HDJW?
Yesterday I wrote about importance of Bible study and Bible knowledge in regards to witnessing. One caveat to that point- Don't let a lack of scriptural prowess be an excuse not to witness. The power of your personal salvation story along with how Christ has changed your life can never be under estimated.
Perhaps these first few entries should be grouped into "prewitnessing" preparation.
One of the first mentions of the adult Jesus comes in the first chapter of Mark, the third chapter of Luke and the third chapter of Matthew. These three separate accounts tell of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. I have chosen to include this in the HDJW? because is illustrates the importance of making a very public profession of faith and a public connection to God.
Jesus' baptism was not done behind the closed doors of a temple, church, or cathedral. His baptism was held in the Jordan River, a very public place and was most likely witnessed by devout Jews and nonbelieving Gentiles. I wonder just how public many Christians want their relationship with Christ to be? Is our conversation different? Are the movies we see and then talk about at work the same Hollywood fare as nonbelievers watch? What would be the harm of a Christian fish bracelet or lapel-pin cross?
If we are not publicly Christian, then I worry our personal testimony might be diluted. Just how important is God to me if my t-shirt collection consists of only Starbucks, Life is Good and Nike logos?
I realize the external trappings have nothing to do with salvation and many people who outwardly identify with Jesus Christ in no way live a Christian life, but if our relationship with Jesus Christ is truly the most important thing in the world, then why not make the connection as public as possible?
Jesus made a very public profession of his faith. We should do no less and that profession should not be a one-time thing in a Sunday morning baptistry. That public profession should be an on-going, intentional part of our lives.
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