TELLING THE STORIES

TELLING THE STORIES: More of That Which My Early Mentors Taught Me

Monday, August 15, 2016

Hebrew [CEV] 9:27-28 We die only once, and then we are judged. So Christ died only once to take away the sins of many people. But when he comes again, it will not be to take away sin. He will come to save everyone who is waiting for him.

  Jesus instructed the healed demoniac to go to those he knew and tell them of how great the things He had done for him, and had compassion on him. Though an ancient narrative, by the record of Mark 5:1-20 Jesus speaks to us in this day. We, the redeemed, are to tell others of His redemption.

  Every person that is trusting Jesus as Savior has a story to tell. And His story makes for our story and our story makes for telling His story. Telling the inclusive story is wise.

  First, we know that His story is definitely worthy and needs telling. (Rom.10:14; Act.4:12)

  Secondly, get it straight that your story is worth telling whether sinner great or minor. The only real impediment is our attitude and sense of values. Does our attitude include caring about lost souls “condemned already” (Jn.3:18)? And how much do we value our relationship with God (Heb.11:6)?

  Ah, but how to? As my mentors taught me, the answer is no differently than was in training for any other task.

Things to mind in preparation:

1.       Write it out as an outline. Possibly jotted notes at first.

2.       Then refine through prayerful thought and editing. Seek assistance if needed.

3.       Eliminate trite platitudes and clichés.

4.       Emphasize the positive. Don’t center on sinful details.

5.       Avoid generalities. No travelogues! Be specific.

6.       Speak pictorially if and when possible.

7.       Always focus on and emphasize point 4 below.

Suggested outline to follow:

1.       Who I am (secular). Name, background, job, present status.

2.       What I was before I trusted Christ.

3.       How I came to trust Christ.

4.       What Jesus Christ means in my life.

A.      Fellowship                                                  H.  deliverance from self

B.      Love                                                              I.    __________

C.      Forgiveness

D.      Friend

E.       Adoption

F.       New thinking (repentance)

G.     Peace, freedom from fear

  Now develop your testimony into a short, 3 to 5 minutes, and longer version so as to facilitate delivery under varying circumstance. Then, as iron sharpens iron, practice with a fellow traveler. (Pr.27:17)

  Suggestion: Once honed, begin your telling by postal and e-mailing copies to your “ten cities” (Mk.5:20), family, friends, and acquaintances. Keep copies available for later use.

  Doing all the above will continually further equip us to graciously tell His story that changed our story.

EBB4