Acts - Week 11 / Thursday

Reading for today: Acts 21:40-22:21

This is the passage of Scripture that last weekend's message was based on, so let me recap some of the main thoughts. Paul quiets this raucous crowd, and they become very quiet when they hear him speak to them in Aramaic, because that was their language. He tells the crowd his Faith Story.

Every follower of Christ has a Faith Story. It may not be long. It certainly doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, their are three simple parts to a Faith Story, and you can follow them quite easily as Paul talks.

First, he tells his audience who he was. He is very specific, and he wisely identifies himself as being very much like the men and women whom he was addressing.

Secondly, he tells them how he came to encounter Christ. He relates his experience on the road to Damascus, when Jesus confronted him. The focal point is not what Paul was, or had done, but rather the person of Jesus Christ.

Thirdly, he tells them the difference Christ has made in his life. He went from being a Jesus-hater to a Jesus-lover. He went from hunting down Christians to becoming one himself! That was an incredible transformation, and Paul wanted them to see the distinct difference between what he had been and what he was now.

That's what a Faith Story is about: 1) who you were before Christ; 2) how you met Jesus Christ; and 3) the difference He has made in your life. People may argue with your theology all day long, but nobody can argue with the personal experience you have had with Jesus.

Your Faith Story is powerful. Learn to tell it often, whenever the Holy Spirit prompts you. And learn to tell it well, so there is no chance that your listener will miss the point.

Tomorrow: Paul pulls out the citizen trump card!