"What it Means To Be A Witness For Christ"
Kingdom Corner Reading Room — Show Notes
What It Means To Be a Witness for Christ
Reading & Reflection from Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
What does it truly mean to be a witness for Jesus?
In today’s Reading Room session, Matt continues through the Doing as Jesus Did section of Practicing the Way, exploring the call to preach the gospel — not merely through arguments or techniques, but through a transformed life.
This episode challenges the common fear and pressure many believers feel around evangelism and reframes witnessing in a deeply freeing way:
“We are not responsible for outcomes any more than a witness is responsible for the ruling in a trial.”
A witness simply tells what they have seen and experienced.
Main Themes From Today’s Reading
Witnessing Is Identity Before Activity
Witness is not merely something we do — it is something we are.
Jesus said:
“You will be My witnesses…”
We are not salespeople trying to “close the deal.”
We are people who bear witness to the life of Christ we ourselves have encountered.
We Are Not Responsible for Outcomes
One of the strongest insights from today’s reading:
- People have agency and free will
- Salvation involves both God’s initiative and human response
- Our role is faithfulness, not control
“Our job is not to save people. It is to bear witness.”
“Do the Stuff”
Matt also reflects on the famous phrase from John Wimber:
“When do we get to do the stuff?”
This section explores:
- Spiritual gifts
- Healing
- Prophetic encouragement
- Words of knowledge
- Living naturally supernatural lives
Not in manipulation or hype —
but in calm, loving, Spirit-led ways.
Living a Beautiful Life
One of the most compelling sections of the reading centers on 1 Peter 2:12.
The Greek word translated “good” can also mean:
- beautiful
- lovely
- compelling
The early church often evangelized not through celebrity platforms —
but through ordinary believers living radically different lives:
- practicing Sabbath
- hospitality
- generosity
- community
- faithfulness in marriage
- emotionally healthy relationships
- serving others
“Do not underestimate the raw power of simply practicing the way of Jesus in community.”
A Witness and a Martyr
A striking insight from today’s reading:
The Greek word for witness is closely connected to the word martyr.
In the early church:
- witnessing often cost reputation
- comfort
- status
- ambition
- sometimes even life itself
Matt reflects honestly on how difficult this can be in modern culture:
to remain faithful while risking rejection, misunderstanding, or embarrassment.
Reflection Questions
- What was your first reaction when you realized believers are called to preach the gospel?
- Could learning to become a better listener actually make us better witnesses for Christ?
- Are people drawn toward the beauty and peace of your life with Jesus?
Final Reflection
Sometimes we make evangelism far more complicated than it needs to be.
As we truly walk with Jesus…
as we live in healthy community…
as our lives are transformed…
the gospel begins to naturally overflow from us.
Not forced.
Not mechanical.
But alive.
Coming Friday
Next Reading Room session:
Demonstrating the Gospel
Continuing through:
Practicing the Way
Be with Jesus.
Become like Him.
Do as He did.
