The Rise and Transition of Believers to Witnesses: The Outpouring of Glory
Apostle Joshua Selman
Introduction
In a profound teaching titled The Rise and Transition of Believers to Witnesses: The Outpouring of Glory, Apostle Joshua Selman explores the divine mandate for believers to move beyond personal encounters with God and become vessels of His glory. This message emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and alignment with God’s purposes to transform lives and influence nations.
Drawing from scripture and real-life illustrations, Apostle Selman unpacks how the outpouring of God’s glory enables believers to fulfill their calling as witnesses of Christ in a rapidly changing world.
Understanding the Transition from Believers to Witnesses
Apostle Selman began by explaining the difference between being a believer and becoming a witness:
- Believer: One who has encountered Christ and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.
- Witness: A believer who has been empowered to represent Christ in every sphere of life through words, actions, and results.
He referenced Acts 1:8:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
He emphasized that being a witness is not merely about speaking of Christ but demonstrating His reality through transformed lives, signs, wonders, and societal impact.
The Process of Transition
Apostle Selman outlined the journey from being a believer to becoming a witness:
1. Encounter with Christ
- Every journey begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This encounter transforms the heart and mind.
- He stressed the importance of salvation as the foundation for every spiritual pursuit.
2. Spiritual Growth and Discipleship
- Witnesses are not born but made through discipleship. Believers must engage in consistent prayer, study of the Word, and submission to spiritual authority.
- He quoted 2 Timothy 2:15:
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
3. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
- The baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for transitioning into a witness. It provides the boldness, wisdom, and power needed for effective ministry.
- Apostle Selman explained that the Holy Spirit is the source of the glory that believers carry.
4. Alignment with Purpose
- Witnesses must align their lives with God’s agenda. This involves surrendering personal ambitions and committing to advancing the kingdom of God.
The Role of the Outpouring of Glory
Apostle Selman described the outpouring of God’s glory as the supernatural empowerment for believers to fulfill their role as witnesses:
1. What is the Glory of God?
- The glory of God is the manifestation of His presence, power, and nature.
- He referenced Isaiah 60:1-2:
“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”
2. Characteristics of the Glory
- Transformative: It changes the carrier and those they encounter.
- Visible: It is evident in the lives of believers through supernatural manifestations.
- Irresistible: It draws people to Christ, breaking barriers and overcoming resistance.
3. How the Glory Empowers Witnesses
- Authority: Believers operate in spiritual authority, commanding results in their assignments.
- Wisdom: The glory imparts divine wisdom for solving complex problems and influencing systems.
- Signs and Wonders: Through the outpouring, believers demonstrate the reality of God’s power, drawing people to Him.
Becoming a Carrier of the Glory
Apostle Selman provided practical steps for believers to position themselves for the outpouring of glory:
1. Desperation and Hunger
- God responds to those who are desperate for more of Him (Psalm 42:1).
- He urged believers to cultivate a lifestyle of fasting, prayer, and worship.
2. Purity and Holiness
- Holiness is the vessel that carries the glory. Sin and compromise hinder the manifestation of God’s power.
3. Commitment to Service
- Witnesses are called to serve humanity. Apostle Selman emphasized that the glory of God is released in the place of service and obedience.
4. Faith and Boldness
- Believers must step out in faith, trusting God to back them with signs and wonders.
Impact of Witnesses in Society
Apostle Selman concluded by highlighting the impact of witnesses empowered by the glory of God:
- Transformation of Lives
- Witnesses bring salvation, healing, and deliverance to individuals.
- They disciple others, multiplying the influence of God’s kingdom.
- Reformation of Systems
- By engaging with society’s systems (education, governance, business, etc.), witnesses influence policies and cultures for God’s glory.
- Expansion of God’s Kingdom
- The ultimate goal of the transition from believer to witness is the establishment of God’s reign on earth.
Memorable Quotes from Apostle Selman
- “The glory of God is not an event; it is a realm that believers must dwell in.”
- “Witnesses are the proof of God’s presence in a generation.”
- “You cannot carry God’s glory and remain ordinary. It will announce you, transform you, and use you to change your world.”
Final Charge
Apostle Selman concluded with a powerful prophetic declaration:
“The time has come for the rise of a new breed of witnesses who will carry the glory of God into the nations. This is your season to arise, to transition, and to manifest His power. Be ready, for the outpouring has begun!”
Through this teaching, Apostle Selman has equipped believers with the understanding and tools needed to embrace their divine calling as witnesses of Christ, empowered by the outpouring of His glory.
