Your Jerusalem

Witness doesn’t begin on a stage or in a distant mission field. It begins much closer to home.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus outlines both the power and the pathway for His followers. In the last issue of the Record, I explored the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit and what becomes visible in a true witness. Three qualities stand out: 

1. A true witness knows what they say is true.

2. A true witness uses deeds as well as words.

3. The evidence of a true witness is that the power of the Holy Spirit compels them to share the Gospel.

Jesus then names four places where His Spirit-filled followers are called to testify: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.

Many interpret these locations in different ways. Let me share how I understand them, beginning with Jerusalem. I believe Jerusalem represents the home. One of the two institutions we have to this day that was implemented in the Garden of Eden is family, beginning with marriage. The other, of course, is the Sabbath. God intended for families to live in genuine happiness and to pass on a knowledge of His love to future generations. The home was and remains a priority for God. Societies rise or fall on the strength of the family unit.

Ellen G. White often wrote that the home should be “heaven on earth.” Why? We commonly say it should be a place of peace and happiness. But perhaps we should go deeper. Home is where we are our truest selves—and our character is what we take with us into eternity. 

This isn't about perfection, but about formation. If we can't live out our faith at home, we'll struggle to live it anywhere. As  1 Corinthians 15:51–53 reminds us, “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed … for the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable.” Our bodies will be transformed, but our character is shaped now.

So the question becomes: Are you a witness at home? Men, do your spouse and children see God in you? Do your words and actions draw your family closer to Him? Women, do you support and uplift your husband? Do you cultivate an atmosphere of peace and joy? Children, do you respect your parents and treat your siblings with kindness.Families, do you honor one another? To honor is to give value. God calls us to build homes where that value is lived out daily. If your home is not yet what God intended, take heart—it’s not too late. Invite the Holy Spirit into your life and God into your home, and watch what He can do.

Jesus instructed His followers to begin locally before going globally. So let’s begin where it matters most—by being faithful witnesses at home.

by Tony Anobile, Southwestern Union Vice President for Church Ministries/Ministerial

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