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We ARE the church
A study on the book of Acts
Matthew 16:18b - …(Jesus) I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. NLT
In Ch. 21-28
Paul uses his trials and persecution to get an audience with the highest up officials in the land so he can share the story of Jesus with them.
MAIN IDEA:
Jesus IS our story…
People around us deserve a chance to hear that.
Today’s focus Ch. 26 –
Paul tells king Agrippa the story of Jesus
Acts 26:1-29 - 1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.”… 9 “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene…12 “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’ 15 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet!… 17b I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes…Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ 19 “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven…22b I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen… 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do—”…28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” 29 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.” NLT
Things we can learn from how Paul shares his story:
1. You have a story to share also.
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” NLT
2. Sharing your shortcomings is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Paul openly shared his failures, past and present
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 - 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. NLT
3. In sharing your shortcomings though…remember…The real power of your story is what Jesus did, not in what you did or didn’t do.
John 11:25 – (Jesus) “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, ESV
Common Excuses:
1. I don’t know enough about God to share with others…
2. I don’t really have a great story…
Your love for Jesus IS your story
- What He did and continues to do for you…IS your story
3. I don’t want to seem pushy
IMPORTANT:
If they don’t experience the cross…
they will never experience the power the cross brings
IN CLOSING:
MAIN IDEA:
Jesus IS our story…
People around us deserve a chance to hear that.
Closing video: http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/58346/good-news-easter-invite
So, what do I do now?
Go and share His story – Matt. 28
MY STORY:
with the Romans Road
1. For there is no one righteous, not even one. For all have sinned (been separated through their own actions) and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:10;23)
2. For the wages of sin (separation) is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
3. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners (separated), Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
4. But if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved… For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9, 13)
CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:
1. Have you experienced His story? 2. Are you sharing His story?
If you prayed the prayer to start fresh with God today text “startagain” (one word) to 97000 so we can connect with you and help you take the next steps in this amazing decision.
My Notes:
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