Be careful of Your Witness.

Intro-

In our day and age, many are making professions to all kinds of ‘religious‘ realms and duties. But nothing does more damage to the name of Jesus Christ and Christianity than those who are professing to be something they are not. For this reason, let us take a moment to examine our witness and our reality of Christ’s work in our lives.

Onward-

If you read through the four accounts of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), you will find a couple of interesting realities of Christ’s message. One is that Jesus warns more about the coming judgment, wrath of God and eternal punishment in hell more than any other person, prophet or even the Apostle Paul. The second interesting fact is that Jesus’ main audience for the prior message was given mainly to two people groups: 1. Those who were religious, right in their own eyes and contained the oracles of God – the Pharisees and Sadducees. 2. And this maybe even more often, those who made a profession to His (Jesus Christ’s) name. For instance, just a couple of examples, Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23 (specifically here but throughout this chapter as well). Or take for instance John 8:30-31 for a moment, “…many believed in him. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him…” Then skip to verse 48 where these same Jews say that He has a demon. Why did they now say this? Well, read verses 32-47 and see how Jesus spoke right to their heart, essentially right where they really thought of Him. Earlier in John 2:23 many believed in His name, but it says in verse 24 that “Jesus did not entrust Himself to them.” Why? Because of verse 25, Jesus knew the true condition of their heart and unreconciled depravity unto the Father. He knew that their testimony to Him was of no true lasting value and reality of eternal life.

One things is for sure, Jesus spoke harshly against those who made a profession to faith and professed to be knowledgable in the things of God and esteemed themselves on high, yet were not. Those who were the nobodies, the insignificant, the down-trodden, those who where were still yet sinners, yet not esteemed by mankind, to those He still spoke the truth, yet having compassion on them as well.

Jeremy, where are you going with this?-

Well, for a moment, let us remember what Paul said to the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 5:12 (context vs. 1-13), “Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?” The context here is specifically in regards to sexual sin, but very easily this can relate to the willful and ongoing practice of all sin by a professing believer. Also, this judgment is not unto condemnation to eternal punishment, but rather to be that of love so that such a person will come to true repentance in faith unto eternal life. It is to practice true church discipline and love amongst the individual members of the church. Notice though what Paul says specifically in verse 12 though, “What have I to do with judging outsiders?” Notice here a very important lesson for us; we are not to judge those outside the church, but inside (again, not in condemnation but love leading to sanctification).

Our Warning-

Herein lies our concern. We must take into account Jesus’ earthly ministry and message and that of what Paul says. These are not in contradiction but compliment each other perfectly. Often I see many people “witnessing” a gospel on the street, to abortion mills, in malls, door-to-door, at the work place, coffee shops, etc; but what I often see is not the witnessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but a “witnessing” of condemnation, wrath, and judgment. Now, while it is true that there will be judgment, wrath, condemnation to everyone who rejects Christ, where is the love, compassion, weaping for lost souls? Where is the relentless hours spent in prayer asking God for the power of the Holy Spirit to convict sinners of their absolute need for Christ? Where is the Gospel, that being the actual message of Christ’s love for their soul, being displayed?

When did we think that holding a sign, pointing out a specific sin and calling the unsaved, unregenerate people who are not of the church, accountable for their sin, (when apart from the true and saving power of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, no one can repent) is evangelism?

Why is it when we approach the majority of professing Christians, especially in North America, about living a lifestyle of holiness, piety and under the conviction of their own sin, people raise their fists shouting, “legalist,” “judgmental,” “bigots,” and “haters“? And this comes from professing believers to other believers. Don’t you know, judgment begins with the house of God; “For it’s time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”(1 Peter 4:17). You see, we must examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and not just concerning our salvation, but we must examine our motives.

Why is it that we want to “evangelize”? Is it to really see people come to the Light, salvation, joy and peace of Jesus Christ? Or do we just want to boast a position, an argument, or an oppinion that we are selves cannot live up to? We ourselves may not even have such as a reality, and let me tell you, many do not.

I will say this, many “un-churched,” unsaved people have it right, in their eyes, many professing “christians” are haters. Why? Because their message is not in humiliy, love, in demonstration of the Holy Spirit, no, rather it is of anger and hatred. No tears streaming down their cheeks, no morning over lost souls, no countless hours in prayer being “mulled” over by God in conviction of their own sin, just judgment and wrath. In essence, they carry a sword they were never given permission nor the power to use. Therefore, the message of the Cross of Christ and God’s holy name is blasphemied by millions of countless professors of the Christian faith. These professors hate people, live selfishly and wontonly, reject conviction, piety and holiness and use grace to their personnal gain. Because of this, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is distorted and the general population is left ignorant of the true Gospel.

Believer, we must take heed with the message we carry, the life we live and the name of Christ we sling. Remember, “Stive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14), and again, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27) These verses are for us – professing Christians.

What has been, and may still be, the evangelism and witness of your Christian life? What does the style of your life look like to those around you? “A tree is known by it’s fruit.” – Jesus Christ.

“My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.” -Hosea 4:6

If you have not yet received your FREE pdf copy of, Realities of a True Christian, get it today at: www.Time2Stand.com

I also highly recomend the new book from Paul Washer entitled, The Gospel’s Power and Message.

Peace and blessings,

Jeremy Strang

Christian. Husband. Father.