Some say that the most important books of the Bible are the four Gospels. Because the writers saw things through their own eyes, the stories do not line up 100%, which is as it should be. In many years of detective work, I learned that rarely do two witnesses see things the exact same way. It’s always from their own point of view.
Witness statements. That’s what the Gospels are to us, to me. Different views of the same thing and each view tells you a lot about the author as well. Here’s what I mean:
The Gospels in the Bible
- Matthew: A connected and wealthy man. Very organized. Focuses on the Jewish side of Jesus, stories, and events.
- Mark: Probably a teenager when the events happened. Focuses on events and excitement.
- Luke: A highly-educated physician with attention to detail. Focuses on background, history, teachings, and events.
- John: A local fisherman with little if any education. Focuses on loving relationships and the quality of people.
When I talk to someone about Jesus, it’s easy for me to get on a side-track, especially if I have not prayed to God about His love for that person and His guidance to me for the conversation.
- I’m not there to discuss theology, but I can easily go down that path.
- I’m not there to criticize any other religion, and again, I can very easily go down that path.
- I’m not there to argue whether the events documented in the Bible are historical or metaphorical.
- Nor am I there to discuss which branch of Christianity is right or wrong or “better” or “more spiritual”.
Arguments about such things are tools of the one who doesn’t want to lose control of that person’s soul. They are a clever choice because they all sound as if they are pious and proper. They sound “educated”, and while they are, at times, very good subjects for sermons they have no place when I am talking to someone about the deepest Truth I know.
I am here to share my testimony (which is NOT my “conversion experience”, but much, much more). As a witness for God, I can only share what I have personally seen heard, or experienced. If I talk about what God has done somewhere else, then what I am saying could be called “hearsay”, and lose credibility. (For those that don’t know, “hearsay” is not allowed in courtrooms because it is unreliable.)
What Makes true “Witnessing”?
This is what makes the Gospels so solid. They are “witness statements” or “witness’s testimony”. That’s why in many churches today, people are encouraged to prepare their own “testimony”. Our personal testimony, can and maybe should be expanded into our own “Gospel”. After all, “gospel” means “good news”. So what can you tell someone that is “good” and is “news”?
In any courtroom, no witness reads documents over 2,000 years old. There are only three kinds of witnesses:
- Eye witness: They saw what happened, what they experienced.
- Expert Witness: They can explain the “how” of the event, or “why” things went the way they did.
- Character Witness: They know at least one of the people involved, and “testify” to their character.
The best witness is the “eye witness”. What have you personally witnessed?
No theories, no explanations. Just what have you witnessed! Go ahead, write it down somewhere. On paper or on a computer or tablet. It’s about your walk with Jesus, how He has touched you, what He has done to you or others that you have witnessed! When you start doing this, God will put you in places where you will get a chance to share that story with someone. It is a very powerful experience when it happens.
Let’s face it. Which story is more believable: how Jesus (reportedly) did something over 2,000 years ago, or how God guided you, over and over, in your own life?
Please comment and/or respond to what you heard inside of you as you read this! Let’s share!
To see and use Personalized Scriptures, visit YouIntheBible.org and enjoy!