Daily Hope with Rick Warren - Sunday, 29 December 2013 – “The Power in Group Witness"

Daily Hope with Rick Warren - Sunday, 29 December 2013 – “The Power in Group Witness”

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”(John 13:34-35 (NIV))

Each of us has a life message that God wants us to share with the world. Sharing the message is part of our life’s mission. When we share that message with other people, it’s called witnessing.

There is great power in group witness. Just like a soldier is never sent out by himself, God never meant for us to do our mission alone. He says we should go out together to witness.

In fact, God says that we witness best to people who don’t know God when we love others who are already in God’s family. In John 13, Jesus tells us that our love for each other proves to the world that we are his disciples. People are impressed when Christians genuinely love each other. It proves to the world that they are in the family of God.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, we’re told how we are supposed to witness to people: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (NIV).

Have you been timid and fearful in your witness? God’s answer to fear is community — having other Christians stand alongside you in witness.

Seriously consider this question: Is anybody going to be in Heaven because of you? If you work together to witness alongside other Christians, you’ll be able to say, “Yes! Somebody’s in Heaven because of me.”

Philippians 1:27 says, “I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”

Do you witness with other Christians in one spirit — when you’re so unified that it’s almost like you’re one person? This is the kind of relationship God wants us to have with our fellow Christians. We all need each other. God wants to use us to witness for him, but he wants us to do it together!

Talk It Over:

·        What are your fears or reservations about witnessing to people?

·        How can the community of believers help you overcome those fears?

·        What do you need to do today to join other Christians and be encouraged in sharing the Gospel?

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Saddleback Community Church

1 Saddleback Pkwy

Lake Forest, CA 92630 United States

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