A B.L.E.S.S. Christmas: Share Your Story
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Sermon Reflections: Share Your Story
Date: 17th December 2023
Speaker: Lead Pastor: Tammy Long
Sermon Scripture: Luke 2:8-11;14 & Romans 12:13-15
Sermon Reflections: Share Your Story
Date: 17th December 2023
Speaker: Lead Pastor: Tammy Long
Sermon Scripture: Luke 2:8-11;14 & Romans 12:13-15
Sermon Resources
Sermon Preamble
In this message, we are concluding our series, A B.L.E.S.S. Christmas, with the last “S” for Share your story. In this Christmas season, let us continue to Begin with prayer, Listen with care, Eat together, and Serve with love. As followers of Jesus, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to open spaces for us to Share our stories of Jesus, just like the shepherds upon His birth. It is not the end of God’s story, but it is the beginning of the climax of God’s story as the point in human history planned by God that changes everything forever. Our stories are stories of Good News that will bring Great Joy for All People. Jesus was the center of that joy for the shepherds and is the center of our joy today. Joy to the world, for the Lord has come!
The Shepherds Share their story of the Good News that God is with us
“8That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:8-11). This is not the end of the story. Rather, it is the beginning of the climax of God’s story. The Lord Jesus on earth is the point in human history planned by God that changes everything forever. The angel heralded Good News that will bring Great Joy for All People.
The angel was then joined by a heavenly choir praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14). The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see for themselves (Luke 2:15-16). They found everything just as the angel had said; the shepherds began telling everyone what they saw and what the angel had said to them about this child (Luke 2:17). Everyone who heard the story was amazed and astonished (Luke 2:18). Indeed, the story was Good News that brought Great Joy for All People. The shepherds went back to their flocks of sheep, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen (Luke 2:20). Presented with the glory of God and peace on earth, they would continue to share their story of the joyful Good News of Jesus for the rest of their lives.
That is the same story centered on Jesus that we have the joy of sharing today. As followers of Jesus, our testimony is who that baby was, what He did, and what He is still doing in our world today. Joy to the world for the Lord has come. The story must be told that God is with us through Jesus, who is fully human and fully God, and what that means to our lives.
As we conclude our series on B.L.E.S.S., the last S is to Share your story as the shepherds shared.
To review from prior messages, B is for Begin with prayer for those God has placed on our hearts to share God’s love. God orchestrates interventions and connections for us to tell others about God. L is for Listen with care; active and attentive listening to the Holy Spirit and to others is essential for all B.L.E.S.S. practices. E is for Eat together; this hospitality practice fosters friendship and sharing in warm and welcoming ways. S is for Serve with love; through our hands, feet, time, and resources, we preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words (Francis of Assis).
The last S is for Share your story as the shepherds shared. This is the focus of our message today as we listen for what God wants to say to us. Followers of Jesus share God’s salvation story with stories of Jesus at work in your life today.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved from death to life
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32). (Romans 10:13). The background for this scripture is that Jesus is available to ALL people (both Jews and Gentiles) through faith. While many Gentiles (non-Jews) were embracing Jesus through faith, most Jews rejected Jesus. Those Jews rejected that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah in part because Jesus made the claim that ALL were welcome into the Kingdom of God, not just the Jewish people God chose to deliver God’s story. They had difficulty with the truth that works of righteousness and keeping the law did not make a person holy before God. Jesus taught that faith in Him was all that was needed for salvation. Jesus made us righteous before God through His death and resurrection.
Even today, there are people who have trouble with the truth that salvation is free; they feel they have to do something to earn God’s favor and clean themselves up before coming to Jesus. However, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is clear when he writes, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
What does it mean to be saved? All of the following is embedded in the salvation Jesus offers. We are saved from being alienated from God to being reconciled and reunited with God. We are saved from spiritual death to spiritual rebirth and an awakening to the intimate presence of God. We are saved from a purposeless and meaningless life on earth to an abundant life as a Jesus follower. We are saved from loneliness and individualism to the love of a forever family community. We are saved from eternal death to eternal life; this world is not all there is. In every possible way, we are saved from death to life.
