First Baptist Church
Fairbanks, Alaska
805 Sixth Avenue
(907) 456-4923
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Fairbanks, Alaska 805 Sixth Avenue (907) 456-4923 |
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“I Saw It!” A Sermon on Witnessing John 20:24-31 Mark Howdeshell (30 September 2007) John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Introduction What does it take to be a witness? In fact, what does “witness” mean anyway? The bottom line is that we are all witnesses every minute of every day. There are
actually 3 definitions of “witness.” 2. To give testimony to; to testify to; to attest. 3. (Law) To see the execution of, as an instrument, and subscribe it for the purpose of establishing its authenticity; as, to witness a bond or a deed. These definitions and the execution of them are why we will spend eternity with Christ in Heaven. Without witnesses………Jesus would have died in vain. Review of Last Message Proud Humility--- Stay humble as Christ was humble…but take pride in HIM!! Heart of the Matter In almost every city in the nation, you can turn on the TV and if it’s 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm, on some channel you’ll find the “EYEWITNESS NEWS.” On any given day during the week, go into the courthouse and you’ll find the “EXPERT EYEWITNESS” that will give a testimony about what he/she saw. In fact, our whole justice system revolves around witnesses and better yet, eyewitness testimony. LORENE RUNS DOWN THE AISLE OF THE CHURCH IN A CRAZY OUTFIT Take a pencil and write down the following answers on your bulletin.
Evaluate answers……………………………… Eyewitness testimony is very subjective. There are a number of factors that influence what we “see” and “recall.” There have been numerous accounts of the wrong people being convicted even though other people swore an oath that they were the guilty party. Police have their eyewitnesses write or video their accounts of the event while it is still fresh in their minds. They want to preserve the “facts” for use later on in the trials. When something happens unexpectantly, quickly, then is gone, the accounts of what happened will vary greatly. If Lorene would have walked very slowly up the aisle, singing very purposefully, and if I would have told you the questions before hand, then we should all have answered correctly. We all like to “see” things for ourselves, rather than take the word of someone else. You’ll find this morning that this has been true for many, many years. The Word of God John 20:24-31 24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. The Meat of the Message Today we want to look at how all three definitions of “witness” have played a vital role in your walk with Christ.
i. You witnessed Lorene running in the church a few minutes ago. 1. You don’t have to tell anybody about it. 2. You didn’t have to do anything to become a witness. 3. You have a direct cognizance of the specific event. ii. You witnessed me singing this morning. 1. You don’t have to tell anybody about it!!!! 2. You didn’t have to do anything to become that witness. 3. You have a personal knowledge of what transpired.
1. They weren’t expecting it. 2. They did not have to do anything to become a witness. 3. They were eyewitnesses and believed!!!
1. Unless I see it for myself, I won’t believe it. 2. Too good to be true.
i. Paul’s mission, spoken to him by Ananias, but pronounced by God, was to go ALL men and testify or witness about God. ii. Paul’s willingness to go to the Gentiles, even as a Roman citizen, brought salvation to us even today. His willingness to become an active witness has made the difference in many lives. iii. We have been given that same mission by Jesus Himself in Matthew 28:19. iv. Matt 28:18-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
i. The authors of the Bible wrote down the record so that we may be saved. ii. The witnesses that saw Jesus crucified, buried, and risen wrote down the record, attested to it by their name, and passed it along to generations so that by believing you may have life in His name.
i. Knowing Him will cause us to WANT to tell others, if we’ve let Him become Lord of our lives. ii. The closer our relationship to Him, the easier it is to tell others.
i. If I asked you to testify about what is happening this morning at the LDS church, you wouldn’t be able to tell me. ii. If I asked you what happened this morning at FBC, and you weren’t paying attention to the message, you wouldn’t be able to tell me. iii. If I asked you to tell me about what I’m talking about, and you were paying close attention, or even taking notes, you’d be able to tell me exactly what happened. iv. IT IS NO DIFFERENT THAN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST!
The Bottom Line Share your faith. Share your hope. Be prepared in season and out of season to express the reason for your hope and the security that you have in Christ Jesus. There is no greater feeling of reward or accomplishment than when a seed that you’ve planted brings forth fruit. You’ll rejoice, but so will Jesus!!!! Choirs of angels will join in a Heavenly chorus and Jesus will write a new name down in the Book of Life……all because you overcame your fear and talked to someone. Be a witness for something that counts! Remember…….someone overcame their fear of rejection to witness to you!! INVITATION: Our invitation last week highlighted the overcoming of our pride to come to the altar and pray. It was a glorious thing to see the altar full and the presence of the Lord was evident. This morning I’m opening up the altar again to give you an opportunity to pray. If you need confidence to go and spread the Good News, come and pray about it. If you are hurting, come and pray about it. If you are confused, come and give it to God. Whatever the need, He’ll meet you here. If you don’t feel led to come to the altar to pray, I ask that you pray right where you are. I’m going to ask Sylvia to softly play but there will be no singing. Let’s make this a special time of invitation and prayer. |
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