Category Archives: Witnessing

Bible, Commands, Guard, Law, Scripture, Witnessing, Words

ENTRUSTED

ROMANS 3:2

“Great in every respect. First, that they were entrusted with the actual words of God.”

Have you ever been given something for safekeeping? Perhaps a friend asked you to hold on to something for them for a while and protect it. We see this idea a lot in movies when one character is given a treasure which others are trying to snatch from them. They fight to protect what has been entrusted to them. That’s a close analogy to today’s verse.

Paul answers his own questions asked in the previous verse. Remember those? What advantage or benefit did the Jew have over the Gentiles? And Paul answers literally, “Much in every way!” Why can he say that? He answers in the next sentence. Because God had entrusted them with His words. No other people had been given God’s words like the Jewish nation. God had cut covenant with Abraham and then gave Moses the ten commandments and the rules that followed. God had spoken directly to the Jews for generations through their prophets and judges.

APPLICATION

The key word in today’s verse is “entrusted.” It is the very commonly used word pisteuó, which is the word we translate as “believe” or “have faith.” The word here is in the Aorist Indicative Passive. What does that mean? One source said, “When you see an aorist indicative passive verb, you can understand it as conveying a past, completed action that was done to the subject.” The Jews were given God’s words in the past. That’s a fact. There’s no doubt about it.

The question arises then how they kept it, how they protected it. Psalm 119 is a great chapter to learn more about God’s word. Almost every verse of the 176 verses mentions God’s commands or precepts. Here are just three verses from Psalm 119, to show you what I mean. “4 You have ordained Your precepts, that we are to keep them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I look at all Your commandments.”

Are you keeping God’s words safe by obeying and sharing? Nothing keeps God’s words safer than by sharing them with others. That may not make logical sense, but it’s the way God has passed on His words to generations, person by person. There are still billions of people out there who have not experienced the saving power of God’s words. Will you be the one who takes it?

Lord God, use me to keep and share Your Word!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Preaching, Scripture, Sharing, Willingness, Witnessing

EAGER TO PREACH

ROMANS 1:15

“So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.”

Boy, this verse hits home with me. I love to preach God’s Word. I still remember when I preached my very first sermon at Harmony Baptist Church back in 1978. I was dating someone who attended there and was asked to preach at their Youth Sunday service. I was so nervous. I flew through my message in probably about fifteen minutes (no one ever complains about a short sermon, by the way). I just spoke from my heart. I had no training, no theological classes – just God’s Word that was fresh on my heart as a relatively new believer in Christ.

That eagerness, that zeal, that excitement hasn’t waned. I still love to preach every chance I get. Paul tells the Romans in today’s verse that he too was eager to preach to them. The Greek word translated as “eager” is prothumos. It comes from two Greek words – pro (before) and thumos (wrath). It’s interesting how words get their meanings, isn’t it? Let’s take a closer look at this word and how it’s used in Scripture.

APPLICATION

Strong’s says this word “encapsulates the believer’s Spirit–enabled eagerness that persists amid human weakness and external obstacles. Whether voiced by Jesus in a prayer–soaked garden or by Paul on the eve of a Roman mission, πρόθυμον calls every generation to a vigilant, fervent, and gospel–anchored readiness.”

This same word is used in Matthew 26:41 (also in Mark 14:38) when Jesus finds his three most trusted disciples asleep. “‘Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’” Here it is translated as “willing.” That sounds a little different that “eager.” I can be willing to do something but not exactly eager. For instance, I am willing to go shopping with my wife, but I am never eager to do that (sorry Chris). That’s when I die to myself and do what I know will give her joy. You have to look at the full meaning of this word and bring it all together.

In Psalm 51:12 we find the idea of willingness written by David. Don’t you just love this Psalm? Verse 12 says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Shouldn’t that be our desire? Shouldn’t we have a willing, eager spirit towards the things of the Lord? Ask yourself today if you are eager for Him. Ask yourself if you are willing to do whatever He asks.

O God, give me that kind of spirit each and every day. When I am struggling remind me that Your Spirit is within me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Influence, Scripture, Testimony, Witness, Witnessing

UNEXPECTED INFLUENCE

PHILIPPIANS 4:22

“All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”

I have had the occasion to meet some pretty interesting people in my life. None of them were particularly famous or anything, but they were interesting. What has been the most gratifying thing about that is to hear back from them later. Some of them even said how much I had influenced them. What?! Me? It just goes to show that you never know who will be influenced by you.