God’s salvation plan includes everyone who accepts Jesus
This indeed is Good News of Great Joy for All people. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead his is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God does not desire that anyone would remain spiritually separated from God. Through Jesus, God offers every human a way back to God, extending to every person salvation. This is Good News!
Starting with God’s desire that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, Paul reveals God’s salvation process with four questions (Romans 10:14-15)
Question 1 is: “14a But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him?”
The Greek word for “believe” is more than just mental assent. The meaning encompasses trust. For salvation to happen, a person must choose to put their trust in Jesus. A person turns from their ways, or repents, and then puts their trust in Jesus and follows the ways of Jesus. Salvation is a free gift. Jesus already covered the cost. Every person must choose to accept the gift. God doesn’t force it, and neither can we force it.
Question 2 is: “14bAnd how can they believe in him if they have never heard ab
out him?
Even to be able to make a choice to trust in Jesus, that person needs to hear and understand who Jesus is, what Jesus has done, what Jesus is still doing through the Holy Spirit, and why Jesus is worthy of trust. It is more than just hearing; many people around the world have heard of Jesus. Hearing and understanding, with the movement of the Holy Spirit, leads a person to decide whether they will trust in and accept Jesus.
Question 3 is: “14cAnd how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”
The second questions logically invites this third question. If you are a believer in Christ, you may remember your own journey to salvation. At some point, you made a decision to follow Jesus and be saved because at some point you heard and believed Jesus’ story, and someone told you about Jesus.
Question 4 is: “15And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?”
In this question, studying the text takes a personal turn. The text has logic and makes sense in a way that seems innocent. But then at some point, your radar goes up. You sense this text may be leading to something with rising apprehension because it feels like this conversation in studying the text has something to do with you. Followers of Jesus are the ones who have been sent. “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” (Acts 1:8). Followers of Jesus know that Jesus said to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Jesus said this to the disciples of that day and still applies to followers of Jesus Christ today.
God’s salvation plan for the world rests in partnership with us. God is looking for us to share our stories!
Do we really get it deep in our bones? This is not to condemn us or make us feel guilty. We need to recognize afresh the responsibility God has given us as followers of Jesus. There is urgency and necessity for followers of Jesus to go wherever He leads us to share our story, God’s story at work in our lives, and the story of salvation.
There can be no salvation, no calling on Jesus, no belief, no hearing of the Gospel unless those who are sent actually go and share the Good News. This is Good News of Great Joy for All People. Followers of Jesus are the ones who have been sent to share our story, just like the shepherds.
Sharing our story of Jesus and His work in our lives must be Good News
Times are changing today. Christianity is not necessarily received positively. The questions people are asking are different from what they used to think about. The question, “Do you know where you will spend eternity?” is not a good place to start with people these days. Let’s view the video “Be the Good News”
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12HtKM7Zrz13S_OQGgEigOuVV9WMMiS1J/view?usp=sharing (Video by Mary Schaller).
For many or all of us, the approach of the man in the video felt extreme and would have put us off. But the rewind version speaks much about respectfully sharing our story with others today.
Survey of positive or negative responses by those with no faith from conversations with Christians
In a prior message in this series on B.L.E.S.S. we explored a Barna study done in 2022 that surveyed 2,005 teens and adults, including those professing no faith.
Some questions explored the experience of those with no Christian faith, who talked with a Christian about the non-Christian’s lack of faith. People with no faith respond more positively when Christians embrace a dialogue instead of an argument. Spiritual conversations were received more positively by those with no faith when the Christian listened well (66%), asked questions (48%), asked if they could pray for the person (46%), displayed curiosity (43%), asked if the person wanted to grow spiritually (39%), spoke positively about other Christians (38%), encouraged the person to look for God or a higher power in everyday life (37%).
In contrast, people with no faith responded negatively to the conversation when the Christian tried to correct the person, criticized other Christians, became impatient, expressed disagreement, criticized other beliefs.
