Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Call to be Christ’s Witnesses

“In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.   Acts 26:12-20

A. The Making of a witness of Jesus Christ begins with:

1. Personal encounter with the living Christ: Acts 26:12-20

2. Beginning a life of fellowship/communion with God: Acts 9:12-16, 2 Tim. 3:12, Phil. 1:29-30

B. The Development of life as a witness of Jesus Christ

1. Surrender of one’s will to Christ’s will: Acts 26:19, Matthew 11:28-30

2. Living under the control of Christ’s love: 2 Cor. 5:11-21

C. The Conclusion of life as a witness of Jesus Christ

1. Finish well: 2 Tim. 4:6-7, 2 Tim. 4:9-10

2. Leave a legacy: 2 Tim. 1:4-5, Rev. 14:13