Point of Grace Worship 10.8.23 Sermon Notes – “B.L.E.S.S. – Story!”
B.L.E.S.S – 5 everyday practices to love our neighbors and change the world
B-egin with Prayer
L-isten
E-at
S-erve
S-tory to Share
Why do the B.L.E.S.S strategy? We are in training! We are growing from hoping people trust Jesus to helping people trust Jesus!
It is amazing to see how our stories, humbly told, help others hope in Jesus!
1 Peter 3 15 But 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,
John 9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him. ”But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”
The man shares his “What difference has Jesus made?” story in a simple 3part paradigm:
Life Before ..... Encounter Jesus …… Life After
Life Then ........ Encounter Jesus …… Life Now
Life Without .… Encounter Jesus …… Life With
Acts 4 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
It is amazing to see how our stories, humbly told, help others hope in Jesus!
Our Stories – Our testimony is an unfolding series of stories, the “wow” stories and everyday life stories! It takes daily processing of life to notice and be able to talk about the ways Jesus is working in our lives.
Humbly told – Jesus is the Hero – He rescues us, He doesn’t help us rescue ourselves - Jesus sets us up so He can show up – He creates encounters we follow His lead – Remember the “gentleness and respect”
Help others Hope in Jesus – Jesus is the Hope…. Jesus is the savior – Faith is a process not a quick fix! It is a miracle that any of us have a living relationship with Jesus.
A Simple Tool for Storytelling
Part 1 – My Life before Jesus What was your life like before you met Jesus? Or if you grew up knowing Him what was life like when He was less real for you or your faith was less alive? You story begins with who you were.
Part 2 – How I Encountered Jesus How did you become a Christ-follower? When did He become more “real” to you? Was there a tough time in life? Were you invited? Did someone introduce you to Jesus? Was it a point in time or a process of discovery?
Part 3 – The Difference Jesus Makes What difference has following Jesus made in your life? How does He help you walk through the ups and downs of life? Our stories include hard times and good times, success and failure. Jesus shines through our weakness often more than our strengths. Don’t give easy, cliché’ answers – life is not like that. How does Jesus make a difference when we get it wrong, are confused, doubt, struggle……?
Jesus, Help me now reflect on our story together, past and present. When have I encountered Your realness and received Your comfort? When have I been lifted by hope and peaced by Your presence? How are you leading me by Your Spirit and how am I experiencing Your love? Jesus, If given the opportunity today to share about the hope I have in You, what story would I tell – what words would I use?