Perry Rainey

The testimony and witness theme of Revelation is important to the church facing persecution because it is through the working of the Holy Spirit in each follower of Jesus that when revealed to the body church that the group faith remains strong. As we hear what Jesus is doing in each others lives and as we tell other Christians about His working in and through us, our faith continues to grow. Then when persecution comes we can stand firm in faith trusting the "Faithful Witness" to carry us through. Jesus encourages us through His example while He walked on the earth in the flesh. His promise that He would send a Comforter to us when He returned to the Father is encouragement in the fact that His followers are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is faithful in the promise of the Holy Spirit always being with us. He as well is a steadfast witness for His followers as He is in heaven with the Father. As humans we are afraid to be clear Christian witnesses out of fear for what other people may say about us or about the labels they may give us. In a time of political correctness we fall short in being faithful witnesses. We let fear of embarrassment or potential loss of "friends" restrain our witness. Could it be that we are not trusting or demonstrating faith that God will take care of us?