Your Move | Wednesday
Wednesday | June 24
Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.
Scripture
Scripture Helps Us Hear God And Live His Truth.
Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”
Acts 26: 28-29 NLT
Acts 26: 28-29 NLT
Persuasive Story
What we dive into today is the end of Paul's court hearing where he has proclaimed the events of his life before the Jewish King Herod Agrippa II.
Paul knew of Jesus' ministry and was likely familiar with the command He gave the healed possessed man to go and tell all he knew about what had happened. So, Paul is also using that very strategy to make known Jesus to those who hold him in prison. He's sharing in his immediate context, he's intentional about the moment God has given him to speak, and he's focused on others coming to know Jesus.
Whether our story is short or long, our goal should be the same as Paul's. That "everyone in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."
Our focus in telling our story should be to make much of Christ. To point all who hear to Him who saves, not to anything we did or did not do. As Paul writes to the Romans, it is a free gift of salvation for eternal life. This gift is given by God through Jesus.
For without Christ, we would be different. As depicted in Romans 8: 7, life apart from Christ is hostile toward God.
Our story would have a different ending. But God loved us first so that we may love him and others in return.
Paul knew of Jesus' ministry and was likely familiar with the command He gave the healed possessed man to go and tell all he knew about what had happened. So, Paul is also using that very strategy to make known Jesus to those who hold him in prison. He's sharing in his immediate context, he's intentional about the moment God has given him to speak, and he's focused on others coming to know Jesus.
Whether our story is short or long, our goal should be the same as Paul's. That "everyone in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."
Our focus in telling our story should be to make much of Christ. To point all who hear to Him who saves, not to anything we did or did not do. As Paul writes to the Romans, it is a free gift of salvation for eternal life. This gift is given by God through Jesus.
For without Christ, we would be different. As depicted in Romans 8: 7, life apart from Christ is hostile toward God.
Our story would have a different ending. But God loved us first so that we may love him and others in return.
Reflection
Reflection Helps Us Pause, Listen, And Let God Speak To Our Hearts.
- Does my story point to Christ or does it point to things I did or didn't do?
- What ways can I be bold in sharing my story?
- What would change in my story if I made it authentic instead of perfect?
Journaling Prompts
This Is A Safe Place To Be Honest With God
- How can I engage others with my story this week?
- What have I thought as not good enough to share that God is urging me to share in my story?
- Who is God leading me to share my story with?
Weekly Memory Verse
Read It Once A Day. Let It Shape How You Think And Pray This Week.
Prayer
Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
Lord, thank you for rescuing me. My life would be so different without you that I can't imagine it. Help me be bold in sharing my story. Give me the opportunity to give you glory and honor for all you have done in my life. Amen.
Come Back Tomorrow
Join us tomorrow as we explore what it means to be prepared for questions.