“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung (garbage), that I may win Christ.” (Philippians 3:80)
TELL YOUR STORY!
I’m sure most of you have heard Big Daddy Weave’s hit song, “My Story.” I love the melody of that song, but I love the lyrics even more! Its words are a reminder of the story every child of God has to tell. I love this song because it’s all about Jesus and the change He can bring to anyone’s life who will surrender to him! Here are some of the words to Big Daddy’s testimony and hit song…
“If I told you my story
You would hear Hope that wouldn’t let go
And if I told you my story
You would hear Love that never gave up
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life, but it wasn’t mine
If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him”
WOW! What a powerful song! What a powerful message that lifts up Christ and the difference He can make in anyone’s life!
YOU MUST TELL YOUR STORY!
Why? Telling your story, or sharing your testimony, is a powerful bridge for the gospel message. Your story is also known as your testimony. You tell people how you came to faith, because sometimes, nonbelievers don’t realize we weren’t born this
way.
When you share your personal story, however, don’t glorify or exaggerate the past. The testimonies of some people get more dramatic each time they tell it. Don’t make your past sound better than your present. Someone might be listening to you and thinking, “I want your old life, not your new one.”
TELL YOUR STORY LIKE PAUL DID.
In our verse for today, Paul shares his story the right way. I love the perspective that the apostle Paul had on his past. He was a very intelligent, accomplished individual, yet
he dismissed all of it. He said, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung (garbage), that I may win Christ.” Paul was saying in
essence, “I’ve dumped it all in the trash so I could embrace Christ and be embraced by Him.”
As we read of Paul telling his story, we should be reminded of something very important when we share with others. *Don’t talk about what you gave up for Jesus. Talk about what
Jesus gave up for you! Whatever you gave up is nothing compared to what God has done for you. So talk about how Jesus died on the cross for your sin and made the greatest sacrifice of all.
SHARING SHOULD BE A BLAST!
Here’s an acronym to remember when sharing
your faith: B.L.A.S.T.
B is to build. When you’re talking to people about Jesus, start building a bridge.
L is a reminder to lovingly consider the world they’re living in as you share. Take an interest in them.
A is for ask. Ask questions and then listen.
S is for share. Share your testimony. Tell them your story. That brings us to,
T. Tell them how to come to Jesus.
Remember, it is not about you; it’s about Him. Tell your story to build a bridge to His story, the greatest story ever told. Just as Big Daddy sang it, “To tell you my story is to tell of Him.
Think it over . . .
Doug Pierce is a Church planter and a pastor. In 2003 he started, and continues to pastor First Independent Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi. His #1 priority is to glorify God in all aspects of ministry. He does this through teaching his congregation to Love God, Love One Another, and Love Others to God. Prayer, outreach, and church growth through evangelism are vital parts of his ministry. He and his wife Suzanne live in Madison, Mississippi where they also enjoy their children and grandchildren.
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Tell your story, ” ….. faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”(Romans 10;17 NLT)
Your Friend – His servant,
Isaac Otieno