The Evidence of a Changed Heart
Scripture Focus: 1 John 1:1-7
As believers, we ought to bear witness to Christ's work in our hearts; based on what we believe the Scriptures say, but also based on the evidence of change that has happened in our own lives.
Imagine if we were called as witnesses to convince a jury that Jesus is indeed alive: how would the 12 jurors respond to God the Father? Would our testimony be enough to convince even one person (what about 10 of 12?) that we were good witnesses for Jesus?
Seeing, Handling, and Reflecting the Word of Life
In I John, the apostle John speaks about how he and the other apostles saw Jesus and handled Him, determining that He was indeed the Word of Life:
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us." — 1 John 1:1–2 (ESV)
John then shifts to the character of Christ, indicating that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Immediately, this makes us realize: if we are going to be good witnesses, we need to look more and sound more like Jesus so that others are truly convinced.
The kingdom of God needs good witnesses. Let's be that for Christ today.
A Prayer for Today
Jesus, help me to be intentional about spending time with You. Just like the apostles when I spend time in Your presence, I can ask questions and get those questions answered through Your Word and Your Spirit. I can learn to see and hear how You would bring thoughts and behaviors captive, so that the Father is always glorified. Mold my character so that my life bears a faithful testimony about You, my Lord. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Zhivago Adderley
As believers, we ought to bear witness to Christ's work in our hearts; based on what we believe the Scriptures say, but also based on the evidence of change that has happened in our own lives.
Imagine if we were called as witnesses to convince a jury that Jesus is indeed alive: how would the 12 jurors respond to God the Father? Would our testimony be enough to convince even one person (what about 10 of 12?) that we were good witnesses for Jesus?
Seeing, Handling, and Reflecting the Word of Life
In I John, the apostle John speaks about how he and the other apostles saw Jesus and handled Him, determining that He was indeed the Word of Life:
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us." — 1 John 1:1–2 (ESV)
John then shifts to the character of Christ, indicating that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Immediately, this makes us realize: if we are going to be good witnesses, we need to look more and sound more like Jesus so that others are truly convinced.
The kingdom of God needs good witnesses. Let's be that for Christ today.
A Prayer for Today
Jesus, help me to be intentional about spending time with You. Just like the apostles when I spend time in Your presence, I can ask questions and get those questions answered through Your Word and Your Spirit. I can learn to see and hear how You would bring thoughts and behaviors captive, so that the Father is always glorified. Mold my character so that my life bears a faithful testimony about You, my Lord. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Zhivago Adderley
Recent
Archive
2026
January
February
March
May
June
August
2025
Categories
no categories
No Comments