This survey gives us some clues as to how to share our story and approach spiritual conversations. This Barna study helps us to listen to those who may not profess faith but are spiritually open.
There is an art to spiritual conversations
Followers of Jesus are paying attention to how the Spirit is moving today as we seek to share our faith and share the Good News of Jesus with joy and not as a duty or a chore. In what ways do we share our testimonies heart to heart with humility and love of how God is at work in our lives? In what ways can we simply connect with people not trying to convince people? Let’s view the video, “Art of Spiritual Conversations.” https://drive.google.com/file/d/12cdaeHpONzb_NVfG9ZuF5KXdfNPWzc94/view?usp=sharing
Before we share our stories, we need a welcoming space with a gracious and open posture
As we seek to partner with the Holy Spirit, there are good and bad ways of having spiritual conversations. Jesus modeled the gracious and open posture for us. People wanted to talk with Jesus. The nuggets before we share our story are as follows:
-We must have humility and not present like we have all the answers.
-We must be truthful, open, and honest; it is okay to say we don’t know or that we are still growing.
-Listening well is core in creating space for conversations; we must listen to the other person’s stories, their background, their beliefs, and their experiences.
-Ordinary talking and laughing conversations that flow out of the relationship are as comfortable as possible.
-Curiosity and wonder show being genuinely interested and wanting to know more.
-Asking questions is a key tool for connecting with people.
-Expressing genuine care and wonder about the other person’s life provides a safe place for people to talk about spiritual things.
-Mutuality means we genuinely want to hear and learn. It goes both ways. Otherwise, the connection feels like we only have an agenda. No one wants to feel like a project.
Spiritual conversations can flow naturally and we let the Holy Spirit take it from there
As much as we want to see people come to know Jesus, our role as a witness is simply to share our story. Everything else, the outcome, the timing, and their choice is between the person and God.
Questions that might open a spiritual conversation for sharing
How might we get a spiritual conversation started? What if there is a person God has placed in our sphere that wants a conversation but neither of us know how to get one started? There are gentle and respectful questions that could open a door for anyone ready to walk through. We could begin with, “Can I ask you a question?”
From there, you may feel led to ask questions like the following.
-“What does spirituality mean to you?” This is about listening, in a conversation of mutuality, to understand before you share your story.
-“Have you ever had an experience that you would consider spiritual or deeply meaningful?” This allows you to understand what kinds of events or moments have had a significant impact on their spiritual life.
-“Are there any spiritual practices or traditions that you find particularly interesting or beneficial?” This starter is great for learning about the specific practices someone might find valuable, whether they periodically engage in them or just admire them.
-“Who or what has been the biggest influence on your spiritual beliefs?” This question invites the other person to reflect on the influences in the life (a person, a book, an event, or a philosophical idea) that shaped their spirituality.
-“How do you think spirituality connects with daily life?” This question can lead to a discussion about how spiritual beliefs and practices intersect with everyday living.
It is important to remember humility, openness, curiosity, and openness to create holy space for a spiritual conversation without a pre-planned response. Then we will listen well to the Holy Spirit or the other person staying in the moment and not focused just on the moment to share our story.
The greatest blessing we can ever give someone is to introduce them to Jesus Christ
We consider what Jesus has done in our lives, how Jesus has blessed us, and continues to bless us each day. We have many stories to share about the goodness of God, the invitation to be reunited with God through Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are called to be witnesses for Jesus, to go wherever Jesus sends us, and to be ready to partner with the Holy Spirit when the Holy Spirit opens a door or prompts us to initiate a conversation. We are to share our story and how God is at work in our stories. God’s salvation plan depends on us doing our part!
Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to open spaces for us to Share our stories of Jesus, just like the shepherds. For our stories are stories of the Good News of Great Joy For All People. Joy to the world; the Lord has come!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FOR USE IN FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Preamble
-As you share your story, in what ways is your story good news? In what ways does your story bring great joy? In what ways can your story be for all people?
