It Doesn't Take a Genius...

We believe that being a witness for Jesus is a calling for every believer, but it doesn’t require being a theological genius. Just as witnesses in a courtroom are vital for presenting the truth, Christians are essential in sharing the hope and truth of Jesus Christ.

The Importance of Witnesses
Witnesses in a court case don't need to know everything about the law; they simply need to share their firsthand experiences. Similarly, Christians are called to share what they have seen, heard, and felt about Jesus. Yet, many believers react in two unproductive ways when asked to share their faith: they either try to impress with their knowledge or remain silent out of fear. Neither approach is effective.

Readiness Over Genius
Peter encourages believers to always be prepared to explain their hope, but in a gentle and respectful manner. This readiness is not about having all the answers or being the smartest person in the room. It's about being genuine, kind, and respectful, and most importantly, being ready to share the personal impact Jesus has had on your life.

The Traits of an Unready Witness
We identified seven traits of an UNREADY witness (based on the opposite of what the Apostle Peter exhorts believers to be like in 1 Peter 3:13-17):

• Unkind: Lacks kindness and selfishly avoids doing good.
• Neglects Suffering: Complains about suffering rather than embracing it for Jesus.
• Reveres Themselves: Worships their own plans over Jesus.
• Explains Poorly: Is unprepared to share their faith story.
• Argues Harshly: Approaches others with harshness rather than gentleness.
• Disrespectful: Fails to show respect for others' viewpoints.
• Yields to the Flesh: Acts according to personal desires instead of the Holy Spirit.

Becoming a Ready Witness
On the other hand, here's how you can BE READY to share the hope of Jesus (based on how the Apostle Peter exhorts believers to live in 1 Peter 3:13-17):

• Be Benevolent: Actively seek to do good for others.
• Embrace the Hard Path: Accept suffering as part of advancing God's Kingdom.
• Revolve Around Jesus: Submit all of your life plans to Jesus.
• Envision Your Answer: Clearly articulate your personal faith experiences and reason for believing.
• Approach with Empathy: Connect with others through empathy and gentleness.
• Deliver Respect: Treat others’ views with respect and understanding.
• Yield to God: Live a life fully submitted to God's guidance, resulting in a clear conscience.

Practical Steps to Readiness
To be a ready witness, start by seeking opportunities to do good, even in small ways. Embrace difficulties as part of your spiritual journey, and let your life revolve around Jesus' plans for you. Practice sharing your faith story so it becomes natural. Approach others with empathy and respect, and let your actions reflect a life yielded to God.

Conclusion
It doesn't take a genius to share the hope of Jesus; it takes readiness and a willingness to let your life be a testimony to God's goodness. By embodying these traits, we can effectively witness to others and share the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Remember, your story and readiness can make a significant difference in someone's life.

Join Us!
We invite you to join us in this journey of becoming ready witnesses for Christ. Let's spread the hope and love of Jesus in our communities and beyond!

- Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/9/24.