by Rehema Jonathan | 16 September 2025 08:46 am09
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
There is a difference between a preacher and a witness.
Simply put, preaching and witnessing are not the same.
Jesus called us to be witnesses in the world. This is a calling for every believer—not necessarily to preach sermons but to testify through our lives.
Who is a preacher?
A preacher is someone who stands with the Bible, teaches scripture, explains stories and lessons from the Bible, and expects people to respond to those teachings. This person could be a pastor, evangelist, apostle, bishop, priest, and so on.
Who is a witness?
A witness is someone who has seen the truth of something and then stands to defend or confirm that truth.
This is the role we all have regarding Christ: to be His witnesses worldwide, testifying to what He has done in our lives—confirming that what He said is true because we have experienced it ourselves.
For example, when Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), when you come to Him and find that your burdens are lifted, you must stand and testify to that experience so others may believe and receive the same.
When Jesus said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38), and you have received the Holy Spirit and known this truth, that’s when you go and witness to others.
When you have been healed, set free, shown a miracle, or given strength to overcome a particular sin, that’s your testimony. And through that testimony, others will be encouraged to believe in Jesus as you did, and ultimately be saved.
Testimony doesn’t require theology
This work doesn’t require deep theological knowledge, spiritual maturity, fasting, or prayers. It only requires opening your mouth and telling others about the goodness you have found in Christ. That is how God will convince people and bring them to salvation.
Example of Paul – Acts 9
If you are a Christian who was maybe saved today, remember you already owe it to start witnessing about the goodness of Christ with the few words you have in your mouth. That’s what Paul did right after his baptism.
Acts 9:
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called on this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
23 After many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him.
The problem with the view of evangelism
The problem happens when we think evangelism is only for special people and that it’s difficult. No! Remember, it is God who convinces hearts—not the quantity of Bible verses you quote or your preaching experience, but the Holy Spirit alone. Just a few words testifying about Jesus have the power to transform someone more than thousands of Bible verses.
When you go to witness, don’t overthink what to say. Start where Jesus changed your life. Share that story carefully. You will be surprised how God will give you wisdom and the words to say right in the middle of your conversation. Maybe someone will ask a question, and the answer will come out of your mouth naturally. Don’t underestimate yourself or be afraid. The one who convinces is God. Whether they understand or not is not your responsibility—be bold because any message with Christ at its core produces results.
Start now to witness about Jesus. Together, let’s build the kingdom of Christ. Start with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors before going to the ends of the earth.
God bless you.
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