The Shepherds Share their story of the Good News that God is with us
-Why is it important in your life journey that the divine of the Almighty God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are present with you in your humanity?
As we conclude our series on B.L.E.S.S., the last S is to Share your story as the shepherds shared
-As a follower of Jesus Christ, in what ways can you share your story of Jesus at the center of your salvation and working in your life today?
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved from death to life
-What are the various meanings of being saved embedded in the salvation Jesus offers?
God’s salvation plan includes everyone who accepts Jesus
-Why is it important that God’s salvation plan includes All People, certainly more than the people of the Jewish community? In what ways might misunderstanding of the role of the Jewish community impact feelings and attitudes in your life, in your community, or in the attitudes of the worldly system towards Jewish people?
Starting with God’s desire that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, Paul reveals God’s salvation process with four questions (Romans 10:14-15)
-Why is it important that to believe in Jesus Christ is more than merely mental assent, but encompasses trust in Jesus Christ?
God’s salvation plan for the world rests in partnership with us. God is looking for us to share our stories!
-Why is it important to fully understand that God’s plan of salvation for all people rests in partnership with the followers of Jesus to go and share your story?
Sharing our story today of Jesus, and His work in our lives must be Good News
-Why is the approach of the man described in the video, “Be the Good News,” extreme and not respectfully sharing his story?
Survey of positive or negative responses by those with no faith from conversations with Christians
-Based on the responses of those with no faith from conversations with Christians, in what ways might you adjust your practices of sharing your story?
There is an art to spiritual conversations
-In spiritual conversations how can we adopt heart to heart, human to human, humility, connecting with people instead of trying to convince them, and sharing the Good News of Jesus with joy, not as a chore?
Before we share our stories, we need a welcoming space with a gracious and open posture
-What nuggets most resonate with you in having a welcoming space with a gracious and open posture before sharing your story?
Spiritual conversations can flow naturally and we let the Holy Spirit take it from there
-What are your feelings when you share your story in a spiritual conversation, and the person does not profess trust in Jesus Christ immediately?
Questions that might open a spiritual conversation for sharing
-To start a spiritual conversation, which gentle and respectful question(s) will you apply as guided by the Holy Spirit?
The greatest blessing we can ever give someone is to introduce them to Jesus Christ
-What is our part in God’s salvation plan for all people?
In this message, we are concluding our series, A B.L.E.S.S. Christmas, with the last “S” for Share your story. In this Christmas season, let us continue to Begin with prayer, Listen with care, Eat together, and Serve with love. As followers of Jesus, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to open spaces for us to Share our stories of Jesus, just like the shepherds upon His birth. It is not the end of God’s story, but it is the beginning of the climax of God’s story as the point in human history planned by God that changes everything forever. Our stories are stories of Good News that will bring Great Joy for All People. Jesus was the center of that joy for the shepherds and is the center of our joy today. Joy to the world, for the Lord has come!
The Shepherds Share their story of the Good News that God is with us
“8That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:8-11). This is not the end of the story. Rather, it is the beginning of the climax of God’s story. The Lord Jesus on earth is the point in human history planned by God that changes everything forever. The angel heralded Good News that will bring Great Joy for All People.
The angel was then joined by a heavenly choir praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14). The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see for themselves (Luke 2:15-16). They found everything just as the angel had said; the shepherds began telling everyone what they saw and what the angel had said to them about this child (Luke 2:17). Everyone who heard the story was amazed and astonished (Luke 2:18). Indeed, the story was Good News that brought Great Joy for All People. The shepherds went back to their flocks of sheep, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen (Luke 2:20). Presented with the glory of God and peace on earth, they would continue to share their story of the joyful Good News of Jesus for the rest of their lives.
That is the same story centered on Jesus that we have the joy of sharing today. As followers of Jesus, our testimony is who that baby was, what He did, and what He is still doing in our world today. Joy to the world for the Lord has come. The story must be told that God is with us through Jesus, who is fully human and fully God, and what that means to our lives.
As we conclude our series on B.L.E.S.S., the last S is to Share your story as the shepherds shared.
