9.25 GO! The Story Only You Can Tell
GO! Because Nobody Can Fill Your Shoes
Week 4 - the story only you can tell | PODCAST
Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. These next steps can be taken through a small group, a conversation with a friend, or in your own quiet time throughout the week.
There is a story that only YOU can tell. Throughout scripture, Christ-followers are called to go and tell the Good News of the Gospel and 'testify' to the life-changing power of Jesus. Unfortunately, sometimes Christians feel that their stories, in contrast to others, are insignificant or that we need to trump up Hollywood-style, embellished testimonies to help God out a little. Your story is significant not because of the WHAT you have been through; but because of the WHO that is at the center of it. Paul gave a bold, sincere, accurate, and Christ-centered testimony to King Agrippa in Acts 26.
- What is one story from your past that you enjoy telling?
Read Acts 26
- How did Paul begin his address to Agrippa? (26:1-3)
- What did Paul say about his early years in Judaism? (26:4-8)
- What was Paul's obsession before his conversion? (26:9-11)
- How did Paul describe his conversion and new life? (26:12-18)
- How did Paul fulfill his commission? (26:19-23)
- How did Paul conclude his defense? (26:29)
- What did Agrippa--a man well-trained in Judaism--conclude about Paul? (26:31-32)
- What was Paul's primary goal in his speech?
- What should be our objective when we tell others about the way we came to believe?
- How can we use stories of our own experience to share the message of Christ?
- What story of God's working in your life can you rehearse for sharing with others?
NEXT STEPS: Using the outline below, write down some short phrases and word pictures that describe your testimony. Then write out more detailed sentences about your testimony in paragraph form using these word pictures. Let your story begin to take more descriptive shape by writing it out. Spend time preparing and praying for God to give you an opportunity to share your story with someone this week. But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15 ESV). God uses people who are prepared.
I. Describe Your Life Before Christ: the one that had YOU at the center. (write a few word pictures, adjectives, or phrases)
II. Describe Your Experience in Coming to Christ: (your attitudes, struggles, tension, conversations, resolve, etc.)
III. Describe Your Life as a Christ-follower: the one with HIM at the center. (what is the change Christ has made?)
Don’t let the conversation stop here. Keep talking it over online:
Twitter: @FCC_chattanooga
Facebook: www.facebook.com/faithconnectionchurch
