Acts 26 | Telling God's Story and Your Storyনমুনা

Our Story

“The Jewish people all know the way I have lived…” (Acts 26:4, NIV).

Our story is personal. And as it’s once been said, what’s most personal is often the most universal. Think of how much we relate to what someone else has experienced or faced. If they’re just willing to share it.

Paul shares his story. He shares his deep roots in Judaism. He shares his way of life as a strict Pharisee. He shares the common hope he has with his people.

And he does more.

He shares how he, too, was convinced that he should do everything possible to stamp out the name of Jesus. He shares how he hunted down Christians, put many in prison, and gave support to their deaths. He shares how he often went from synagogue to synagogue to have them punished, and how he even tried to force them to blaspheme. He shares that he was a man obsessed.

The point is that when Paul shared, he shared honestly and personally. He didn’t sugar-coat things. He didn’t avoid the things of which he was now embarrassed or ashamed. He didn’t gloss over his former way of life or his past sins. Because Paul knew that when we talk about salvation, it’s inextricably bound with what we are saved from.

Some present the gospel in generic statements like being saved from sin, death, and the devil. For Paul, it was specific. He saved me — me! — from this. He made it personal. This is what God did in my life.

We live in a time of shame. People try to avoid it at all costs. All of us have shameful aspects to our pasts. What others try to keep hidden, use as a powerful testimony to what Christ has done for you.

Your past and your shame are part of your story. Use it to God’s glory.

Tips for Telling the Story

List 3-5 aspects of your former way of life (or perhaps your present) of which you are now ashamed. How can you weave that into your salvation story?