To review from prior messages, B is for Begin with prayer for those God has placed on our hearts to share God’s love. God orchestrates interventions and connections for us to tell others about God. L is for Listen with care; active and attentive listening to the Holy Spirit and to others is essential for all B.L.E.S.S. practices. E is for Eat together; this hospitality practice fosters friendship and sharing in warm and welcoming ways. S is for Serve with love; through our hands, feet, time, and resources, we preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words (Francis of Assis).
The last S is for Share your story as the shepherds shared. This is the focus of our message today as we listen for what God wants to say to us. Followers of Jesus share God’s salvation story with stories of Jesus at work in your life today.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved from death to life
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32). (Romans 10:13). The background for this scripture is that Jesus is available to ALL people (both Jews and Gentiles) through faith. While many Gentiles (non-Jews) were embracing Jesus through faith, most Jews rejected Jesus. Those Jews rejected that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah in part because Jesus made the claim that ALL were welcome into the Kingdom of God, not just the Jewish people God chose to deliver God’s story. They had difficulty with the truth that works of righteousness and keeping the law did not make a person holy before God. Jesus taught that faith in Him was all that was needed for salvation. Jesus made us righteous before God through His death and resurrection.
Even today, there are people who have trouble with the truth that salvation is free; they feel they have to do something to earn God’s favor and clean themselves up before coming to Jesus. However, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is clear when he writes, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
What does it mean to be saved? All of the following is embedded in the salvation Jesus offers. We are saved from being alienated from God to being reconciled and reunited with God. We are saved from spiritual death to spiritual rebirth and an awakening to the intimate presence of God. We are saved from a purposeless and meaningless life on earth to an abundant life as a Jesus follower. We are saved from loneliness and individualism to the love of a forever family community. We are saved from eternal death to eternal life; this world is not all there is. In every possible way, we are saved from death to life.
God’s salvation plan includes everyone who accepts Jesus
This indeed is Good News of Great Joy for All people. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead his is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God does not desire that anyone would remain spiritually separated from God. Through Jesus, God offers every human a way back to God, extending to every person salvation. This is Good News!
Starting with God’s desire that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, Paul reveals God’s salvation process with four questions (Romans 10:14-15)
Question 1 is: “14a But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him?”
The Greek word for “believe” is more than just mental assent. The meaning encompasses trust. For salvation to happen, a person must choose to put their trust in Jesus. A person turns from their ways, or repents, and then puts their trust in Jesus and follows the ways of Jesus. Salvation is a free gift. Jesus already covered the cost. Every person must choose to accept the gift. God doesn’t force it, and neither can we force it.
Question 2 is: “14bAnd how can they believe in him if they have never heard ab
out him?
Even to be able to make a choice to trust in Jesus, that person needs to hear and understand who Jesus is, what Jesus has done, what Jesus is still doing through the Holy Spirit, and why Jesus is worthy of trust. It is more than just hearing; many people around the world have heard of Jesus. Hearing and understanding, with the movement of the Holy Spirit, leads a person to decide whether they will trust in and accept Jesus.
Question 3 is: “14cAnd how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”
The second questions logically invites this third question. If you are a believer in Christ, you may remember your own journey to salvation. At some point, you made a decision to follow Jesus and be saved because at some point you heard and believed Jesus’ story, and someone told you about Jesus.
Question 4 is: “15And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?”
In this question, studying the text takes a personal turn. The text has logic and makes sense in a way that seems innocent. But then at some point, your radar goes up. You sense this text may be leading to something with rising apprehension because it feels like this conversation in studying the text has something to do with you. Followers of Jesus are the ones who have been sent. “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” (Acts 1:8). Followers of Jesus know that Jesus said to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Jesus said this to the disciples of that day and still applies to followers of Jesus Christ today.
God’s salvation plan for the world rests in partnership with us. God is looking for us to share our stories!
Do we really get it deep in our bones? This is not to condemn us or make us feel guilty. We need to recognize afresh the responsibility God has given us as followers of Jesus. There is urgency and necessity for followers of Jesus to go wherever He leads us to share our story, God’s story at work in our lives, and the story of salvation.
