Transformative Power of Personal Stories in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound impact of stories and how they can transform lives. Stories have the power to inspire change, as seen in the example of the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City, which was brought to life by the influence of a fictional movie scene. This illustrates the potential of our own stories to influence and impact others. At City Church, we emphasize the importance of influence and leadership, encouraging everyone to recognize their ability to impact their surroundings, whether through resources, influence, or personal stories.
We delved into the story of Michael Franzese, a former mob boss whose life was transformed by the power of Jesus. His story, like many others, demonstrates that no matter how ordinary or extraordinary our background may be, our stories hold power. Even the seemingly mundane stories, like that of a simple pen made by blind workers, can have incredible significance. We looked at the shepherds in Luke 2, who, despite their lowly status, were the first to witness and share the story of Jesus' birth. Their obedience and immediate action in sharing their experience with others highlight the importance of sharing our stories and the gospel.
We are called to be active in our faith, responding immediately to God's call and sharing our stories with those around us. Our stories, coupled with the gospel, can lead to transformation and life change. We must be prepared to share our stories concisely, understanding the gospel and being ready to communicate it effectively. By doing so, we participate in God's work of redemption, impacting not only others' lives but our own as well.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Story: Stories have the ability to inspire and transform lives. Whether it's a grand narrative or a simple testimony, each story holds the potential to impact others. Our stories, like the shepherds', can be a powerful tool for sharing the gospel and influencing those around us. [08:04]
- Obedience in Action: The shepherds responded to the angel's message with immediate action, demonstrating the importance of obedience in our faith journey. We are called to act on God's promptings, moving beyond mere talk to active participation in His work. [15:11]
- Sharing the Gospel: Our stories should be intertwined with the gospel message. Like the shepherds, we must share both our personal experiences and the truth of Jesus' saving grace, offering hope and transformation to those we encounter. [23:24]
- Preparedness to Share: We must be ready to share our stories concisely, understanding the gospel and being able to communicate it effectively. This involves crafting a three-minute testimony that highlights our life before Jesus, how we met Him, and what He is doing in our lives now. [26:47]
- Trusting God with the Outcome: Sharing our story is not about ensuring immediate results but trusting God with the outcome. Our role is to be faithful in sharing, knowing that God will use our stories in His timing to bring about transformation. [31:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:04] - The Power of Story
[09:52] - Michael Franzese's Transformation
[11:23] - The Significance of Ordinary Stories
[12:41] - Introduction to Luke 2
[15:11] - Obedience in Action
[18:13] - The Shepherds' Story
[19:04] - Insignificance and Influence
[20:21] - Sharing Without All the Answers
[21:53] - A Child's Invitation
[23:24] - Sharing the Gospel
[24:43] - Trusting God with the Outcome
[26:47] - Crafting Your Testimony
[28:40] - Understanding the Gospel
[30:31] - Sharing with Others
[31:25] - The Impact of Sharing Your Story
[32:24] - Walker Hayes' Journey
[34:18] - The Role of Invitation
[35:40] - The Power of Personal Testimony
[36:45] - Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:15-18
- Matthew 6:33
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the immediate reaction of the shepherds after the angels left them, according to Luke 2:15-16? How does this reflect their obedience? [15:11]
2. How did the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City come to be, and what does this story illustrate about the power of influence? [08:04]
3. What role did the shepherds play in sharing the story of Jesus' birth, and why is their story significant despite their societal status? [19:04]
4. How did Michael Franzese's life change after he encountered Jesus, and what does this tell us about the power of personal transformation? [09:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways do the shepherds' actions in Luke 2:15-18 demonstrate the importance of immediate obedience in our faith journey? [15:11]
2. How can the story of the Day of the Dead festival serve as a metaphor for the potential impact of our personal stories on others? [08:04]
3. What does the story of Michael Franzese teach us about the potential for transformation, regardless of one's past? [09:52]
4. How does Matthew 6:33 relate to the idea of trusting God with the outcome of sharing our stories? [24:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt prompted to share your story or faith with someone. Did you respond immediately like the shepherds, or did you hesitate? What can you learn from that experience? [15:11]
2. Consider your own story. How can you craft a three-minute testimony that effectively communicates your life before Jesus, how you met Him, and what He is doing in your life now? [26:47]
3. Identify a person in your life who might benefit from hearing your story. How can you create an opportunity to share it with them this week? [31:25]
4. Think about the resources and influence you have, no matter how small. How can you use them to impact others for the kingdom of God? [08:04]
5. How can you ensure that your story is intertwined with the gospel message, offering hope and transformation to those you encounter? [23:24]
6. Reflect on the concept of trusting God with the outcome of sharing your story. How can you practice this trust in your daily interactions? [24:43]
7. What steps can you take to be more active in your faith, moving beyond mere talk to active participation in God's work? [15:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Personal Stories
Stories have the unique ability to inspire and transform lives. They are not just tales of past events but are powerful tools that can influence and impact others. The example of the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City, inspired by a fictional movie scene, illustrates how stories can bring about real change. Similarly, our personal stories, whether grand or simple, hold the potential to inspire and influence those around us. The story of Michael Franzese, a former mob boss transformed by the power of Jesus, shows that no matter our background, our stories can be a testament to God's transformative power. Like the shepherds in Luke 2, who were the first to witness and share the story of Jesus' birth, we are called to share our stories and the gospel with others. [08:04]
"Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name." (Malachi 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a personal story that has shaped your faith. How can you share this story with someone in your life today to inspire and encourage them?
