What does it mean to witness? Before the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven, His last words were, “. . . you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Witnessing was a command, not a choice. The disciples boldly testified, “We were eyewitnesses from the beginning” (Luke 1:2) and “eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16) and “we cannot help but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
The word witness needs little explanation. A witness testifies to what is seen or heard and verifies what is true. In court, a witness must swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help them God. A witness can be a symbol—For example, Abraham gave Abimelech seven lambs as a witness in a land agreement (Genesis 21:27-30). Jacob made a pile of stones as a witness to mark a boundary between him and Laban (Genesis 31:44-50). For Christians, baptism is a witness and confession by outward sign of the inward grace found in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-5).
God is a witness: He testifies to the veracity of His Son. Jesus is a witness of Himself and the Father by His words and actions. The Holy Spirit is a witness to Jesus for us in this world. The Scriptures are a witness of the Trinity. The Law and the Prophets were a witness. The apostles gave witness. The angels witness. People’s actions are a witness of hearts changed and new lives discovered. The human conscience is a witness of the laws of God. People witness to their experience, and believers are to be witnesses of the Gospel to the entire world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19).
Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast offers a message entitled “Nothing But the Truth”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, and Holy Spirit filled! Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.
ITS PUMPKIN TIME!!!—Sedona UMC is partnering with Young Life of the Verde Valley in our very popular “Annual Pumpkin Patch” at the church with all the proceeds going toward supporting YL youth campership. We will offer a great variety of colors, shapes and sizes of pumpkins and there will be many other activities happening around this event including our annual “Trunk or Treat” celebration on Thursday October 31st, 5 to 7 p.m. – a great celebration for the entire community. Come and get a great pumpkin and support this important mission.
We offer several weekly book and bible studies: A NEW ADULT STUDY (Three Simple Rules-A Wesleyan Way of Living) happens TUESDAY’S at two locations—10:30am at the Church (110 Indian Cliffs Rd.) & 2pm at “The Gathering Place” (1835 W. State Rte. 89A) in West Sedona. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780. Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am.
So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you! —Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