There can be no salvation, no calling on Jesus, no belief, no hearing of the Gospel unless those who are sent actually go and share the Good News. This is Good News of Great Joy for All People. Followers of Jesus are the ones who have been sent to share our story, just like the shepherds.
Sharing our story of Jesus and His work in our lives must be Good News
Times are changing today. Christianity is not necessarily received positively. The questions people are asking are different from what they used to think about. The question, “Do you know where you will spend eternity?” is not a good place to start with people these days. Let’s view the video “Be the Good News”
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12HtKM7Zrz13S_OQGgEigOuVV9WMMiS1J/view?usp=sharing (Video by Mary Schaller).
For many or all of us, the approach of the man in the video felt extreme and would have put us off. But the rewind version speaks much about respectfully sharing our story with others today.
Survey of positive or negative responses by those with no faith from conversations with Christians
In a prior message in this series on B.L.E.S.S. we explored a Barna study done in 2022 that surveyed 2,005 teens and adults, including those professing no faith.
Some questions explored the experience of those with no Christian faith, who talked with a Christian about the non-Christian’s lack of faith. People with no faith respond more positively when Christians embrace a dialogue instead of an argument. Spiritual conversations were received more positively by those with no faith when the Christian listened well (66%), asked questions (48%), asked if they could pray for the person (46%), displayed curiosity (43%), asked if the person wanted to grow spiritually (39%), spoke positively about other Christians (38%), encouraged the person to look for God or a higher power in everyday life (37%).
In contrast, people with no faith responded negatively to the conversation when the Christian tried to correct the person, criticized other Christians, became impatient, expressed disagreement, criticized other beliefs.
This survey gives us some clues as to how to share our story and approach spiritual conversations. This Barna study helps us to listen to those who may not profess faith but are spiritually open.
There is an art to spiritual conversations
Followers of Jesus are paying attention to how the Spirit is moving today as we seek to share our faith and share the Good News of Jesus with joy and not as a duty or a chore. In what ways do we share our testimonies heart to heart with humility and love of how God is at work in our lives? In what ways can we simply connect with people not trying to convince people? Let’s view the video, “Art of Spiritual Conversations.” https://drive.google.com/file/d/12cdaeHpONzb_NVfG9ZuF5KXdfNPWzc94/view?usp=sharing
Before we share our stories, we need a welcoming space with a gracious and open posture
As we seek to partner with the Holy Spirit, there are good and bad ways of having spiritual conversations. Jesus modeled the gracious and open posture for us. People wanted to talk with Jesus. The nuggets before we share our story are as follows:
-We must have humility and not present like we have all the answers.
-We must be truthful, open, and honest; it is okay to say we don’t know or that we are still growing.
-Listening well is core in creating space for conversations; we must listen to the other person’s stories, their background, their beliefs, and their experiences.
-Ordinary talking and laughing conversations that flow out of the relationship are as comfortable as possible.
-Curiosity and wonder show being genuinely interested and wanting to know more.
-Asking questions is a key tool for connecting with people.
-Expressing genuine care and wonder about the other person’s life provides a safe place for people to talk about spiritual things.
-Mutuality means we genuinely want to hear and learn. It goes both ways. Otherwise, the connection feels like we only have an agenda. No one wants to feel like a project.
Spiritual conversations can flow naturally and we let the Holy Spirit take it from there
As much as we want to see people come to know Jesus, our role as a witness is simply to share our story. Everything else, the outcome, the timing, and their choice is between the person and God.
Questions that might open a spiritual conversation for sharing
How might we get a spiritual conversation started? What if there is a person God has placed in our sphere that wants a conversation but neither of us know how to get one started? There are gentle and respectful questions that could open a door for anyone ready to walk through. We could begin with, “Can I ask you a question?”
From there, you may feel led to ask questions like the following.
-“What does spirituality mean to you?” This is about listening, in a conversation of mutuality, to understand before you share your story.