Paul was under house arrest in Rome as he wrote this letter to the Philippians but look who he says sends their greetings. The saints who were in Caesar’s household! I know Paul had appealed to Caesar and all, but I bet Paul never dreamed he would have influence over Caesar’s household. Now, we don’t know who those people were, but they must have been important people.

APPLICATION

Many scholars suppose that these people Paul was referring to were the household servants in Caesar’s home. Others think that may have also included some of Caesar’s own family. Paul didn’t care about rank or societal position. He only cared that they were lovers of Christ. Shouldn’t we have the same position? We should love all the brethren.

Take a minute, though, to think about these people Paul is referencing. They were of “Caesar’s household.” Who was Caesar at the time? Nero. He wasn’t exactly keen on Christians. He blamed the Christians for the famous fire of Rome. He persecuted them by burning them alive and crucifying others. He executed Peter and later beheaded Paul. Yet these early Christians risked it all for Christ.

I want you to look around today and how your Christian influence is affecting people around you. Are others drawn closer to Christ because of you? Are people getting saved through your influence in their lives? In short, how are you allowing Christ to use you in this world right now. Be an influencer (not on Tik-Tok)! Change someone’s life today.

Father, give me the boldness to be a Christian influencer and draw many to You.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Bible, Defense, Love, Prison, Scripture, Witnessing

OUT OF LOVE

PHILIPPIANS 1:16

“the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;”

Why do we do the things we do for others? I have been helping my wife care for our 9 month old grandson these past several months. Let me say first and foremost what a privilege that is. I believe grandparents have a higher calling for this. My wife and I know that we are not just babysitting. We are investing in a brand new life who is part of our legacy. Along with his parents and other grandparents we are pouring our lives into him to help make him into a godly man, husband, father, etc.

Paul continues his line of reasoning, tying this verse back to the last phrase in the previous verse, “but some also from good will.” There’s a little Greek word that does not appear in this translation. It’s men which can be translated as “indeed” or “on the other hand.” It’s a word written to draw a contrast to another statement. In this case, Paul was contrasting those who were preaching for ill reasons against those who did it out of love, God’s agape love, benevolent love, what is good for others.

APPLICATION

What have you done out of love for others? Now, before you answer that, let me clarify. What have you done out of love for others knowing you will receive nothing in return? Hmmm, that puts a different slant on it, doesn’t it? It is easy to love when we know that love will be reciprocated. These Philippian believers who were preaching out of love were doing this to aid Paul’s ministry and further the Gospel, knowing that 1) their lives were endangered by doing so and 2) they may never see the fruit of their labors.

They were doing this because of what they saw Paul doing – defending the Gospel. The Greek word for “defense” is apologia where we get our word apologetics. Strong’s Lexicon says this word “refers to a formal defense or justification of one’s beliefs, actions, or position. It is often used in the context of defending the Christian faith against accusations or misunderstandings.”

It was really out of love for Jesus that Paul did this and now why the Philippian believers were doing this. They stood tall and proud to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to whomever would listen. Are we as bold? Do we do it out of love? Do your own self-assessment. I’ve done mine and I know I have room for improvement.

O Lord, give me a heart full of the love of Jesus that just overflows on others.

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Bible, Faith, Influence, Prison, Scripture, Witnessing

UNEXPECTED INFLUENCE

PHILIPPIANS 1:13

“so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else,” 

Has anyone ever come up to you and said, “You probably don’t remember me, but you made such an impact on my life when…”? That’s happened to me a couple of times. I am always humbled and usually surprised. My favorite story is of a teen I had in a church in South Georgia while I was home from college one summer. He rarely came and often sat in the back of the group. To my surprise, God called that young man to the ministry. I had an unexpected influence in that man’s life that summer.

So, here is Paul in prison in Rome surrounded by Roman soldiers. But God gives him influence in their lives through the knowledge of why he was imprisoned and his attitude while he was there. We know from history that there were many Christian Roman soldiers. Perhaps Paul was the initial influencer of that while he was in prison. It’s just a reminder that God can use you no matter where you are – in prison or not.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used by Paul here for “well known” is phaneros, which comes from phaino (to shine). This reminds me of Matthew 5:16 where we see Christ saying, “‘Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’” Paul was letting his light shine there in that Roman prison as he testified to why he was there and what Christ had done.

