All of us have had “turning points” in our lives, where the direction we were going suddenly changed, often dramatically! Those times in our lives were usually “life-changing” and left us different and even transformed! That is certainly true for us, who have experienced a “spiritual turning point” in our life experience, where God takes hold of us and makes us, in biblical terms, “new creatures in Christ.” The Bible is full of examples of this – most notably the conversion of Saul on the Damascus Road and Lydia in Thyatira. They were not only transformed inside-out, but God turned them around and gave them each a new mission in life that brought the Gospel to millions during that time.
As a church family we are going to focus on the theme of “turning points!” during the Lenten Season 2012, February 25/26 until Easter. There will be an emphasis on stories of transformation, which are made possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The three aspects of stories that we will look at in our relationship with friends and family members are, 1. Listen to the stories of others 2. Tell your story 3. Share His story.
1. Listen to the Stories of Others
It is so important to take time to Listen...to listen to people’s life stories and hear clearly there experiences. They have shaped and formed their thinking and attitude especially toward God and faith. Why are they indifferent about the Christian faith? Why are they antagonistic and angry at the very mention of God or the Church? Often, there is someone or something that has triggered that attitude.
2. Tell Your Story
By listening it can help us better understand how to be sensitive and Tell our story of how God has worked in our lives.
3. Share His Story
Eventually, there will come a time (as we pray for them) when they indicate a desire to know more about this relationship with God and ask how they can experience his life-transforming help. That is the point when we are able to Share the good news of Jesus Christ! During “Turning Points” we will offer an interactive, exciting and practical 2-hour orientation and training session on Saturday,
March 3 and Sunday,
March 4 to help all of us be more effective storytellers! Please stay tuned for more information about “Turning Points” and be praying about people in your radius of relationships. Think about your story, too, and how you would tell it to others. God has not changed, and wants to reach the Saul’s and Lydia’s of our generation and transform them into kingdom people through His presence in their lives!
