J.A. Matteson
Too often saints feel burdened to be omniscient theologians when conversing with lost souls about Jesus Christ. Fear of rejection often restrains them from obedience to the Great Commission. This is Satan's preferred line of attack, to strike at the heart of our sin nature, pride. "...and the life was manifested...." (1 Jn. 1:3). Remember the simplicity of the Commission, God is not seeking theologians but obedient children who merely share their personal life changing encounter with the Life manifested to them. It is your testimony and no one can deny it any more than they can deny how you may feel about a rainy day or ham and eggs. The Samaritan woman at the well hurried to town to share her life changing encounter with the Life manifested (Jn. 4:28). Phillip shared his transformational encounter with Christ to Nathanael, imploring him to check out his story for himself, leading him to see Jesus (Jn. 1:45-47). The eternal Life was physically manifested in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Now the Life is manifested by His Spirit. Those with ears to hear respond with gladness to His appearing to them. As the old hymn declares, "He touched me, yes He touched me, and oh the joy that floods my soul; something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole." That is the age old testimony of the saints. The Life was manifested to you, He touched you, and you have not been the same. The realization of the simplicity of the Great Commission unleashes joy in the shadow of the love of Christ, and His perfect love casts out all fear.
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