Our Testimony When We Follow Jesus
1 Thessalonians 1:6 says, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:”
Paul commended the believers in Thessalonica for becoming their followers. Not because they became teachers and leaders like Silas and Timothy, but they imitated their “way of life” (Prov 10:17), of following the teachings of Christ (1 Cor 11:1). They became “ensamples to all that believe” (v. 7), in their devotion to win souls by sounding “out the word of the Lord” (v. 8), to every place! When people get saved by trusting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour by faith (Acts 16:31), the news of their salvation spreads. Others witness the complete change in their lives (2 Cor 5:17), because of the wonderful power in the blood (1 Pet 1:19). They have “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (v. 9).
By letting their light “so shine before men” (Mt 5:16), it gloriously declares the power of God to save lost sinners (Rom 1:16). As bible-believing Christians, our testimonies to the people around us (2 Cor 5:20), would become more effective if they see that we are no longer “conformed to this world” (Rom 12:2), but we now “sanctify the Lord God in our hearts” (1 Pet 3:15). People will surely notice that we have turned away from the old idols of cursing, smoking, drinking, worldly clothes, entertainments, etc. (1 Jn 2:15), to follow and “serve the Lord with gladness” (Ps 100:2)!
When they are constantly hearing us talk about “the love of Christ” (2 Cor 5:14), in our lives and our desire for them to also experience that same love and grace (1 Tim 1:14), then they’ll know that we are serious about our real relationship with Jesus. Our local churches serve as a beacon of light to our community when we go soulwinning. One of the best things we can do for our friends and loved ones is to invite them to church so they can hear the gospel (1 Cor 15:1), and eventually get saved! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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