Talking Jesus
Session Four
READ
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
WRITE
What’s your first thought when thinking about the reason for your hope in Jesus?
WATCH
DISCUSS
Film 4 - A Best Seller
You might not think that your life has the makings of a best seller, but your story is powerful. Each time you tell your story you are giving a gift of yourself. As we tell our story we flesh out or ‘incarnate’ the message about Jesus in a tangible way.
Who are the people you could give the precious gift of your personal story? Who would you like to share your story with?
WATCH
DISCUSS
Teaching 4 - Our Story
For many of us, telling our story is new territory. As Andrew says in Session 4 start by thinking about your audience. Who would you like to share your story with... every good story has a key 'audience of one'... so work out who that one might be. And remember, you don't need to tell your whole life history. Be authentic. Listen well. Be interested in people's lives, and ask good questions as Jesus did.
What's your experience of living life following Jesus? Think about one example of God's work in your life that connects with the story of the person listening to you. Try practising opening lines for the five different people you've been praying for.
When you have the start of your story, then comes the middle... What happened? Followed by... What God did... What was the difference God made? And that's it! Remember, keep it short, use language that is appropriate to the person listening... no long words or Christian jargon! Of course, most of all remember it's a conversation, not a sermon. And if they ask a question and you don't know the answer, be honest. Just say you don't know but you could try and find out.
So that's the theory. Now it's time to practise. Imagine your 'audience of one'... one of the five you've been praying for. Listen to each other as you tell your story to your 'audience of one'. You'll soon see everyone has an interesting story to tell.
Every good story has a key audience of one. Who is yours?
CHALLENGE
My Story
Let's make sure we aren't just living the Christian life for our own benefit - but also telling others about the difference Jesus makes. Be intentional about sharing faith. How can we live lives that provoke questions? Let's always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have.
Write an outline of your story.
What's my audience?
Think of the five people you are praying for.
What example can I give of God's work in my life?
The example you choose depends on your audience.
What happened to make me turn to God?
Use language that works for your audience.
What difference has God made?
Be brief. Be honest. Be chatty and relaxed.
What are you taking home from this session?
PRAY
Let’s end this session praying together for each other and for our friends and family who don’t yet know Jesus.
