Introduction to sharing Your Story

Introduction to Sharing Your Story

Last Sunday, Pastor Dair began a series entitled: Dive In:Tell Your Story. As a text, he used Paul’s story in Acts 22:1-15. What life lessons can be drawn from this passage? First, in vv 1-2 we learned to make our story personal. Be real! Second, from vv. 3-5 we learned to give a brief description of our life before coming to Christ. Third, in vv. 6-13 we learned to explain to the listener our encounter with Christ. This is where Scripture comes into play because power comes through the use of God’s word. The Holy Spirit uses the word of God to convict sinners of their lost condition and need for a Savior. Fourth, we finish our story by explaining how our life changed after receiving Christ as Savior. This is like the “icing on the cake” so to speak.

     There are many different ways that people come to a saving knowledge in Jesus Christ. It is interesting to take note of how the first disciples found the Savior. They did not all come to him in the same way. God is sovereign and does not confine himself to any one particular method or means.

     Of the four cases of conversion described in John 1:35-51, no two were the same. The first two, John and Andrew came to Christ through the preaching of John the Baptist when he saw Jesus coming and said, “Behold, the lamb of God.” (1:35) The two disciples of John the Baptist heard him speak and followed Jesus (1:37). Simon Peter, the next one, was brought to Christ by his brother, Andrew. Philip, the third one, seemed to have no believer to help him, so Jesus sought him out directly. In a personal encounter with Philip, Jesus simply commanded, “Follow me.” Nathanael, the last one, was sought out by Philip and came to know Jesus based on his brother, Philip’s personal testimony.

     It is also important to note that not only did these first converts find the Savior in a variety of ways, but also that Christ dealt differently with each one.

     To John and Andrew, Jesus posed a searching question, “What do you seek? This was meant to test their motives for following him. For Simon Peter, the convincing factor was Jesus’ ability to know all about him. All Phillip heard was a peremptory command—“Follow me” While, for Nathanael there was a gracious word to disarm him of all prejudice.

     As Sovereign, God is able to use various ways and means to bring the Good News of redemption to the lost. When the Good News first came to mankind it was presented by mighty Angels to lowly shepherds, and confirmed by wise men from the East.

     God used introverts and extroverts. He uses the very young, those that are middle age, and the very old. Everyone is unique! Everyone who knows Christ as Savior has a story to tell. Everyone’s personality is uniquely different. No two are the same. No two stories are the same.

     The Apostle Peter says, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who ask you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (1 Pet. 3:15 NASB)

Are you prepared to Tell Your Story?