Share the Story

by ricks 28. January 2010 07:56
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Acts 26 lets us see how the apostle Paul shared his story of coming to know Jesus Christ. King Festus thought said Paul was insane. Some people might think the same thing about you when you share your story. But Paul pushed back and challenged Festus' charge of insanity. In verse 25, Paul says, "I am not insane . . . what I am saying is true and reasonable."

On my flight here, I was able to share the story of the Bible with a young man. He knew absolutely nothing about God or the Bible or Jesus -- nothing. I could tell that he thought I was a little crazy. But that's okay. How else will he begin to think about what he believes and where he will spend eternity?

Remember -- what you believe is "true and reasonable."

Your thoughts?

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1/28/2010 6:11:17 AM #


Pastor Rick -

It's great that you shared with that young man on the plane.  Flying is such a perfect opportunity for that, and at the same time it is the most difficult (at least for me).   What we believe is definitely true and reasonable!  

Here's my thoughts on Acts 26.

1 - What ingredients are necessary for spiritual transformation?
- What did King Agrippa hear that lead him to respond in v. 28: “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian”?  He heard the Gospel preached and a call to repentance.  

2 - How were followers of Christ engaged?
- Even when presenting his defense against his accusers, Paul is able to work in the Gospel message. He was not forceful or aggressive, but presented it earnestly and lovingly and “with confidence” (v. 26).

3 - What is God saying to our church and me?
- Share the Gospel!  Why is it so easy to evangelize people about anything and everything, except Jesus?  We can walk up to friends, acquaintances and strangers and talk about the weather, the Vikings, politics, gadgets, recipes, you name it.  Why not that thing which is most precious:  Jesus and the Gospel?  

- Brett

Brett H United States |

1/29/2010 9:33:00 AM #

Thanks Brett. I, too, have asked the same set of questions that you have under point three. My observations tell me that there are several factors that can lower the threshold of fear for us. One is to simply realize that people are generally willing to talk about spiritual things -- it is highly unlikely that we will experience the kind of persecution that our brothers in Acts experienced. Another helpful approach is to ask questions that lead into the spiritual conversation: "What are you spiritual beliefs?" "If you were to ask God one question, what would it be?" A third thought is that when we are part of a community of believers that is working on this together, it is very encouraging. Fourth, a passion for the supremacy of Christ and a deep concern for others' eternal state are extremely helpful. Hope that helps.

Rick Stapleton United States |

1/30/2010 5:31:34 PM #

I'm not so certain we won't have to suffer persecution, but I hope you are right, Pastor Rick.    Right now we have it really easy, so we should take advantage of it.  Paul did it, knowing he could be jailed or martyred.  I would pray for his zeal and boldness to share Christ, no matter the cost.   What is the cost to us? Maybe a little snubbing or ridiculing, but not jail or torture. Or death.  Why are we so afraid?  Or do we not believe it enough ourselves? Or do we not care enough? Does it matter to us that many are dying and lost (that means going to HELL)?  I need to constantly remind myself to see others as Jesus sees them, not through my eyes, but through His.

Jan Lamberty United States |

1/30/2010 6:30:58 PM #

Thanks Jan -- good thoughts. Never said we won't have to suffer persecution -- and of course that can come at different levels of intensity. I am saying that the manner in which we enter the conversation can start a very comfortable conversation for those involved. Some followers of Christ are absolutely petrified by talking about their faith. I'm trying to help everyone realize that talking about spiritual beliefs is mostly perceived by the people around us as okay to do. So we can be encouraged to simply talk about spiritual beliefs. Let's join the Holy Spirit's direction in our lives and engage the people around us.

ricks United States |

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