YOU CAN DO THIS!
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Jesus answered, ‘Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going...’” John 8:14a, ESV
Theme: Jesus knew and shared His own testimony.
EXCUSES
One of the universal excuses about why we don’t want to facilitate a Bible Study, serve in Cove Kids, or go on a mission trip is that we “don’t know enough.” We don’t know the Bible, how to relate to students, or how to teach toddlers. Guess what! We can learn to do any of those things.
When we talk about sharing the Good News of Jesus, we get specific: “I don’t know all the Bible verses! I don’t know the sinner’s prayer! I can’t answer all their questions!”
WHAT DID JESUS DO?
The simple truth is that your story, filled with God's work through your regular life, is compelling as you honestly share it. It’s not about spouting Biblical facts or having all the information. It’s about sharing the events of your life, the transformation you’ve experienced, the way God rescued you last year or has led you this week. This is most of what you need to know to share Jesus, just as He spoke about Himself, where He came from, where He was going, and why. He just told the truth about His life. We can do that, too.
If you know Jesus, just write two sentences about what your life was like without Him. Then jot down how you came to know and trust Him. Were you in a crisis? Did your grandmother introduce you to Jesus when you were a little child? Did you come as a cynic, then research and struggle until you believed the Truth was found in Jesus? Finally, share how you know He is real today. Did He speak to you during your quiet time with Him? Does He give you peace when you give your worries and cares to Him? Is He guiding you in decisions in obvious ways?
Make It Personal: If you are a believer, God has already given you the greatest gift you will ever receive. Share it with someone else. Don’t let fear of what you don’t know control you. Share your story. Then if you need it, you can get help with the next steps when someone wants to know more about Jesus. Just be willing to start the conversation with what has happened in your own life.
Pray: Lord God, You have been sharing the story of Your love for us since the Garden of Eden. At times, I haven’t heard or understood it, but You kept reaching out, sending ambassadors, writing You love letter through the Bible, speaking to me through prophets, teachers, and preachers. Thank You for Your sacrificial love. Thank You for Your patience. Please give me the boldness to share my story of Your love and grace. I want others to have what I have in You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Colossians 4:2-4; Acts 1:8, 4:31
Weekly Memory Verse: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9, NIV