iWitness, is not just a catchy phrase, but a statement about one’s life, purpose and mission. Jesus calls those who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, My witnesses. They are those who belong to Jesus and are called to testify to the truth of who Jesus is with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (John 14.26; 1 Peter 3.15). The breadth and length of this witness goes from one’s home, to their sphere of influence in their own neighborhood, to twenty minutes away to their workplace and even beyond the sea to foreign lands.
Here at The Ridge we believe our purpose is to live a life for the glory of God. It is what we were created for. Our mission is to be disciples and make disciples for the glory of God (Matthew 28.18-20). We believe we are to be learners and followers of Jesus, who make disciples, influencing and teaching others who do not know Jesus.
As we hone in our Vision Compass for the next two years we desire to focus in on being Jesus’ witnesses. Jesus gave a brief account of His life’s purpose in Luke 19.10 saying, For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Jesus was sent by the Father from the glory of heaven and willingly entered the darkness of rebellion here on earth to shine the light of the life that can only be found in Him. This was central to the mission that Jesus came to accomplish. It is central to the mission that He has for us as well. In John 20.21 Jesus says to His disciples, as the Father has sent Me, I also send you. We are sent ones called to bring the hope of the light of the life that can be found in Jesus alone (Matthew 5.16; Mark 5.36; John 4.41; 17.8; Acts 4.12).
Our desire at The Ridge is to see lives turned around to follow Jesus. God uses you and I to be Jesus’ witness to bring such change through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. So, our Vision Compass is set and aligned with the very passion and mission of Jesus, to seek and save that which is lost. So, let’s hear the words of Jesus some two thousand years ago echo in our minds and vibrate in our hearts and truly embrace and embody His words, you are My witnesses as we journey together the next two years.