What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us…

                                                                                                                 1 John 1:1-2 

One of the most important contributions any of us can make for the kingdom of God is to pour into the life of another our story. Sharing what we know and have experienced about the activity of God in our lives and the power of salvation that has flooded our souls by faith in Jesus Christ is a valid message and becomes a usable substance by which God can bring others to redemption. While the gospel remains the same, the effect that it has on us as individuals is as unique as each one of us. Our story is ours, it belongs to us, and when we share it with others, God adds it to the tapestry that is His providence over creation.

John begins his proclamation by starting at the beginning. Compare this introduction to that of his gospel:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

                                                                                                                        John 1:1-3 

The Christian faith begins with the reality that Jesus was with God in the beginning and that everything that has been created was done so through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). God is responsible for the creation of the world and everything in it.

Secondly, our faith is in the reality that God came to earth and took on human flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). He did so in order to demonstrate to us the exact attributes of His character and nature (Hebrews 1:3) and to provide a way for sinful man to be rescued from the effects of Adam’s transgression (Romans 5:18). In Jesus, we find salvation, forgiveness, healing, justification, redemption, righteousness, and eternal life.

Lastly, our faith is to be shared. As Christians, we are to openly confess the name of Jesus (Matthew 10:32, Romans 10:9-10, 1 John 4:15). We are to proclaim this wonderful good news with everyone (Mark 16:15). We are to go out into the world, in our places of influence, and baptize those who receive the gospel. We are to teach, encourage, and promote spiritual growth and maturity in the faith (Matthew 28:18-20). This is the mission of the church (all born again believers)!

What is fascinating about the recorded gospels is that all four of them were written within the same generation as those who witnessed all that Christ had done, including His resurrection. Most historical biographies are written well after the life of the subject and often these biographies come far after the passing of any potential eyewitnesses. Not so with the gospels. The gospels are a record of the accounts of actual observers of the life of Jesus. Whether they were personally experienced (such as John) or a result of rigorous research (such as Luke), the gospel accounts are a testimony of the amazing, miraculous things that Jesus did and taught. Therefore, believing that they are recorded, compiled, and preserved by the power of God, they act as a guide for our lives. The scripture is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), they are God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and capable of bringing about life change: repentance, salvation, redemption, and spiritual freedom (Isaiah 55:11).

John declares that everything regarding Christ has been heard, seen, looked at, and touched. This Jesus is the Word of Life. Knowing Jesus means knowing eternal life (John 17:3). This manifestation of life comes from God and was given to us in the Person of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-3). So John sets out on a mission to take what he has seen and to testify and to proclaim those very things to us.

As believers, we all have a story to tell. It matters not what part of the world we may live nor what is our economic or social status. It matters not whether we are male or female, Jew or Gentile, slave or free (Galatians 3:28). If we belong to Jesus, we have something to say.

It has been said that people are typically brought to Christ by the hand of a friend. I have no problem believing that since demonstrating love and compassion to others is a part of our mission (1 John 4:7-8). This caring attitude validates our message and provides a means by which people can experience a tangible substance to the gospel. If we are going to proclaim a change in our lives by the power of the cross than we need to think, speak, and act like Jesus. Anything short of that is simply religion.

So as we embark on this journey through this letter of John, let us remember to never underestimate the power of our testimony. We do not need to be expert theologians or professional evangelists in order to impact others around us. We do not have to have all of the answers rather we are to share what we do know. God desires for us to use the gifts that He has given us, working within the circle of influence that each of us enjoy.

What was from the beginning…and was manifested to us…boldly proclaim!