1. Christmas, A Season to Believe A Testimony to Believe
Rev. Robert J. Smith
Pastor
Colonial Hills Baptist Church

2. John 1:6-9
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

3. Evaluating Witness Testimony
a. Demeanor
b. Deception
c. Credibility

4. First, we examine the man, exploring his demeanor
Manly Attributes
6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; Mark 1:6 (KJV)

5. First, we examine the man, exploring his demeanor
Godly Attributes  
15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
Luke 1:15 (KJV)

6. First, we examine the man, exploring his demeanor
Ordinary Attributes
41And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
John 10:41 (KJV)

7. Second, we examine the Message. Searching for deception
19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. John 1:19-23 (KJV)

8. Second, we examine the Message. Searching for deception
33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
John 1:33-34 (KJV)

9. Second, we examine the Message. Searching for deception
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30 (KJV)

10. Third, we examine the meaning, discovering credibility
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12 (KJV)

11. Third, we examine the meaning, discovering credibility
4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV)

12. Simon Greenleaf
Let testimony be sifted, as it were given in a court of justice on the side of the adverse party, the witness being subjected to a rigorous cross-examination. The result, it is confidently believed, will be an undoubting conviction of their integrity, ability, and truth.