Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Word Definition

The word ‘witness’ is the translation of the Greek word ‘martys’ or ‘martyr’.

mártys [witness], martyréō [to bear witness], martyría [witness, testimony], martýrion [testimony, proof], epimartyréō [to attest], symmartyréō [to bear witness with], synepimartyréō [to confirm], katamartyréō [to bear witness against], martýromai [to affirm], diamartýromai [to charge], promartýromai [to bear witness beforehand], pseudómartys [false witness], pseudomartyréō [to bear false witness], pseudomartyría [false testimony]

the word ‘witness’ is a legal term; it is used properly in trials and legal transactions

What is a ‘witness’?

A witness is one who, having observed something take place, is able to give accurate and full account of what has happened.

God’s witnesses are those who saw Him and His works.

John 15.27

A witness is one who, having seen something take place, is appointed to testify.

Main Points

Not everyone is called to give witness to God.

All of us will bear witness to God when the situation arises.

But only a few are truly called to bear witness to God with their entire lives.

Acts 10.38-43

the apostles were witnesses of Christ’s life and ministry

the witnesses were ‘chosen’ for the work

the prophets of old were also witnesses to the coming gospel

God did not leave Himself without witness throughout history.

Acts 14.14-17

God has “passive witnesses” - His “creation” they were created and appointed to declare His Godhead and might.

Psalm 19.1-6

Romans 1.20

Acts 14.14-17

God has “living witnesses”!

Prophets, Judges, men and women who lives God has appointed to bear witness to His acts, past, present and future.

Acts 10.43

Hebrews 12.1

the men and women of faith in Hebrews 11 bore witness to the faith

God appointed living witnesses at significant times in history

The prophets appeared at “significant times” in the history of Israel

- - - [See Chart]

Creation was God’s “passive” witness to the Gentile nations.

but they did not recognise it.

Romans 1.20

In the N.T. God raised up “living witnesses” who will bring the Message to the world.

the 12 apostles, Paul

Acts 10.39

Peter

2 Peter 1.16

the 7 star-messengers

Revelation 1.10-20

Paul

Acts 22.14-15

Acts 23.11

Three strategic times in church history:

the birth of the church

the 12 apostles

prophets and teachers

Paul as the star-messenger

the Reformation period

Martin Luther - the star-messenger

dozens of “Reformers”

the return of Christ (Rapture)

Willam Branham - the star-messenger

hundreds of select 5-fold ministers

the 7 thunders of Revelation 10.3-4

- - - [See Quotes from WMB]

Why so many?

BECAUSE GOD WANTS TO MAKE HIS WORKS KNOWN IN ALL THE WORLD!

Conclusion

What this lesson tell us?

The fact that God is raising hundreds of “living witnesses” today, means God is up to SOMETHING GREAT today!

God also wants His works to be proclaimed all over the world, so that everyone will know!

Revelation 1.7

What kind of witness are you today?

We can be a “living witness” of the Message of God!

by living the Word of Go everyday.

Shout the Truth by your words and actions wherever you are!

Walk in the same faith!

Display the Endtime Message in all you do!

Share this Message to your friends and neighbours!

How can you give a faithful and powerful testimony?

The apostles drew strength from the TRUTH of their testimony!

they saw the truth!

they were eye-witnesses of majesty and glory!