The Power of Your Story
Geno Hildebrandt
Hope Chapel, 2-21-10
Notes by Cathy Tucek
Lesson— Last week Steve Hawthorne said “God seeks sinners. He woos them.” God gives us an open door to their hearts usually using our story. Because He has already started a story with them, we can join the party.
Text(s)— John 9:1-38
Ice-Breaker Questions
What is your favorite love story? Princess Bride? Pride and Prejudice? Bringing Up Baby? Shrek? Groundhog Day? What element of your favorite characters’ love story engages you? Crossing difficulties? Rescues? Waiting patiently?
Background— Geno asked “What does wooing look like?” “God entices us. He shows his beauty and goodness.” Examples of Biblical wooing:
Adam & Eve in Genesis 2:23 “This at last!!…” (ESV) (‘This is now…NIV)
Isaac & Rebekah Genesis 24:4 – from ‘my country & my kindred’ – sent servant with gold!! (gold ring & two gold bracelets = 10.5 shekels)
Jacob & Rachel in Genesis 29:10-12 (feats of derring-do…rolled away stone to water sheep…A KISS!! ‘lifted up his voice and wept’)
How did God woo you to Himself? As a loving parent? From hearing a fiery sermon? Healing of a broken place? A slow realization that all was not right? “Where did God invade your space on His own initiative?” Geno asked.
Our stories spoken are evangelization. Steve Hawthorne says, “There are 3 stories: The God story. Their story. Your story.” Listen for how they frame their story. Keep listening to what is important to them.” Somewhere along the line, these will line up; exchange parts of their story for yours. Let them know the story as you’ve experienced it and that will lead to the larger Gospel story.”
How can we get started in that conversation with someone? Geno suggests asking the question “Tell me about your spiritual journey?” If they answer, it is an invitation to tell your story. Geno said “If you know and love Jesus, you are adequately equipped to tell someone else about Jesus.” This morning is about learning how to tell your story.
John 9:1-38 is the shortest template in the Bible for telling one’s story.
24 ¶ So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner. "He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." (John 9:24-25, ESV)
Your Story is Powerful:
- It promotes faith in your audience (Faith comes by hearing: Romans 10:17).
- It gives God glory (Salvation honors God, Salvation ‘belongs’ to God: Revelation 7:9-10).
- It gives your audience hope (If you can do it, so can they: I Timothy 1:15-16).
- It should encourage your audience to take a step toward God (it shows them how to take such a step).
- It reminds you of God’s goodness in your life.
- It’s hard to call you a liar (You are flesh-and-blood. They may want to, but then it would negate their own experiences/stories).
- It is psychologically neutral (your audience can take it or leave it).
Digging Deeper— Use this time to tell each other your stories using Geno’s template.
- What was your life like without Jesus at the center?
- How did you come to follow Christ? (Wooing here).
- How is life better with Jesus?
In this opportunity, listen for what thrills your soul. As others speak, notice the words and the emotions that are inspired in you.
Wrap-Up—
If you didn’t get a chance to fill out the template on Sunday, take a minute to write it out. Even if you did, add the kinds of words and emotions that thrilled your heart. No story is wrong. All stories can touch others.
Geno’s offer: send yours to him by email at genohild@gmail.com; he will help you edit yours (he reminded us that every story can be winsome, encouraging, and bring hope).
Outreach/Mission—Pray that God will bring you opportunities to tell your story. Report back to each other next week what God brought about.
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