Being a Witness by Telling Others about Jesus

Be willing to tell your story. There will be times when the Holy Spirit prompts you to tell others about Jesus—to share your story. Your story is a unique, powerful expression of the love of God. There is someone in your sphere of influence who is looking for your story. 

Scripture References

Mark 16:15 (ESV) 

...Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) 

...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect… 

Romans 10:13–15a (ESV) 

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? 

Acts 1:8 (ESV) 

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 end of the earth. 

Be a Witness by Showing Others the Love of Jesus

Sometimes, people need to hear the Message; but, sometimes, people need to see the Message. (Evangelism = telling, serving  = showing.) 

We are called to be visible expressions of the love and kindness of God. We are called to be a source of help for the needy. 

We are also called to bring help in areas of social injustice. Our voices need to be heard where people are oppressed. And, our words need to be backed by practical deeds. 

Connect with your Manna Church site leaders to learn how you can serve those in need.

Scripture References

Matthew 5:16 (NASB)

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Matthew 25:35–36, 40 (NIV)

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. 

Isaiah 1:17 (ESV) 

 ...learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. 

James 1:27 (NIV) 

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

The Way to Get is to Give

We are to love the world by reaching the lost and serving those in need. Naturally, when you think about loving the world, these two come to mind. But, if we want to accomplish these things well, it will often involve financial resources. 

Scripture References

2 Corinthians 9:6–11 (NIV) 

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 

1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 

Luke 6:38 (ESV) 

...give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. 

Tithes and Offerings

The tithe is returning to God what is already His. 

Malachi 3:8,10 (NIV) 

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings... Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” 

Giving offerings displays our generosity, as well as our commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom.

Consider: 

• Becoming a member of the Manna Church family. 

• Attending and participating in NextStep. 

• Getting involved in a Manna Small Group. 

• Joining a Manna SERVE Team. 

• Signing up to be water-baptized (if you haven’t been baptized already).