Now, don’t think this Roman praetorian guard was easy pickings. They were a tough bunch. These men were often used as the personal bodyguards of the emperor. They had more privileges than the normal Romans soldier, served fewer years and received a higher pay. These were an elite fighting force and the only ones allowed to carry a sword in the presence of the emperor. So, don’t think God will only give you easy audiences with whom to share your faith.

Paul was willing to be imprisoned for his faith and then looked for ways to continue sharing it, even if it meant sharing it with those who imprisoned him. Do you remember when the Philippian church was established? Paul was in a Philippian jail and led the jailer and his family to Christ. I bet the church got a real kick out of reading how God was using Paul now in a Roman prison. You just never know who God will allow you to influence.

Father, place unexpected people in my path so that You can influence them through me.

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Bible, Faithfulness, Scripture, Testimony, Unfaithful, Witnessing

FAITHFUL OR UNFAITHFUL

COLOSSIANS 4:14

“Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and Demas does also.”

One of the things we try to do in the ministry I serve with (Every Man A Warrior) is to take along a traveling partner when we have to travel to lead a training or a conference. Why? For spiritual and prayer support and to hold us accountable. We want to be above reproach and not cause rumors to be spread about our behavior. I recently took a dear brother with me to Jamaica for an EMAW. He helped in the teaching and was there to help guard my heart.

Paul had numerous traveling partners during his missionary journeys. Two are mentioned in today’s verse. One was faithful to the end while the other deserted Paul in the end. So, the thought came to me which I believe was prompted by the Spirit. What kind of brother am I? How will I finish this race? Will I be like Luke or Demas?

APPLICATION

You can read through Luke and Acts and follow “the beloved physician” as he travels with Paul and Peter. Luke took detailed notes as a physician is prone to do. Thank the Lord for those two books of the Bible. Don’t you wish you could have been in a front row seat as all those exploits unfolded? I sure do. I can’t wait to spend eternity with Luke and find out some of the other things he witnessed.

In 2 Timothy 4:9-11 we see these two mentioned again by Paul. This is Paul’s last letter before he is martyred. “9 Make every effort to come to me soon; 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.”

Read that again and see who you want to emulate, Demas or Luke? I choose Luke. Demas forsook Paul at the end. Paul said he “loved this present world.” We don’t know Demas’ end. Some say he became an idol priest in Thessalonica. Others say he moved there because of the wealth and commerce which he loved. One day we’ll know. But in the meantime, I want to be more like Luke – faithful to the end.

Lord, make me faithful no matter the persecution or struggles.

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Bible, Conduct, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

PERSONAL CONDUCT

COLOSSIANS 4:5

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

Personal conduct is lacking in our world today. Well, I should say “proper” personal conduct is lacking. There is a lot of conduct going on that is not good, not very Christ-like. But I can’t judge others. I can only judge my own conduct to see how it measures up to God’s Word. Every word I speak and every action I take reflects on Jesus. I have to remember that.

Paul was very aware of that and wanted the Colossian believers to be that salt and light to their unbelieving neighbors and friends. Remember, these early believers were living in a pagan society that worshipped all kinds of gods. They had all sorts of personal conduct that we would find reviling to God. Hmmm, kind of sounds like today, doesn’t it.

APPLICATION

What did Paul mean by “conduct”? The Greek word is peripateo means to walk about or manner of living. It’s written in the Present Imperative which means it’s a command that we are to continue to do all the time. Paul is telling the Colossians (and us) to live our lives in such a manner with all wisdom that unbelievers see it and are changed by it.

I am reminded of a verse in Matthew spoken by Jesus. Matthew 5:16 says, “‘Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.’” That’s a pretty good admonition, don’t you think? As we live our lives for Jesus, people are drawn to Him. They see the change in us. They notice how we behave when we face temptations and struggles.

Who is watching you? You see, that’s the problem. We really don’t know who is watching. So, we have to live our lives every day giving glory to Him who died to set us free from this world and all its temptations. Today, make your actions matter. Let your words reflect Jesus. Then look around to see who is watching. Don’t miss out on opportunities to lead someone closer to Him.

I do not know who is watching me today, Lord, so help me reflect Your glory.

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Bible, Gospel, Proclaim, Scripture, Witnessing

PROCLAIM!

COLOSSIANS 4:4

“that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.”