Day 2: Obedience as a Catalyst for Action
The shepherds in Luke 2 responded to the angel's message with immediate action, demonstrating the importance of obedience in our faith journey. Obedience is not just about hearing God's call but acting upon it. It requires moving beyond mere talk to active participation in His work. This immediate response to God's promptings can lead to significant changes in our lives and the lives of those around us. We are encouraged to be like the shepherds, who, despite their lowly status, were quick to share their experience with others, highlighting the importance of obedience in action. [15:11]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to act? What steps can you take today to respond obediently to His promptings?
Day 3: Intertwining Personal Stories with the Gospel
Our personal stories should be intertwined with the gospel message. Like the shepherds, we are called to share both our personal experiences and the truth of Jesus' saving grace. This combination offers hope and transformation to those we encounter. Sharing the gospel is not just about recounting biblical stories but also about integrating our own experiences of God's work in our lives. By doing so, we can offer a more relatable and impactful message to those around us. [23:24]
"For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you weave your personal story with the gospel message to make it more relatable and impactful for someone you know?
Day 4: Preparedness to Share Your Testimony
Being prepared to share our stories concisely is crucial in effectively communicating the gospel. This involves crafting a three-minute testimony that highlights our life before Jesus, how we met Him, and what He is doing in our lives now. Understanding the gospel and being ready to communicate it effectively allows us to participate in God's work of redemption. By being prepared, we can seize opportunities to share our faith and inspire transformation in others. [26:47]
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Can you articulate your testimony in three minutes? Practice sharing it with a friend or family member today.
Day 5: Trusting God with the Outcome of Our Stories
Sharing our story is not about ensuring immediate results but trusting God with the outcome. Our role is to be faithful in sharing, knowing that God will use our stories in His timing to bring about transformation. This trust in God's sovereignty allows us to release control and focus on being obedient in sharing our experiences. By trusting God with the outcome, we can find peace in knowing that He is at work, even when we cannot see immediate results. [31:25]
"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." (1 Corinthians 3:7, ESV)
Reflection: Are you holding back from sharing your story because of fear of the outcome? How can you trust God more with the results of your obedience in sharing?
Quotes
know a a great story can change things like you you might have come across like a a story of somebody's testimony or something that happened in their life and it inspired you to do it and it inspired you to do it and it inspired you to do it and it inspired you to to do something, maybe to change. Maybe you've read a book, fiction, nonfiction, and the story inspired you to change. Movies, it happens. In 2015, did you ever see the movie Spectre with James Bond movie? The very opening scene of Spectre, if you saw it, James Bond is dressed up in costumes for the Day of the Dead parade, the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City. And so he's dressed up in Day of the Dead costumes because he's stalking and trying to capture one of the bad guys from the evil organization of Spectre. And in the midst of the opening scene, there's chase scenes, and there's all the fight scene, and there's all the chaos, but there's also all of the color and all of the festival of Day of the Dead that's kind of intermixed with all of that. And it caught people's attention. [00:04:52] (59 seconds)
People saw this Day of the Dead festival and all of the colors and artistry and things like that, and people got really interested after that movie in going to Mexico City. And so he's dressed up in Day of the Dead costumes because he's stalking and trying to Mexico City as tourists to be a part or to see the Day of the Dead parade and festival. People started booking hotels and flights and everything. [00:05:51] (18 seconds)
Yesterday, 75 City Churchers showed up at Georgetown High School to build bikes for kids from Title I schools, and the Big Give paid for all that, so resources can change people's lives. It can change the world, but you might be like a lot of people and go, well, I don't have a lot of influence, right? Yeah, I get it. I influence people, but I'm not like, I'm not an influencer. I'm not like a high-level leader, and I don't have a whole lot of resources. Like, maybe I can build my influence. I just don't have it today. I might be able to build it, but I don't have a lot of resources, and I'm probably not going to be able to build that, and so how am I supposed to impact people? [00:07:30] (34 seconds)
Well, what you have that doesn't matter if it's resource-based or influence-based, that everyone in the room has is a story. You've got a story. You've got a story. You've got a story. You've got a story. You've got a story. You've got your story that you can share with people, and then [00:08:04] (13 seconds)
Some people, though, when I say that go, yeah, but like influence and like resources. My story is not that great. Like my story is not like super powerful. My story is not a Michael Franzese story. Michael Franzese was born into a mob family in the Northeast. [00:08:17] (16 seconds)
or you were just married to two regular parents who were a dentist and a school teacher and you grew up in a suburb and you went to church all your life, your story still has power. Your story God is still going to use to change people's lives because there's power in a story. Even the nondescript story, even the one that you go, no, that's just like everyone else's. [00:10:21] (22 seconds)
Let's talk about the everyone else's. You've been in like into the DMV or been into the social security office or been into kind of a government building. We had to fill out some paper. There's a pen that you're using and it's usually like, you know, it's got a little chain to the desk that you can't steal. It looks like one of these skill craft pens. They're government made pens. Four million a year. [00:10:44] (23 seconds)
Not the kind of pen that like you're ordering online for somebody to give as a gift. Like if you gave that to a gift, people are like, one, it looks cheap and it still has the little metal beaded silver thing. I think you stole it off the desk. That's not right. If you went to Walmart and you were buying pens and that was there, you wouldn't pick it. [00:11:02] (16 seconds)
It's just a normal, nothing, nondescript pen. Kind of like we feel like I just have this normal story. [00:11:29] (7 seconds)
Four million a year made, I said. They're made in Wisconsin and North Carolina factories. But here's the cool thing. Every one of those pens in both factories are made by people who are totally blind. [00:11:35] (11 seconds)
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