Bless: Share Your Story

Intro- recap operation bless

Jesus changed the world through relationships, we can too.

Everybody has a story and everybody’s story Matters.

What if the best argument or evidence for the Gospel was not data but devoted people. What if the thing that helps a person find Jesus is not scripture first but you story?

When practicing Christians were presented with the statement “Part of my faith means being a witness for Jesus,” 96 percent said that they “strongly agreed” or “somewhat agreed.”1 This was a consistent response across all age groups. When practicing Christians were asked if they agreed with the statement “The best thing that could ever happen to someone is for them to come to know Jesus,” 96 percent agreed. However, 28 percent also believed that “it is wrong to share one’s personal beliefs with someone of a different faith in hopes that they will one day share the same faith”2—and that percentage jumped to 46 with practicing Christians in their twenties and thirties.

79 percent of unchurched people agreed with the following statement: “I don’t mind talking to a friend about their faith if they really value it.”

Acts

New International Version (2011) (Chapter 1)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Witnessing is not merely about your words it about the work God has done in your life.

Witnessing is not about telling people how wrong they are but rather its showing people how right Jesus has made you!

Psalm

New Living Translation (Psalm 107)

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

2 Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out!

2 Corinthians

New International Version (2011) (Chapter 5)

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors

Colossians

New Living Translation (Chapter 4)

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

If God has changed your life, shouldn’t He become part of your normal conversations?

About 9-10 examples of people experience healing or a miracle who went on to tell others

Luke

New International Version (2011) (Chapter 8)

26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

The life of changed person, helps to change the lives of many people.

Many of us desire great adventures for Jesus and often His invitation is to abide in obscurity.

When someone shares part of their story with you, God often is opening a door for you to share what He has done for you.

Sometimes God give special gifts, sometimes he gives big ideas, but He always gives you a story.

Pay Attention For The Invitation

Paint A Picture with your problem or pain

Point to how God showed up

Propose to Them How God can show up for them

Practice The Way of Jesus

Who do you think God wants you to share your story with?