Unlocking the Legacy: A Story to Tell

Zechariah 3:2 NRSV

And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this man a brand plucked from the fire?”

*** Image: Old Epworth rectory fire

God works in our lives

God changes us

We glorify God by living in obedience to him

I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death. (May 24, 1738)

Are you open to God doing a striking work within you?

Do you recognize faith is not just knowledge of the head but a heartfelt relationship?

Can you see the Lord at work in your history, your family, your friendships?

*** Image: Fire, Wesley

*** NS: Two refrains. A brand plucked from the fire, and a heart strangely warmed

Find yourself in God’s story

*** Image: Adam & Eve. Knew exactly what God wanted for them, rebelled and did what was forbidden

*** Image: Abraham. Called to go somewhere in faith. Friendship with God in the later years of his life. Had to wait for a long time on the promise to be fulfilled.

*** Image: Jacob. Left home for far away because of something he’d done. Wrestled with God

*** Joseph: Favored child, a series of misfortunes, God somehow made a way for him

*** Moses: Had an encounter with God, got a second chance to do what was on his heart, had to step away for a while, didn’t want to do what God asked him to do

*** Joshua: Obedience, even when the outcome wasn’t “certain” in any way but God’s promise. A moment of decision: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

*** Jeremiah: The dejected, depressed prophet

*** Jonah: Disobedient, angry at God’s mercy

Tell your story

1 Peter 3:15–16 (NRSV)

Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;

yet do it with gentleness and reverence.

*** Image: Stopwatch. 15-second testimonies

Before—a description

What happened—a description

After—a description

“I was not a believer, but I became friends with a Christian whose life I really admired. I questioned her for over a year. She provided evidence for God that became so weighty, I asked the Lord into my life and he changed my life in significant ways.”

“I always went to church, felt that God was out there somewhere, but I never knew if he paid any attention to me or not. Then I learned more about prayer, and I learned to speak to the Lord as a friend. Now I feel much closer to God and sometimes even see how he’s working around me.”

Be ready to share