^“And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored…”
Acts 9:18-20 (NRSV)

Each of us has undertaken our own unique path to conversion and transformation as a child of God. There are some who are still longing to set out on a path of their own but keep getting stuck in the ruts. Jesus never promised it would be an easy path. In fact, He was clear that it would be an arduous path with obstacles and detours. He warned his disciples back then, and us today, that following Him comes at a cost, but the reward is great.

Paul shares in Romans 8 that as believers we are not to walk in the flesh of our former life but in the spirit of our new life in Christ Jesus. This important step in our path reveals that the Holy Spirit testifies on our behalf that our very own “spirit” is now in line with God’s “Spirit.” There is no greater testimony than the Holy Spirit affirming your life path before God, Jesus, angels and all the saints in Heaven. Can you hear the Holy Spirit proclaiming? “He/She is now one of us!” Hallelujah!

“When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
Romans 8:15-16 (NRSV)

In book of Acts chapter 22-23, after he was arrested, we hear Paul asking the garrison guards if he can say a word to the crowd who wants him flogged.  “Brothers and fathers listen now to my defense…” He gains their attention by speaking in their language. He proceeds to recount his personal story of redemption by gaining clarity and a new direction despite his past persecution of the early Christians. He then shares that despite all this God instructs him that he will be God’s witness to all through what he has seen and heard. This is the beginning of lifelong path to share the good news.

Kerygma is the Greek word for “proclamation of the good news or gospel.” This is what we are supposed to do as Christians. We are called to witness by sharing Christ’s story of redeeming love to all. The entire gospel is written as God’s revelation of redemption for all who seek, believe, and follow.

No matter the path you may have taken, God used someone to witness to you. It may have been subtle, audible, or tangible. Somebody, somewhere, somehow shared a message with you that began your conversion and transformation process.  It may have been a seed that was planted, a spark that was ignited, or an undeniable message that hit you between the eyes.

“Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (NRSV)

To witness is to share with others what Jesus has done in your life. Giving God all the credit for transforming your life through his redeeming grace, forgiveness, and deliverance. True witness only happens in believing Christ’s story. His death at the cross, His burial in the tomb and His resurrection and ascension are all a part of the redemption story and omission of any part leaves the story incomplete. It is difficult for most to grasp the completeness of this story but to those that do, it is a lifeline.

^“For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NRSV)

Peter shared with us how to witness in 1 Peter 3:15. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” He is telling us to share Christ’s story and your own story in a simple and natural way. The reason for who you are and how you got here.

There I was, sitting at an incredibly special AUMCer’s house along with Nancy and 12 other brave souls. We had been invited to participate in the Disciple 1 Bible Study. As I listened to the others sharing their Christian faith, I began to feel less than adequate and unworthy to be in this class of what I revered as Bible scholars. I had not read much, let alone studied the Bible. I kept saying to myself, “I don’t belong here.” I had believed there was a God and my limited view of Him was of retribution, especially for my past sins. A lack of self-worth gnawed at me constantly. I did not believe that I was good enough to be called a child of God.

The Holy scriptures are the Word of God and Kerygma (God’s gospel) is the redemptive story that together have the power to save and share witness. In John 15, Jesus said that the Spirit of truth will testify on His behalf. That we, too, are also to testify.

Don’t be Afraid of sharing your own story. Go and Tell anyone the Spirit directs your way. Invite others to Come and See about this Jesus who can transform their lives much the same as he did for you.

The turning point for me during the Bible study I had once considered leaving was when our teacher shared that more important than becoming a Bible scholar was that I was embarking on a relational experience with Christ and others.  Reading and studying the Bible would open a new way of living out my life. The Bible could be my own personal life instruction manual. This class placed us in a setting to meet some life-long friends who have shared in both celebration and loss. Embarking on a life of study opened numerous conversion milestones for me that would have never happened if someone had not shared Christ’s resurrection story and witnessed their own personal story. If you had asked me all those years ago if one day I would have the privilege of sharing stories of Kerygma with my church, I would have laughed out loud. Only by the saving power of Jesus.

Hear the good news! We are his chosen people by staying connected to the vine as Jesus shared in John 15. ^“You did not choose me, but I chose you.” Your transformed life is a witness of the power of Jesus Christ.
^“For you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard.”
Acts 22:15(NRSV)

Life redeemed. Clarity restored. Pathway opened. Story shared.

Who witnessed Christ’s resurrection story to you? What’s your resurrection story? How will you witness to others what God has done with your life?

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story; this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.”
Fanny Crosby

Peace be with you,

Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader