to the judge or jury.  In the same way, we share the Good News and then the Holy Spirit takes over.

What was most effective about the Samaritan woman was the joy that overflowed from her changed heart. She went from being a woman who drew water in the heat of the day to avoid contact with the townspeople to actively engaging everyone she knew to tell of her wonderful experience. Her simple testimony, unschooled and incomprehensive, was highly effective. Verse 39 says, “…Many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified…”

Do you want God to use you more this year to witness to the wonder of His love, mercy and grace?  We must first start with confession of any sin in our own hearts and repentance. Even worldwide revival must start with facing our own sin.

Pray that God will reveal to you any secret sin you may have rationalized or not yet dealt with.  Ask for a pure heart so you can go forward with His work. Then go out into the workplace, the gym, the classroom or wherever God has placed you and share the story that only you can tell—the story of how you came to know Jesus and all that He has done for you. Someone you know needs to hear it.

****

The Barbarians Are Here – Order Your Copy Today

In the fight against Islamic terrorism, the Gospel is our greatest weapon. In his top-selling new book The Barbarians Are Here, Dr. Michael Youssef exposes the mission of Islamic extremists, offering practical steps we can take to begin a New Reformation that will restore the hope of Western civilization. There is hope for spiritual awakening—but the clock is ticking.The Barbarians Are Here will open your eyes to the greatest threat the world is facing—and the only solution to defeating it. Order your copy today—or save on 3 copies.

We are Leading The Way for people living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. Visit us today at http://www.ltw.org/

Listen to Michael Youssef on Today's Broadcast of "Leading The Way" at OnePlace.com