Called to Testify

Several years ago I had the privilege of serving on the Federal Grand Jury for the Northern District of Iowa.  I drove to Cedar Rapids two or three days a month to hear testimonies and vote on whether or not to indict people who were accused of committing crimes.  In many of those cases, witnesses were called to testify under oath to what they had seen and heard in regard to a possible crime or the person in question.  Witnesses were often nervous.  But they swore to tell the truth as they saw it.

In a similar way, God calls every Christian to also testify in the court of world opinion.  People are not always sure what to make of this “Jesus character.”  Does God exist?  Does God really care for his people?  Is Jesus Christ truly the Savior and Lord of all?  And in response to those questions, we offer our testimony.  We are called to give bold and authentic witness to the love and grace of God at work in our lives, churches, and world.  You may be nervous.  But all you have to do is tell the truth.

This Sunday we continue our new “People of Grace” sermon series by focusing on the first of four perennial growth goals for Grace Church: Wider in Witness.  It may feel like a scary topic to some, but testifying to God’s Grace can be normal and natural.  We’ll break witnessing down into the Scriptural motivation, mandate, and methods.  We’ll also name three ways we can all witness authentically to God’s grace.  Last week’s sharing time was a good start.  Now let’s “take it on the road!”

Worship begins at 10:00 AM, featuring a blended service including both traditional and contemporary songs.  A Children’s Church will be provided along with refreshments for all following the service.  Those without a church home are especially invited.  We’d love to welcome you into the fellowship of Grace Church this coming Sunday.  And, if you’re already a part of our family, please forward this blog or share our FB post to invite someone who isn’t.  See you this Sunday!