Monday, October 12, 2009
Telling Your Story
As we are wrapping up what has been a great message series on Becoming a Contagious Christian, we talked this weekend about Telling Your Story. This is simply our story of what has happened in our lives after we accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts and lives and what a difference God has made in our life. We must be prepared because sooner or later, someone will ask us what has caused the change in our life.
Remember 1 Peter 3:15 " Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
Maybe you have a story and are already "ready" to share as we are reminded and commanded to do in 1 Peter 3:15. But if you haven't thought about your story yet and would like some suggestions to help organize your story, take a look at the following. Here are some suggestions to think about as you put your "story" together.
We do not want our story to be a "canned" presentation. We want it to be natural and conversational. It is helpful to spend time writing out the answers to the following questions. This information will help you flesh out and organize your story. Don't worry about getting it perfect or writing fully formed sentences. For now we want to just get the main idea down in a few quick phrases. You can refine it later.
1) What was your early spiritual background, and how did it affect you as you grew up - your feelings, attitudes, actions and relationships?
2) What caused you to begin to consider following Christ?
3) What realization did you come to that finally motivated you to receive Christ?
4) Specifically, how did you receive Christ?
5) How did your life begin to change after you trusted Christ?
6) What other benefits have you experienced since becoming a Christian?
This outline allows you to relate your story by sharing what was your life was like before you became a Christian; relates how you met Christ (received Christ) and finally how your life is now after meeting, trusting and accepting Christ.
After you have reflected on your answers it's a good idea to practice your story with a friend to become more comfortable telling it. Any of the pastors are available to help you. Or discuss this with your small group members (you are a member of a small group - right?). Or discuss with a family member.
The Holy Spirit will open the hearts of those He has prepared to be open to hear about Jesus and He will use you as a voice to share His story by sharing your story.
If you heard my message I gave at the East campus several weeks ago I mentioned that statistics show that only 3 out of every 100 Christians ever even share the Gospel. Here at HRCC let's not be a part of this sad statistic.
I love sharing my story with my friends and family. I am so excited and proud of what God has done in my life and I know you are also.
DON'T KEEP IT A SECRET!!!!!
In Christ,
Mike
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