Owning Your Faith Story

Yesterday we started talking about Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. We talked about how he used it to testify on behalf of the power of Jesus Christ, and that we can do the same! But remember, you have to have your own conversion account; you can’t just share Paul’s.

Remember the Way of the Master series from Living Waters Ministries that I mentioned? It is a great training, but if you haven’t experienced the change yourself then you are just repeating someone else’s words.

Most of you know I’m a musician and a singer/songwriter. When I learn a new song it is someone else’s story. I might be able to relate to it, but it is still their story. What I like to do is make it personal with small word changes here and there.

The song Amanda, for example. There’s a line in there about “now I finally reached forty, and I’m still wearing jeans” and another line about looking in the mirror “at the hair on my shoulders and the age in my eyes.” When I sing the song, I say “at the grey in my hair, and the age in my eyes” and “now I’m pushing sixty, and still wearing jeans.”

Larry Cordle has a wonderful old song called Black Diamond Strings and he gave me permission to record it while changing some of the words. We’ve not been back to the studio since before Covid, so it’s still on the to do list, assuming God approves. He allowed me to change up quite a few words to make it reflect my own personal history and story.

Now I mention those as examples to say that this is a good way to think of training. You can learn how to start a conversation, or how to approach someone, but you are not memorizing someone else’s story. You’re not telling Paul’s account - but you can use it as inspiration!

Boldly Share

The writer says, “all believers can tell others how they came to know Jesus as Savior. We are not shy to talk about family, sports teams, or politics. Why should we hesitate to introduce others to our Savior?”

To this I say Amen! I needed to hear that reminder as well!

Under Christ’s Authority and for All People

Two more things the writer says, “Paul was no longer in authority but under the authority of Jesus.” This is key! I know I’m really hammering on that nail, but it’s worth repeating. Jesus is in control, not you! If you are in control then you need to get out of the way and let Him lead!

The other is, “the target of his witness was all men. Paul took the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike.” Let me repeat part of that - all men. Now that Jesus the Messiah had come, the Gospel was open to all men - and it is still open to all men, women, children.

I don’t believe there is anyone on earth whom the Lord turns away. Being a Jew right now means nothing if you personally deny Jesus. Yes, they are the ‘chosen people,’ but they have also turned away.

Now all that being said, living in a country like America and going to church doesn’t make you a follower either. Remember the cultural Christians I mentioned? And having hidden or unconfessed sin in your life will prevent even a true follower from having an effective witness.

Guarding the Gospel Lens in a Divided World

I want to shift gears here a moment and touch on something else I mentioned last time - politics. This morning I was listening to the Living Waters Podcast and Oscar brought up a disturbing account. I’m going to insert this into the audio feed. If you are reading this, here’s a partial transcript.

I read this book, and the pastor was telling the story, I don't know if I've ever shared this on the podcast before. He's telling the story that the neighbor, they were a non-believing family, and they were going through a divorce. For years this pastor and his family tried to invite him to church. They had a little son, I think he was, like, 11, 12 years old.

And so one Sunday, the mom calls up and is like, hey, I've got this thing an errand I need to run. Can you watch my son for me? And they're like, yeah, but I'm preaching this Sunday. He's coming to church with us. And she's like, that's fine, I just need someone to watch him. So this is the first time this 11 or 12 year old kid is walking into a church.

They go pick him up. He's wearing an Obama shirt. It's kind of funny. They pick him up, they take him to church and they're all getting ready. The little boy is walking down the center aisle to his seat. And one of the elders looks at him and goes, boy, you better take that shirt off before God burns it off of you.

Now, was that elder looking at that child through the lens of the gospel, as his primary identity is a son of the living God who saved them? Or was he looking at that child through his identity of being a political idea?

From The Living Waters Podcast: Ep. 305 - When Politics Becomes Idolatry, Nov 12, 2024

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This breaks my heart to hear this. But you know the worst part ? I can actually see that happening. Can you hear someone saying this? Worse yet, can you hear YOURSELF saying this?

In Conclusion

Until next time, seek His will - ask Him to use you - and don’t let your worldly notions drag you down.

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