-“Have you ever had an experience that you would consider spiritual or deeply meaningful?” This allows you to understand what kinds of events or moments have had a significant impact on their spiritual life.
-“Are there any spiritual practices or traditions that you find particularly interesting or beneficial?” This starter is great for learning about the specific practices someone might find valuable, whether they periodically engage in them or just admire them.
-“Who or what has been the biggest influence on your spiritual beliefs?” This question invites the other person to reflect on the influences in the life (a person, a book, an event, or a philosophical idea) that shaped their spirituality.
-“How do you think spirituality connects with daily life?” This question can lead to a discussion about how spiritual beliefs and practices intersect with everyday living.
It is important to remember humility, openness, curiosity, and openness to create holy space for a spiritual conversation without a pre-planned response. Then we will listen well to the Holy Spirit or the other person staying in the moment and not focused just on the moment to share our story.
The greatest blessing we can ever give someone is to introduce them to Jesus Christ
We consider what Jesus has done in our lives, how Jesus has blessed us, and continues to bless us each day. We have many stories to share about the goodness of God, the invitation to be reunited with God through Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are called to be witnesses for Jesus, to go wherever Jesus sends us, and to be ready to partner with the Holy Spirit when the Holy Spirit opens a door or prompts us to initiate a conversation. We are to share our story and how God is at work in our stories. God’s salvation plan depends on us doing our part!
Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to open spaces for us to Share our stories of Jesus, just like the shepherds. For our stories are stories of the Good News of Great Joy For All People. Joy to the world; the Lord has come!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FOR USE IN FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Preamble
-As you share your story, in what ways is your story good news? In what ways does your story bring great joy? In what ways can your story be for all people?
The Shepherds Share their story of the Good News that God is with us
-Why is it important in your life journey that the divine of the Almighty God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are present with you in your humanity?
As we conclude our series on B.L.E.S.S., the last S is to Share your story as the shepherds shared
-As a follower of Jesus Christ, in what ways can you share your story of Jesus at the center of your salvation and working in your life today?
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved from death to life
-What are the various meanings of being saved embedded in the salvation Jesus offers?
God’s salvation plan includes everyone who accepts Jesus
-Why is it important that God’s salvation plan includes All People, certainly more than the people of the Jewish community? In what ways might misunderstanding of the role of the Jewish community impact feelings and attitudes in your life, in your community, or in the attitudes of the worldly system towards Jewish people?
Starting with God’s desire that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, Paul reveals God’s salvation process with four questions (Romans 10:14-15)
-Why is it important that to believe in Jesus Christ is more than merely mental assent, but encompasses trust in Jesus Christ?
God’s salvation plan for the world rests in partnership with us. God is looking for us to share our stories!
-Why is it important to fully understand that God’s plan of salvation for all people rests in partnership with the followers of Jesus to go and share your story?
Sharing our story today of Jesus, and His work in our lives must be Good News
-Why is the approach of the man described in the video, “Be the Good News,” extreme and not respectfully sharing his story?
Survey of positive or negative responses by those with no faith from conversations with Christians
-Based on the responses of those with no faith from conversations with Christians, in what ways might you adjust your practices of sharing your story?
There is an art to spiritual conversations
-In spiritual conversations how can we adopt heart to heart, human to human, humility, connecting with people instead of trying to convince them, and sharing the Good News of Jesus with joy, not as a chore?
Before we share our stories, we need a welcoming space with a gracious and open posture
-What nuggets most resonate with you in having a welcoming space with a gracious and open posture before sharing your story?
Spiritual conversations can flow naturally and we let the Holy Spirit take it from there
-What are your feelings when you share your story in a spiritual conversation, and the person does not profess trust in Jesus Christ immediately?
Questions that might open a spiritual conversation for sharing
-To start a spiritual conversation, which gentle and respectful question(s) will you apply as guided by the Holy Spirit?
The greatest blessing we can ever give someone is to introduce them to Jesus Christ
-What is our part in God’s salvation plan for all people?
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