Above Only Daily Devotional http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly Saturday, AUG 18 Preaching and Witnessing the Gospel Matthew 24:14, Act 1:8

Above Only Daily Devotional
http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly

Saturday, AUG 18

Preaching and Witnessing the Gospel

Matthew 24:14, Act 1:8 
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. *But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

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Many believers are familiar with what it means to preach the gospel, but many are not familiar with what it means to witness the gospel. Sometimes the word 'witness' refers to preaching the gospel but it is not limited to that. The word 'witness' is usually associated with evidence. Evidence is something displayed or exhibited that serves as proof or authenticity to something being uttered. Our witnessing enhances the validity of our preaching and often times, our mere presence can serve to witness the gospel. Some people have heard the gospel of the kingdom of God but not many people have seen the gospel of the kingdom being manifested in its various forms and dimensions. People need to experience the life and power of our gospel from both our mouths, our presence and our lives. Like Apostle Paul, we are to be both ministers and witnesses, Acts 26:16.

Our gospel needs to be more than words. It has to exhibit and reflect God's life and power, 1Thes.1:5. In referring to Jesus, Luke 4:32 says, and they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. Further, in 1Corinthians 4:20, Apostle Paul said, for the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. This is one of the primary reasons that God made the power of the Holy Spirit available to us.

In our first text above, Jesus declared that the Gospel must be preached and witnessed in every nation before the end comes. This includes every country, nation and continent as well as every sphere of influence (politics, business, family, education, etc.). Today, God is empowering you to be a greater minister of the gospel and a greater and bolder witness of the gospel with your life and His power.

PRAYER FOCUS: Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit to cause your life to exhibit the power of the kingdom of God.

BIBLE IN A YEAR READING PLAN: PSALM 100-102; 1 CORINTHIANS 1

Empowered to Succeed...