Thursday, January 28, 2016

"What's Your Story?" (Sunday's Message)




“What’s Your Story?”
18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’ 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.” Mark 5:18-20, NIV

What’s your story? God can rewrite the ending to your story. He can begin a new chapter in your story today. The man we are told about in Mark chapter five was living a story that was ending badly. But he met Jesus who specializes in rewriting bad endings. Jesus saved the possessed and self-destructive man and now the changed man wants to follow Jesus. Jesus tells him “the best way that you can follow me is by going back to your home and telling them what the Lord has done for you.” “You tell them I have had compassion on you and it is I who has changed you. Tell them your new story!”

What’s your story? Everyone has one. And every Christian has a personal story of how they came to know Jesus and what He has done for them. The details of our stories will be different, but all Christians will have at least three things in common. This common ground that we share in our stories can be illustrated in the “life story” of the Apostle Paul in Acts 22:3-5.

1. There was a time in your life when you were not a Christian (22:3-5).

2. But you met Jesus and made a personal commitment to Him (22:6-13).

3. And now because of Christ your life has changed (22:14-16).

Everyone has a story and your story is powerful. This Sunday, January 31st in worship we will celebrate the observance of the Lord’s Supper and I will be sharing about the power of your personal story to impact the lives of others. Because of “His” story (the cross and the resurrection), we have a new story, a powerful story of God’s grace and mercy to share with our world.

You are invited to join us at Carrollwood Baptist Church where all are welcomed. This Sunday could be a life-changing experience for you. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and we are conveniently located one mile east of the Veterans Expressway at 5395 Ehrlich Road. For more information, check us out online at carrollwoodbaptist.org.

Looking forward to celebrating “His” story this Sunday!

Pastor Joe

 

 

No comments: