What Happens When We Share Jesus' Message of Hope and Love?

Mark 6:1-13

6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

12 They went out and preached that people should repent.13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

What Happens When We Share Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love?

CHALLENGE THIS WEEK:  I’m asking you to do two things this week…

1) Write out what Jesus means to you and why you have chosen to follow him as the greatest priority of your life.

2) Pray and look for opportunities to share that with someone this week.

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Sharing Your Faith Story

Skeptics may debate the validity of Scripture or argue the existence of God, but no one can deny your personal experiences with him. When you tell your story of how God has worked a miracle in your life, or how he has blessed you, transformed you, lifted and encouraged you, perhaps even broken and healed you, no one can argue or debate it. You go beyond the realm of knowledge into the realm of a relationship with God. 

These steps are designed to help you write your story, your testimony of what Jesus means to you and why you follow Him. T 

1 - Realize the Power of Your True Life Story (Testimony)

First and foremost - remember - there is power in your testimony! 

Remember Romans 10:14-15… “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

2 - Study an Example of a Testimony from the Bible 

Read Acts 26. This is where the Apostle Paul gives his testimony. 

3 - Spend Time in Thought Preparation

There are a few things to consider before you start writing your testimony. Think about your life before you met the Lord. What was going on in your life leading up to your decision to follow Jesus? What problems or needs were you facing at the time? How did your life change after that? 

4 - Start with a Simple Before -- How -- Since  Outline

A three-point approach is very effective in communicating your personal testimony. The outline focuses on before you trusted Christ, how you surrendered to him, and the difference since you've been walking with him. 

Before I came to know Jesus…

Simply tell what your life was like before you surrendered to Christ. What were you searching or longing for?  What was the key problem, emotion, situation or attitude you were dealing with? What were your actions? How did you try to satisfy your own inner needs? 

How: I was changed in this way…

How were you changed? Simply tell the events and circumstances that caused you to consider Christ as the solution to your searching. Take time to identify the steps that brought you to the point of trusting Christ. Where were you? What was happening at the time? What people or problems influenced your decision? 

Since that time, God has continued to show me…

How has your life in Christ made a difference? How has his forgiveness impacted you? How have your thoughts, attitudes and emotions changed? Share how Christ is meeting your needs and what a relationship with him means to you now.

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord.

 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you 

to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:15