"Witnesses, Not Salespeople"
Introduction: Good morning/afternoon, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we delve into a profound statement made by Jesus Himself: "You shall be my witnesses." This simple yet powerful command carries a deep meaning that sets the tone for our role as followers of Christ. We are not called to be mere salespeople, but witnesses of the transformative power of the Gospel. Let's explore how we can fulfill this calling and embody the true essence of being witnesses for Jesus.
I. Understanding Our Identity as Witnesses: In Acts 1:8, Jesus entrusted us with a vital task: to be His witnesses in our local communities and beyond. But what does it mean to be a witness? Unlike salespeople who might push products for personal gain, witnesses testify to what they have personally experienced and seen. As witnesses of Christ, we share the story of how His love, grace, and salvation have transformed our lives. Our role is to point to Jesus, not to promote a transaction.
II. Sharing the Gospel with Authenticity: The distinction between witnesses and salespeople becomes even clearer when we consider authenticity. People are not looking for a slick sales pitch; they are searching for genuine encounters with the truth. When we share our faith authentically, from the heart, we provide a window into the life-changing relationship we have with Jesus. Our words and actions should resonate with honesty, compassion, and humility.
III. The Power of Personal Testimony: Our personal testimonies are potent tools for witnessing. They demonstrate the real, tangible impact of Christ in our lives. A well-told testimony touches hearts and opens doors for meaningful conversations. We must be ready to share how Jesus transformed our brokenness into wholeness, our despair into hope, and our darkness into light.
IV. Living Lives of Love and Service: Being witnesses involves more than just words. Our actions, attitudes, and deeds also speak volumes about our faith. Jesus didn't just preach; He healed, served, and loved. As witnesses, we're called to demonstrate the love of Christ by serving others, showing compassion, and living out the Gospel in our everyday lives.
V. Embracing the Joy of Witnessing: Contrary to the pressure of selling, witnessing brings joy. Sharing the good news is an act of love, compassion, and obedience. When we witness with a heart full of love for Christ and for those we speak to, our efforts become a joyful privilege rather than a burdensome duty.
Conclusion: As we heed Jesus' call to be His witnesses, let us remember that we're not salespeople pushing a product; we are bearers of a life-transforming message. By sharing our personal experiences, embodying authenticity, and living out the Gospel through love and service, we fulfill our role as true witnesses of Jesus. May we find joy in pointing others to the One who offers hope, redemption, and eternal life. Amen.
“见证人，而非推销员”
引言： 亲爱的弟兄姐妹，早上好。今天，我们要来探讨耶稣亲自说出的深奥话语：“你们要成为我的见证人。”这简单而又强大的命令蕴含着深刻的含义，为我们作为基督的跟随者的角色定下了基调。我们被召不仅仅是成为推销员，更要成为福音变革力量的见证人。让我们一起探索如何实现这个呼召，体现真正的作为耶稣见证人的本质。
一、理解我们作为见证人的身份： 在使徒行传1:8中，耶稣托付给我们一个重要的任务：在我们的社区和更远的地方成为祂的见证人。但是作为见证人是什么意思呢？不同于为了个人利益而推销产品的销售人员，见证人是在为他们亲自经历和所见所闻作证。作为基督的见证人，我们分享的是祂的爱、恩典和救赎如何改变了我们的生活。我们的角色是指向耶稣，而不是促成一次交易。
二、真诚地分享福音： 当我们考虑到真诚性时，见证人与销售人员之间的区别更加清晰。人们并不是在寻找花言巧语的销售推销；他们在寻找与真理的真实相遇。当我们真诚地、从内心深处分享信仰时，我们为他们提供了一个窥视我们与耶稣的改变生命关系的窗口。我们的言行应该充满诚实、怜悯和谦卑。
三、个人见证的力量： 我们的个人见证是见证的强大工具。它们展示了基督在我们生活中的真实、有形的影响。一个好好述说的见证会触动人心，为有意义的交谈打开大门。我们必须准备好分享耶稣如何将我们的破碎变为完整，将绝望变为希望，将黑暗变为光明。
四、过爱与服事的生活： 成为见证人不仅仅涉及言语。我们的行动、态度和行为也同样能够表达出我们的信仰。耶稣不仅仅是传道；祂医治、服事、关爱。作为见证人，我们被呼召通过服务他人、展现怜悯和在日常生活中活出福音，来显示基督的爱。
五、拥抱见证的喜乐： 与推销的压力相反，见证带来了喜乐。分享这个好消息是爱、怜悯和顺服的表现。当我们怀着对基督和那些我们交谈对象的深爱之心见证时，我们的努力成为了一种愉悦的特权，而不是沉重的责任。
结论： 当我们听从耶稣成为祂的见证人的呼召时，让我们记住，我们不仅仅是推销一个产品的销售员；我们是带有改变生命信息的传递者。透过真实的分享、体现出爱与服务的行动，我们履行了真正作为耶稣见证人的角色。愿我们在指引他人走向那位带来希望、救赎和永生的主的过程中找到喜乐。阿门。
