The Great Fifty Days of Easter - Day 11 - April 11th

Day 11 - April 11th

False Witnesses

1 Corinthians 15:15 (NIV)

More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.

There's a difference between being a mistaken witness and a false witness.  If you are a mistaken witness, you believe that what you witnessed is true.  A false witness, however, knows the truth but chooses to testify what is false.  Paul is pointing out that the apostles are hypocrites, deceivers, if the resurrection is not true.  The dangers of denying the resurrection are that our faith is unworthy and our testimony is false.

Activity:  Today, let's turn our false witnesses into what is true.  Many of us shy away from witnessing for Christ.  We find it hard to start a conversation with a friend about our faith in Jesus Christ.  So today, prepare yourself for just that kind of conversation.  Take out a sheet of paper and pretend you are talking to someone, and... 

• Explain the facts.  Start with the four basic truths of the gospel:  the crucifixion, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the eyewitness testimony of the Risen Christ.  Write down scripture verses that speak about each truth.
• Invite a response by admitting your need, confessing your sins, and believing that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross.
• Pray.  Write down a prayer that you would share with them that would lead them to asking Jesus into their heart.
• Confirm their acceptance.  Assure them.
• Follow-up.  Plan how you will follow up with this new "person-in-Christ."

If you still feel uncomfortable about sharing these steps with someone, start off by writing your own testimony.  Remember that witnessing is as easy as having a conversation with a friend. 

And finally, listen to "Witness" arranged by Jack Halloran, and read the stories of the witnesses in this song, Nicodemus (John 3) and Samson (Judges 16), and from the original African American Spiritual, Daniel (Daniel 6).

O, who'll be a witness for my Lord
Who'll be a witness for my Lord
My soul is a witness for my Lord
My soul is a witness for my Lord