I was called to full-time ministry as a high school senior. In fact, shortly after my salvation, I knew the Lord was directing me to that. Little did I know all that was involved in that. But there was one thing I knew it involved – proclaiming the Gospel. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are called to preach. You can proclaim the Gospel in a lot of ways.

Paul knew he was called by God on that Damascus road to reach the Gentiles. What?! A Pharisee reaching out to Gentiles? Do you remember what the Lord told Ananias to tell Paul? In Acts 9:15, we read, “‘This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.’” Paul knew he was called to proclaim!

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 5:11 Paul tells the Corinthian believers that we all have this calling – to proclaim the Word. “Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.” We have the duty to try to persuade others using God’s Word. Persuade to what? To follow Jesus.

Acts 20:20-21 tell us Paul’s thoughts regarding this call to proclaim. “20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul knew his calling and was always telling others to proclaim and share the Gospel.

Don’t think for a moment that you are exempt from this as a believer. Don’t try to claim Moses’ excuse (stuttering) or Simon Peter’s excuse (too busy fishing). Ask the Lord how He wants you to proclaim the Gospel. You may be surprised at the way in which He leads you. Just proclaim!

O Lord, use me to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in whatever manner You desire.

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Bible, Gospel, Scripture, Witnessing

WITH YOU IN SPIRIT

COLOSSIANS 2:5

“For even though I am absent in body, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderly manner and the stability of your faith in Christ.”

Don’t you just love that we can now video chat with others no matter the distance? On my recent trip to East Africa, I was able to FaceTime with my wife and other family as long as I had reliable internet. It was as if I was right there with them. I video chat with people all over the world on a regular basis. It helps so much to see and hear them as we talk.

Paul didn’t have FaceTime or WhatsApp. I wonder how his missionary journeys may have changed. I think he had rather be there in person. He had received reports on their faith and was “rejoicing to see” all that was taking place in their lives. Can you imagine as he sat in a Roman prison how he was encouraged that the gospel was still strong?

APPLICATIONS

In 2 Corinthians 5:3, we see Paul using similar language. “For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present.” In this instance, he was exercising his authority, even though he was not physically present in Corinth. Paul’s words meant something.

How does this apply to us? We cannot be everywhere at once. It’s just not possible. But we have the privilege to influence others in a variety of ways even though we are not physically present. As mentioned, we can video chat through FaceTime, WhatsApp or other applications. This can have tremendous impact.

We can continue to use other media like radio, television, livestreaming or even just phone calls. Is there someone you need to reach out to? How can you do that? Which way will they respond to the best? Tell them, “I am absent in body, but I am present in spirit.”

Lord, use me to reach others around the world. Thank You for the technological advances we can use to spread the gospel.

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Bible, Feet, Gospel, Peace, Scripture, Witnessing

A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES

EPHESIANS 6:15

“and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

My dad used to say there was nothing more important than a good pair of shoes. He had a big foot. He wore an 11 EEE. He was very flatfooted and actually was discharged from the army because his feet couldn’t take the marches. He ordered his shoes from a company. So, when I had to start getting special shoes because of my neuropathy, I thought of him. He would have probably had some good advice for me on this. I sure do miss him. In fact, today is his birthday. Happy birthday, Dad.

Paul had been around enough soldiers in his life to know the importance of their footwear. Roman soldiers wore these special shoes (sandals) in battle that had spikes so they could secure their feet when fighting. I think it is interesting that Paul says we need to strap on our feet “the preparation of the gospel of peace” while perhaps thinking of these Roman shoes. That’s just a guess, though. He definitely knew that footwear was important.

APPLICATION

I thought of Romans 10:15 when I read today’s verse. “But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!’” This is a quote from Isaiah 52:7 which says, “How delightful on the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

In Mark 6:7-13, we have the story of when Jesus sent out the twelve disciples in pairs. Even He emphasized strapping on their shoes or sandals. Look at this passage and see how it compares with our verse today. “7 And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8 and He instructed them that they were to take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— 9 but to wear sandals; and He added, ‘Do not wear two tunics.’ 10 And He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. 11 Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet as a testimony against them.’ 12 And they went out and preached that people are to repent. 13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.”

How does that compare to strapping on your shoes of peace we see today in our verse? The disciples were delivering the gospel to lost souls. We are delivering the gospel to lost souls. We need to do it in peace, not arrogantly. We deliver it. They receive it or not. Are you strapped today, not as in carrying a gun, lol. I mean, do you have your gospel shoes on?

Father, thank You for providing me the right pair of shoes.

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